Estonian Hound vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Estonian Hound vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonCatalan Sheepdog is originated from Spain but Estonian Hound is originated from Estonia. Both Catalan Sheepdog and Estonian Hound are having almost same height. Both Catalan Sheepdog and Estonian Hound are having almost same weight. Both Catalan Sheepdog and Estonian Hound has almost same life span. Both Catalan Sheepdog and Estonian Hound has almost same litter size. Both Catalan Sheepdog and Estonian Hound requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
undefined
Spain
Estonia
Height Male:
47 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
42 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
45 - 53 cm
17 - 21 inches
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
13 - 19 kg
28 - 42 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Gos d'Atura Català, Catalan shepherd
Estonian Scenthound, Gontchaja Estonskaja
Colors Available:
Fawn, brownish, dark grey, black
tan with black patches or blackish brown with red patches
Coat:
Long coat - fairly wavy
short, rough coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

catalan sheepdogThe 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.

estonian houndIn 1947, the Estonian Hound was developed and remains today the only pure breed ever developed in Estonia. At that time the national economic minister of the Soviet Union declared that every country in the USSR must have a national dog breed. Thus, the Estonian Hound and the Estonian Kennel Union were born. The Kennel Union is currently seeking breed recognition from the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale.

The Estonian Hound came from breeding local Estonian hunting dogs with several different breeds of foreign dogs. The Soviet decree also established that hunting dogs had to be no more than 17 inches high. This result in a hunting dog with great agility and drive that is extremely popular in now inependent Estonia. It is the national dog.

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.

estonian hound puppy - descriptionThe Estonian Hound is a strong, muscular body of medium size, with well-developed muscles and strong bones. It has a straight muzzle and skull with defined eyebrows and long drop ears. They have black noses and dark eyes. Their back is wide and straight, and their chest is deep and wide. They have skin that is tight with no wrinkles or folds anywhere.

The Estonian Hound is double coated, but the undercoat is not well developed. The top coat is rough, short and shiny. The tail has a thick covering of hair. The color is usually white with red patches, black or brown patches or yellow patches.

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.

Children friendliness

estonian hound dog - characteristicsThe Estonian Hound is a happy dog and loves to play with children. He was bred to hunt though and he can get fixated on a scent and knock over a small child.

Special talents

He is a hunting dog with great agility and drive.

Adaptability

He has had to be adaptable through his short history and is now more a companion than a hunting dog. He can live in the city or country.

Learning ability

He is intelligent and trainable. He is lively and energetic and the challenge might be keeping his attention long enough to train.

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.

estonian hound puppies - health problemsWith such a young breed there have not been any studies done on their health or genetic issues. It seems the breed is fairly healthy but there is too little information to really say. Being confined to Estonia there has been little commercial or backyard breeding. He is less likely than most pure breeds to have genetic issues.

It is likely that dogs of his type are at risk for:

Bloat – distended or twisted stomach

Caused by excessive exercise before or after having eaten a large meal. It is suggested that you feed your English Setter twice a day, smaller meals and not right before or after strenuous exercise.

  1. Luxating Patella
  2. Leads to lameness and arthritis
  3. Allergies skin/food
  4. See vet if issues arise
  5. Respiratory allergies - It would be very important to see vet if any breathing issues arise
  6. Joint dysplasia - This could be elbow or hip and can lead to lameness or arthritis

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 the puppy

estonian hound dogs - caringFeed a high quality dry food made for puppies. Feed ¼ to ½ cup per day in 2-3 meals for the first six months.

Feed 1 to 2 cups in two meals from 6 months to a year or so.

Feeding the adult.

Feed about 2 to 3 cups in two meals.

Points for Good Health

As previously mentioned this seems to be a fairly healthy breed.

Be careful not to feed a large meal before or after exercise due to possibility of bloat.

Check their ears and clean them periodically.

Games and Exercises

The Estonian Hound is a hunting dog and needs a good deal of exercise – at least an hour and a half every day or a long walk if not used for hunting. He is a working dog with a lot of energy and stamina. Don’t let him off leash though or he will follow his nose and take off. He is usually calm and quiet indoors if he gets enough physical and mental stimulation outdoors. He can be destructive and loud, nervous and hyper if he doesn’t. They enjoy Frisbee, agility, tracking and of course hunting.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Estonian Hound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Estonian Hound vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Estonian Hound vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Estonian Hound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Estonian Hound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Estonian Hound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Estonian Hound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Estonian Hound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Estonian Hound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Estonian Hound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Estonian Hound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Estonian Hound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Estonian Hound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Estonian Hound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Estonian Hound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Estonian Hound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Estonian Hound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Estonian Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Estonian Hound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Estonian Hound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Estonian Hound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Estonian Hound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Estonian Hound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Estonian Hound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Estonian Hound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Catalan Sheepdog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Catalan Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Catalan Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Catalan Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Catalan Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Catalan Sheepdog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Catalan Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Catalan Sheepdog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Catalan Sheepdog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Catalan Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Catalan Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Catalan Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Catalan Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Catalan Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Catalan Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Catalan Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Catalan Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Catalan Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Catalan Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Catalan Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Catalan Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Catalan Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Catalan Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Catalan Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Catalan Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison