Know All About the Loyal Catahoula Leopard Dog Breed

What is Catahoula Leopard Dog Breed?

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is an American dog breed named after Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. A variety of names, including “Catahoula Leopard Hound,” “Catahoula Hog Dog,” and “Catahoula Hound,” have been given to the Catahoula Leopard, formerly known as the Catahoula Cur.

In 1979, the Louisiana state dog, the Catahoula Leopard Dog, was designated as an American dog breed. As a protective, watchdog, and devoted family pet, this high-energy breed excels.

Catahoula Leopard Dog History

Native Americans created Catahoula, which has its roots in North Central Louisiana and the region surrounding Catahoula Lake, from whence it derives its name.According to one story about the breed’s origins, Hernando de Soto introduced the Catahoula to Louisiana in the 16th century.

The Choctaw Indians gave the name Catahoula, meaning “sacred lake.” The region near Catahoula Lake in north central Louisiana, where the species first appeared, is where the name “Cataula” comes from. Native American dogs that first settled in northern Louisiana may have been the ancestors of the Catahoula leopard dog.

The early settlers of Louisiana explored the forest with these native Indian dogs and wild pigs when they first arrived. The reality is that there were so many wild boars in the forest that people considered them a nuisance and had little value.

Different names or Types

Catahoula Leopard Dog other names

Catahoula Cur
Catahoula hound
leopard hound

Recognized Names

Recognitions

ACA = American Canine Association Inc
AKC = American Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel Club
ACR = American Canine Registry
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry

Appearance & Characteristics

Catahoula Leopard dog can have a variety of different physical traits, but they are often muscular dogs with a rectangular body. Large heads with drop ears and a powerful, somewhat tapering nose are typical features of these animals.

They frequently have a lengthy, curled tail and a robust, muscular neck. With medium-to-short hair, they have a variety of colors. There are numerous color variations of Catahoula Leopard dog, including blue merle, red merle, brindle, and solid colors.

On their face, legs, or breast, solid-colored Catahoula Leopard dog frequently have tiny splashes of other colors, including white. The Catahoula Leopard dog has one smooth, short, or medium-coarse coat. The short seems to have been painted. The medium can have long “feathering” on its tail, breast, and hind legs.

Breed basic characteristics

Country of origin: United States
Breed group: Foundation Stock service
Life span: 10-14 years
Size: Medium To Large
Height: 22-24 inch
Weight: 50-95 pound
Coat: Medium-large, Short-coated
Type: Purebred
Shedding: Moderate to high
Colors: Black, White, Cream, Red, and Brown.
Also as known: Catahoula hound, Catahoula Cur
Good with children: Yes
Personality traits: affectionate, loyal, and gentle.
Good with pets: Yes
Barking: When necessary
Competitive registration: AKC, UKC, ACR, ACA, NAPR

Catahoula Leopard Dog Size: The medium- to large-sized Catahoula Leopard Dog is renowned for its hunting and herding skills. It normally weighs between 50 and 95 pounds and is 22 to 24 inches tall.

Eyes: Typically the cranberries are creamy-white with a glaze

Ears: Drop Ears

Body: strong and muscled

Coat

The Catahoula has a single coat that is short to medium in length and rests flat against the body. While there is no preference, texture might be smooth or gritty. However, many registration bodies that accept the Catahoula demand a short or slick-coated dog.

Color and Markings

Common coat colors for this breed include.

Black
White
Gray
Silver
Blue
Buff
Tan
Red

Coat Color and Markings

The coat of the Catahoula Leopard Dog is one layer thick. Although it may appear in any color scheme, it most frequently appears in the following four coat patterns: solid color, brindle, leopard print, or patchwork pattern.

Personality and Temperament

Personality of Catahoula Leopard Dog

The Catahoula Leopard can be mellow, affectionate, and protective of people, but many won’t get along with other dogs unless they receive excellent socialization as puppies. They could be affectionate and experience separation anxiety.

