Catahoula Leopard Dog

Originating in the American South (especially Louisiana), the Catahoula developed from Native American pariah dogs, European herders/curs, and hunting dogs. Farmers and hunters prized a gritty, multi-purpose stock and bay dog able to find, track, and hold game or control cattle in difficult terrain. The breed is Louisiana’s state dog and is maintained by registries such as NALC and UKC (AKC Foundation Stock Service in the U.S.). Today, Catahoulas remain versatile working dogs and dedicated companions when their needs are met.

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A medium-to-large, athletic dog with strong bone and a weatherproof coat.

• Weight: 50–95 lb (23–43 kg)
• Height: Males ~22–26 in (56–66 cm); females ~20–24 in (51–61 cm)
• Coat Type: Short, dense single coat
• Coat Colors: Any colour/pattern—merle (“leopard”), brindle, patched, or solid; white markings vary
• Eyes: Any colour; glass/blue and odd-eyed are common
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Broad head with strong muzzle, medium drop ears, deep chest, powerful hindquarters, fishhook/sickle tail, agile, efficient movement

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Low-maintenance coat with seasonal shed management.

• Brushing: 1×/week (rubber curry/bristle brush); more during coat blow
• Bathing: Every 4–8 weeks or as needed; rinse after muddy work
• Ears/Teeth/Nails: Clean ears weekly; brush teeth 2–3×/week; trim nails every 2–4 weeks
• Skin/Field Checks: After woods/brush: inspect for burrs, cuts, ticks; keep pads conditioned
• Shedding: Low to moderate; heavier seasonally

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A high-drive working athlete—plan for serious daily outlets.

• Daily Exercise: 90–120 minutes (split sessions)
• Great Activities: Long hikes/trail runs, tracking/blood-trailing, obedience/rally, agility, canicross, nose work, structured tug/fetch with rules
• Suitability: Best with access to fields/trails; apartment life only with robust exercise + enrichment and excellent manners training

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Smart, independent, and powerful—clarity and consistency are essential.

• Approach: Positive reinforcement with clear boundaries; short, purposeful sessions
• Focus Areas: Rock-solid recall around wildlife, loose-leash walking, impulse control (doors/stock/guests), polite greetings, quiet on cue
• Socialization: Early, controlled exposure to people, dogs, livestock, surfaces, and equipment; aim for neutrality rather than forced friendliness
• Management: Secure fencing/long lines until recall is bombproof; crate training for off-switch and travel

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Fuel the worker; keep lean for joint health and stamina.

• Food Type: High-quality active/performance kibble or balanced fresh diet
• Daily Quantity: ~2.5–4.5 cups/day total (varies by dog/food/workload), split into two meals
• Diet Advice: Maintain BCS 4–5/9; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/joints; count training rewards; fresh water always
• Bloat Note: Deep-chested athletes can be at some risk—avoid heavy exercise 60–90 minutes before/after meals; consider slow feeders

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Seek transparency on working temperament, genetics, and health—or consider rescue.

• Breeders: Choose preservation breeders (often NALC/UKC; AKC FSS in U.S.) who provide BAER/CAER/hip results, merle-DNA pairing plans, early stock/field exposure, and lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Catahoula-specific and working-breed rescues; ask about prey drive, stock exposure, and hearing/eye checks
• Canadian Resources: Not widely CKC-recognized; many Canadians work with reputable U.S. breeders/rescues. Join provincial scent-work/obedience/tracking clubs (ON/BC/QC/AB) for training and community; review import requirements

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Generally hardy, but merle genetics and working size require careful screening.

• Hearing: Congenital deafness risk—especially in extensively white/double-merle dogs (BAER test recommended)
• Eyes: Microphthalmia and other defects linked to double-merle; cataracts/PRA reported—CAER eye exams
• Orthopedic: Hip dysplasia (primary), occasional elbow dysplasia; cruciate injuries in hard workers
• Skin/Allergy: Environmental/food sensitivities possible in some lines
• Endocrine: Hypothyroidism occurs in some dogs
• Life Expectancy: 10–14 years
• Recommended Testing (breeders): Hips (± elbows), CAER eyes, BAER hearing, and M-locus (merle) DNA to avoid MM breedings; disclose thyroid and orthopedic history

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Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs good family dogs?
Yes—for experienced owners who provide early socialization, structure, and daily exercise.

Are Catahoulas good apartment dogs?
Generally not ideal—possible only with 90–120 minutes of exercise, enrichment, and strong training.

Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed?
Low to moderate. Weekly brushing manages hair; expect seasonal increases.

Are Catahoulas hypoallergenic?
No. They are not hypoallergenic.

How much exercise does a Catahoula need?
Plan for 90–120 minutes daily plus brain work (tracking, nose games, obedience).

Can Catahoulas be off-leash?
Use caution—prey drive and independence are real. Proof recall on a long line and choose safe, enclosed areas.

What is the “leopard” pattern?
It’s merle—a mottled coat pattern. Responsible breeders avoid double-merle (MM) pairings due to hearing/eye risks.

Catahoula vs Australian Cattle Dog—what’s different?
Catahoulas are generally larger, multipurpose bay/stock dogs with merle and varied colours; ACDs are smaller heel-nipping herders with denser double coats.

What health tests should breeders do?
BAER hearing, CAER eyes, hip (± elbow) evaluations, and merle DNA pairing plans; discuss thyroid/orthopedic history.

Do Catahoulas bark a lot?
They can be vocal, especially as bay dogs. Teach “quiet” and provide scent/working outlets.

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