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Catahoula leopard dog

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is the state dog of Louisiana, developed in the Catahoula parish from Native American dogs crossed with stock brought by Spanish and French settlers, and used to hunt and work feral hogs and cattle in swamp and forest.

It stands 51 to 61 centimetres, weighs 23 to 43 kilograms and lives ten to fourteen years. The leopard coat is merle, and glass or cracked eyes — pale blue, or blue mixed with brown in one iris — are normal and correct. It is a serious working dog with high drive and a strong independent streak, and the merle genetics carry a specific and avoidable danger.

Origin
Catahoula parish, Louisiana, United States
Size
51–61 cm; 23–43 kg
Lifespan
10–14 years
Coat
Merle leopard patterning; glass or cracked eyes are normal
Genetics
Merle must never be bred to merle
Temperament
High-drive working dog; independent and protective

Related: American leopard hound

2 catahoula leopard dog photos, newest first

  • Mistral, a catahoula leopard dog

    Mistral

    Mistral was promoted to ambitious roadside lemonade vendor; unfortunately, a pile of cushions slowly topples.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Mistral, a catahoula leopard dog

    Mistral

    Caught Mistral mid-yawn, as usual.

    MerryBadger · 2 weeks ago

Living with a catahoula leopard dog

Ask the colour of both parents. Merle bred to merle produces double merle puppies — largely white, and frequently deaf, blind or both. It is entirely preventable and it is the first question for any merle breed.

BAER test any predominantly white puppy.

This is a working dog with real drive. It needs a job and hours of activity; a Catahoula in a flat becomes destructive and reactive.

They are protective and can be assertive with other dogs. Early socialisation and consistent handling are needed.

Ask for hip scores. The short coat needs almost nothing beyond a weekly brush.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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