Catahoula Leopard

Named after a Choctaw Indian word meaning “sacred lake,” the Catahoula originated in northern Louisiana near Catahoula Lake. They likely resulted from breeding between local dogs and the Bloodhounds, Mastiffs, and Greyhounds brought by Spanish explorers.

Sometimes called Catahoula curs, Catahoula leopard curs, or Catahoula hounds, their name was officially changed to Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog when they became the state dog of Louisiana.

Historically, Catahoulas were used to track and round up wild hogs in the forests, earning them the nickname "hog dog." The Louisiana Catahoula Cur Association was established in 1976, followed by the National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas in 1977. Other organizations, such as the Catahoula Cur Breeders Association, which registers Catahoulas, and the American Catahoula Association, promote and maintain the breed’s conformation and working ability through shows, clinics, trials, and certified testing. These events include Treeing, Hog Bay, Cow Bay, and Cow Trials.

1. Catahoula History- Source: 123RF

In 1979, the breed was named the state dog of Louisiana. The United Kennel Club became the first national dog registry to recognize the Catahoula in 1995. In 1996, the Catahoula was entered into the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service, which maintains records for rare breeds. However, it has not yet met the requirements for AKC recognition and cannot participate in AKC confirmation events.

The Catahoula is a unique breed with a fascinating heritage and strong working abilities. While not suited for every family, a committed and bonded owner will find a steadfast protector and companion for life.

The proper Catahoula is not aggressive toward people. They are wary of strangers but never shy, showcasing a confident demeanor. With family members, they are loving and protective, forming strong bonds and demonstrating loyalty. Their instinct is to track and herd game, which highlights their energetic and driven nature.

Catahoulas are excellent watchdogs, as they possess a keen sense of alertness and will bark a warning or otherwise notify their owners at the approach of strangers. Despite their tough working nature, they have a gentle side and can be very affectionate with their humans, enjoying close interaction and family time.

This balance of protectiveness and affection makes them well-suited for active families who can provide the attention and stimulation they need.

• Temperament

Males can be aggressive toward other male dogs, and Catahoulas, in general, work aggressively, which is a necessity in rounding up unruly hogs or cattle. Treat them firmly but fairly, as they do not accept mistreatment or physical abuse. Temperament is affected by several factors, including heredity, training, and socialization.

• Potential Challenges

Like every dog, a Catahoula needs early socialization—exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences—when they’re young, and this should continue throughout their life. Socialization helps ensure that your Catahoula puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly and taking them to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills.

This dog boasts a unique and unmistakable appearance. Named for its leopard-like spots, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is visually stunning and striking. Two additional notable traits of the breed are its eyes and feet. The eyes are often blue but can also be differently colored or 'cracked,' where multiple colors appear within the same eye. The dog’s webbed feet are another distinctive feature, making them excellent swimmers.

• Size

Males stand 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 65 and 90 pounds, while females are 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds.

• Coat color

The Catahoula has a short to medium-length single coat that lies close to the body. The texture of their coat can vary from smooth to coarse. Catahoulas exhibit a wide range of coat colors and patterns such as Pied, Black, Brindle, and Red. They may feature color points or trim on areas like the chest, cheeks, above the eyes, legs, underbody, or under the tail.

1. Black and tan Catahoula Leopard - Source: catahoula_leopard_dogs
   
   
2. Pied Catahoula Leopard - Source: catahoula_leopard_dogs
3. Tri-color Catahoula Leopard - Source: catahoula_leopard_dogs

Male and female Catahoula Leopard Dogs show minimal differences, particularly in size. While both genders typically stand at a similar height, males may exhibit a slightly heavier build compared to females. This breed generally maintains consistency in physical dimensions between males and females, with slight variations in weight being the primary distinguishing factor.

Feed your adult Catahoula 3 3/8 to 5 1/8 cups of high-quality dog food daily, split into two meals. To prevent bloat, wait an hour after vigorous exercise before offering food and water. The amount your dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Maintain your Catahoula's health by measuring their food and feeding them twice daily rather than leaving food out continuously.

To check if your Catahoula is overweight, perform the eye and hands-on tests. Look down at them; you should see a defined waist. Place your hands on their back with thumbs along the spine and fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard, but they should not be visible. If you can't feel their ribs easily, reduce their food intake and increase exercise.

Catahoulas are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to specific health conditions. While not all Catahoulas will develop these diseases, it's important to be aware of them when considering this breed. The following issues may occur:

• Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD): This heritable condition occurs when the thighbone doesn’t fit properly into the hip joint, leading to lameness or arthritis. Hip dysplasia can be screened through X-rays by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP). Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred.
• Deafness: Catahoulas may carry the gene for merle coloration, which is linked to deafness. Both unilateral (one-sided) and bilateral (both sides) hearing loss can occur in the breed. Before purchasing, test a puppy’s hearing by standing behind it and clapping your hands or making unexpected noises to see if it responds. Additionally, you can have the dog’s hearing tested at a BAER (brainstem auditory evoked response) facility recommended by your veterinarian.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Catahoulas may also be susceptible to eye problems, including conditions like cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can lead to gradual vision loss over time. Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring of their eye health are essential to detect and manage these issues early.

Weekly brushing maintains the Catahoula's coat's cleanliness and shine while helping to manage shedding, which is light to moderate throughout the year. Baths are typically needed only a few times annually.

For oral hygiene, brush your Catahoula's teeth two to three times per week to prevent tartar buildup and bacterial issues, with daily brushing being optimal. Trim their nails once or twice monthly, ensuring they are kept short to avoid snagging.

Check their ears weekly for debris, redness, or irritation. Use a recommended cleanser and cotton ball to clean the outer ear canal gently, avoiding deep insertion.

Introduce grooming routines early in your Catahoula's life, acclimating them to brushing, nail trimming, and ear checks. Handling their paws and inspecting their mouth and ears regularly helps them become comfortable with grooming and vet visits, establishing a positive association through praise and rewards.

Rescue groups focused on Catahoula Leopard Dogs are committed to their welfare and finding suitable homes. They rescue these dogs from shelters and provide essential medical care. Their goal is to match Catahoulas with families who appreciate their unique traits and energetic nature. Supporting these rescue efforts helps ensure more Catahoulas find loving forever homes.

Janeen's Catahoula Leopard Dog Rescue
Catahoula Rescue of New England

The price of a Catahoula Leopard Dog typically ranges from $500 to $1,500, depending on factors such as breeder reputation, pedigree, and location.

When seeking a Catahoula Leopard Dog for sale, it's crucial to prioritize reputable breeders who adhere to ethical practices. These breeders prioritize the health and well-being of the dogs, ensuring proper socialization and genetic testing. 

AKC Marketplace
catahoulapuppiesforsale.com

• Many water-loving dog breeds have webbed feet for better swimming. The Catahoula Leopard Dog also has webbed feet, but their webbing extends much further down the toes.
• This breed is often affectionately called a "cat-dog" for a reason. With their webbed feet, short, hard nails, and athletic build, some Catahoula Leopard Dogs can even climb trees.

1. Catahoula Leopard climbing tree- Source: catahoula_leopard_dogs

• Louisiana's state dog is the Catahoula Leopard Dog.
• Catahoula Leopard Dog appears in the TV show "King of the Hill" as Ladybird, the Hill family's pet.

1. King of the Hill- Source: IMDb

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is best for active, experienced dog owners who can provide plenty of exercise, training, and tasks. They are ideal for those who appreciate unique breeds and can commit to early socialization and consistent training. Their protective nature makes them excellent watchdogs for families.