Catahoula Leopard Dog

Even though the Catahoula Leopard Dog is the official state dog of Louisiana, many people are not familiar with this breed. They are very popular pets and herding animals in many parts of the country, but are not as well known as breeds that are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Weezie, a 14-year-old Catahoula Spotted Leopard Dog

History of the Catahoula Leopard Dog

The exact origins of the Catahoula Leopard Dog are unknown, but it is believed that these dogs first emerged in the United States in Louisiana. Named for Catahoula Parish in the northern part of the state, these canines have long held a special place in the heart of Louisianans. The Catahoula was named the official state dog in 1979.

About the Breed

Natural Born Herders

As with the other herding breeds, Catahoula Spotted Leopard Dogs are most content when they are working. These highly intelligent herding dogs have long been used to herd wild pigs in the Louisiana swamps, and are also excellent livestock herders. Catahoulas are aggressive herders that work best in groups. Unlike some other herding dogs, they don't nip at the heels of their wards. Instead, they continually run circles around the animals they are trying to direct, basically irritating them into moving in the desired direction.

Even though their natural instincts are to work, Catahoula Spotted Leopard Dogs also make excellent pets, assuming their owners are prepared to handle such energetic and sometimes aggressive canines. These animals have a great deal of energy and need to be exercised frequently. Owners should be plan to enroll in obedience training with their Catahoula when their dog is very young. Some Catahoulas also take very well to agility training activities.

Appearance

The American Catahoula Association is dedicated to promoting and maintaining breed standards and skills. The association sponsors a variety of Catahoula shows, trials and other events. True working dogs, Catahoulas are not bred for uniformity of appearance. Even so, there are a number of common characteristics among Catahoula Leopard dogs.

• Coloring: Coat colors vary widely for Catahoulas. These dogs are almost always spotted, and their spots come in all different colors. They usually have merle coats, either in black and tan, black and white, or in multiple shades of black and gray that give them a blue coloring, similar to that of the Australian Blue Heeler and the Blue Tick Coon Hound.

• Coat: Catahoulas tend to have short, thick coats and are not prone to shedding. They do not require much grooming.

• Eyes: Catahoulas are known for having clear intelligent eyes in vivid shades of light blue or goldish-brown. It isn't uncommon to see Catahoulas with two different color eyes.

• Size: When fully grown, male Catahoulas stand 22 to 26 inches tall, and weigh as much as 90 pounds. Adult females tend to range from 20 to 24 inches, and weigh between 50 and 70 pounds.

• Distinctive Features: Catahoulas tend to be stocky animals, with broad, flat skulls and webbed feet.

Personality Traits

As is the case with most herding breeds, Catahoulas tend to be territorial, and are very protective of their homes and property. They make excellent watch dogs. They are loyal and loving with people they know, but are not instantly drawn to strangers. It takes a Catahoula quite a while to warm up to new people. They are very protective of their human families, as well as of the livestock they are charged with herding and keeping safe.

Weezie in a "standoffish" mood

Catahoulas are fiercely independent creatures that sometimes come across as being rather standoffish in nature. They can be very stubborn, and tend to have very strong alpha tendencies. Catahoulas insist on taking the dominant position among other pets in the household. They are particularly stingy with food, and will often use their herding instincts to chase other pets away from the food and water bowls.

Owners who do not quickly establish themselves as the master with their Catahoula puppies may find themselves in for a lifelong struggle for the dominant position in the relationship. This is why early obedience training is so important with this breed of dog.

These dogs are not the quickest maturing of canine breeds. It generally takes between two and three years for a Catahoula to begin exhibiting the behaviors of an adult dog.

Health Concerns

Overall, Catahoulas tend to be very healthy animals. The most common problems in this breed are deafness and hip dysplasia. Weezie, the Catahoula pictured here, has had chronic ear infections for most of her life and began exhibiting signs of nearly total deafness at the age of twelve.

Owning a Catahoula Spotted Leopard Dog

Assuming you can handle living with an overgrown puppy for two to three years, there is nothing more rewarding than forming a bond with a loving and loyal Catahoula. If you're interested in adding a Catahoula to your household, you can find a directory of breeders on the American Catahoula Association's website. You may also want to consider adopting a rescue dog through the nonprofit Catahoula Rescue organization..

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