LOUISIANA CATAHOULA LEOPARD DOG

Facts and Questions

Here, I have assembled the questions that I have been asked most often about the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog. The information contained within these pages are from personal experience and data collection. If you have a question that is not answered here please feel free to contact me.

What is a Leopard Dog?
This is a reference to the the color pattern of the Catahoula. The coloring is the results of the Merle Gene which is similar to that of the Australian Shepherd.
What is the difference between a Catahoula Cur and a Catahoula Leopard Dog?
None. They are the same dogs. The name was changed from Catahoula Cur to Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog when they became the State Dog of Louisiana.
What is the average size of a Catahoula adult?
On the average, males are 24 inches at the withers and weigh 65-75 lbs. Females will average 22 inches and weigh 55-65 lbs. There are some that are larger or smaller, but this is the average.
Do Catahoulas have Bob-tails?
There are very few lines of naturally Bob-tailed Catahoulas, but they do exist. The bob-tailed Catahoula is viewed as a fault in most show rings, but it does not hamper the working style, ability, or personality of the dog. Most breeders try to avoid bob-tails.
What color is the Catahoula?
Catahoulas come in a range of colors. Leopards (merles) may be blue, gray, black, liver, red, and patched. Patched dogs are predominantly white with any color patches. Solid colors are black, red, chocolate, yellow, and brindle. Trim colors may be black, white, tan, red, or buff.
Is it true that the Blue Leopards are the most valuable?
No. Although most people associate the Catahoula with the blue leopard coloring, it has nothing to do with the value of the dog.
Is it true that each eye is a different color?
Some Catahoulas have opposing eye colors, but this is not required of the breed.
Are Glass (Blue) Eyes rare?
Glass eyes are common in the Catahoula. The Catahoulas eyes may be brown, green, amber, or glass (blue). The eye color is just the work of the Merle gene and has nothing to do with the rarity or value of the dog.
How much does a Catahoula cost?
This depends on the breeders' opinion of the quality of their dogs. You will find Catahoulas from $100 to thousands of dollars depending, on their training and bloodlines. In general you should be able to find a good quality Catahoula between $300 and $500. Shipping costs would be added to this if you wanted a dog shipped to you.
Are Catahoulas good with children?
Yes. When a Catahoula is raised with children, the dog believes that it is his responsibility to look after those children. Caution should be taken when introducing any breed of dog to young children. Always keep in mind that young children are at eye level with the dog, and this could be perceived by the dog as a challenge for his position in the family pecking order.
Would you recommend the Catahoula as a family dog?
Yes. The Catahoula makes a good family dog provided enough exercise is made available. This breed must get a minimum of one hour of running exercise each day, rain or shine. A Catahoula will not tolerate being isolated, so interaction with the dog is a daily requirement. I strongly recommend obedience training for the family dog. Remember that this is a dog that lives to be active. Giving him a chore, even simple obedience tasks, will help to occupy his mind.
How are Catahoulas with other animals?
Each dog has its own personality, which makes it difficult to answer this directly. Catahoulas, in general, want to be the top dog and always in charge of the pack. Introducing a Catahoula to another animal should be done in the same manner as with any other dog.
Can the Catahoula be used as a protection dog?
Catahoulas are naturally protective of what and whom they think they own. In fact, many owners will say that the Catahoula owns them. Catahoulas have been trained for personal protection, but this dog is a natural alarm dog. He will alert you to anything out of the ordinary.
Can Catahoulas be used as working or hunting dogs?
Working and hunting are what the Catahoula does best. I have seen Catahoulas used for everything including retrieving ducks. The Catahoula works cattle from the head, rather than the heel. It has been stated that the Catahoula can outwork any other breed performing the same tasks.
I've heard that Catahoulas are mean. Is this true?
No. Most of those that have seen a Catahoula working a wild hog are given the impression that they are mean. As with any breed, you may find one that is aggressive, but, in general, they are very even tempered. Males tend to be more obnoxious than females, but Catahoulas are very serious about their job when they are working.
Is the Catahoula mixed with Pit Bull?
The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog was derived through breedings with the Red Wolf, Alano Mastiff, Greyhound, and Beauceron. Although some people have crossed Catahoulas with Pit Bulls in an attempt to create a better dog, the true Catahoula is comprised of the dogs listed.
Are Catahoulas registered with AKC?
Not at this time. Catahoulas are registered with: National Association of Catahoulas (NALC); States Kennel Club (SKC); Animal Research Foundation (ARF); Louisiana Catahoula Cur Association (LCCA); Catahoula Cur Breeders Association (CCBA); National Kennel Club (NKC); and United Kennel Club (UKC). Most informed Catahoula breeders are not actively seeking AKC recognition.
Are there any shows for Catahoulas?
Yes. There are a number of various organizations putting on shows which involve Catahoulas. The American Catahoula Association, The National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas, and The United Kennel Club have shows throughout the year. A newly formed club, the Canadian Catahoula Association, is making plans for a show in Canada.

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