YorkiePoo vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The Catalan Sheepdog, known also as the Gos d’Atura, hails from Catalonia, Spain. It is believed that the dog is related to the Portuguese- and Pyrenean Sheepdogs.

The standard for this breed was formulated in 1929. The sheepdog developed during Roman Empire times between 200 and 100 BC already, being used as livestock guard dogs. With the breed dwindling in the 1970s, Catalonian Sheepdog lovers started promoting it, but it remains a rare breed.

The YorkiePoo is a hybrid cross between a toy Poodle and a Yorkshire Terrier. These two breeds are extremely popular as therefore so is the crossbreed. Yorkiepoos were developed a little over ten years ago in the United States. They were developed as hypoallergenic toy dogs that are easy to take care of. They are toy sized, healthy and calm. Each pup is different from the others depending upon the characteristics they develop from their parents and across multi-generational breeding. They are small watch dogs and bark for intruders. It is believed they were developed sometime in the past twenty years or so.

The Catalan is a medium sized dog but gives the impression of being bigger than he actually is. He stands from 45 – 55cm in height and weighs between 20 to 25kg.

This breed also has double dew claws on the hind feet. He has a long coat which is slightly wavy and available in different shades such as fawn to brownish to dark grey to black. He has floppy, feathery ears and a fairly long, feathery tail. He has quite a bit of hair on he face too, so you’ll notice a beard, moustache as well as hair which covers the eyes somewhat.

Temperament

Brave and courageous, the Catalan Sheepdog is also intelligent, active and hardy. He has a round face with a friendly, amicable expression. He is totally pleasant and sweet natured. However, in his role as guardian of sheep he took his role seriously, forming a strong relationship with both shepherd and sheep.

He is wary of strangers. Early socialization and training is always important, and while he makes a wonderful family pet, this training and socialization makes him more relaxed and obedient and he gets on well with children in the home as well as with other pets. While he is a placid, docile and gentle pet, he is also looked upon as a protector, and will defend his family.

The YorkiePoo was developed with the Yorkshire Terrier and the Toy Poodles. Some are now being bred with miniature poodles instead. This has created some variety in the size of the YorkiPoos. Serious breeders have stuck with the toys so that there will be more consistency and reliability in the cross breed.They are small watch dogs and bark for intruders

The Catalan Sheepdog is such an amicable character – he is going to make an awesome pet. He is an intelligent and obedient dog and is easily trained.

He has been used for guarding- and herding work and as a family pet makes a excellent guard dog as well. Capable of being gentle too, he is everything his human family wants him to be and just becomes a regular member of the family.

Children friendliness yes be careful young children don’t hurt him 2.Special talents intelligence and bold nature 3.Adaptability can live anywhere 4.Learning ability very high unless negatively reinforced then stubborn

The Catalan Sheepdog is a fairly healthy breed and has a life expectancy of 12, 13 or 14 years. Nonetheless you will still need to watch out with common dog ailments with him, particularly hip dysplasia.

Hyp Dysplasia:

This is a joint and hip disease which can start with symptoms from 6 months of age already. Your dog will be hesitant to play and jump, doesn’t like to go upstairs, tires easily during a walk and develops a hop-like way to walk. You’ll notice that when he lies down, he battles to- or is reluctant to get up again.

X-rays may be required to confirm the diagnosis of hip dysplasia. There are different treatment options, all with the wellbeing of your pet in mind. You don’t want him to have a life of pain and lameness.

Like most designer or hybrid breeds, the general health of the YorkiePoo is pretty good. They are prone to some illness however that their parents might have. This might include: • Hip dysplasia – can lead to lameness. • Elbow dysplasia – can lead to lameness. • Von Willonbrand’s Disease • Epilepsy • Patellar Luxation – slipped kneecaps can lead to lameness. • Hypothyroidism – causes lethargy, skin issues. • Thrombopathia • Atopic dermatitis – should be treated right away. • PSS Portosystemic Shunt – stunted growth, seizures, abnormal behavior.

Exercise:

The Catalan Sheepdog is a working breed, so he is going to need plenty of exercise. While he adapts easily to city- or country life, it will be to his benefit to have a garden to romp in. You will still need to take him for walks and play ball- and rope games with him. This will prevent boredom and destructive behavior from him.

Grooming:

The Catalan Sheepdog has long hair so he will need to be brushed twice a week to avoid matting. This will help to remove loose hair too, but also distribute natural oils through his coat, keeping his hair and skin healthy and free from skin rashes and itchiness.

This brushing ensures other benefits as you can simultaneously check him for parasites such as fleas and ticks.

Diet:

If you feed him commercial dog food, make sure its a high quality one. He is an active breed so will require high protein. Give him some homemade rice, vegetables and meat, and include raw meat in his food from time to time too. Always ensure that there is fresh, cool water constantly within reach.

1Feeding the puppy toy high quality puppy kibble feed 3-4x day 2.Feeding the adult toy high quality adult kibble feed 2x day 3.Points for Good Health - 4. Games and Exercises agility, obedience are great for this hybrid. They need social interaction and stimulation.