- Catahoula Leopard Dog Breed: Everything You Need to Know
Everything You Need to Know About
Catahoula Leopard Dog Breed
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Table of Contents
Catahoula Leopard Dog General Information
Known as the state dog of Louisiana, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is versatile, intense, and visually stunning.
These beautiful canines have short to medium coats in striking patterns like spotted, brindled, patched, or solid. They tend to sport distinctive eyes of blue, green, brown, or amber ‘glassy’ looking eyes.
Their captivating looks have helped them rise from their initial relative obscurity, and now they have become quite popular as pets.
In this article, we will discover characteristics of the Catahoula Leopard Dog, and everything to keep in mind when considering adopting one of these striking pups.
Characteristics of a
Catahoula Leopard Dog
Pay attention to these most common traits of the Catahoula Leopard Dog:
Temperament
The Catahoula Leopard Dog temperament is generally focused, serious, independent, and intense.
However, they do have a playful side, and can be incredibly gentle and affectionate with their family at home.
These intelligent dogs are fiercely loyal and protective of those they love, and can tend to be wary of strangers. When properly socialized, they are not outright aggressive.
Catahoulas are working dogs with a devoted and energetic nature that can make great family pets with proper training.
Energy Level
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are known to be relatively high-energy and need an hour of exercise every day at a minimum.
They’re active dogs who love runs, hikes, and walks and make great companions for active people who regularly participate in such activities.
These intelligent dogs also need sufficient mental stimulus to prevent destructive boredom. This stimulus can include puzzle toys and learning new skills.
Puzzle Ball
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are known to be relatively high-energy and need an hour of exercise every day at a minimum.
They’re active dogs who love runs, hikes, and walks and make great companions for active people who regularly participate in such activities.
These intelligent dogs also need sufficient mental stimulus to prevent destructive boredom. This stimulus can include puzzle toys and learning new skills.
Size
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a fairly large dog and the largest among stock dogs.
- Weight:
A Catahoula Leopard Dog’s weight can range from 18 kg-50 kg (39-110 lbs), with 20-50 kg (44-110 lbs) being the male range and 18-41 kg (39-90 lbs) being the female range.
- Weight:
- Height:
The average male height for this breed ranges from 56-66 cm (22-26 in), while females are shorter at 51-61 cm (20-24 in).
- Height:
- Length:
A Catahoula’s average overall body length is 81-104 cm (31-41 in).
- Length:
Average Size Chart
Weight
Female
Male
18-41 kg
39-90 lbs
20-50 kg
44-110 lbs
Height
Female
Male
51-61 cm
20-24 in
56-66 cm
22-26 in
Length
Female
Male
81-104 cm
31-41 in
81-104 cm
31-41 in
Weight
Female
18-41 kg
39-90 lbs
Male
20-50 kg
44-110 lbs
Height
Female
51-61 cm
20-24 in
Male
56-66 cm
22-26 in
Length
Female
81-104 cm
31-41 in
Male
81-104 cm
31-41 in
Trainability / Intelligence
Training Catahoula Leopard Dogs is fairly easy due to their intelligent and eager to please nature.
These handsome dogs do very well in obedience training, despite having an independent streak in them which can make them stubborn.
What you need to do when training a Catahoula is to be firm, gentle, and patient — utilizing positive reinforcement.
It should be kept in mind that Catahoula Dogs are very praise-motivated. Confirm that they have done the right thing with words and treats. Positive reinforcement should always be used when training these dogs.
Behavior when training should be fair and consistent, and your expectations must be clearly communicated in a way that the dog can understand.
Other Pets / Children
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- Other pets: When it comes to pets and Catahoula Leopard Dogs, smaller pets and dogs of the same sex can be a problem.
Catahoula Dogs can be trained to get along with dogs of the opposite sex, but tend to be aggressive towards those of the same sex.
Their strong prey drive can have them at odds with smaller pets, such as cats.
-
- Children: Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not well suited to be around infants or young children without supervision. Children and Catahoula Leopard Dogs must be treated fairly to avoid jealousy and retaliation.
These dogs are best suited to live with well-behaved older children and teens who can understand the importance of being firm and respectful, while still being gentle.
Shedding / Coat
Catahoula dogs are single-coated and low maintenance, perfect for those who don’t enjoy daily grooming.
Fur may vary between dogs of this breed to be either smooth or coarse, but it is always short.
Catahoula dogs are single-coated and low maintenance, perfect for those who don’t enjoy daily grooming.
Fur may vary between dogs of this breed to be either smooth or coarse, but it is always short.
Despite Catahoula Leopard Dog’s year-round shedding, it is light enough to be maintained with weekly brushing.
They also don’t need to be bathed very often as their fur does a good enough job of repelling dirt and keeping them clean. Once a week, and when stinky or messy, is perfect.
Grooming / Care
The Catahoula Leopard Dog Breed needs light to moderate amounts of grooming to maintain its appearance and health.
Along with weekly coat brushing, teeth should be brushed regularly with dog toothpaste and toothbrush.
A specially formulated ear solution should be used to clean your Catahoula dog’s ears once a week to get rid of wax and debris and prevent infection.
A Catahoula Leopard Dog’s strong and fast-growing nails should be trimmed with the help of a dog nail clipper or grinder anytime you can hear them tap on the floor.
Common Health Issues / Veterinary needs
The Catahoula Leopard Dog lifespan generally ranges from 10-14 years, marking them as a hardy breed with few health problems.
They’re somewhat predisposed to hip dysplasia, but their main concern is deafness which is genetically linked to their merle coloration.
