Santal Hound vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Santal Hound is originated from India but Catalan Sheepdog is originated from Spain. Santal Hound may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Catalan Sheepdog. Santal Hound may weigh 13 kg / 28 pounds lesser than Catalan Sheepdog. Both Santal Hound and Catalan Sheepdog has same life span. Both Santal Hound and Catalan Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Santal Hound requires Low maintenance. But Catalan Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance

History

The Santal Hound has always been used for hunting and these Indian pariah dogs haven’t changed much over the years.

It is a small red Indian indigenous dog. It is named after the Santal tribe who used the dog for hunting. They sometimes refer to the dog as Seuta and Kukur.

When you do research on the Santal Hound, you will mostly find it among indigenous peoples. It isn’t only found in India but in Africa, being found among the different nomadic  hunting tribes in East Africa.

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

The Santal is considered a small to medium sized dog standing at between 40 and 45cm in height and weighing between 9 and 12 kilograms.

It is also slightly built with fine bones. The coat of the dog is reddish brown or yellow-brown, the eyes are almond shaped and brown and the muzzle is pointed. The ears of the dog are erect and point forward. The tail of this dog is usually curled over the dog’s back. The dog doesn’t really bark as such but howls instead. It has small paws and walks with a high-stepping style like a prancing horse.

Temperament:

These dogs are calm, independent, loving and loyal and also affectionate with their human family. He is cool with strangers.

They are alert, intelligent dogs and you certainly won’t have any trouble teaching him a few simple commands. He cleans himself like a cat. He seems to understand what you say as he always cocks his head to one side when you talk to him. He is a playful dog and will love to be involved with games with the children.

He can also get on well with other dogs in the family. He is capable of adapting to life in the city or the countryside just so long as his exercise needs are met.

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

The Santal dog is an unusual dog with some unique characteristics. He hasn’t got any particularly exceptional characteristics either, but he promises to make you a good pet.

He is capable of providing you with lots of love, and on top of that he is a low maintenance dog too.

When you bring him into your home, you’re going to get yourself a loyal, loving pet and companion.

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

Dogs stand a better chance of avoiding sickness if they are fed well and they get a fair amount of exercise. But our fur kids can get sick anytime really, and it pays to know about some of the dangerous diseases they can succumb to -

Canine parvovirus:

Your dog will have a fever, he will be lethargic and have diarrhea with vomiting. It is a contagious virus affecting dogs that come into contact with the feces of an ill dog. It attacks a dog’s internal organs, and although the vet will do everything possible to help your dog, parvo is often fatal.

There are vaccines to prevent your dog getting this terrible disease.

Heartworm:

Your dog will be coughing, have respiratory problems, lethargy and weight loss. These parasites are found in your dog’s heart and are spread by mosquitoes. Check with your vet about treatments to prevent this horrible illness.

Rabies:

Have your pet vaccinated against rabies, a deadly diseases spread by saliva and a bite from an infected animal. It is fatal and once your dog has this disease, there is no treatment.

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

Diet:

Provide your Santal Hound with top quality food to ensure his health. While there are some excellent commercially manufactured foods on the market, it is important to choose the high quality ones that have natural, good ingredients in them.

Try to include some home-made food for him which can be simply mixed into the dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are super tasty and nutritious. Your dog will love such simple, good food as it doesn’t upset his stomach.

If you can, try and include a little bit of raw meat to his diet occasionally as this can go towards ensuring he doesn’t get skin diseases.

Trim your dogs nails, check his eyes and ears for infection and check his teeth too.

Provide your dog with a warm, dry place to sleep.

Don’t allow your Santal Hound to have puppies. There are so many unwanted puppies all over the world. Rather have him or her spayed or neutered to avoid puppies that nobody wants. It is beneficial for his health too.

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:
India
Spain
Height Male:
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
47 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
Height Female:
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
45 - 53 cm
17 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
9 - 12 kg
19 - 27 pounds
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
9 - 12 kg
19 - 27 pounds
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
4 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Seuta, Kukur
Gos d'Atura Català, Catalan shepherd
Colors Available:
Reddish brown or yellow-brown
Fawn, brownish, dark grey, black
Coat:
Short and smooth
Long coat - fairly wavy
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
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:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Santal Hound vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  2. Santal Hound vs Pharaoh Hound - Breed Comparison
  3. Santal Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  4. Santal Hound vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  5. Santal Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  6. Santal Hound vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  7. Santal Hound vs Redbone Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  8. Santal Hound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  9. Santal Hound vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  10. Santal Hound vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  11. Santal Hound vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Santal Hound vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  13. Santal Hound vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Santal Hound vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  15. Santal Hound vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  16. Santal Hound vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  17. Santal Hound vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  18. Santal Hound vs Podenco Canario - Breed Comparison
  19. Santal Hound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  20. Santal Hound vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  21. Santal Hound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  22. Santal Hound vs Podenco Andaluz - Breed Comparison
  23. Santal Hound vs Podenco Galego - Breed Comparison
  24. Santal Hound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  25. Santal Hound vs Estonian Hound - 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