Catalan Sheepdog vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison

Catalan Sheepdog vs American Staghound - Breed ComparisonCatalan Sheepdog is originated from Spain but American Staghound is originated from United States. Catalan Sheepdog may grow 22 cm / 8 inches shorter than American Staghound. Catalan Sheepdog may weigh 16 kg / 35 pounds lesser than American Staghound. Both Catalan Sheepdog and American Staghound has same life span. Both Catalan Sheepdog and American Staghound has almost same litter size. Catalan Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance. But American Staghound requires Low maintenance

History

catalan sheepdog - historyThe 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.

american staghound - historyThe American Staghound is hunting dog and type of sighthound that is not recognized as a separate breed. They have historically been bred to hunt coyotes and then other game. Even though they are not considered a separate breed some of their breeding lines have existed much longer than some officially recognized breeds. The American Staghound is a cross between the Greyhound and the Scottish Deerhound. There was probably some Borzoi mixed in as well. The Staghound is believed to have traveled with General Custer across the American West. The breed is a long-legged running dog with the speed of a Greyhound, the sighting ability of sight hounds and more endurance than any running breed. They are incredible athletes with amazing agility and have been bred to course game – coyotes mostly – and therefore are bred with a very intense prey drive. In the past they chased stags and deer and today they chase coyotes and hare. Coyotes are much faster than wolves and fight just as hard. The American Staghound is the only breed fast enough to track down the coyote. However, the breed is not recognized by the AKC. Hunting with an American Staghound today is not very different from hunting with them in medieval times. Strict breeding practices and the non-commercialization of the breed has led to the almost perfect preservation of this hunting breed. They have not changed very much over the centuries. They have been breeding Staghound to Staghound since the early 1800’s. At times very, good hunting dogs from Greyhound and Deerhound stock are added to the mix. For hundreds of years now the closed breeding has led to what might be the finest coyote chasing sighthound possible.

Description

catalan sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe 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.

american staghound puppy - descriptionWhen you look at the American Staghound you can clearly see the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound lines. They have strong running muscles in their long legs and deep chest. He is of course a sight hound, so his vision is acute. His running endurance is second to none. It is this endurance in running all day that makes the American Staghound difference from the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound. Yes, both the Deerhound are greyhound are great runners, but the American Staghound runs just as fast with an endurance level ten times that of the other hounds. His heavy bones structure and thick skin are also different from the other racing fast sight hounds.

Characteristics

catalan sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe 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.

american staghound dog - characteristicsThis dog was bred to run fast and long after something it sees. They are not considered hyperactive but won’t live well in a confined space such as an apartment or condo. You will need a single-family house with a large yard. Though they are affectionate, family dogs, they are not cut out to be guard dogs. They are not especially protective or territorial, though they may bark at what they can see in the distance. They are calm in their homes if exercised enough and great with children. They are often gentle and loving. They are pack oriented and accept other dogs, but they are not welcoming toward cats or other prey sized animals. Be careful with the AS around small children as he might knock them down or see them as prey as well. They consider anything smaller that runs to be prey. When chasing prey, they are not only fast and enduring, they are tenacious and courageous. Remember that this is a breed that has been bred true in order to hunt and only in order to hunt. Their hunting instincts will override almost any other. Over the centuries only the best hunters were allowed to be bred so that only the best hunters would be born.

Health Problems

catalan sheepdog puppies - health problemsThe 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.

american staghound puppies - health problemsThe American Staghound has been bred so consistently within the breed and true that they exhibit very few health problems. All running dogs are susceptible to joint issues, but the Staghound has less than most. Two issues they do face more often are a problem with anesthesia if they ever need it and the propensity to be vulnerable to bloat. Since they are a centuries old hybrid there are no real health issues born of genetics.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

catalan sheepdog dogs - caringThe 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.

Feeding

american staghound dogs - caringIt is important that you don’t ever over feed you American Staghound as they are thin and bred to run. Even though they are heavier boned than their closest relatives, they are still very susceptible to obesity if overfed. The adult AS should be fed about 4-6 cups of dry food every day in at least 2 meals but 3 of more would be better. This will prevent bloat.

Health issues

As previously mentioned there are no genetic issues with the health of the American Staghound. Bred for one reason and one reason alone for many centuries has led to this healthy state. Also, as stated previously they can have issues with bloat and anesthesia. The issue with anesthesia comes from the fact that the American Staghound has very little body fat to muscle ration. The issue with bloat or torsion can be avoided with many smaller meals and not running your Staghound right after they eat a large meal.

Exercise and games

Of course, the American Staghound loves to run and if you are not going to hunt with her, you will have to find another source of vigorous physical activity. Every day from puppyhood on the AS must be stimulated mentally and physically in order to grow and mature correctly. He must have a home where the freedom to run is an everyday experience, not a dog park once a week. If you ride bikes, race walk or run on a daily basis this might be the dog for you. They obviously excel at games like lure coursing and can be good at agility.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
Origin:
Spain
United States
Height Male:
47 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
67 - 77 cm
26 - 31 inches
Height Female:
45 - 53 cm
17 - 21 inches
63 - 75 cm
24 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
22 - 39 kg
48 - 86 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
3 - 5
Size:
Medium dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Gos d'Atura Català, Catalan shepherd
AS
Colors Available:
Fawn, brownish, dark grey, black
Any
Coat:
Long coat - fairly wavy
Shag, Slick or Broken
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  2. Collie vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  3. Dutch Shepherd vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  4. English Shepherd vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  5. Catahoula Cur vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  6. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Catalan Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  8. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  9. Catalan Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  10. Catalan Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  11. Catalan Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  12. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  13. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Catalan Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  15. Catalan Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  16. Catalan Sheepdog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  17. Catalan Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  18. Catalan Sheepdog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  19. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  20. Catalan Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  21. Catalan Sheepdog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  22. Catalan Sheepdog vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  23. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  24. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  25. Queensland Heeler vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  26. Irish Wolfhound vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  27. Francais Blanc et Orange vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  28. Billy vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  29. Scottish Deerhound vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  30. Great Dane vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  31. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  32. English Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  33. Newfoundland Dog vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  34. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  35. Anatolian Shepherd vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  36. Leonberger vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  37. Alaunt vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  38. Bully Kutta vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  39. Alangu Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  40. Mountain Burmese vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  41. Gaddi Kutta vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  42. Pyrenean Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  43. Bisben vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  44. American Staghound vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  45. American Staghound vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  46. Moscow Watchdog vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  47. Nebolish Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds