Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog Informationuse keyboard arrows for additional information about this breed |  |
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General Description
(Catahoula Leopard Dog) (Catahoula Hog Dog) (Catahoula Cur)The Louisiana Catahoula was bred for work rather than show, so the appearance of the breed can vary. It has a short and tight, single coat, with a merle (mottled) or black and tan pattern. The skull is broad and flat, framed by pendant ears that hang down just below the eye. Their eyes are their main feature, and have been termed "haunting" or "glass eyes" because of their light-blue color, or half‑blue, half‑brown "cracked" eyes, although all‑brown is also an acceptable eye color. The breed has a deep chest and strong, solid legs. Some Catahoulas have a short tail.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog at the top of this page is from the Mr. T.A. McMellin Catahoula line.
Character
The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is an independent breed, very protective and territorial. Although they can be loving with their family and people known to them, they are wary of strangers. Do not force attention on the Catahoula, let it come to you when ready. This breed is a working dog, and needs a dominant owner who shows leadership.
Size
20-26 inches
Males: 22-26 inches Females: 20-24 inches
Weight
55-80 pounds
The Wright line: 90-110 pounds. The Fairbanks line: 60-75 pounds. The McMillan line: 50-60 pounds
General Health
The Louisiana Catahoula is prone to hip dysplasia. It can be afflicted by deafness in one or both ears (if the dog is a white faced with "glass eyes" there is an 80% chance it will be deaf.). Eye problems include tunnel vision and an abnormal pupil.
History
The origin of the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is unknown, but the theory is that they originated from the dogs brought to North America by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, and that they interbred with the semi-domesticated Red Wolves of the indigenous population. Then, when the French arrived in the 17th century, the French arrived, and the dogs interbred with their Beauceron. Whatever their origin, they are one of the oldest breeds in the United States, and Louisiana is cited as the point of their origin, with the name coming form a parish in the northeastern part of the state. There were three lines of this dog, which have been combined to make the breed known today. In 1979, officials named the Catahoula as the state dog. The breed is a working dog, used in several states to round up feral pigs and cattle, or to trail and tree raccoons.
Maintenance
The Catahoula requires a brushing once a week, and should be bathed a couple of times a year, or as necessary. Trim the nails on a regular basis and brush the teeth. The Catahoula is a constant shedder, and may shed more if stressed.
Ideal Environment
The Catahoula is not ideally suited for either the apartment or the residential home. It will make an excellent farm dog. It needs exercise, or a job to do. Because it has only one coat, it cannot deal with cold temperatures very well.
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TXCAT Catahoulas Scott & Jannette Honeycutt NALC Registered Breeder PO Box 240 Henryetta, OK 74437 Phone (800)...
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Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog Q&AAsk a Question
I think I have a Louisiana Catahoula Leopoard DogI'm trying to learn more about this breed. My rescue has been ID'd as an Australian Shepherd, until the rescue happened across info on the Louisiana Cathoula Leopard. Austin fits the bill exactly. I've long suspected he had some...
Asked by Anonymous - 1 answers
I am fostering a litter from the local animal shelter, and i am convinced the mother is a ...I am fostering a litter from the local animal shelter, and i am convinced the mother is a catahoula, she had 7 pups, one died, it had a cleft pallet and was deformed in the face and back legs, two of the pups are pure white, and i...
Asked by Anonymous - 8 answers
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