Catahoula Leopards?
Posted: Monday, March 21, 2005
by denny
Every time I mention to a friend or stranger that I own a 3 year old dog named Liam, their rebuttal
I own a Louisiana Catahoula Leopard dog. This is a very rare breed that few know much about. I suppose the easiest way to begin to describe my dog and his characteristics, is to start with the breed’s origin.
Shrouded in myth and hearsay, the facts about the Catahoula’s history seem to differ between sources. One undisputed fact is that the breed had originated with the Spanish conquistador’s exploration and commerce with the Native Americans that inhabited the Southern marshlands from Texas to Louisiana. There lies some discrepancy about which type of dog the Spanish had brought to the native tribes. I have heard that the Nordic Wolfhound, French Beauceron, and numerous other Spanish hounds or shepherds, were the eventual ancestors of the present day Catahoula. It is known that the Native Americans then interbred the foreign dogs, with their canine companion, the Red Wolf. Some critics also believe that this Red Wolf, is actually the historic and still prominent, Carolina Dog. Regardless of their origin, the Catahoula would become an efficient worker and a loyal family member to the Native Americans.
If you have never seen an example of this rare breed, you should treat yourself to a good book or website devoted to the Catahoula. Their healthy, working size ranges from 50 to 80 lbs. Their coat length and texture closely mimics the traits of a Labrador, very thick but short. There is no one marking pattern that is inherited by this amazing breed. Their base color can be anything from white or grey to black, tan, brown and somewhat blue. Almost every example of this dog will display spots that are back or grey in color. Their chests are very broad, and their frame is stocky and dependable for tracking in rough terrain. Their ears are naturally folded, similar to a Dalmatian. The most unique trait to this breed is their commonly glass eyes. Many individual dogs will be born with sky blue eyes, sometimes red or brown eyes, and even the occasional all black eyes. What’s even more unique is that many dogs are born with two different colored eyes.
The Catahoula is presently recognized as the only domesticated native North American breed. They are the largest and most aggressive of all the cattle dog breeds. They are said to outfight and outrun any breed of livestock or any other working class dog. They are most commonly used to find and herd wild pigs, boars, and unruly cattle. Working packs of Catahoula will usually travel and herd in groups of three. Their jobs are very dangerous in nature and the cooperation between dogs is necessary for success.
In their domestic environment, these dogs require daily exercise, and in my own experience, do well when given a chore or task to perform. They are great with children but also require reinforced guidance in their early years.
Raising a Catahoula has been a learning experience. They can be difficult in regards to their curiosity and roaming nature. No matter how much responsibility it required, I have never loved another dog more. Catahoulas make amazing companions and I would really recommend anyone with a little space and time to invest some interest into this legendary breed.
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)I agree with pretty much you said, except the coat. The Catahoula is a single coat, where the Lab's is a double coat. Alot of difference when it comes to shedding! Also Cat's come in brindle and black and tan as well. Mine's a blue leopard, love her!
i know some of the facts are wrong as the Indians had "carolina/redwolf mix" that bred w/ the web footed dogs from spain, the name starts w/ a Be, those dogs were meant to swim from ship to ship w/ messages. BowieBlueeye is awesome,no aggresion at all, his friend is a 12 pound russel mix, he is about 65lbs.his coat is merled , but those feet??? I adore them.I have not let mine climb trees as he may decide to climb fence(?) but Ive never had such a clever, outspoken boy in my life!!
My Catahoula, Sampson, is 100lbs; we think he has a bit of shar pei in him as his ears are like corn chips and he's got a curly tail. Sampson is the best dog I've ever had! He's a fabulous friend, companion, and a stern and wise guard dog. He sheds like he's breeding little dust bunnies, but we taught him to vacuum (kidding). He's obstinate but trainable and of all things, loves pineapple. He has whete allergies so we put him on raw food (about 60% meat and 40% veg) and he's thriving. I can't say enough about this wonderful dog, but word of warning: If you're considering a catahoula, you better have an alpha personality or you will get walked all over (or worse yet, hurt). He responds best to a firm hand of discipline after the goodies are used to teach the initial behavior. Also, he was taught to be friends with the cat. I dominated him then submitted to the cat and after that, he had pack respect for her. We haven't had a problem between the two of them since. :)
i own nothing but catahoulas. my first dog was a catahoula i got him when i was 32 i was deprived as a child,dec 07 he was struck by a car and killed. i had him for 6yrs. raised him from apup.i took his death harder than i took my daddys, he was an amzing,awesome,and most devoted,loyal companion i had in my life! annie texas
I recently adopted two catahoulas brothers from Catahoula United Rescue. I must agree with the other posts that these dogs are great. They are very intelligent and love to be loved after their work or play is done. For someone to adopt a catahoula and not have enough space would be unfair to the dog. I fortunately have an acre and they use every inch of it to run and play. They remind me of two mustangs as they get up on their hind legs and play with each other. They have developed different personalities such as one loves to play ball while the other could care less. Also a great deal of obedience training is necessary for them and the owner to enjoy the time together. I look forward to watch them progress into adult dogs and love and protect me. Ray in Tallahassee, FL
I just recently rescued a catahoula pup from a home where the owners other dog wanted to eat him. He is an amazingly smart dog, and already responds to many comands at only 14 weeks. I can see for myself and from your article that they are smart and yery full of extreme energy. My pups name is Boomer and I am not sure what color you would call him. He is black, brown, tanish, and white with black spots. If anyone knows what that color scheme is called please let me know. He also has the coolest eyes I have ever seen. One eye is bright blue with a small brown chip, and the other dark brown with a blue chip in it. If anyone would like to see pictures of Boomer you could send me your email adress and I could send you the pics. Thank you to anyone who responds!!!
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