Catahoula Leopard Dog
The tough Catahoula Leopard Dog has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
Origin
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is thought to be the first dog breed to be developed in North America. In 1539, the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto arrived in Louisiana with “war dogs,” which were most likely Mastiffs, Bloodhounds and Greyhounds. When the Spaniards left Louisiana, they deserted some of their war dogs. The Native Americans living in the area took them and began breeding them with the Red Wolf.
In the late 1600s and early 1700s, the French landed in Louisiana, bringing with them a dog known as the Beauceron. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is believed to be a mix of the French Beauceron and the wolf-like dog created by the Native Americans. The breed was used for herding wild cattle and hogs as well as hunting large game.
Size
The Catahoula Leopard Dog weighs 50 to 90 pounds and measures 20 to 26 inches.
Grooming Needs
The Catahoula Leopard Dog has a short coat that sheds very little. The Catahoula Leopard Dog just needs to be brushed once a week and bathed a few times a year. Like all dogs, the Catahoula Leopard Dog also needs basic grooming. Brush their teeth, clean their ears and trim their nails on a regular basis.
Character
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a highly protective working dog.
Temperament
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is an effective guardian of people and property. The Catahoula Leopard Dog was bred to be an assertive cattle dog and may display aggressive tendencies with strangers and dogs of the same sex. They require lots of early training and socialization. With their family, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is loving and gentle, but retains an independent streak.
Training Needs
The Catahoula Leopard Dog requires an experienced, confident owner. The Catahoula Leopard Dog wants to be dominant and does best with firm, assertive training. This breed is intelligent, but not for first-timers. As part of their training, the Catahoula Leopard Dog also needs early socialization with people and other dogs to help them manage any aggressive tendencies.
Activity Level
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is highly active and needs lots of room to roam. The Catahoula Leopard Dog needs at least one hour of exercise every day. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is an especially good choice for farm and ranch owners with plenty of open land. They relish having a job to do and will enjoy hunting or helping with livestock.
