Catahoula Leopard Dog picture
Catahoula Leopard Dog

Catahoula Hog Dog, Catahoula Cur, Catahoula Hound

Overview

The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a medium to medium-large, short-coated dog, with a broad head, small-to-medium drop ears, and an undocked tail set on as a natural extension of the topline. The Catahoula is well muscled and powerful, but not bulky, giving the impression of agility and endurance. The Catahoula is a moderate breed and should not resemble either a sighthound or a bulldog in appearance. The body is just slightly longer than tall and the distance from the elbow to the ground should equal 50-60 percent of the dog’s height from the withers to the ground. Because of the breed’s name, many people assume that all Catahoulas have the so-called “leopard” markings and blue eyes. In fact, the breed is noted for its many and unusual coat colors and patterns, as well as varied eye color. The Catahoula should be evaluated as a multi-purpose working dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog’s ability to work.

Catahoulas are highly intelligent and energetic. They are assertive but not aggressive by nature. Catahoulas in general are very even tempered. Males tend to be more obnoxious than females, but Catahoulas are very serious about their job if they are working dogs. They make a good family dog but will not tolerate being isolated, so interaction with the dog is a daily requirement. When a Catahoula is raised with children, the dog believes that it is his or her responsibility to look after and protect those children. Many owners will say that the Catahoula owns them and they can be insistent when it's time to eat or do other activities. Catahoulas are protective and a natural alarm dog. They will alert one to anything out of the ordinary.

Size Medium to Large
Height Male: 22-26 inches (56-58 cm) Female: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm)
Weight 55-80 pounds (16-37 kg)
Lifespan 11-13 years
Colors Black Black and Tan Blue Brindle Brown Gray Red Silver Tricolor
Origin United States
Classification Purebred
Good Lapcat
Good In Apartments

Some do well in apartments while others do not. It all depends on the lines of the dog and how much time an owner spends with the dog and how much exercise it receives.

Good With Children

Good with Kids: This is a suitable dog breed for kids. It is also friendly toward other pets and shy toward strangers.

Good With Dogs

Good With Cats

Exercise Needs

When not hunting, this breed needs to be taken on a daily walk, jog, hike or run. In addition, they will enjoy running free in a fenced-in yard or safe open area. When Catahoulas play they can be very noisy and physical. People need to be careful and teach the dog to control its play.

Trainability

Moderately Easy Training: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is average when it comes to training. Results will come gradually.

Affectionate

Playfulness

Grooming Requirements

Since the Catahoula is a short, single-coated dog, the grooming needs are minimal. They should have a bath a couple of times of year (unless they get into something and get filthy) and a good brushing once a week. The nails should be trimmed regularly and the teeth kept clean. This breed is an average to light constant shedder. When nervous or stressed, they have a tendency to shed more, especially when you are petting them.

Shedding

Minimal Shedding: Recommended for owners who do not want to deal with hair in their cars and homes.

Vocalization/Barking

Occassional

Catahoula Leopard Dog Pictures