English Foxhound vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

English Foxhound vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonEnglish Foxhound is originated from United Kingdom but Catalan Sheepdog is originated from Spain. English Foxhound may grow 9 cm / 4 inches higher than Catalan Sheepdog. English Foxhound may weigh 7 kg / 16 pounds more than Catalan Sheepdog. Both English Foxhound and Catalan Sheepdog has almost same life span. Both English Foxhound and Catalan Sheepdog has almost same litter size. English Foxhound requires Low maintenance. But Catalan Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance

History

english foxhound - historyThe English Foxhound was found in Great Britain as far back as the late 1700’s. They were bred to be scent hounds and hunt the fox by following his smell. It was a crossing of several different types of hounds that produced the English Foxhound. This included the Greyhound, the Bulldog and the Fox Terrier. It was perceived that there were not a lot of deer left in the United Kingdom to be hunted for both sport and food. So, a new dog would be needed instead for the Staghound and Deerhound.

The Foxhound was developed as a pack animal bred to chase the fox followed by hunters on horses. The Foxhound was bred with incredible stamina, a great ability to follow scents, track prey, and act as a watchdog as well. This breed are pack animals. They hunt in packs and prefer to live in packs. A solitary English Foxhound is probably not a happy Foxhound. The English Foxhound is stockier and slower than his cousin the American Foxhound. The English Foxhound is recognized by the AKC and UKC. In 2012 the International Foxhound Association was developed to promote the English Foxhound.

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.

Description

english foxhound puppy - descriptionThe English Foxhound is a superb athlete who can run for hours without a break. He has muscular, sturdy and straight legs with round paws. His chest is deep, and his back is level. Their head is wide, and the muzzle is long with 16 inches in the front of the ears. The nose is long, and those ears are set low. They can be many colors as long as it is a “hound” color of tan, tricolor, black and white, or red.

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.

Characteristics

english foxhound dog - characteristicsThe English Foxhound gets along with other dogs and like people. He was bred to be a pack animal, not a loner. He will get along with most any other animal and children as well. However, they are not often kept as pets because their prey drive and pursuit drive are so strong that nothing else matters. The chase is what life is all about for this breed. They are hardwired for it. They are not easy to train because they are constantly distracted by smells and movements that could send them off on the chase.

Keep them on a lease when walking them so they don’t go wandering or running of. They love to run, and they love to talk – bay actually. They might slow down somewhere around 8-10 years old. They need a strong owner and a lot of exercise to be happy.

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.

Health Problems

english foxhound puppies - health problemsOverall a healthy and hearty breed, they are prone to hip dysplasia and renal disease.

Hip Dysplasia

Degenerative and debilitating at worse. In mild forms cause lameness and arthritis.

Renal Disease

Kidney disease – for some reason the kidneys cannot clear out toxins like urea and creatine

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.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

english foxhound dogs - caringThe English Foxhound is a high energy dog that needs a high quality dog food. He should be fed about 2.5 -3 cups a day in two meals of dry food. Because he is a deep chested dog, beware of bloat and don’t feed large meals, particularly before or after strenuous exercise.

Health issues

In addition to the issues presented above, the English Foxhound is prone to:

Epilepsy

Seizures are caused by epilepsy, but they can be treated, and the dog can have a quality life.

Bloat

When the stomach becomes distended or twisted. Can result in death if not treated immediately.

Ears

The English Foxhound’s long, floppy ears are prone to infection and allergies. Inspect and clean them regularly.

Exercise and games

The English Foxhound is an easygoing canine, but he has an incredible energy level and needs a lot of exercise every day. In fact, if you are not going to hunt then don’t get a Foxhound. It is not fair to the dog. Of course, if you have acres of land and are into agility, tracking, coursing and rally then this might be the dog for you. But if the English Foxhound does not get enough daily exercise, he will not be a good house pet. This dog was bred to run for miles. You cant keep him cooped up in your house.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
United Kingdom
Spain
Height Male:
58 - 64 cm
22 - 26 inches
47 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
Height Female:
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
45 - 53 cm
17 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
29 - 32 kg
63 - 71 pounds
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 31 kg
59 - 69 pounds
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
4 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Foxhound
Gos d'Atura Català, Catalan shepherd
Colors Available:
tricolor coat of black, white and tan
Fawn, brownish, dark grey, black
Coat:
short, hard, dense, glossy
Long coat - fairly wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pharaoh Hound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  2. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  3. Hungarian Vizsla vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  4. Redbone Coonhound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  5. Norwegian Elkhound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  6. Santal Hound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  7. Podenco Canario vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  8. Dunker vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  9. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  10. Podenco Andaluz vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  11. Podenco Galego vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  12. English Foxhound vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  13. English Foxhound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  14. English Foxhound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  15. English Foxhound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  16. English Foxhound vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  17. English Foxhound vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  18. English Foxhound vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  19. English Foxhound vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  20. English Foxhound vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  21. English Foxhound vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  22. English Foxhound vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  23. English Foxhound vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  24. English Foxhound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  25. English Foxhound vs Beago - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  27. Collie vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  28. Dutch Shepherd vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  29. English Shepherd vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  30. Catahoula Cur vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  31. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Catalan Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  33. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Catalan Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  35. Catalan Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  36. Catalan Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  37. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  38. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  39. Catalan Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  40. Catalan Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  41. Catalan Sheepdog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  42. Catalan Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  43. Catalan Sheepdog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  44. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Catalan Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  46. Catalan Sheepdog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  47. Catalan Sheepdog vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  48. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  49. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  50. Queensland Heeler vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds