Catahoula Leopard Dog

The Catahoula is an even-tempered and affectionate dog with an enthusiastic playfulness. With ample exercise and a confident leader, they are wonderful family companions.

Positive Traits:

• Highly active and eager to have a purpose

• Good watchdog with a loud bark

• Excellent hunting dog

• Good with children

• Affectionate, easygoing, and lovable

• Devoted, loyal, and protective

Negative Traits:

• Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog

• Requires vigorous, frequent exercise and space to run

• Has a tendency to herd, including small children

• Territorial with larger dogs, especially of the same sex

• Can be possessive of toys and food, tending to show dominance

• Needs frequent attention from her family

Whether you are considering adding a new Catahoula Leopard Dog to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Catahoula Leopard Dog will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds.

By exploring the health concerns specific to the Catahoula Leopard Dog you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. They are counting on you to be their health expert.

Some health issues a Catahoula Leopard Dog could encounter:

• Hip Dysplasia

• Bone Pain

• Diabetes

• Deafness

• Thyroid Disease

• Eye Problems

• Cancer

• Bone Disease

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is an American breed named after Catahoula Parish in Louisiana, and they are the official state dog of Louisiana. Catahoulas are believed to be the first dog breed developed in North America, created from a mix of Native American dogs and various breeds brought by Spanish explorers and settlers. The Catahoula Leopard dog is also commonly called the Catahoula Cur, Catahoula Hog Dog, and the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog. The Catahoula was originally used to drive and round up feral hogs and cattle. They are outstanding working dogs that hunt intensely and thrive in a farm or ranch setting. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are assertive by nature but not an aggressive breed. Because they are highly intelligent, energetic, and protective, they need to be given activities to keep them from becoming bored and destructive.

Consult with a veterinarian if your Catahoula Leopard Dog shows signs of the following:

• Leg stiffness, reluctance to rise, sit, use stairs, run, jump, or “bunny hopping”

• Increased hunger and thirst, weight loss

• Easily startled, no reaction to unseen sounds

• Dull coat, hair loss, sluggish, weight gain

• Blinking, redness, pain or itchiness around the eyes

• Underbite, drooling, dropping food

• Pain when opening the mouth or chewing