The American Leopard Hound is lovable and easy going when it’s not on a hunt. This hunting hound has been used for going after everything from wild boar to bear, intimidating the prey with eye contact until the hunter arrives.
American Leopard Hound History
The exact origins of the breed remain unknown however, it is one of the oldest tree dog breeds in the Americas. The belief that dogs that were brought over by Spanish conquistadors were bred with dogs from Mexico and then found their way to the United States in the 1800s, where the breed continued to evolve into what it is today.
The breed came close to extinction in the 1950s and an effort was made to find purebreds and breed them to revive the breed. The cause for the endangerment came earlier in the 20th century when the dogs were being bred with other breeds due to a decline in numbers.
American Leopard Hound Characteristics
The American Leopard Hound is a medium sized dog around 21 to 27 inches and weighing between 35 to 75 pounds, with the males being taller and heavier than the females.
The breed can have a variety of different looks, with one main characteristic; patchy fur, which can be brindle, merle, tan, or white. They can have blue, brown or amber eyes, and a black or brown nose. Black, blue, brown, gray, red, and yellow are all breed standards for fur coloring.
American Leopard Hound Temperament/Personality
The American Leopard Hound is an optimal family companion breed that is very loving towards its family, always wanting to please. They are great around children and tend to become very protective of them and you need to make sure they don’t become too protective of them as they can interfere when children are playing with their friends.
With proper socialization and training, the American Leopard Hound can be housed with other pets, the main issue being its high prey drive. Chances are if it comes across a smaller animal that it’s a stranger to, they will more than likely chase them.
Caring for American Leopard Hound
There’s not much to worry about when it comes to caring for your American Bull Terrier. They’re a relatively low maintenance and healthy breed, only needing regular care that all breeds need.
American Leopard Hound Nutrition
American Leopard Hounds should be fed between 2 ½ to 4 cups of high-quality kibble, split into at least two meals daily. Look for kibble with high protein and adjust the food amount if you notice your dog getting too heavy as this breed tend to gain weight.
American Leopard Hound Grooming
The American Leopard Hound has a double coat that doesn’t require much bathing or brushing. Weekly brushing will help get rid of any dirt and debris and remove any loose fur that might otherwise collect on your clothes and furniture. Instead of bathing, rub them down with a wet cloth every so often, unless they are extremely dirty.
American Leopard Hound Activity Levels
The American Leopard Hounds are extremely active dogs and are not recommended for those who are unable to provide them with the exercise, and space, they need. These are definitely not apartment dogs. The breed needs at least an hour of vigorous exercise each day and are most happy when given a meaningful job to do.
American Leopard Hound Maintenance
Once a week check your American Leopard Hound’s ears for moisture and any dirt or debris and clean them. Regular oral care should be a part of their regular maintenance as well. Every so often check the length of their nails, however, most often they will be kept to a good length due to natural wearing.
American Leopard Hound Health
The American Leopard Hound is a relatively healthy dog, with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. To prevent any eye or hearing problems it is recommended to not two merle, or patterned, dogs together as double merles are more likely to have health issues.
Breeds Similar to American Leopard Hound
- Treeing Walker Coonhound
- Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Treeing Tennessee Brindle
- Mountain Cur
- Basenji
- Bluetick Coonhound
- German Wirehaired Pointing Vizsla
- American Foxhound
Best Dog Food for American Leopard Hounds
The best dog food for American Leopard Hounds is Purina ONE SmartBlend Lamb and Rice Formula Dog Food, as it features a nutrient-dense formula that is suitable for feeding the energy crave of your American Leopard Hound. This dog food provides most of the energy with the presence of easily digestible sources of carbohydrates such as rice. The presence of lamb meal as the first ingredient makes this dog food a rich source of protein.
- Features a well-rounded nutrition
- Contains a hefty blend of omega fatty acids
- Fortified with antioxidants and probiotics, so your American Leopard Hound’s immune and digestive mechanism will be maintained aptly.
Best Puppy Food for American Leopard Hounds
The best puppy food is the one that has all those nutrients which are essential for the proper growth of an American Leopard Hound, so Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Food would be the most suitable choice. This puppy food is prepared using natural chicken in the highest proportion, so the crucial protein is higher in this puppy food. Overall, this delicious meal features all dietary essentials.
