The Catahoula Leopard Dog breed is a rare dog with a striking appearance and a solid built. Also known as Louisiana’s “hog dog,” it is a hardcore dog reproduced to work in marshes and woodlands. By heart, it is incredibly tender and loyal to its family.
The hallmark of this canine is its speckled coats that come in various colors. It is not the dog for the first-time dog handlers. The energy and toughness of it require a skilled or experienced master to handle it. See below for a complete list of attributes and realities about Catahoula Leopard Dogs!
Catahoula Leopard Dog History
The hard-working Catahoula Leopard Dog has vague origins with many theories. It is believed to be originated in Louisiana state. It is named after the Catahoula Lake of Louisiana, which means clear water. The native Americans and Louisiana settlers used this canine to drive wild and bear hogs off the land. It is believed to be a descendant of Native American dogs having mastiffs, greyhounds, bloodhounds. In 1979 the dog relished the status of the official dog of Louisiana.
It also had different names, such as “the Catahoula Cur and the Catahoula Hound.” However, the present name was established once the dog became Louisiana’s state dog. Before this, the lovers of this breed formed a club named “The Louisiana Catahoula Cur” in 1976. It was listed in the Herding Group of United Kennel Club in 1995 and recognized by the AKC.
Catahoula Leopard Dog Characteristics
The Catahoula Leopard Dog has a unique and striking appearance. It comes in medium size with a double layer coat. The coat is water repellant, and also double layers make it adaptable to some harsh weather conditions. The leopard in its name is because of its skin’s leopard pattern of patches and blotches. Continue reading to know the distinct features of this exceptional dog.
How Big to Catahoula Leopard Dog Get
The medium-sized Catahoula Leopard Dog has an average height of 22 to 26 cm and a weight of 65 to 90 lbs. for males. On the other side, 20 to 24 cm in height and 50 to 65 lbs. weight are females.
How Long Does Catahoula Leopard Dog Live
Bring your Catahoula Leopard puppy home and enjoy approximately 10 to 14 years with it. If you want it to exceed this lifespan, then take its diet, exercise, and other needs under consideration.
How Much Does a Catahoula Leopard Dog Cost
The famous and unique Catahoula Leopard Dog with outstanding traits can be available between $700 to $900. The variation may occur depending on its lineage and other factors. We recommend you adopt this puppy from a rescue center rather than buying it.
Catahoula Leopard Dog Temperament/Personality
Catahoula Leopard Dog is a good-natured canine that makes a great family dog. A dog is indeed a loyal pet, but the loyalty of this canine is highly remarkable. Its owners witness its faithfulness, intelligence, and various unique features. You don’t need any other guard for home when you have this brave pup.
It doesn’t have looks similar to the leopard, but it is swift, intelligent, and aggressive as a leopard. This leopard dog’s aggressive nature is noticed, but you can minimize it with the proper training. A properly trained Catahoula Leopard Dog is neither aggressive nor destructive.
Beware of its hunting instincts and never leave unsupervised while outside or interacting with kids and pets. It has a stubborn streak and an independent spirit, so you must assert yourself as a firm leader to handle your pup. However, treat the dog firmly but in a fair way!
Caring for Catahoula Leopard Dog
Caring for your dog is one of the significant responsibilities that you shouldn’t take lightly. It can be sick with a lack of care which can eventually lead to a shorter lifespan. With good care, your pup lives a healthy, happy life for years. Continue reading this article as this entails the proper ways of caring for Catahoula Leopard Dog.
Catahoula Leopard Dog Nutrition
The medium-sized and highly energetic Catahoula Leopard Dog requires at least 3 cups of high-quality dog food. Fillers or grains must be low to none in that food and ensure that the food is not cheap. A low-quality dog diet can result in various issues, including stones.
How to Groom a Catahoula Leopard Dog
With a tight short coat, the maintenance level for the Catahoula becomes low. It can be highly maintained with a single coat brushing throughout the week. Bathing is necessary when the dog is dirty, but it must not be frequent. Besides, brush its teeth weekly, clip nails when they are overdue.
