Official ICCF breed description
Brief historical background
The Catalan Sheepdog developed in the mountainous regions of Catalonia as a versatile herding and guarding dog capable of working in harsh climates, rugged terrain, and during long livestock drives. Its ancestors are believed to be ancient Mediterranean herding dogs that accompanied nomadic tribes and were later used by local farmers to protect and manage sheep and goats. In the 19th–20th centuries, the breed became widespread thanks to its endurance, stable temperament, and well-developed protective instinct. After a decline in numbers during wartime, targeted restoration began in the mid-20th century, preserving the typical working structure, dense coat, and stable behavioral traits. Today, the Catalan Sheepdog is known as a reliable working and family breed that has retained its natural balance.
General appearance
The Catalan Sheepdog is a harmoniously built medium-sized dog with a strong bone structure, well-developed musculature, and an expressive but not coarse overall outline. The format is slightly elongated, the body solid and dry, with a stable topline and deep chest. The head is proportional, with a moderately broad skull and soft contours. The coat is dense, long, and thick, forming characteristic strands that enhance protection from precipitation and wind. Movement is free and springy, demonstrating good balance and stability on uneven ground. The overall impression emphasizes functionality, endurance, and natural working ability without excessive mass or heaviness. The breed maintains a pronounced herding type combining strength, flexibility, and a calm temperament, remaining versatile and adaptable.
Important proportions
The format of the Catalan Sheepdog is slightly elongated: body length exceeds height at the withers while maintaining harmony and functionality. Chest depth reaches approximately half the height at the withers, providing sufficient volume for respiratory and cardiac performance. Head length is about forty percent of height at the withers, with skull and muzzle balanced in length. The stop is moderately defined, neither sharp nor flat. The neck is proportional to the body and long enough for free movement. Limbs are set at correct angles, ensuring stability, drive, and economical stride mechanics. The tail is of natural length and not set too high. All proportions highlight the breed’s functional origin and its ability to work for long periods without loss of efficiency or endurance.
Behavior and temperament
The Catalan Sheepdog has a balanced temperament, strong attachment to its owner, and a well-developed guarding instinct without unjustified aggression. It is attentive, watchful, and reacts quickly to changes in the environment while remaining calm and controllable. At work, it demonstrates independence and decision-making ability but remains manageable with proper training. With strangers, it is cautious but not overly suspicious. It interacts well with children and other animals when properly socialized, showing gentleness and patience. High trainability and natural cleverness make the breed suitable for various activities—from herding to sports. It does not tolerate rough handling and performs best with a consistent, calm approach and regular mental stimulation.
Head
The head of the Catalan Sheepdog is proportional to the body, dry in type, without excessive mass, with soft outlines and harmonious transitions. The skull is moderately broad, slightly convex, with well-developed brow ridges but without coarseness. The median groove is moderately expressed. The stop is smooth, neither abrupt nor flat. The muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull, with a straight nasal bridge and well-filled under-eye area. Cheeks are not prominent and provide a unified head shape. Lips are dry, tight-fitting, not pendulous, with dark pigmentation. The nose is large with wide nostrils, preferably black. Scissor bite, strong and complete teeth appropriate for a working breed. The overall head shape emphasizes alertness and balance without aggressiveness or heaviness.
Facial part
The facial part of the Catalan Sheepdog is dry, neatly formed, without coarseness or excessive mass, harmoniously continuing the overall head shape. The muzzle tapers slightly toward the nose but remains well-filled along its length, avoiding pointedness. The nasal bridge is straight without a bump, and the skin fits tightly. The nose is large with wide nostrils and preferably black pigmentation; dark brown is acceptable in lighter dogs if overall tone is maintained. Lips are thin, dry, well-closed, the corner of the mouth not pronounced and without folds. The chin is moderately developed, without sharp prominence, forming a smooth finish to the muzzle. Cheeks are smooth, not rounded or drooping. The appearance of the facial part gives an expression of intelligence and alert attentiveness typical of a working herding breed.
Eyes
The eyes of the Catalan Sheepdog are medium-sized, oval, set moderately deep, with a lively, attentive, and slightly thoughtful expression. Iris color is usually dark hazel or dark brown, matching the coat; very light eyes are undesirable as they create a harsh or anxious expression. Eyelids are tight-fitting, without droop or heavy folds, with full pigmentation of the rims, preferably black or very dark. Sclera should not be excessively visible. The gaze is direct and confident but not challenging, reflecting balance, cleverness, and natural observance. Any signs of cowardice, hysteria, or aggressive, harsh expression are undesirable and contradict the breed type oriented toward work and cooperation with humans.
Ears
The ears are medium-sized, triangular with slightly rounded tips, set slightly above eye level or at its height. In natural position, the ears are drop-shaped, lying close to the sides of the head, and may lift slightly when alert, emphasizing the dog’s attentiveness. The base is well covered with hair forming characteristic fringes but without heavy “feathering.” The cartilage is sufficiently firm, holding shape; excessive thinness or softness leading to instability is not allowed. Ears that are too large, low-set, or excessively high and unbalanced are considered faults. Cropping is not permitted. The appearance of the ears should emphasize the natural functional type of a herding dog without distorting head expression.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, dry, muscular, with a smooth but clearly defined transition from the withers, without abrupt changes or heaviness. The upper line of the neck is slightly arched, giving noble carriage and emphasizing confident head position. The skin is elastic, tight-fitting, without dewlap; slight folds are permissible due to dense coat but not desirable as loose skin. Neck thickness corresponds to the dog’s format: strong enough for long work but without coarseness. Smooth transition to shoulders and chest ensures free movement and full forelimb reach. A neck that is too short and thick, or excessively long and weak, is considered undesirable for a working type.
Body
The body is slightly elongated, strong, with well-developed musculature and solid bone, without looseness or excessive mass. The topline is straight or with a slight natural slope from withers to croup, remaining stable in motion. The withers are moderately pronounced and well connected to the neck and back. The back is firm, of medium length, not sagging or arched. The loin is short, muscular, slightly convex, ensuring effective transmission of drive from the hind limbs. The croup is moderately sloping, broad and long, not cut off. The chest is deep, reaching elbow level, with well-developed ribs but not barrel-shaped; forechest moderately wide. The underline is slightly tucked up without extreme dryness. Overall body structure emphasizes endurance and ability for prolonged work in difficult terrain.
Tail
The tail of the Catalan Sheepdog is usually of natural length, set at or slightly below the topline, broad at the base and tapering toward the tip. At rest, it hangs down with a slight sickle-shaped curve; in movement, it may rise to the level of the back or slightly above but should not curl over the back or form a ring. Naturally short tails are acceptable if traditionally present and if general balance is maintained. Coat on the tail is dense, forming characteristic strands or a “brush,” but should not be excessively heavy. Docking is not permitted. Tail carriage, length, and shape should maintain overall harmony and not disrupt body or croup balance.
Forequarters
The forelimbs are straight, parallel, with strong bone and well-developed muscles, correctly positioned under the body. Shoulder blades are long, moderately sloping, fitting closely to the chest, forming correct angles with the upper arm for free reach and stride. Upper arms are muscular and not overloaded. Elbows point straight back, neither turning in nor out, moving in line with the body. Forearms are straight and sufficiently long. Pasterns are slightly sloping, providing shock absorption but not weak. Feet are oval or slightly rounded, arched, with thick pads and strong nails. Any deviations such as incorrect angulation, weak pasterns, or toeing-in/out are considered faults reducing working ability.
Hindquarters
The hind limbs are powerful, well-muscled, with solid bone and correct joint angulation for strong drive and stability on uneven terrain. Thighs are long, broad, with developed musculature. Stifles are well-defined, not turning in or out. Lower legs are sufficiently long and dry. Hocks are strong, moderately low-set, not over-extended nor weak. Metatarsi are straight and parallel when viewed from behind. One or two dewclaws may occur traditionally, provided they are firmly attached and do not interfere with movement. Feet are compact, arched, with strong pads. Insufficient angulation, cow-hocks, sickle-hocks, or weak hindquarters are serious working faults.
Gait and movement
Movement of the Catalan Sheepdog is free, confident, elastic, with good forelimb reach and powerful hind drive. At the trot, the topline remains stable and even without excessive vertical motion or lateral sway. The stride is economical and effortless, allowing the dog to maintain working pace for long periods. As speed increases, limbs tend toward a single track while maintaining correct planes of movement. Restricted, tense, short, or “bounding” movement, as well as pronounced pacing, are undesirable. Correct gait demonstrates functionality, endurance, and suitability for extended herding work. Serious movement faults are considered critical as they directly affect working ability and health.
Coat
The coat is dense and double, with a well-developed undercoat providing protection from moisture, wind, and temperature changes. The outer coat is moderately harsh or slightly coarse to the touch, of medium or considerable length, forming characteristic strands especially on the body, tail, back of thighs, and neck. On the muzzle, hair is shorter but not too short; slight beard and brows are allowed but should not cover the eyes. The undercoat is thick and soft, varying seasonally. The coat should not be excessively silky or soft, nor too harsh and spiky. Excessive matting indicates poor care, not breed type. Trimming is allowed only for hygiene and must not alter the natural outline or texture of the coat in the ring.
Acceptable colors
Colors traditionally vary within natural herding tones: shades of fawn, grey, sable, reddish-brown, as well as mixed and charcoal-tan variants. Wild-type coloration with uneven pigment distribution creating a shaded or multicolored appearance is common. Small white markings on the chest, tips of feet, and tail are allowed if they do not dominate the overall appearance. Large white areas, piebald spotting, and highly atypical colors (pure white, merle, dilute blue) are undesirable and may lead to disqualification. Pigmentation of nose, eyelids, and lips should be as dark as possible, corresponding to coat color.
Size
The Catalan Sheepdog belongs to medium-sized dogs with strong but not coarse build. Height at the withers in males generally falls within the range established by the breed standard, with slight deviations acceptable if overall type and proportions are preserved; females are slightly shorter and lighter, remaining feminine but functional. Harmony between height, body length, chest depth, and musculature is more important than absolute size. Dogs that are too large and heavy, or too small and light, deviate from working type and may lose endurance and ability for prolonged work. Weight is proportional to height and condition, with minor variation allowed based on working or show condition while maintaining athletic form.
Faults
Faults include any deviations from the described standard that do not critically affect health but reduce breed type and working quality. These may include slight coarseness or excessive dryness of body, insufficient chest depth, weak musculature, minor limb deviations, slightly light or indistinct eyes, insufficient pigmentation of nose and lids, coat somewhat softer or harsher than desired, overly reserved or overly tense character, noticeable shyness without cowardice. Slightly excessive white markings, minor topline irregularity, or insufficient reach in movement also apply. Severity must be judged in context with the overall impression and preservation of functional working type.
Disqualifying faults
Disqualifying faults include severe deviations from the standard and any signs questioning health, mental stability, or breed identity. These include unprovoked aggression, marked shyness, panic or uncontrollable behavior; severely weakened or absent nose, lip, or eyelid pigmentation; very light or glassy eyes; major bite defects (prognathism, undershot, absence of numerous teeth); serious structural limb faults, severe movement defects causing lameness; extremely short or deformed tail unless naturally occurring and confirmed; large white patches, piebald, merle, or other nonstandard colors. Any artificial alterations changing appearance may also result in disqualification.
Important notes
When assessing the Catalan Sheepdog, its origin as a working herding and guarding breed intended for long service in harsh climatic and terrain conditions must be considered. Minor cosmetic deviations not affecting functionality should not outweigh qualities of body structure, limbs, movement, and temperament. Special attention is given to mental stability, ability to remain calm in new environments, manageability, and willingness to cooperate with humans. Seasonal shedding and temporary reduction in coat density are allowed. Females after whelping may be assessed considering temporary body changes. All expert decisions must be based on a holistic perception of the breed as a reliable working and family dog.
Conclusion
The Catalan Sheepdog represents a harmonious combination of working herding type, balanced temperament, and natural endurance. The breed has preserved its historical functions of guarding and managing livestock while remaining a devoted family companion. Correct type requires a strong but not coarse body, functional limbs, stable movement, and a dense protective coat. Temperament must be stable, without unjustified aggression or shyness, with strong attachment to the owner and willingness to learn. Preservation and breeding require careful selection based on health, character, and conformity to the standard. With proper care and training, this dog becomes a reliable assistant and a full member of the family.