- Features DHA and ARA in abundance, so your American Leopard Hound puppy will have an apt mental and optical development.
- The recipe is devoid of any artificial flavors and colors.
- Features a hefty blend of vitamins and minerals
Best Dog Crate for American Leopard Hounds
The best dog crate is among the essentials which you must have before you bring an American Leopard Hound to your place, so you can consider MidWest LifeStages Double Door Dog Crate as the best option. This dog crate has been designed in a way that it serves well for house-training sessions as well as treating issues like separation anxiety. It features sturdy electro-coated wires which are welded efficiently for durability.
- Features round corners to avoid any injuries
- Comes with a sturdy base pan which can be cleaned conveniently
- The base pan is leakproof.
Best Dog Bed for American Leopard Hounds
The best dog bed for American Leopard Hounds Frisco Pillow Dog Bed, as this bed has been designed to offer comfort and reliability that tends to last long. This dog bed features a premium-quality polyester, which is quite cozy and comfortable to relax on. Your American Leopard Hound would love the faux suede covering that adds to the comfort which he gets.
- Available in various sizes
- Features a simple step-on design which makes it easier to get into the bed
- The cover can be washed in a machine.
Best Dog Harness for American Leopard Hounds
The best dog harness for efficiently controlling your American Leopard Hound during training sessions is PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness. This dog harness is entirely designed using nylon and has a very simple design, which makes it attractive and easier to use. It features an adjustable fitting, so there is no need to worry if you were unable to take the precise measurements of your American Leopard Hound or if he has grown in size.
- Features quick snap buckles
- Designed to be waterproof
- Available in various sizes
Best Dog Collar for American Leopard Hounds
The best dog collar for American Leopard Hounds is Dogline Round Soft Leather Dog Collar. This dog collar does not only make your American Leopard Hound look elegant, but it also provides him a comfortable experience. It has been crafted using high-quality European leather that is soft and gentle.
- Features a built-in nylon cord that makes this collar durable
- Can be found in a wide range of sizes and colors
- Features a metal hardware
Best Dog Muzzle for American Leopard Hounds
You have to bring a dog muzzle to control the barking and any other potentially negative conduct of your American Leopard Hound, so CollarDirect Adjustable Nylon Muzzle Set would be suitable. This muzzle’s shape is such that it perfectly fits the snout of an American Leopard Hound. So, you can conveniently pick the muzzle which perfectly fits the size of your American Leopard Hound.
- Offers flexibility in adjusting size due to its adjustable nylon fastener at the snout
- Comes with a safe lock buckle
- Lighter in weight than most of the muzzles
Best Dog Toys for American Leopard Hounds
After evaluating the activity levels of an American Leopard Hound, we got to the conclusion that the best dog toy for American Leopard Hounds would be Bones & Chews Cotton Rope with Bones Dog Toy. This dog toy is great for fetching games and would help you get the most out of the playing sessions. The design of this toy is such that its rope is available in various prints, so you can choose the attractive one.
- At both ends, the beef bones feature a natural beef flavor that makes your American Leopard Hound enjoy his playing sessions even more.
- Helps in supporting healthy teeth and gums
- A great interactive toy
Dog Brush for American Leopard Hounds
The best dog brush for American Leopard Hound would be the one that goes well with their coat, so HandsOn All-In-One Pet Bathing and Grooming Gloves would be an ideal choice. This dog brush has been designed to have soft rubber protrusions all over the palm, which helps you massage your American Leopard Hound and remove any potential dead hair that might make him look ugly. The availability of this brush in various sizes makes it a more suitable choice.
- Helps in building a better bond with your American Leopard Hound
- Can be used for massaging during bath-time as well
- Helps clean sensitive areas like ears and face as well
Best Dog Shampoo for American Leopard Hounds
The best dog shampoo for American Leopard Hounds is Buddy Wash Relaxing Green Tea and Bergamot Dog Shampoo + Conditioner. This dog shampoo features a natural composition of cosmetic-grade ingredients that help maintain a healthier skin and coat. It even helps in nourishing your American Leopard Hound’s skin since it features conditioners as well.
- Features a soap-free formula to avoid skin dryness
- Helps in treating any skin irritations
- Provides a soothing experience and leave your American Leopard Hound with a rejuvenating smell
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