Group: Pastoral
Weight: males: 70-80, females: 55-65 lbs
Height: Males: 22-26, Females: 20-24 inches
General description
The Catahoula leopard dog is believed to be descended from dogs that were used in warfare, such as the mastiff and the greyhound. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is seen as an ultimate working dog that is also highly adaptable. This breed does very well as cattle herders and wild game hunters. The Catahoula leopard dog also became the Louisiana state dog in 1979.
Temperament
Catahoula leopard dogs are independent and also very suspicious dogs. It is an affectionate dog who is very fond of his family, but is a little wary of strangers. This dog is not ideal for the family that is not willing to spend enough time with their dogs. The correct and experienced owner will enjoy this even though he is protective and quite domineering. With the Catahoula, the owner needs to establish his domain from the beginning. These dogs should not be kept outside if it is very cold, but inside a good doghouse. If possible, a doghouse with a driveway and a twist on your sleeping station. These dogs only have one coat and are therefore not ideal for cold weather conditions.
Careful
The Catahoula is a very low maintenance dog that can get away with the minimum amount of grooming. It is advised not to bathe these dogs too often, and only when really necessary. Brushing them once a week should also suffice. Catahoula’s nails should not be clipped frequently and her teeth should be clean as well.
Training
In general, the Catahoula Leopard dog is confident, focused, and dominant. This breed needs a strong owner who shows dominance from the start and is also actively involved with the dog. It is vital that these dogs receive obedience training while they are still puppies. Trainers must always train these dogs in a fair and fair manner. This breed is quite affectionate towards its master, but it is definitely not recommended for the inexperienced dog owner.
Health problems
The Catahoula Leopard dog is likely to have problems with hip dysplasia and deafness. Along with deafness, these dogs also have eye problems where their pupils are abnormal. This breed is also fortunate in the sense that they are free from diseases that other dogs struggle with. Some of the older Catahoula Leopard dogs are known to have cancer.