Dog breeds catahoula leopard dog

These pups, who are also called Catahoula Hog Dogs and Catahoula Curs, were bred as working dogs to track and drive hogs and cattle from Southern swamps.

The catahoula leopard dog is a medium-large herding dog breed from the United States whose trademark is its short, smooth coat that comes in an array of eye-catching colors and patterns. These dogs tend to be serious about their work—whether it be farm work or hunting—and companionable with their family. They require an owner who is firm and consistent with training and who can provide them with lots of exercise. Catahoula leopard dogs generally have an energetic and alert temperament. And with their family they have fairly affectionate and playful personalities. They don't always get along with other household pets, including dogs, due to their territorial nature and prey drive. But they sometimes can coexist with dogs when raised together from a young age.

Dog breeds catahoula leopard dog

Created as a hunting and herding dog for the Louisiana bayous, the Catahoula leopard dog thrives in an active, working environment. Chad has been blessed with the ability to always find and adopt the Goodest Dog in the World with uncanny accuracy. When not writing, he also enjoys road trips, movie marathons and presidential history. Native to the lush, damp greenery of Louisiana, Catahoula leopard dogs sometimes called the Catahoula leopard cur have been developed as remarkably versatile working dogs. In their home state, you'll find Catahoulas tasked with herding cattle, acting as watchdogs, retrieving waterfowl, and hunting wild hogs. Aloof toward strangers, Catahoula leopards develop strong bonds with their family units and can make great family dogs. Bred with a strong independent streak, Catahoulas aren't afraid to stand up for themselves and require a bit of patience. But when they're properly trained with positive reinforcement , Catahoulas can be your perfect pup. Catahoula leopard dogs are striking. Because the primary concern of their breeding stock is their working and herding abilities, appearance is often a secondary concern, which has allowed for a stunning amount of variance from dog to dog, according to the National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas NALC. Historically, all of today's Catahoulas come from three breeding lines , each of which produced dogs of different sizes and colors. Over the years, those three lines have been cross-bred again and again, resulting in the variation we see today. Coats range from single colors such as black , red, and yellow, to brindle and double-brindle coats. You'll also see coats with the merle or "leopard" pattern that gives the dog his name in shades of black, blue, and red.

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They can be territorial and protective, so early training and socialization is necessary. The Catahoula eye can also be different colors or combinations. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is named so in reference to the mottled coat of most Catahoulas, which resembles a leopard, and is the result of the merle gene. However, not all Catahoulas have a mottled coat, and the breed actually comes in a variety of coat colors and patterns. The two most distinctive physical traits for the Catahoula Leopard Dog are both its coat and its eyes. This breed has a strong work ethic, and requires plenty of exercise to get out all of their pent up energy. Although they can be reserved and territorial with strangers, with the proper training and socializing, they become loyal and loving pets.

This serious working dog goes about his business with tremendous focus and assertiveness. This athletic, rugged dog requires at least an hour of running exercise each day. Without sufficient outlets for his high energy, he will become rambunctious and destructive. Most Catahoula Leopard Dogs are reserved with strangers and naturally protective. Skittishness and sharpness can be problems in some lines, so you need to be careful about where you get your dog.

Dog breeds catahoula leopard dog

These pups, who are also called Catahoula Hog Dogs and Catahoula Curs, were bred as working dogs to track and drive hogs and cattle from Southern swamps. Their hardworking and independent nature is still present today. Catahoulas are striking-looking dogs, often with brindle or merle coats and bright blue eyes. They have a muscular build, with adults standing 22—24 inches and weighing 50—95 pounds.

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Contact Us. AKC Class. Be sure to check out our feature on several of the most popular dog training methods. If you are consistent and follow a schedule, housetraining comes easily to the Catahoula. More from The Spruce Pets. Measure content performance. Consequently, they will do best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard and experienced pet parents. Cur-type hunting dogs. Netherlands - Nederland. Their tendency to bark at strangers, combined with their strong protective instincts, make them excellent watchdogs. Tools Tools. European settlers used the dog for hunting and herding livestock.

It became the state dog of Louisiana in Both registries have assigned the breed a herding designation, although it has traditionally been used in hunting feral boars. The Catahoula lineage is unknown.

But you should always discuss both the amount and type of diet with a vet. Pet tape rollers, fur brooms, and specialized vacuums can eliminate pet hair from carpet, clothing, and even furniture. Catahoula Leopard Dog personality. Although they can be reserved and territorial with strangers, with the proper training and socializing, they become loyal and loving pets. Living with a dog that drools requires a degree of acceptance and proactive management. Catahoula Leopard Dog puppies should be fed more frequently, up to four times a day on a set schedule. Both the Louisiana Catahoula Cur Association and the National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas were formed in the late s to track and register this breed and govern the breed standard. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking them to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash in public. Some use acute powers of scent to follow a trail while others demonstrate the gift of stamina as they run down a quarry. Apartment dwellers have a myriad of dog breeds to choose from as potential companions, with various factors to consider. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Apartment dwellers have a wealth of dog breeds to choose from as potential furry companions.