Catahoula Leopard Dog

Catahoula Leopard Dogs, also known as Catahoula Curs, are intelligent, loyal, independent, protective and highly entertaining. Because of their working background, Catahoulas require constant mental stimulation and hard physical exercise to be good companions. They are an assertive and dominant breed who will take over a household if given the chance. With proper training these dogs make wonderful companions and family dogs. Catahoulas excel at working livestock, hunting all kinds of wild game, search & rescue, protection, and police work.

Originating in Louisiana, Catahoulas were bred to track and drive cattle and feral hogs at butchering time. Not surprisingly, they are aggressively unyielding in their work. They also have webbed feet, allowing them to swim very well and work in marshy areas.

Catahoulas are reserved with strangers and protective of their families. They are very opinionated about who is trustworthy and who isn’t. They are known to be a great judge of character. They are highly intelligent and need early, consistent training.

Catahoulas are companion dogs and do not do well outside. They are hard-working and independent, though, and require adequate exercise. They may be aggressive towards other dogs and should not be trusted off-leash. That said, if they are socialized with other animals early on, they will get along well with them. They are protective of children and their family but have to be supervised with children and other dogs, making them great watchdogs.

Major Health Concerns: Catahoulas are prone to deafness, thought to be from the Merle gene. They are also susceptible to hip dysplasia, abnormal growth in the jaw, and Panosteitis. They may also be affected with Diabetes and Thyroid Hypothyroidism.

Interesting Fact: This breed is known for its striking blue eyes (called ”glass”) but Catahoulas’ eyes may be any color.

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