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Silkchon vs Catalan Sheepdog Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Silky Bichon or Atura Català?

Compare the Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Silky Bichon or a Atura Català? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Other names

Silky Bichon
Atura Català, Catalan shepherd, Catalan sheepdog

Weight

What is the average weight of Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog?
10.5 pounds ( 5 kg )
49.5 pounds ( 22 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog
11.0 inches ( 27.9 cm )
20.5 inches ( 52.1 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Silkchons or Catalan Sheepdogs hypoallergenic, or neither?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Silkchons are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

No

Unfortunately, the Catalan Sheepdog is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog dogs?
Playful
Alert
Sensitive
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Quick
Gentle
Joyful
Inquisitive
Cheerful

Agile
Protective
Intelligent
Trainable
Loyal

Shedding Level

Do Silkchons shed more than Catalan Sheepdogs, or which breed sheds more, Silkchons or Catalan Sheepdogs?

Silkchons are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

Catalan Sheepdogs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Silkchon or Catalan Sheepdog?

Avoid Silkchons as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Choose a Catalan Sheepdog if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Ancestry

What are the origins of Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog breeds?
Bichon Frise, Silky Terrier

Catalan, Pyrenees Dogs and Ancient Roman Guarding Breeds

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog?
ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

Dog Registry of America Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog breeds first developed?
Unknown

Ancient Times

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog dogs?
Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog?
Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog breeds?
Fawn
White
Silver
Cream

Fawn
Black
Gray
Sable

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog breeds?

Silkchons are known for their coat length.

Catalan Sheepdogs have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog?
Wavy

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog?

3-5 puppies per pregnancy

A Silkchon can have a litter of 3-5 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Catalan Sheepdog can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Silkchons are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Catalan Sheepdogs have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Health Issues

Between Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog, which breed is more prone to health problems?

While the Silkchon breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Catalan Sheepdogs are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog breeds?
Patellar Luxation
Liver Disease
Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy
Tracheal Collapse
Diabetes
Cushing's Disease
Hyperadrenocorticism
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog?
Allergies

Patellar Luxation
Dental Problems

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog breeds?
Chest X-rays
Full Body Physical Examination especially of the joints
Biochemistry Panel Tests
Clinical Exam
Eye and Ear Examination

X-Rays
Eye Examination
Dental Examination
Physical Examination

Energy

How do the energy levels of Silkchons and Catalan Sheepdogs compare?

Silkchons' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Catalan Sheepdogs are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Silkchon vs Catalan Sheepdog social needs comparison

Silkchon has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Catalan Sheepdog has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

Silkchon vs Catalan Sheepdog exercise need comparison.

Silkchons need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Catalan Sheepdogs need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Silkchon or Catalan Sheepdog?

Silkchons are known for their relaxed and calm nature and enjoy long periods of sleep.

Catalan Sheepdogs have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Tendency to Bark

Do Silkchons or Catalan Sheepdogs bark more/less frequently?

Silkchons bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Catalan Sheepdog dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Silkchon vs Catalan Sheepdog?

Roaming urge

Silkchon vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Silkchon or Catalan Sheepdog - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog entertained?
Playing, Walking, Go to Park, Walk

Run, Hike, Play keep away, Chase, Hide & Seek, Off-leash, Dog Parks

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Silkchons or Catalan Sheepdogs?

Low

Silkchons are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Silkchon dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.

High

Catalan Sheepdogs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Silkchon or Catalan Sheepdog walk each week?

4 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Silkchon, it's at least 4 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

18 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Catalan Sheepdog, it's at least 18 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Silkchons or Catalan Sheepdogs require more exercise?

30 minutes

In general most Silkchons usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

70 minutes

In general most Catalan Sheepdogs usually need at least 70 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Silkchons or Catalan Sheepdogs?

Silkchons have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

The Catalan Sheepdog requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog dogs?

Daily

Ideally, both Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) to improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Silkchons and Catalan Sheepdogs?
Pin Brush
Comb
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Dematter
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Silkchon or Catalan Sheepdog in cups?

1 cups

For an average 9-12 pound (4 - 5 kg) Silkchon feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

3.5 cups

For an average 44-55 pound (20 - 25 kg) Catalan Sheepdog feed 3.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Silkchon or Catalan Sheepdog?

$1.30 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Silkchon is somewhere $1.30 - $1.40 per day.

$2.10 - $2.80 / day

The average cost of a Catalan Sheepdog is somewhere $2.10 - $2.80 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Silkchon or Catalan Sheepdog?

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Silkchon is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$63 - $84 / month

The average per month expenses of a Catalan Sheepdog is between $63 - $84. This makes an average of $756 - $1008 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Silkchons vs Catalan Sheepdogs

Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog have average obedience intelligence, but they're also independent thinkers. This breed is known for having an exceptionally high IQ, which means they may get into trouble if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How do Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog compare in sensitivity?

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Catalan Sheepdogs have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Silkchon vs Catalan Sheepdog?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Silkchon or Catalan Sheepdog?

Silkchons make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Catalan Sheepdogs are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Child Friendly

Do Silkchons or Catalan Sheepdogs have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Silkchon or Catalan Sheepdog?

Cat Friendly

Do Silkchon or Catalan Sheepdog breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Silkchons are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Catalan Sheepdogs are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Silkchon or Catalan Sheepdog?

Silkchons are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Catalan Sheepdogs are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Pet friendly

How do Silkchon or Catalan Sheepdog dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Silkchon or Catalan Sheepdog?

Silkchons are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Catalan Sheepdogs are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Silkchon and Catalan Sheepdog?

Silkchons are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Catalan Sheepdogs are not known for being a highly playful breed.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Silkchons and Catalan Sheepdogs compare?

Silkchons are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

The Catalan Sheepdog is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.

Common match-ups