Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog

Appearance: Colourful & Athletic

With an ideal height of about 61cm at the shoulder for males and 56cm for females, and a weight of up to 43kg, the Catahoula is a compact and powerful dog, yet not bulky. Its athleticism is evident at first glance. Not all Catahoulas sport the spotted “Leopard-Look”; the name signifies the numerous variants in which the short fur is allowed according to the standard.

All coat base colours except white are permitted, and the dogs can be brindled, patched, or merle. White spots are also allowed, but the white proportion should not exceed 70% of the fur. Any eye colour is acceptable, including heterochromatic eyes.

© tiggra / stock.adobe.com

History: Not a Dog for Everyone

The past of the Catahoula is surrounded by several legends. Some believe the breed originated when Native Americans crossbred their dogs with the molossers and greyhounds brought by Spanish in the 16th century to the southeastern part of the present-day USA. Others think it resulted from crossing the native dogs with Beaucerons of French settlers in the 19th century. However, the legend that red wolves were involved in the breed’s creation was disproved through DNA testing. The name “Catahoula” comes from the Choctaw language, the people who lived in present-day Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The ancestors of today’s Catahoula worked on farms and helped drive cattle herds. They also bravely accompanied hunts for wild boars and raccoons. It was only in the mid-20th century that the Catahoula emerged as an independent breed, but it remains recognised only by the United Kennel Club (UKC). The American Kennel Club (AKC) is currently evaluating possible recognition, while the largest European federation, the FCI, has no plans for recognition. In the USA, the National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas (NALC) has been advocating for responsible breeding and keeping of the breed since 1977, with the focus: “not everyone needs a Catahoula”. Since 1979, the Catahoula has been the official State Dog of Louisiana. Additionally, there’s the “Catahoula Bulldog,” which, however, doesn’t form a separate breed; it’s a hybrid cross between American Bulldog and Catahoula, with its necessity remaining a topic of discussion among dog enthusiasts.

Character: Confident Working Dog

The Catahoula is a confident working dog, primarily still bred for work in the USA – show successes are irrelevant. It’s intelligent and works independently and persistently. Without appropriate mental and physical stimulation, it will find itself a task. The breed is courageous and loyal, defending its loved ones and guarding its territory. It can be dominant towards other dogs, especially males. Some Catahoulas are sociable with strangers, while others prefer to keep their distance. With its two-legged pack, the Catahoula is sensitive, child-friendly, and affectionate.

For Dog Experts: Training

To train a Catahoula, experience with dogs and plenty of time are necessary. Only with a close bond can a Catahoula be responsibly guided. Commit early to loving consistency, avoiding any harshness that might break the trust between you. Enrol your Catahoula in puppy play groups and dog school to foster social contacts and teach it to get along with other dogs. Catahoulas with little social exposure in their youth risk becoming bullies. Dog clubs offer other benefits: look for a club offering nose work courses, like mantrailing, where you and your adult Catahoula can gather learning experiences that strengthen your bond. Tip: The Catahoula is a working dog – from an early age, teach it to appreciate rest periods. Failing to provide intentional breaks can result in a restless dog that struggles to relax.

Health and Care

The breed is considered robust, but Catahoula breeders should breed with an understanding of potential health issues to minimise the risk of hereditary diseases. This includes knowledge about the Merle gene and planned mating accordingly. Most Catahoulas carry the Merle-Gen, which, especially combined with a high white proportion in the fur, can lead to unilateral or bilateral deafness. In case of doubt, a hearing test (BAER test) is recommended. A responsible breeder will take the time to explain these factors and the preventive measures they implement. Additionally, the parent dogs should have demonstrably healthy hips – ask to see the relevant veterinary certificates.

Regularly check your Catahoula’s floppy ears and use a suitable ear cleaner if needed. The coat care of this breed is simple: brush your Catahoula every few days to remove dead hair. Daily brushing during shedding season can help reduce hair loss in your home. Bathe your dog only if the dried dirt cannot be brushed out, using a mild dog shampoo. With good health and care, a Catahoula can average 12 years or more in lifespan.