The attitude of a Catahoula Leopard Dog is intense, serious, and focused when working in the field, and protective, fun, and loving when they are at home with their family. If properly socialized from a young age, Catahoula are not aggressive toward people, although they do have a tendency to be apprehensive and distant around strangers.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is the ideal breed if you seeking for a hunting and working dog. The calm and loving nature of the Catahoula Leopard Dog makes them an excellent breed for a family with young children.

Temperament of Catahoula Leopard Dog

Catahoula Leopard Dogs have an independent mind of their own and do not take pressure to breed and train. Some Catahoula people are stubborn, willful and domineering. Numerous factors affect temperament, including genetics, training, and socialization.

Good-natured puppies are curious, playful and eager to approach and interact with people. This dog is not hostile to humans. When there are strangers present, they are fearful and wary. Territorial Being fiercely protective of their properties, the Catahoula tends to be territorial.

They are wonderful watchdogs, natural protectors, and Catahoula Leopard Dogs are generally docile around new people.

Activity Requirements

Catahoula Leopard Dogs are happy and well-behaved in the home, so they need both lots of activity and brain stimulation. A dog needs space for all its uses. If they don’t channel their energy positively, they tend to be destructive.

Exercise options include playing outside, especially in a fenced area, or going for frequent walks. swimming, hiking, and retrieving balls or flying discs are all great outdoor activities to burn off energy.

Dogs can benefit greatly from training in dog sports such as agility, obedience and rally. Try to get at least two hours of vigorous exercise every day, whether it’s sports, walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or something else.

Trainability

The Catahoula leopard dog needs to be trained as soon as you bring it home, which is crucial. This breed has the potential to be destructive inside the home without training and mental stimulation.

The Catahoula leopard dog to be thoroughly socialized in order to be a compassionate and loving companion in the home due to its independence and territorial instincts.

Starting at a young age, introduce Catahoula leopard dog to a variety of people, pets, and environments to help him feel secure and at ease. He may become less territorial if he has positive encounters in other contexts.

Health & problems

This breed typically lives between 10 and 14 years. In the same way that all individuals have the chance to inherit a certain disease, all purebred dogs have the ability to have genetic health issues. They are occasionally develops conditions like hip dysplasia, deafness, and vision issues.

The prevalence of glass eye issues is considerably higher in Catahoula leopard dogs with white faces or coats. In their later years, older Catahoula Leopard Dog breeds are also susceptible to cancer. The likelihood of sickness in puppies is decreased by good breeders who genetically screen their breeding material.

This breed is still nearly exclusively developed for working purposes. Any genetic condition that might prevent them from carrying out their role is swiftly removed from the gene pool.

Feeding Plan

A balanced diet is essential for the Catahoula Leopard Dog to be strong and energetic. Any diet should be appropriate for the dog’s age. Regardless of whether the food is prepared commercially or at home under the direction and agreement of a veterinarian, dogs thrive on high-quality dog chow.

Watch the dog’s calorie intake and weight level as some dogs are prone to gaining weight. Leopard dogs of the Catahoula region have a high metabolic rate and require 1200 calories per day to maintain their active lifestyle.

Between 8 and 12 weeks, a 6-month-old puppy has to be fed three times each day. Puppies should be given 3/4 cup each day between the ages of 6 and 12. Include items high in protein in the dog’s diet, such as steamed green vegetables, eggs, liver, lean meat, red meat bones, bananas, etc.

Lean meat, eggs, fruits, steamed vegetables, and other foods make up a puppy’s diet from one to eight years of age. Half a cup of feed should be used.

Living conditions

This breed excels in agility and obedience training as well as hunting and tracking activities. The farm or ranch where there are animals to herd and lots of space to run around and play is where Catahoula Leopard Dogs feel most at home. If not, they require a household with a sizable, fenced-in yard and a place to exercise their instincts for herding and tracking.

will require at least one hour of daily activity. For an active pet owner who likes jogging, hiking, or long walks, they make a fantastic companion. Catahoula require cerebral stimulation through sports, interactive games, or training activities in addition to physical activity.

This breed cannot be left outside, despite their love of the great outdoors. Catahoula dislike being left alone for an extended period of time and need to spend lots of time with their human group.

