Catalan Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison

Catalan Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed ComparisonCatalan Sheepdog is originated from Spain but Atlas Terrier is originated from United States. Catalan Sheepdog may grow 27 cm / 11 inches higher than Atlas Terrier. Catalan Sheepdog may weigh 19 kg / 42 pounds more than Atlas Terrier. Catalan Sheepdog may live 3 years less than Atlas Terrier. Both Catalan Sheepdog and Atlas Terrier has almost same litter size. Both Catalan Sheepdog and Atlas Terrier requires Moderate 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.

atlas terrier - historyThe Atlas Terrier is a rare dog. He was developed in the USA and is a blend of Jack Russell Terriers, Rat Terriers, Border Terriers and Patterdale Terriers. It was in 1990 that Lauren Wolfe developed a breed similar to the Jack Russell, but with a solid colour, and in fact she had two dogs that were solid red in colour. This was as a result of a cross between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Border Terrier.

With the crossing of different terriers, the foundation for the Atlas Terrier was formed. Lauren Wolfe named the breed ‘Atlas Terrier’ because many terriers from various parts of the world were used to develop this specific breed. It was in 2001 that the Atlas Terrier Association was founded.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Terrier dog
Origin:
Spain
United States
Height Male:
47 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
45 - 53 cm
17 - 21 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
11 - 17 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Gos d'Atura Català, Catalan shepherd
None
Colors Available:
Fawn, brownish, dark grey, black
Several - Brindle, Merle
Coat:
Long coat - fairly wavy
Short and dense
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, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

A Feisty, Fun Breed

atlas terrier puppy - descriptionAtlas Terrier dogs are a small to medium sized dog but with a strong personality. With their two coat varieties – smooth and wire – and coming directly from the Jack Russell Terrier, this feisty dog suits those who want a low maintenance, fun breed who will join them on their walks or jogs. These dogs are brave and loyal and will double as a watch dog and family pet.The breed is accepted for registry and it is classified under the Terrier dog category.

Different Sizes

There are 3 sizes of Atlas Terrier – toy, miniature, and standard. The toy variety is 23 to 28 cm tall at the shoulder and weighs 2.7 to 5.4 kg. All three varieties are the same except for height and weight.

The Coat - Smooth or Wavy?

The coat of this dog is thick and may come in a variety of colours such as brindle or merle. The Atlas Terrier is also found in solid colours and sometimes you will find that they have white markings on the face, feet or chest. Most times the tail of the Atlas Terrier is docked, but if not, the tail curls over the back. The ears of the Atlas Terrier are V-shaped and they fold forward.

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.

atlas terrier dog - characteristicsAtlas Terriers most certainly have a bit of the Jack Russell in them and these dogs are social, outgoing, mischievous and affectionate. They’re just like your regular naughty child and having one of them in your home will mean energy and lots of fun and games.

This is a highly social breed and he won’t like to be left alone every day. Just like a human child, he will need to be stimulated to ward off boredom and to prevent him from becoming destructive.

Learning Abilities

The Atlas Terrier just loves games and if you’re ready for a game, he will be more than ready to take part. He is intelligent and will therefore responds well to training and socialization. When properly socialized, Atlas Terriers get along well with children, and because they’re not an aggressive breed, if they’re properly trained and socialized they will get along with other pets too. Atlas Terriers make excellent pets, but he is a strong willed dog and will require an owner who is firm, but fair.

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.

atlas terrier puppies - health problemsThe selective breeding program of Atlas Terriers has meant that this is a robust, spunky breed free of any major health concerns. While they are a low maintenance breed with longevity on their side, you still have to be a responsible pet owner and see that your Atlas Terrier puppy gets all those must have injections.

Vaccinating your Atlas Terrier Puppy

Tiny puppies are susceptible to infectious diseases and will have to be vaccinated against them from 8 weeks on and then also get an annual booster. The diseases to be vaccinated against include hepatitis, distemper, parvovirus, coronavirus, eptospirosis and parainfluenza. Vaccinations must be kept up to date and it is mandatory for your puppy to be vaccinated against rabies.

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.

atlas terrier dogs - caringAs a medium shedder, the Atlas Terrier will require some grooming. Grooming is easy and a brush twice a week with a rubber-bristled brush will remove those loose hairs and give his coat a sheen.

Feeding the Puppy

Always make sure you’re feeding your tiny puppy the right quantities of a food type. Always feed your puppy food which is appropriate to his age. Your 8 week old puppy will require 4 meals a day. A highly active breed such as the Atlas Terrier will require more protein for energy.

Speak to your veterinarian about the perfect diet for your puppy and about wet- or dry foods. There is the choice of feeding your puppy commercial dog food or your own home-prepared meals, but then you want to be sure that your puppy is getting the right balance of minerals and vitamins.

Once your Atlas Terrier is about a year of age, he can go onto one meal a day or a lighter meal in the morning and the evening. Remember to ensure that there is always clean, cool water available for your puppy.

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. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Schnauzer vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Fox Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Bull and Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Bedlington Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Irish Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Austrian Pinscher vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Lakeland Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Atlas Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Jagdterrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Blue Paul Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Indian Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Irish Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Japanese Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Brazilian Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Old English Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Scoland Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Skye Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Welsh Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds