---
title: "Catalan Sheepdog - temperament, price, health | Pedibase"
description: "Everything to know about the Catalan Sheepdog (Spain): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-14 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
canonical_url: "https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/catalan-sheepdog"
meta:
"og:description": "Everything to know about the Catalan Sheepdog (Spain): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-14 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
"og:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/8485/berger-catalan-4.jpg"
"og:image:alt": "Dog and cat breeders near you"
"og:image:height": "630"
"og:image:width": "1200"
"og:title": "Catalan Sheepdog - temperament, price, health"
"twitter:description": "Everything to know about the Catalan Sheepdog (Spain): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-14 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
"twitter:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/8485/berger-catalan-4.jpg"
"twitter:title": "Catalan Sheepdog - temperament, price, health"
---
> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+5
Dogs
# The Catalan Sheepdog: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Spain
A rustic, intelligent and faithful shepherd dog, as hardy at work as it is gentle with the family.
Size MediumLife expectancy 12–14 yearsBudget ≈ €105/monthPuppy €800 – €1,000
[Find a breeder 5](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-catalan-sheepdog) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=catalan-sheepdog)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Excellent
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Fair
First-time owners Good
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Good
Guarding instinct Very good
Strengths and weaknesses
- Endurance: This rustic herding dog readily accompanies active owners on long outings.
- Intelligence: Attentive and thoughtful, he quickly understands consistent instructions.
- Loyalty: Very attached to his family, he seeks a close and useful relationship.
- Gentleness with children: Well socialized, he is generally patient and pleasant with the family.
- Need for activity: Daily physical and mental exercise is essential to its balance.
- Wary of strangers: Early socialization limits reactions of excessive reserve.
- Poorly tolerates being alone: Long and repeated absences do not suit its temperament, which is close to its family.
- Heavy shedding: Its undercoat requires frequent brushing, especially during seasonal renewal.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active families: He enjoys frequent outings and is gentle with respectful children.
- Outdoor enthusiasts: His endurance is suited to hiking, long walks and gradual jogging.
- Owners with plenty of time: He thrives with a present person who gives him varied activities.
- House with garden: A secure outdoor space usefully complements his daily outings.
Not recommended for
- Very sedentary people: His need to run and be stimulated exceeds that of a low-activity companion dog.
- Households often absent: He has difficulty coping with prolonged and repeated solitude.
- Apartment living without sustained outings: Lack of exercise can lead to frustration and undesirable behaviors.
- Owners refusing coat maintenance: His long coat and two-phase shedding require regular brushing.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
50 cmCatalan Sheepdog
- Height at the withers
- 45–55 cm
- Weight
- 15–18 kg
- Coat
- Long, harsh, flat or slightly wavy
- FCI group
- 1
- Origin
- Spain
- Grooming
- Moderate grooming needs
## Photos and videos
See the Catalan Sheepdog in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
Native to the Catalan Pyrenees, the Berger Catalan is said to descend from the Bergamasco Shepherd and local dogs adapted to the climate and terrain of the region. It established itself among the shepherds of Catalonia to drive and guard flocks. Its numbers declined during the 20th century before a renewed interest in the early 1970s. A first standard was established in Spain in 1929, then the breed was definitively recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale on 30 November 1954 under number 87.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Berger Catalan is a medium-sized dog, slightly elongated, strong, muscular and agile. Its well-proportioned head has round dark amber eyes and triangular ears, fine, drooping and fringed. Its harsh, long, flat or slightly wavy coat forms a beard, moustache, a tuft on the skull and eyebrows without masking the gaze. The coat appears solid-coloured from a distance, but results from a mixture of fawn, reddish-brown, grey, white and black shades; a black and tan coat is also possible. The tail, set low and abundantly furnished, may be naturally very short or extend beyond the hock.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
Intelligent, thoughtful and very loyal, the Catalan Sheepdog has a strong instinct for herding and guarding flocks. Gentle with children and devoted to his family, he needs to feel loved and useful. Vigilant and protective, he is reserved, even wary, toward strangers, while knowing how to take initiative when the situation requires it.
Playful Intelligent Easy to train Sociable Protective
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
Enduring and willing, he enjoys long walks, running and outdoor activities with his owner. He adapts to family life and generally accepts other dogs, but prefers a house with a garden to an apartment. Even with an outdoor space, frequent outings remain essential. He copes poorly with prolonged solitude and thrives with an available person.
Training
## Training and socialization
Attentive, intelligent and willing to cooperate, the Catalan Sheepdog is trained with consistency, patience and measured firmness. Positive methods, stable rules and activities that engage its intelligence help to channel its initiative. Early and varied socialization is important to reduce its natural wariness of strangers and encourage calm interactions with other animals.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Catalan Sheepdog
The price of a Berger Catalan varies depending on the quality of the breeding, the pedigree, the parents' health tests, the bloodline and the puppy's intended purpose. The breed's relative rarity in France can also influence availability and travel costs.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/catalan-sheepdog/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
Rustic and resilient, the Catalan Sheepdog generally enjoys good health and does not show any widely recognized particular predisposition. As with any active dog of this size, gradual growth, a balanced diet and activity adapted to age help preserve joints and cartilage.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/catalan-sheepdog/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Catalan Sheepdog is satisfied with a simple, balanced diet adapted to its age, weight and activity. A ration that is too fatty or too rich does not suit it and must be avoided.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/catalan-sheepdog/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The shedding of the Berger Catalan takes place in a singular way in two phases: the coat of the front part of the body renews first, then that of the rear part, which can temporarily give the impression of a coat divided in two. The breed is also known under the names Gos d'Atura Català, Berger de Catalogne, Perro de Pastor Catalan and Catalan Sheepdog.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Catalan Sheepdog
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Catalan Sheepdog suitable for a family with children?
Yes. It is generally gentle, loyal and playful with children, provided that interactions are supervised and everyone respects the dog's needs.
### Can the Catalan Sheepdog live in an apartment?
It can adapt to it if its owner is very available and offers it several active outings each day, but a house with a garden is better suited to its enduring temperament.
### How much exercise should be planned each day?
It needs sustained daily activity combining walks, controlled running, games and mental stimulation. Simple access to the garden does not replace outings.
### Does the Catalan Sheepdog shed a lot?
Yes, shedding becomes significant during the moulting period, which takes place in two phases. Several brushings per week, or even daily brushing during the moulting period, are recommended.
## Find a Catalan Sheepdog breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Catalan Sheepdog breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
[Catalan Sheepdog breeders in Occitanie3](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-catalan-sheepdog/occitanie)
### Catalan Sheepdog breeders by country
[33 breeders of Catalan Sheepdog in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-catalan-sheepdog/germany) [5 breeders of Catalan Sheepdog in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-catalan-sheepdog) [3 breeders of Catalan Sheepdog in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-catalan-sheepdog/netherlands) [3 breeders of Catalan Sheepdog in Spain](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-catalan-sheepdog/spain) [2 breeders of Catalan Sheepdog in Switzerland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-catalan-sheepdog/switzerland)
[All breeders of Catalan Sheepdog in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-catalan-sheepdog)
## Ready to welcome a Catalan Sheepdog?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-catalan-sheepdog)
## Discover other breeds
[Portuguese Sheepdog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/portuguese-sheepdog)
[Majorca Shepherd Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/majorca-shepherd-dog)
[Miniature American Shepherd
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/miniature-american-shepherd)
[Australian Shepherd
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/australian-shepherd)
[Belgian Malinois
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-malinois)
```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website","@type":"WebSite","description":"Find dog and cat breeders near you. France's leading breeder directory, with an interactive map, breed information, and verified reviews.","inLanguage":"en","name":"Pedibase","url":"https://www.pedibase.com","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/search?q={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#identity"},"translationOfWork":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website"}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/catalan-sheepdog#webpage","description":"Everything to know about the Catalan Sheepdog (Spain): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-14 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders.","name":"Catalan Sheepdog - temperament, price, health","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/catalan-sheepdog","@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/catalan-sheepdog#breadcrumb"},"isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en#website"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/catalan-sheepdog#/schema/question/1"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/catalan-sheepdog#/schema/question/2"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/catalan-sheepdog#/schema/question/3"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/catalan-sheepdog#/schema/question/4"}],"potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/catalan-sheepdog"]}],"primaryImageOfPage":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/8485/berger-catalan-4.jpg","width":1200,"height":630,"inLanguage":"en","contentUrl":"https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/8485/berger-catalan-4.jpg"}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#identity","@type":"Organization","description":"Pedibase is a free directory of dog and cat breeders that helps prospective owners find a registered breeder near them.","email":"contact@pedibase.com","name":"Pedibase","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/","contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"contact@pedibase.com"},"logo":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#logo"},"parentOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Aurion","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1 rue Pasteur","postalCode":"72000","addressLocality":"Le Mans","addressCountry":"FR"}},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/pedibase","https://www.instagram.com/pedibase_app"]},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/catalan-sheepdog#breadcrumb","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Home","item":"https://www.pedibase.com/en","position":1},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Dogs","item":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breeds","position":2},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Catalan Sheepdog","position":3}]},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/catalan-sheepdog#/schema/question/1","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Is the Catalan Sheepdog suitable for a family with children?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. It is generally gentle, loyal and playful with children, provided that interactions are supervised and everyone respects the dog's needs."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/catalan-sheepdog#/schema/question/2","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Can the Catalan Sheepdog live in an apartment?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It can adapt to it if its owner is very available and offers it several active outings each day, but a house with a garden is better suited to its enduring temperament."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/catalan-sheepdog#/schema/question/3","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"How much exercise should be planned each day?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It needs sustained daily activity combining walks, controlled running, games and mental stimulation. Simple access to the garden does not replace outings."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/catalan-sheepdog#/schema/question/4","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Does the Catalan Sheepdog shed a lot?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, shedding becomes significant during the moulting period, which takes place in two phases. Several brushings per week, or even daily brushing during the moulting period, are recommended."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#logo","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Pedibase","contentUrl":"https://www.pedibase.com/logo.svg","inLanguage":"en","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/logo.svg"}]}
```