How to take care of Catahoula Leopard Dog?

The Catahoula leopard dogs require proper care. They should have regular checkups from the vet, get adequate exercise and nutrition, and receive regular grooming to maintain their health and happiness.

To keep them active and avoid boredom, exercise should include walking, playing and other activities such as agility or flyball. They should also have access to clean, fresh water while exercising.

Grooming & Brushing

The Catahoula Leopard Dog will maintain its best appearance and cleanliness with regular weekly grooming as well as occasional washing. Preparing for Catahoula is not very difficult. For dog and owner, grooming can be a wonderful bonding activity.

The short coat needs to be brushed once a week to disperse skin oils, remove loose hair and remove debris. Depending on how dirty the dog is, aim to bathe the dog every month.

The strong, fast-growing nails of this breed should be regularly clipped with a nail clipper or grinder to prevent overgrowth, splitting and cracking. To avoid the build-up of earwax and debris, which can lead to infection, the ears should be checked frequently.

Catahoula cheetah dogs are more prone to dental problems than other dogs. At least twice a week, you should brush this dog’s teeth.

Feed Healthy food

Catahoula leopard dog need a high-quality diet that provides good caloric intake for their high energy levels. They may also thrive on dry kibbles. The breed thrives on RAW food. A diet consisting of meat, eggs, fruits, and cooked veggies is another option.

One of the most crucial aspects of a dog’s existence is providing a nutritious food. Nowadays, there are a variety of nutritious meals on the market from which to pick for the dog because a good diet is essential for maintaining a dog’s wellbeing.

The following items should never be feed to Catahoula Leopard Dog

Chocolate, coffee, or tea
Tomato leaves stem or unripe fruit
Alcohol, beer, wine or liquor
Salt & salty foods
Poultry bones
Onions, chives, and garlic
Grapes or raisins
Yeast dough
Moldy or spoiled food of any kind

Also Read: Belgian Malinois Dog Breed

Puppy information

Catahoula Leopard Dog Puppy Training

Catahoula require strict, regular training because they are exceptionally intelligent animals. The Catahoula is not recommended for the nervous or novice owner. This breed needs a self-assured trainer who is strict, consistent, but caring at the same time.

Train the dog to perform the desired trick repeatedly throughout the day. Additionally, be sure to correct them when they misbehave and reward them when they listen. It is very important to give them socialization, obedience, behavioral training.

Behavioral training

Behavioral training is very important for any dog. Dog behavior training is extremely beneficial for dog care. If you want to quickly teach a puppy behavioral training, start by identifying some typical behavioral problems, including biting, aggression, food guarding, crying, mouthing and chewing, separation anxiety, etc.

Obedience training

This is one of the most important and essential training elements for all dog breeds. They use three distinct teaching methods when instructing the Catahoula, all of which build on the foundational come, sit, stay, heel, and down commands.

Every dog should be taught these 5 basic obedience instructions. because teaching dogs to obey is incredibly important.

Socialization

All dog breeds benefit greatly from socialization. The majority of Catahoula Leopard Dogs guard against strangers. For them to learn to recognize the typical actions of “good people,” they need to be exposed to pleasant people frequently. So when someone exhibits odd behavior, they can tell the difference.

A Catahoula might become aggressive or shy if improper socialization doesn’t make them distrustful of everyone. socialization is a key component in fostering good behavior in Catahoula Leopard Dogs.

Catahoula Leopard dog puppies for sale

These capable Catahoula Leopard Dog puppies are perfect for people who live an active lifestyle.
The average Catahoula Cheetah puppy can cost anywhere from $300 – $900.

Things to consider adopting a Catahoula Leopard Dog

Catahoula leopard dogs are renowned for their independence, propensity for intransigence, and general high level of activity.
When they don’t get enough exercise and are bored, they chew, dig, and behave destructively.
They have a smooth coat and are very easy to grooming.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a renowned superior watchdog. and has earned a reputation for being the family’s guardian.

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Catahoula Leopard Dog Breed