Libro Razas Españolas

Catalonian Sheepdog (Gos d’Atura Català) F.C.I. Standard No. 87 / 13. 09. 2004 / GB Origen: Spain Date of publication of the original valid standard: 26.05.1982 Utilization: It is in the driving of flocks that the true essence of this breed manifests itself, because not only does he obey the shepherd, but in numerous cases, he shows his initiative, directing the flock with marvellous ease, preventing any animal from separating from the others. Through his great bravery and courage, he can also be used for guarding missions. Because of his size, his beautiful coat, his intelligence and his great loyalty to his masters, he can be an excellent companion. Classification F.C.I.: Group 1: Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs). Section 1: Sheepdogs. Without working trial. I. Brief historical summary Originates from the Catalonian Pyrenees, has propagated in all other pastoral zones of Catalonia. II. General Appearance Of well balanced medium proportion, medium size, with a beautiful coat. III. Important Proportions Slightly longer than high, approximately in proportion of 9 to 8. IV. Behaviour / Temperament A very sedate dog, active and intelligent, with a noble expression, with a hardy and pleasant character, really devoted to the shepherd and flocks entrusted to him, wary of strangers, which at times make him seem unsociable. He is very vigilant, very resistant to heat, cold and all atmospherics. A very frugal alimentation is sufficient for him to work in extreme conditions. V. Head Strong head, slightly convex and wide at the base, without heaviness, well proportioned with the rest of the body. The skull-muzzle proportion is of 4 to 3. CRANIAL REGION: Skull: Slightly longer than wide, with a clearly marked furrow in its first third part, which gets flatter and remains so up to the occiput where a crest is formed. Occipital bone pronounced. The upper profile of the skull is slightly domed and may show a less accentuated short space in the middle. The frontal sinus well developed, as much lengthwise as widthwise. Superciliary ridges well marked. Stop: Well visible but not too pronounced. FACIAL REGION: Nose: Straight, proportioned with the head, must be black. Muzzle: Straight, rather short, in shape of a truncated pyramid, with rounded outlines. Las razas caninas españolas - Spanish canine breeds 38