AKA: Catahoula Leopard Dog, Catahoula Hog Dog, Catahoula Cur

Description: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is descended from a long line of Native American dog breeds. This is a breed that is very varied in appearance, as the Catahoula Leopard Dog was bred based on its temperament and attitude rather than for its appearance. Its coat can be coarse or slick or wooly, long or short or shaggy. The color of the coat also varies. There is also no particular eye color for its eyes. It can be brown, green, gray, or amber.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog’s body is well-proportioned, with its tail long and whip-like. It reaches past the hocks of the back legs. The tail can also be in bobtail form, but this is rare. The legs are strong-boned, ending in toes with prominent webbing. This makes them excellent swimmers and the ability to work in marshy and wet areas.

Dynamics: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a breed with a sense of independence. It is intelligent and can thin for its own. This dog is not meant for owners who will try to limit the dog’s capabilities. This dog gives the impression that it feels like it is already an adult and should therefore not be forced.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog can be affectionate and loving. But it is also protective and territorial. It can also be dominating, which is why the owner should also show good leadership qualities for the Catahoula Leopard Dog to follow him or her. This breed is reserved and suspicious when it comes upon strangers.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: 55-80 pounds (16-37 kg)

Height: males 22 to 26 inches (56-58 cm.), females 20 to 24 inches (51-61 cm)

Color: The coat of the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is usually in a merle or black/tan pattern. Colors can vary, and combinations can be tri-color or quad-color. There are also coats that are predominantly white with patches of other colors.

Country of Origin: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is said to have Louisiana, U.S.A., as its point of origin. The breed was designated to be the state dog of Louisiana in 1979.

Activities: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog was usually used for the task of driving and roundind wild pigs and hogs, and also unruly cattle. This breed has a lot of energy and likes to run around in an open area. It should be taken on daily walks and exercised. It also likes to play, running and jumping and bumping into the people it’s playing with. This breed can be physical and noisy and has to be kept in control when it is playing.

Grooming: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog does not need intensive grooming. It only needs a good brushing once a week. The nails should be trimmed and the teeth cleaned. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog has a life expectancy of 12 to 13 years. This is a generally healthy breed, but is also prone to common diseases like hip dysplasia and deafness. This dog is not meant to live in apartments, and it is not to be tied to a dog house or ignored. This breed is an active dog and loves human companionship. And it needs to be paid attention to, or have something to do always.