Catahoula Leopard Dog
Breed Standard
Catahoula Leopard Dog Breed Description
Catahoula Leopard Dog Breed Description
The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a medium-large sized, multi-purpose dog breed originally bred for hog hunting in the Louisiana swamplands. This breed is muscular and powerful as well as agile with great endurance. They are intelligent and independent thinkers, capable of being trained as livestock dogs, tree dogs, bay dogs, guard dogs, farm dogs, and companion dogs.
The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a medium-large sized, multi-purpose dog breed originally bred for hog hunting in the Louisiana swamplands. This breed is muscular and powerful as well as agile with great endurance. They are intelligent and independent thinkers, capable of being trained as livestock dogs, tree dogs, bay dogs, guard dogs, farm dogs, and companion dogs.
Their physical stature is roughly 24in at the shoulders, and weight can vary depending on the breeder's lines and preferences. Thinner, lankier lines are common for Catahoula's bred for livestock herding, while heavier, bulkier lines are often bred for hunting and catching. While there is no defined weight range, the official NALC (National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas) breed standard does state the breed should be all-around proportionate, and well-muscled and trim. Their temperament is protective and vigilant, and can be territorial.
Their physical stature is roughly 24in at the shoulders, and weight can vary depending on the breeder's lines and preferences. Thinner, lankier lines are common for Catahoula's bred for livestock herding, while heavier, bulkier lines are often bred for hunting and catching. While there is no defined weight range, the official NALC (National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas) breed standard does state the breed should be all-around proportionate, and well-muscled and trim. Their temperament is protective and vigilant, and can be territorial.
Their coat and eye colors vary wildly, and is a highlight of the breed. Their coat length can be short to medium, but never long or fuzzy. The eyes can be several colors, from amber to blue/green to brown, and can be 'cracked' showing more than one color on each iris. To learn more about the standard shapes and proportions, and what is known as 'serious faults' to the breed, you can read the complete breed standard description at the official National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas' website.
Their coat and eye colors vary wildly, and is a highlight of the breed. Their coat length can be short to medium, but never long or fuzzy. The eyes can be several colors, from amber to blue/green to brown, and can be 'cracked' showing more than one color on each iris. To learn more about the standard shapes and proportions, and what is known as 'serious faults' to the breed, you can read the complete breed standard description at the official National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas' website.
If you're interested in the origins of the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, you can read more about the breed and its establishment on the official NALC website.
If you're interested in the origins of the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, you can read more about the breed and its establishment on the official NALC website.
"Not everyone needs a Catahoula."
"Not everyone needs a Catahoula."
-NALC Motto
-NALC Motto
Crazy for Catahoulas: Our Experience with the Breed
Crazy for Catahoulas: Our Experience with the Breed
Our experience with the Catahoula Leopard Dog has been wonderful, and our whole household fell in love with the breed. They are personable and goofy, and spectacular additions to the homestead environment. They are not a high-drive breed, and like all hounds they love hanging out with their human pack members fireside when not working their jobs. They have a good energy level - able to work the homestead all day but also able to chill for a few days waiting for a storm to pass by.
Our experience with the Catahoula Leopard Dog has been wonderful, and our whole household fell in love with the breed. They are personable and goofy, and spectacular additions to the homestead environment. They are not a high-drive breed, and like all hounds they love hanging out with their human pack members fireside when not working their jobs. They have a good energy level - able to work the homestead all day but also able to chill for a few days waiting for a storm to pass by.
The breed is adaptive and versatile, and we have had success teaching them a variety homesteading jobs. They have learned everything from flushing to predator control with ease. They are also able to learn their environments quickly, and are able to determine the difference between play sounds and distress sounds from the homestead animals and react accordingly.
The breed is adaptive and versatile, and we have had success teaching them a variety homesteading jobs. They have learned everything from flushing to predator control with ease. They are also able to learn their environments quickly, and are able to determine the difference between play sounds and distress sounds from the homestead animals and react accordingly.
When it comes to protecting and defending the homestead, the Catahoulas understand the difference between unwelcome visitors and guests as well. They always alert the family of the arrival of someone or something, and also respect the commands to allow guests to visit without being challenged.
When it comes to protecting and defending the homestead, the Catahoulas understand the difference between unwelcome visitors and guests as well. They always alert the family of the arrival of someone or something, and also respect the commands to allow guests to visit without being challenged.
The NALC Motto is "Not everyone needs a Catahoula." and while we have had a great experience so far, we understand why the NALC makes this clear from the start. There are some hunting instincts you have to learn to work with, not against, to bring out the amazing companion a Catahoula can be.
The NALC Motto is "Not everyone needs a Catahoula." and while we have had a great experience so far, we understand why the NALC makes this clear from the start. There are some hunting instincts you have to learn to work with, not against, to bring out the amazing companion a Catahoula can be.