- Catahoula Leopard Dog Genetic Health Issues:
Other than hip dysplasia, deafness, and eye problems, Catahoulas rarely need to visit the vet.
- Catahoula Leopard Dog Genetic Health Issues:
Regular yearly visits are still recommended even when otherwise healthy.
Once your dog becomes a senior, regular vet visit frequency should increase. Generally, this means twice per year as a senior, but discuss it with your vet, as every dog is different.
Nutrition
Like most other dogs, animal-derived proteins are essential for the Catahoula Leopard Dog to maintain lean muscle and general health.
A moderate amount of fat in the diet (about 8%) is also necessary to meet their high energy requirements.
Like most other dogs, animal-derived proteins are essential for the Catahoula Leopard Dog to maintain lean muscle and general health.
A moderate amount of fat in the diet (about 8%) is also necessary to meet their high energy requirements.
First Time Owner?
If you’ve never owned a dog before, the Catahoula Leopard Dog may not be for you.
These intelligent but stubborn dogs require gentle and assertive handling, making them best suited to those already experienced and confident with dog training and handling.
Catahoula Dogs are not recommended for timid or first-time dog owners because other than being hard to handle, their aloof and standoff-ish nature can throw owners off when they expect their dog’s affection right away.
Special Needs
• Socialization
Socialization is especially important for Catahoula Leopard Dogs due to their independent and territorial nature.
Unsocialized dogs can be aggressive, stubborn, rowdy, and hard to handle — a combination that is bound to cause problems down the road.
As such, early socialization is the key to a well-adjusted dog that is gentle and loving with its family and aloof, but not aggressive towards strangers.
A well-socialized dog also gets along better with other dogs and is generally more friendly.
• Quality time
Catahoula Dogs love the outdoors and are quite aloof when they want to be, but don’t let this fool you…
These dogs need a lot of gentle and loving quality time with their owners, and hate being left alone for long periods.
Crate training starting from an early age paired with a frozen treat-filled Kong toy can go a long way in keeping them calm and occupied when left alone for a couple of hours.
Catahoula Leopard Dog is a breed that should be kept indoors and near you for their mental health and well-being.
Catahoula Dogs love the outdoors and are quite aloof when they want to be, but don’t let this fool you…
These dogs need a lot of gentle and loving quality time with their owners, and hate being left alone for long periods.
Crate training starting from an early age paired with a frozen treat-filled Kong toy can go a long way in keeping them calm and occupied when left alone for a couple of hours.
Catahoula Leopard Dog is a breed that should be kept indoors and near you for their mental health and well-being.
• Enough Space
When it comes to how much space Catahoula Leopard Dogs need, remember that they are large multipurpose working dogs.
Catahoulas are best suited to farms and ranches where they can herd livestock and have plenty of space to play and run.
A good-sized house with a large fenced yard is also acceptable.
Catahoulas are not city dogs, and most of them do not do well in apartments. They’re energetic dogs that can easily become destructive when their needs are not met. In the absence of a large yard, easy access to somewhere grassy, wild, and secluded (for the safety of other animals) is essential.
Unfortunately, dog parks and off-leash areas are not recommended due to Catahoula’s aggressiveness towards other dogs and tendency to chase smaller animals.
• Exercise
Exercise is important for Catahoulas to avoid boredom, which directs their pent-up energy towards destructive behaviors like chewing and digging.
Mental exercise through games and sports is required in addition to physical exercise to keep Catahoulas happy and healthy.
Other Things to Consider
• Swimming
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are classified as water-retriever dogs, so it’s no surprise that most of them love water and swimming.
These dogs are great swimmers and enjoy swimming alongside their owners and by themselves.
Swimming is also a great way to exercise Catahoula Leopard Dogs, tiring them out and keeping their joints healthy.
For Catahoula Leopard Dogs, a nearby lake, pond, or dog-safe swimming pool is a must. Alternatively, set up a dog pool, such as a portable pool, in your yard.
• Hunting and tracking instincts
Catahoula leopard dogs need outlets for their hunting, herding, and tracking instincts to be satisfied. They love hunting and tracking sports and react well to agility and obedience training.
These dogs couldn’t be happier living on a farm or ranch and enjoy retrieving things, chasing after small animals or squeaky toys, and otherwise accompanying their owner during chores.
• Prior experience
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are are best suited for people who are already experienced and confident with dog training and handling.
Catahoula Leopard Dog FAQ
How Much Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs Cost?
On average, these puppies range from $600 – $1,000.
Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs Hypoallergenic?
No. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not classified as hypoallergenic dogs and are not suitable for those with serious allergies.
Although, depending on the dog and type of hair, an allergic reaction may not occur. Still, it is best to avoid this breed if you are allergic to dog hair.
Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs Rare?
Yes! Known by the United Kennel Club as Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dogs, they are a rare dog breed outside of Louisiana and the Gulf Coasts in the South Eastern United States.
This breed is almost nonexistent outside of the USA.
Are Catahoulas Good Family Dogs?
Yes, they can be! Despite being aloof dogs, Catahoula Leopard Dogs make excellent family companions.
They are not very good with other pets, but bond well with respectful and well-behaved children.
Catahoulas become very protective of and affectionate with their family. They also make excellent watchdogs.
Catahoula Leopard Dog Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rare, interesting dogs
- Great companions for very active people
- Great for farms and ranches
- Can be happy as the only family dog
- Great watchdogs
Cons
- Not suitable with other dogs and small animals
- Not good for inexperienced people
- Need open space to run and play without other animals
- Can be aggressive if not socialized and trained well
Care Guide
