Overview
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a muscular, versatile American working breed named after Catahoula Parish in Louisiana. It is known for its leopard-like merle coat and its unusual way of working stock.
It is an intense, athletic dog best suited to active owners who can give it a real job to do.
History
The breed's roots go back to the mid-1700s, when French settlers crossed local dogs with Beauceron-type dogs in Louisiana. Native Americans and settlers used these dogs for hunting large game and, especially, feral hogs in the swamps.
The Catahoula became Louisiana's state dog in 1979, was recognised by the United Kennel Club in 1995, and entered the AKC Foundation Stock Service in 1996. Working ability has always mattered more to breeders than looks.
Appearance
Catahoulas are muscular, rectangular dogs of medium to large build, with a large head, drop ears and a strong, slightly tapered muzzle. The tail is long and curved.
The short to medium coat is often merle, giving the leopard-like patterning that gave the breed its name. Eyes may be any colour, including blue, green, brown, amber, or a mix, and can differ from one another.
Temperament
Catahoulas are intelligent, driven and strong-willed. They are loyal to their family and often reserved with strangers, and they may be bossy with other dogs.
They need a confident owner, early socialisation and plenty of work to do. They are natural stock handlers, using a distinctive style of circling a herd as a kind of living fence.
Care and exercise
This breed needs vigorous daily exercise and a task, such as herding, hunting sports, tracking or dog sports. Bored Catahoulas can become destructive.
Grooming is simple: an occasional brush will do. Training should be firm but fair, and start early.
Health
Catahoulas are generally hardy. Dogs with a lot of white or double merle breeding may be deaf or have eye problems, and hip dysplasia is also reported.