Nutrition: Lots of Meat for the Working Dog

Like any dog, the Catahoula enjoys a hearty meat meal. To feed your pet species-appropriate, ensure that the meat content in its diet is high – choose food where meat is listed first. It should not contain grain or sugar. If you want to feed your Catahoula raw food (BARF), remember that a diet of only meat can lead to deficiencies. Those who opt for BARF should study the subject carefully or use ready-made BARF products that include the necessary nutrients in the correct amounts.

Plan any dietary changes carefully to avoid potential sensitivities like diarrhoea or vomiting. Gradually introduce the new food by mixing a little more each day with the familiar food. After meals, always allow your dog a digestive nap, which also helps prevent dangerous gastric torsion. A balanced diet significantly contributes to your dog’s health – this includes the right amount. Keep your dog at a healthy weight. For a treat, offer snacks like dried meat pieces or a chew bone made from beef rawhide. Treats should be included in the daily amount – bear this in mind if your Catahoula tends to gain weight. Always ensure your dog has access to fresh drinking water.

Discover our range of dog food and dog accessories!

Exercise: Work That Is Fun

The primary tasks of the Catahoula as a working dog include herding cattle and hunting. This means it enjoys activities that engage its mind and allow it to act independently. However, the breed is not limited to farmers or hunters. Properly trained, the Catahoula excels in rescue dog work, tracking, and cadaver detection. It often finds delight in mantrailing. The breed is generally less enthusiastic about agility, but lighter individuals may enjoy it as a supplementary activity to nose work. Feel free to try agility with your Catahoula, but don’t expect high placements in competitions – it’s all about the fun! Protection dog training is not recommended – a Catahoula naturally protects its loved ones, and such training could unnecessarily increase its sharpness. Of course, a Catahoula also enjoys long walks in nature in any weather. Also, ensure it has daily rest periods to prevent it from becoming overly eager and hyperactive.

© otsphoto / stock.adobe.com

Is a Catahoula Right for Me?

Anyone considering a Catahoula must be aware that this breed is a true worker. It’s not suitable as a family companion dog unless you’re, for instance, a hunter or police officer using it for tracking duties. In these cases, the sensitive Catahoula can indeed enrich family life after work. It’s not suitable for urban living; it needs a home with a large garden, which must be securely fenced to prevent it from chasing rabbits or neighbours’ cats. It shouldn’t be kept with small pets, and keeping one with cats only makes sense if the Catahoula is accustomed to them as a puppy. However, keep in mind that individual Catahoulas might still see a running cat as prey. Generally, parallel housing of cats and Catahoulas should be approached cautiously. The Catahoula usually gets along well with children, but never leave dog and child unsupervised.

Speaking of supervision, think ahead about a suitable holiday care for this confident dog. Ideally, family members or friends experienced in handling dogs who already know yours. Perhaps a holiday together is an option? Well-behaved dogs are now welcome in many hotels, making a hiking holiday together possible. Besides the purchase price for the puppy and its basic equipment, consider the ongoing costs.

Where Can I Find My Catahoula?

The breed is very rare in Europe, but some breeders do adhere to the standard. If you want a purebred dog, ensure to support responsible breeding. Only buy from breeders with expertise and experience. Especially with exotic breeds like the Catahoula, you may encounter people breeding mixed or unchecked dogs just for profit. Avoid them to suppress the demand for such practices. In Europe, “The European Association of Louisiana Catahoulas” (EALC) supports responsible breeding. Their website lists breeders from nine European countries. In the USA, the NALC helps locate reliable Catahoula breeders.

If you’re looking for an adult Catahoula, you’ll need a stroke of luck in Europe – your chances are better in the USA. Tip: Consider looking for dogs with similar characteristics in animal shelters. Larger dogs with Catahoula-like personalities often struggle to find experienced homes.

We wish you much delight with your intelligent Catahoula!