The Catahoula leopard dog, also known as the Catahoula, the Catahoula cur, the Catahoula hog dog, Catahoula hound or the Louisiana Catahoula, is a rare breed that is not frequently spoken about, but is becoming more popular as a pet in the UK.
History of the Catahoula leopard dog
Originating in Louisiana in the USA, thought to be one of the oldest breeds in North America, the Catahoula leopard dog is a working dog that was bred as a farmer and family companion, to work in the swamps of Louisiana hunting wild boars. They are the only breed of dog that is known to have originated in Louisiana, and are thought to have been bred by Native Americans. It is suspected that the breed originated from cross breeding so called native wolf dogs, with Spanish Mastiffs and Greyhounds that were introduced by Spanish explorers in the 1500s, and then further crossbreeding with the Beauceron dogs, introduced by French explorers in the 1700s, which resulted in the breed that is today referred to as the Catahoula leopard dog.
In 1979 the Catahoula Leopard Dog was recognised as the state dog of Louisiana and in 1996 it was accepted as part of the foundation stock service run by the American kennel club.
What do Catahoulas look like?
The Catahoula leopard dog is named because of its often multicolour spotted coat, mimicking the markings of a leopard. The ‘catahoula’ part of the name is a reference to the Catahoula Parish in Louisiana where it is thought the breed originated. Although they are ‘leopard’ by name, the coat of these spotted animals is more patchy and less uniform than seen when you imagine traditional leopard markings. Some variants of the breed have a solid coloured coat with a white chest, but the majority have a base colour coat and patches and spots of up to five different colours over them. These colours can include Yellow Merle, White Merle, Red Merle, Blue Merle, Brindle, Chocolate, Red, Blue, Black, Yellow, Grey and White. In addition to their beautiful coats, they are known for having stunning eyes with some having white eyes and others having a mix of colours in the same eye.
They are medium to large breed dogs, which have a short to medium length coat and are tall stocky builds, weighing in between 20-45kg and standing 55-60cm tall (to the withers).
Can Catahoulas be kept in groups?
Keeping them in groups is not advised. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a working dog that is independent and can be intense in their nature. It is thought they may be able to get along with dogs of the opposite sex but are likely to become aggressive if kept with dogs of the same sex, so keeping them in groups is unlikely to be successful.
Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs good with children?
This intense working breed can be wary around individuals they do not know and has the ability, like any dog, to become aggressive. They have a strong prey drive which makes them unsuitable around infants, young children and small pets such as cats and rabbits etc. They are known to get along well with older children and ideally are most suited to houses with teenage and older children who can be involved in training and working with them. They should always be supervised closely in the presence of any infants or children or any adult with limited experience of them.
Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs require a lot of exercise?
As a working dog the Catahoula was bred to work farmland and hunt wild dogs. They have a high need for exercise and are best suited to homes on farms or in areas with large amounts of land that they can run around on and explore. They have a lot of energy and endurance and are not suited to city living or living in apartments and small houses.
Interestingly, The American Kennel Club reports they are known for being excellent swimmers, so this can be an exercise activity that is integrated as part of their lives. Their high requirement for exercise means they need to be exercised several times a day and love being outdoors. They are best suited to owners who are around a lot and can dedicate time to taking them outdoors and keeping them active. As a result, owners who are active themselves and spend a lot of time outdoors exploring are best for this breed. As working dogs they are used to having a purpose and continuous mental stimulation. As pets this needs to be replicated or else they will become bored, and as a consequence can become destructive and disobedient in their behaviour.
Are Catahoulas easy to train?
Catahoulas are known for enjoying training, and as a highly intelligent species they are thought to be relatively easy to train. Despite this, their independent strong willed nature means they can be strong and stubborn in some situations so experienced handlers with experience with training large working breeds is essential. This is a breed that can be trained to partake in agility or obedience activities, which can provide both mental and physical stimulation for them.
Do Catahoulas require a lot of grooming?
With a relatively smooth short coat, Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not require excessive grooming unlike some longer coated dogs. Weekly grooming sessions with baths as needed should be enough to keep them clean and comfortable, with additional grooming taking place on an ‘as required’ basis. The American Kennel Club reports they have long fast growing nails, so it is important to ensure they are exercised on a mixed terrain so they can wear their nails down appropriately, and if they become overgrown they are trimmed to ensure they do not cause pain, discomfort or mobility issues.
Does the Catahoula Leopard Dog have any health issues?
The Catahoula Leopard Dog has been reported to have an increased risk of deafness. It is thought this condition is genetically acquired and linked with the gene that codes for merle colouration. Dogs that have been found to be deaf have been reported to continue to live well as pets and have settled and adapted to the condition.
Hip dysplasia can occur in this breed, as it can in other large breeds of dog and eye issues have also been reported in some animals. Overall this breed is perceived to be generally healthy with minimally reported health concerns.
So, does the Catahoula Leopard Dog make a good pet?
In short, the Catahoula Leopard Dog can make a good pet, but its suitability as a pet depends largely on the person or family who are going to be responsible for them.
This breed has a very high energy level, is highly intelligent and has a high need for exercise and mental stimulation. Their defensive behaviour and protective nature makes them excellent watchdogs, but this behaviour can cause issues in a young family with small children, and as a result this breed is unlikely to be a suitable pet for a young family.
As an addition to an adult family with no other small pets who have a very active lifestyle that they can incorporate the dog into, and who have the ability to spend lots of time training the dog and keeping them active with walks and other exercise activities, the Catahoula can be an excellent pet.
They are reported to be very loving and affectionate to their owners, and with a lifespan of 10-14 years can be long term companions for the right owner. So the question really should be, are you the right owner for a Catahoula Leopard Dog?
Summary:
- Catahoula Leopard dogs are working dogs originating from Louisiana
- They are large breed dogs known for their protective nature and prey instinct
- They are unsuitable pets for families with small children but can be excellent pets for adults with time and a love of the outdoors, who can give them an active stimulating lifestyle with a large area to explore at home
- If you are considering this breed as a pet you should assess if you are a suitable owner for this breed, and if you can provide them everything they need
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