Caring for your Catalan Sheepdog

Quick answer

The Catalan Sheepdog is a loyal and intelligent companion that thrives with consistent mental and physical engagement. While generally robust, owners should be aware of a few health conditions, including hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and ear infections. Maintaining a lean body condition and keeping up with regular veterinary checkups are the best ways to ensure your dog remains active and healthy for years to come.

Hip Dysplasia

This is a well recognised condition in the breed. Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball and socket joint of the hip does not fit or develop properly, leading to rubbing and grinding instead of smooth gliding. You might notice your dog struggling to rise from a resting position, showing a reluctance to climb stairs, or displaying a Bunny hopping gait when running. At home, you should monitor for any signs of stiffness after exercise or a change in their willingness to play.

When you visit the vet, they will perform a physical examination to check for pain or reduced range of motion in the hips. If they suspect dysplasia, they will recommend radiographs to confirm the diagnosis. The urgency of this condition depends on the level of discomfort your dog is experiencing. A common mistake is assuming that a dog with hip issues should stop moving entirely. While you should avoid high-impact jumping, controlled, low-impact exercise is essential to keep the muscles surrounding the joint strong.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA, is a recognised tendency in the breed. This condition involves the gradual degeneration of the cells in the retina, which eventually leads to a loss of vision. Because the onset is often slow, you might not notice it immediately. The first signs at home often appear as clumsiness in dim lighting, hesitation when moving into dark rooms, or a lack of confidence during evening walks. How this passes down is not settled, but it is a condition that requires careful observation.

Your vet will use specialized equipment to examine the back of the eye, looking for changes in the retina or the reflective layer behind it. If they suspect vision loss, they may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist for more advanced testing. There is no cure for this condition, but dogs are remarkably resilient and can adapt to vision loss if their environment remains consistent. Avoid moving furniture or changing the layout of your home if you notice your dog struggling with their sight.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are an occasional issue for the Catalan Sheepdog, largely due to their floppy, hairy ears. This is a recognised tendency rather than a proven one. You may notice your dog shaking their head frequently, scratching at their ears, or holding their head to one side. You might also detect an unpleasant odor or see redness and discharge within the ear canal. This is a recognised tendency in the breed.

Your vet will use an otoscope to look deep into the ear canal to check for inflammation, debris, or a ruptured eardrum. They will likely take a swab to identify if the infection is caused by bacteria or yeast, which determines the specific medication required. The most common mistake owners make is attempting to clean the ears with cotton swabs or over-the-counter solutions without a diagnosis. This can push debris deeper into the canal or cause further irritation. Always wait for your vet to confirm the type of infection before applying any treatment.