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A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

To view photos of this breed please visit the Kennel Club Picture Library

Interim

General Appearance A hardy, well balanced, medium sized sheepdog with moderate length of coat. Body slightly longer than high, approximately in the proportion of 9:8.

Characteristics Active and intelligent with a noble expression and a well-balanced and amenable character. Hardy and adaptable to all climates.

Temperament Excellent family dog. Alert, loyal and easily trainable. Can initially be wary of strangers.

Head and Skull Strong head, well proportioned with the rest of the body. The skull is slightly longer than wide with a marked central furrow which flattens towards a pronounced occiput. The proportion of skull to muzzle is 4 to 3. Slight but perceptible stop, not pronounced. Muzzle straight, rather short and blunt. Nose black.

Eyes Round. Dark amber to chestnut in colour, with black rims. Alert and intelligent expression.

Ears High set, triangular, hanging close to the head. Slightly longer than wide, covered with long hair ending in fringes.

Mouth Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Good sized strong teeth. Tongues may have dark pigmented patches. Lips and roof of mouth black. Lips close fitting.

Neck Moderately short, solid and muscular, set well into shoulders.

Forequarters Prominent withers. Shoulders well muscled and well laid back. Upper arm strong and muscular with elbows close to the body. Forearms strong, lean, straight and parallel when viewed from the front. Pasterns relatively short.

Body Strong, muscular and slightly longer than high, approximately in the proportion of 9 to 8. Level topline. At first sight, the croup may appear higher, owing to abundance, quantity and denseness of coat. Well sprung ribs, chest reaching to level of elbow. Neither barrel ribbed nor slab sided. Short coupled with strong loin and slight tuck up.

Hindquarters Slightly sloping croup. Strong and muscular with well developed first and second thighs. Hocks well let down and parallel when viewed from behind. Double, boned dew claws, set low, are a breed characteristic.

Feet Oval. Pads firm and black. Toes close together, well covered with hair, including between the pads. Nails black and strong.

Tail Low set and reaching below the hock. When at rest, the tail hangs and can form a curve or hook at its lowest part. When moving, the tail may be raised but not above the level of the back. Abundantly covered with slightly wavy hair.

May be born tailless. 

Gait/Movement Smooth gait. Walks with fairly short strides, trots freely with vigour. Feet never raised very high. Head raised when moving slowly, carried lower as the pace increases.

Coat Rough coated of medium length. Straight or slightly wavy. Fine, dense undercoat. A moustache, beard and pronounced crest on top of the head. Eyebrows should not obscure the eyes. Denser on hindquarters. Legs, toes and tail well covered with hair. Skin fairly thick and close fitting all over the body and head.

Colour Fawn, Sable and Grey in all shades.

Black, which may have fawn or grey shadings at the extremities. May be frosted with white.

From a distance, the dog can appear to be self- coloured. Seen close up, it is apparent that this comes from a combination of the different shades.

White or black spots/patches highly undesirable. A few white hairs or small white marking on the chest are permissible. White permissible on the upper part of the toes, but must not be accompanied by white nails.

Size  Ideal height: Dogs 47–55cm (18 ½  – 21 ½  ins)

                             Bitches 45–53cm (17 ¾  – 20 ½ ins)

Faults Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Last Updated - January 2009

Glossary of Canine Terms

Some links to health information and resources that may be relevant to this breed:

Veterinary screening schemes - The Kennel Club operates these with the British Veterinary Association.

DNA screening schemes - detect disease-causing mutations in a number of breeds.

Current Accredited Breeder Scheme health screening requirements and recommendations - for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by a Kennel Club Accredited Breeder.

Breed Watch - a tool aimed at dog show judges and exhibitors to highlight and tackle any current concerns in a breed

Health Test results Finder Tool - access results of any official KC health testing scheme for Kennel Club registered dogs

2004 Purebred Dog Health Survey Results - Individual summaries are available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available to order from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

CATALAN SHEEPDOG CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN (PROVISIONAL) Sec: Mrs J Wedge Tel No: 01787 473454 

Date page created:

Categories:

Pastoral Group 

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