Family:
Breed Group: AKC Herding FSS
Origin: Southeastern United States
Date of Origin: 17th century
Originally used for: Herding cattle and sheep, hunting feral pigs, deer and bear
Used today: Herding cattle and sheep, hunting feral pigs, deer and bear, companions
Other Name(s): Catahoula Cur, Catahoula Leopard Dog, Catahoula Hog Dog
History of the Breed: The Catahoula Leopard Dog can be traced back to our Native American Indians and early settlers.
Indians had a somewhat domesticated dog known as the Carolina Dog and this was likely the foundation dog that was crossed with
Spanish War dogs brought by Hernando de Soto in the late 16th and early 17th centuries in the Southeast. Many of these dogs were
left behind by explores and interbred by the local Indians with their semi domesticated Red Wolves. French explorers brought the
Beauceron with them in the 17th century, the Beauceron has a very similar merle coloration and was likely added to the bloodline
to produce what we now call the Catahoula. The Catahoula is the official state dog of Louisiana in recognition of their importance
in the history of the region.
General Appearance: A medium to medium-large dog that is well-muscled yet trim and athletic. The head has a broad top-skull
and well-developed jaws. The muzzle is deep, almost equal in length to the top-skull and it is broad at the base and tapers toward the nose.
The stop is well-defined. The ears are short to medium in length with the top of the ear being set level with or slightly below the top of the head.
The eyes can be any color or combinations of colors.
The chest is deep and reaches below the elbow and has well-sprung ribs. The back is well-muscled, level, and of medium length. The underline has a
moderate tuck-up in the loin area. The tail should have a medium to high set and can be full length or a natural bob-tail. The coat is short or
medium length and can be any color or combination of colors.
Height & Weight:
Height 20-26 inches
Weight 50-90 pounds.
Coat: Short coat
Color: Leopard or any color or combination of colors
Grooming needs: Low
Temperament of Breed: The Catahoula should have proper obedience training and socialization with dogs and people at a young age. This
is a working breed with a strong independent nature. This breed is better served in rural areas with open space. Not recommended for inexperienced
dog owners.
Friendly with children: Yes
Friendly with other dogs: This breed can be dominate and aggressive with other dogs
Suitability as a watchdog: Excellent
Exercise Level: High
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Hip dysplasia, deafness
Minor:
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
2006 AKC Ranking: Not Ranked
First Registered by the AKC: Foundation Stock
Registries: UKC, ARBA, APRI, ACR, AKC
ACR -American Canine Registry
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
ARBA -American Rare Breed Association
UKC -United Kennel Club
AKC -American Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
American Catahoula Association
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