The Catahoula Leopard dog is a versatile working dog native to Lousiana, most commonly used to work stock. It is also known as the Catahoula Cur. This breed has its origins in crosses between the wolf-like dogs that local Native Americans owned and dogs that Spanish and French settlers brought between the 16th and 18th centuries. Although initially used to help round up feral cattle and pigs, these dogs have also demonstrated hunting and guarding abilities. These dogs are very energetic and eager to please. Although strong-willed, the breed is intelligent and devoted to any task its owner wants it to perform.

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With their varied history, Catahoulas are one of the most versatile breeds, having stayed true to their early American working roots. Their energetic yet loyal nature helps make them perfect family companions.

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3 pros and cons of owning a Catahoula Leopard

Size and Weight

The Catahoula Leopard is a medium to a large-sized dog with a short, smooth coat. The average male height is 24″, while the female height averages 20″. When males are fully grown, they average 90lbs, with females averaging 65 lbs. Because of their size that veers somewhat larger, these dogs are physically mature by closer to two years old.

Common Health Issues

Catahoula Leopards are healthy dogs for the most part but may have a few health issues. Hip Dysplasia, common in many larger breeds, is a condition that may affect these dogs later in their lifespan. Cataoulas may also experience deafness, with dogs that have a merle coat and blue eyes being more susceptible. These dogs may develop eye issues that are associated with certain lines bred to preserve the most popular colors. Abnormal pupil dilation, tunnel vision, and difficulty opening the eyes may occur. Catahoula Leopards may develop certain cancers as older dogs. Skin cancer is one of the more common types of cancer, although likely treatable if caught early.

In short, the health issues you will have to think about the most with this breed include:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Deafness
• Eye problems
• Cancer

Temperament and Behavior

Catahoula Leopards are intelligent, energetic, protective, and loyal dogs. Although these dogs exemplify behavior perfect for their working background, they are adaptable for family life. Catahoula Leopards have a lot of personality and are sure to delight everyone they meet.

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Although the traits that make these dogs excellent workers go back to their hog and cattle-driving days, they can handle a lot of tasks. Any behavior issues these dogs have can respond well to training. The dog’s adventurous personality makes it a perfect companion on hiking and other outdoor trips.

How To Take Care of Catahoula Leopard

Pet owners taking care of Catahoula Leopards, from puppies through adulthood need to consider important factors. Regardless of whether you’re dealing with the speed these dogs run at when at play or whether to get a rescue dog, you will need to consider a diverse range of factors.

The Best Dog Food for Catahoula Leopards

Catahoula Leopards need a high-quality diet from the time they are puppies to thrive. When you are buying the right dog food for your pet, here are some important things to consider:

Catahoula Leopard puppy food: Hip dysplasia is a legitimate concern for Cataholas because of their size, making the right food as puppies vital. High-quality puppy food that includes calcium among its ingredients is ideal, whether wet or dry. The meat content should be lean, such as fish or poultry. These dogs should remain primarily on puppy food until two years old, and gradually transition to adult food.

Catahoula Leopard adult dog food: Adult Catahoulas should eat food designed for large, active dogs that contain nutrients protecting bone and joint health. One of the things that you may want to look for is a food that contains glucosamine, or a supplement containing this nutrient.

Taking this breed’s vulnerable joints into account, A-Z Animals believes the best dog food for Catahoula Leopards is Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints Natural Mobility Support Adult Dry Dog Food and Wet Dog Food.

This targeted nutrition dog food is perfect for Catahoula Leopards and other hip dysplasia-prone dogs, with a balance of naturally occurring glucosamine from real chicken. The taurine and vitamin A work together to protect their eye health and vision. Also, this recipe is full of amino acids for head-to-toe wellness.

Try out Blue Buffalo Jolly Joints Natural Mobility Support Dog Food, available on amazon.

Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints Natural Mobility Support Adult Wet Dog Food, Chicken 12.5-oz cans (Pack of 12)

• MOBILITY SUPPORT DOG FOOD: Our Jolly Joints adult dog food is formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin, clinically proven to support hip and joint health, plus EPA from fish oil for mobility support, and optimal minerals for strong bones
• NATURAL INGREDIENTS RECOMMENDED BY VETERINARIANS: BLUE True Solutions is a natural dog food made with the finest ingredients enhanced with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients
• STARTS WITH HIGH-QUALITY CHICKEN: This delicious wet dog food is formulated with wholesome ingredients including fruits and vegetables to help keep your dog moving, naturally
• MADE WITHOUT WHEAT: Unlike many other canned dog foods, BLUE never uses wheat as a thickener in our wet food. True Solutions science based dog food has NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, and NO corn, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives
• Contains twelve (12) 12.5 oz. cans of BLUE True Solutions Jolly Joints Mobility Support Adult Wet Dog Food, Chicken

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Maintenance And Grooming

The Catahoula Leopard has minimal grooming requirements, with a short coat. Weekly brushing is sufficient outside of the regular shedding season that occurs in early spring. Using a dog brush with stiff bristles followed up by polishing with a grooming mitt will keep your dog’s coat looking perfect. Catahoulas are not as susceptible to skin problems as some other breeds but may experience allergic dermatitis due to flea bites or other stimuli. Because Catahoula Dogs shed very little, their coats are largely hassle-free.

Training

Catahoula Leopards are somewhat challenging to train in comparison to other breeds because of their independence. Socialization makes all the difference in ensuring that training is effective. Training sessions need to be short to reduce the risk of the dog getting bored. Owners need to remember that these dogs reach full maturity at two.

Exercise

Catahoula Leopards have a high exercise level and can easily run at a high speed. These dogs need to live in a house that has a large enough yard for regular exercise. Catahoulas are not suitable for apartments or other small spaces, often becoming destructive when bored. These dogs require one or more walks a day or vigorous play in the yard for at least an hour daily. Fetch with balls or frisbees is perfect for this breed. Hiking and swimming are also excellent ways of keeping this dog stimulated.

Puppies

Catahoula puppies require early socialization, regardless of whether they come from a breeder or a rescue. The earlier these dogs are socialized, the better they will get along with other dogs. Training at an earlier age helps Catahoula Dogs know what you expect of them.

Catahoula Leopards And Children

Catahoula Leopards have a very affectionate temperament with children. Although they can keep up with the demands of kids very easily, their large size makes them less ideal for smaller children. Older children and teens will do best with these dogs.

Dogs Similar to Catahoula Leopard

Dogs that are similar to the Catahoula Leopard in colors are the Australian Shepherd and Australian Cattle Dog, while a similar breed in personality is the American Bulldog:

• Australian Shepherd – Some of the traits that Australian Shepherds share with Catahoula Leopards include common colors, high intelligence, speed, and trainability. These dogs have a long coat that requires more grooming and maintenance.
• Australian Cattle Dog – Although somewhat smaller in size, Australian Cattle Dogs have patterns that include merle colors, a lifespan that matches or well exceeds that of a Catahoula Leopard, and a relatively low-maintenance coat, although Cattle Dogs are double-coated.
• American Bulldog – American Bulldogs share a strong working history, minimal shedding, and a family-friendly temperament with Catahoula Leopards.

Popular Names for Catahoula Leopard

Popular names for Catahoula Leopards are:

• Beau
• Bella
• Bleau
• Abby
• Leo
• Remy
• Lola
• Scout
• Willow
• Roux

Famous Catahoula Leopard

Although not as well-known a breed as some others, Catahoulas occupy enough of a place in Louisiana culture that there have been a few famous dogs of this breed. There have been a few famous Catahoulas known in history:

• Jim and Rezin Bowie lived in Catahoula Parish in their youth and had a pair of these dogs. These dogs slept at the brothers’ feet, demonstrating that they were loyal!
• Theodore Roosevelt owned one of these dogs during the early 1900s. The Catahoula was a favorite hunting companion for this active sportsman!
• Louisiana Governor Earl K. Long was noted to have been a breed enthusiast. This interest was the inspiration behind the annual Uncle Earl’s Hog Dog Trials!
• Centenary College of Louisiana selected the Catahoula Leopard as its mascot in 2007!

Last update on 2022-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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