Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is the only dog breed indigenous to Louisiana — the state dog of Louisiana and one of the most distinctive-looking breeds in America.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United States
Lifespan
10–14 years
Weight
20–45 kg (45–100 lbs)
Height
51–66 cm (20–26 in)
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality large breed food appropriate for a very active working dog.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is the only dog breed indigenous to Louisiana — the state dog of Louisiana and one of the most distinctive-looking breeds in America. Thought to descend from Native American dogs crossed with Greyhounds and Mastiffs brought by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in the 1500s, the Catahoula is named for Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. It is unique in its herding method — it herds hogs into a "hog bay" by creating a canine fence around the animal, with multiple dogs forming a barrier. Its distinctive webbed feet help it navigate the swamps of Louisiana. The eyes are often blue or "cracked glass" with merle or split irises.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A lean, athletic, well-muscled dog with a short, dense coat. The coat pattern is extraordinarily varied — merle, brindle, solid, or leopard (merle + patches). The eyes are one of the most distinctive features — may be blue, green, brown, or the striking "cracked glass" or "marble" eye with multiple colours in a single iris. Webbed feet are characteristic.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Energetic, assertive, and intelligent — the Catahoula requires an experienced, confident owner. They are independent and can be dominant. Strong prey drive. Not recommended as a first dog or for apartment living. Loyal and devoted to their family.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •2+ hours vigorous exercise daily — running, swimming, working. Not suitable for city or apartment life. Strong, consistent training from puppyhood. Low grooming needs.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
Hip dysplasia. Deafness — strongly associated with excessive white in the coat and double merle breeding (merle-to-merle is irresponsible). Deafness rates elevated in heavily white-patterned individuals. BAER testing recommended.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
The Catahoula Leopard Dog has webbed feet — more pronounced than most breeds — an adaptation to the swamps and marshy terrain of Louisiana where it was developed.
The Catahoula's unique herding technique — "hog baying" — involves multiple dogs forming a moving fence around a wild boar or hog, driving it into a pen by surrounding it rather than nipping at its heels as most herding dogs do.
The distinctive "cracked glass" or "marble" eye — a single eye with multiple colours and patterns — is unique to the Catahoula and is caused by the merle gene's effect on iris pigmentation.
