Catahoula Leopard Dog
Also known as Catahoula, Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Height at the withers
- 51 to 66 cm
- Weight
- 18 to 51 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 120 minutes
- Origin
- Louisiana, United States
- FCI group
- Not recognized
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 120 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
An athletic, medium to large herding and hunting dog, known for its distinctive spotted or merle coat patterns, its striking odd-colored (heterochromatic) eyes and its great drive for work. This versatile dog excels at herding as well as hunting.
History and origins
Developed in northern Louisiana from Native American dogs crossed with those of Spanish and French settlers, to hunt feral hogs and drive cattle. Named after Catahoula Parish, it is the official state dog of Louisiana.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Congenital deafness (very white merle coats)
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye anomalies linked to the merle gene
- Cataracts
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Catahoula Leopard Dog FAQ
How big does the Catahoula Leopard Dog get?
The Catahoula Leopard Dog stands 51 to 66 cm at the withers and weighs 18 to 51 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Catahoula Leopard Dog shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Catahoula Leopard Dog live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard.
How much exercise does the Catahoula Leopard Dog need each day?
Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Catahoula Leopard Dog live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are congenital deafness and hip dysplasia.
