The Catahoula Leopard Dog is one of the oldest North American breeds. They trace their roots to the sight hounds and molossers brought by the Spanish in the 1500s, then bred with the dogs domesticated by the Native Americans of the deep south, with some French Beauceron mixed in later. They have been bred primarily for health, temperament, and working ability with little regard to appearance until fairly recently. They are well adapted to the swamps of the deep south, with single coats (need to be kept warm in cooler climates), and very pronounced webbing between the toes. Some have the ability to climb trees.
They are working dogs grouped with the herders but are very versatile. The same dog is often used to hunt large and dangerous game, herd (primarily by heading), retrieve, protect, and be a good family companion.
A good hunting catahoula has a "hot nose" and a "closed" bark, meaning they only pick up relatively fresh scents and only start barking when they can actually see the quarry. They have pretty soft mouths and are not usually used as catch dogs, they just hold the animal at bay while the hunters bring in a harder-mouthed catch dog to bring down the bayed animal. Hunters usually run at least three bay dogs together after feral swine or black bear, that makes it less dangerous for the dogs. They are very persistent and very tough.
They are high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. If they get bored they can (will)) be destructive and turn into escape artists. Giving them jobs to do is the best way to manage their energy. They have been bred to work with and independently of humans, and consequently can have an independent streak that many handlers might regard as hardheadedness. Diligent attention to basic obedience and gentle but firm introduction to and reinforcement of leash manners are necessary. They are generally good with kids in the family and other pets, but also can have a very strong herding instinct, which means a tendency to nip. They can have protection instinct, so a lot of socialization with people and other dogs is necessary, especially strangers coming onto the home territory.
They can be quite a handful and are probably not the best choice for a first dog or for an apartment in the city. They are growing in popularity as non-working companion dogs because of their looks, and a lot of them are ending up in shelters because people can't handle them, especially in the exuberant puppy stage. With good handling and lots of exercise and mental stimulation they can do well in suburbia.
They have been bred for hundreds of years but were only recognized by the UKC in 1995. Here's the UKC page: http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/Breeds/LouisianaCatahoulaLeopardDog. Note that the information given in the breed history is not correct; genetic testing has not confirmed any red wolf (Canis rufus ) heritage in either modern or ancient North American dog breeds.
They are working dogs grouped with the herders but are very versatile. The same dog is often used to hunt large and dangerous game, herd (primarily by heading), retrieve, protect, and be a good family companion.
A good hunting catahoula has a "hot nose" and a "closed" bark, meaning they only pick up relatively fresh scents and only start barking when they can actually see the quarry. They have pretty soft mouths and are not usually used as catch dogs, they just hold the animal at bay while the hunters bring in a harder-mouthed catch dog to bring down the bayed animal. Hunters usually run at least three bay dogs together after feral swine or black bear, that makes it less dangerous for the dogs. They are very persistent and very tough.
They are high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. If they get bored they can (will)) be destructive and turn into escape artists. Giving them jobs to do is the best way to manage their energy. They have been bred to work with and independently of humans, and consequently can have an independent streak that many handlers might regard as hardheadedness. Diligent attention to basic obedience and gentle but firm introduction to and reinforcement of leash manners are necessary. They are generally good with kids in the family and other pets, but also can have a very strong herding instinct, which means a tendency to nip. They can have protection instinct, so a lot of socialization with people and other dogs is necessary, especially strangers coming onto the home territory.
They can be quite a handful and are probably not the best choice for a first dog or for an apartment in the city. They are growing in popularity as non-working companion dogs because of their looks, and a lot of them are ending up in shelters because people can't handle them, especially in the exuberant puppy stage. With good handling and lots of exercise and mental stimulation they can do well in suburbia.
They have been bred for hundreds of years but were only recognized by the UKC in 1995. Here's the UKC page: http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/Breeds/LouisianaCatahoulaLeopardDog. Note that the information given in the breed history is not correct; genetic testing has not confirmed any red wolf (Canis rufus ) heritage in either modern or ancient North American dog breeds.