Catahoula Leopard Dog Activity Levels
The Catahoula Leopard Dog needs one hour of vigorous exercise daily to burn off its high energy levels. The lack of exercise or activity can highly put your dog at risk of getting destructive behavior and health. Not confine the activities to physical exercise; instead, do things for pup’s mind stimulation.
Caring for Catahoula Leopard Dog
Like every dog, a Catahoula needs care in terms of a healthy diet, suitable habitat, love and attention, early socialization to many different people, and experiences at a young age. Remember, a dog’s caretaking is not an easy task, and you may invest your time and money to keep things at their best.
An example of it is, a good diet can be a little expensive and the same as the dog’s collar, leash, etc. If you look for cheap dog products, then you will end up messing up things.
Catahoula Leopard Dog Health
Catahoula Leopard Dog is a healthy variety, especially when you maintain good hygiene. Regular cleaning and veterinary checkups will help to lower the chance of any health risks. Moreover, the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog.
Breeds Similar to Catahoula Leopard Dog
Best Dog Food For Catahoula Leopard Dogs
The best dog food for Catahoula Leopard Dogs is Purina ONE SmartBlend Lamb & Rice Adult Formula Dry Dog Food. This all-natural adult dog food doesn’t combine any artificial fillers or dairy products. For overall healthy well-being, the recipe combines chicken by-product meals, soybean meal, corn, beef fat, and so on.
- This 380 Kcal/cup food contains a decent amount of glucosamine for joint support.
- There are compounds of calcium, selenium, phosphorus, etc., in the food.
- The vitamin E supplements and the beef fat promote soft skin.
Best Puppy Food For Catahoula Leopard Dogs
The best puppy food for Catahoula Leopard Dogs is Wellness Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken, Oatmeal & Salmon Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food. Free from artificial preservatives, the food is a number one choice for healthy bones and strong muscles. One can find 5 lb, 15 lb, and 30 lb sizes of food bags.
- This vitamin and mineral-packed food also contain carrots, flaxseed, spinach, sweet potatoes, and so on.
- The vitamin C compounds protect the puppies from viruses, bacteria, and germs.
- This moisture mixed diet has around 29% of crude protein in its recipe.
Best Dog Bed For Catahoula Leopard Dogs
The best dog bed for Catahoula Leopard Dogs is American Kennel Club Extra Large Memory Foam Pillow Dog Bed w/Removable Cover. This comfy rectangular bed is only 8 inches tall, allowing the puppies and injured dogs to climb effortlessly. The washable dog bed is made of memory foam, which soothes the physical discomforts and muscle pains.
- This well cushioned bed gives the dog enough space to curl up with its puppies.
- The orthopedic bed doesn’t let any dead fur stick to it.
- This lightweight and eco-friendly dog bed comes with a polyester cover.
Best Dog Crate For Catahoula Leopard Dogs
The best dog crate for Catahoula Leopard Dogs is MidWest Ultima Pro Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. The highly durable dog crate features a strong wire gauge and rubber feet. This ultra-convenient dog crate can be easily folded and stored in your wardrobe.
- The manufacturers use multiple slide-bolt latches and non-skid base for safety.
- This collapsible crate is specially designed for the giant breed of dogs.
- A plastic made leak-proof pan comes free of cost with the metal crate.
Best Dog Harness For Catahoula Leopard Dogs
The best dog harness for Catahoula Leopard Dogs is Chai’s Choice 3M Polyester Reflective Front Clip Dog Harness. Found in nine unique colors, the exceptional harness is pretty affordable, and it dissolves the pressure throughout the chest. It is customizable harness, and features reflective piping and mesh padding.
- The O ring prevents both pulling and choking of the neck.
- The built-in handle helps you to lift the dog, and this unique harness has two clips.
- The fully adjustable harness should be hand washed only.
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