Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dogs

Reese is a Catahoula Leopard dog, which has been our good fortune. He is an abosolute joy to be with and gets plenty of attention wherever we go. In the south he is immediately identified by people as a Catahoula. In New England, few people have a clue as to his breeding and most have never heard of a Catahoula. A Cata.... what (?), is the usual response. These dogs are really interesting and distinct in their character and behavior.

Catahoula Leopard Dogs are the only known North American domesticated breed, and are thought to have been developed by Native American tribes in Louisiana and the Southeastern part of the U.S. Later crossed with the various breeds brought by subsequent European explorers, such as the Mastiff and Greyhound favored by the Spanish and the Beauceron, favored by the French. Catahoula breeders have kept the breed pure to the present day, although there are several other American breeds, such as the Mountain Cur, which are thought to be related.

The Catahoula is renown as a herding and hunting dog and was bred for these activities. Today they are used to herd and protect cattle, as well as to hunt game, from squirrels to bears. They have amazing endurance and are agile and athletic. They are considered the biggest and most aggresive of the cattle dogs and will outwork and outfight all other cattle breeds in defense of their owner, livestock and property. Originally, they were bred to handle cattle and wild hogs in the most rugged and remote areas.

Preferred size is from 20-26", weight 50-90 lbs, with a few individuals larger, although most males average 60-70 lbs in lean working condition, & about 24" tall. Short haired, long tail, natural flop ear (like a Dalmatian ear), they come in every color of the rainbow, but are best known for a blue/grey base with black/liver spots ("blue Leopard"), tan legs and face, white toes and chest. Many variations on this general pattern. Spots occur in all colors. Blue/glass or parti-colored "marbled" or "cracked"eyes are common in every litter. Often a dog will have eyes of two different colors.

Leopard dogs are very loyal, loving, intelligent and independent....seemingly, thinking for themselves. They need an assertive owner and are best suited for rural areas, where they have a lot of room to run. My daughter's dog Reese, loves the horse stable environment, where he can socialize with the other dogs and accompany her on trail rides.

Greg Marlett, Copyright 2008, All rights reserved.

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*The Catahoula Leopard Dog has been assigned the Herding Group designation.

*In 1979, the Catahoula Leopard Dog was named the state dog of Louisiana.

*The Catahoula Leopard Dog has been recorded in the Foundation Stock Service since 1996.

*Other names for the breed include Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, Catahoula Cur, Catahoula Hog Dog and Catahoula Hound.

*The Catahoula originated in North Central Louisiana in the geographic area around the Catahoula Lake from which it got its name.

*Catahoulas have been taken to Venezuela to gather wild Brahman cattle on huge ranches.

*In Canada, Catahoulas have competed successfully in sled dog racing.

*The word Catahoula is of Choctaw Indian origin and is translated into English as "sacred lake." Just as the Choctaw word Chockahoula means "sacred home."

The foregoing is courtesy of the AKC at:
http://www.akc.org
and is subject to AKC copyright and terms of service

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