Ah, the Catahoula Leopard dog! A perfect sheepdog if you wish for a big dog to herd the sheep. They are also the dog of the week!
Origin
The Catahoula Leopard dog is actually the only dog breed known to be historically originated in Louisiana! Another fact about this dog’s origin is that it is a cross of an American dog and a European dog.
To be a bit more precise, they were originated near the Catahoula River. Scientists think that they might have some wolf blood in them. This could be true, because domesticated dogs have gotten DNA tests and scientists state that there is 16% of wolf blood in dogs.
Since there is a chance they have wolf blood in them, Catahoula Leopard dogs are also known as ‘wolfdogs’, when they aren’t a true Wolf Hybrid.
Appearance
The Catahoula Leopard dog’s body build is rectangular and muscular, which makes them excellent sheepdogs. Their height ranges from 20.1 – 24 inches.
As for their fur, it can come in a variety of colors such as blue, brown, white, and black. Their spots can also come in a variety of colors. Eye color includes goldish-brown or blue, or even both!
The fur is generally short, so they don’t shed a lot, which means very little grooming.
Eight color variations of these dogs are:
- Blue Leopard
- Dark Leopard
- Solid Red
- Solid Tan
- Light Red Leopard
- White with Light Gray Leopard
- Black with Brindle and White Trim
- Light Leopard with Dark Patches.
Personality:
When it comes to working out in the field, Catahoula Leopard Dogs stay firm and true to their duty. On the other hand, when it comes to family, they’re devoted, and not to mention safeguarding pets. That is, if they are properly associated with people as puppies.
Catahoula’s can be aggressive in some cases, like to dog of the same gender, their fierce prey drive that’s not safe around smaller animals like cats. Not to mention their habit of barking at strangers. However, their acute safeguarding desire leads to the makings of a good watchdog!
The firm temperament of these dogs requires close supervision around young children like toddlers and babies. These dog’s get along better with families of older children like teens who can treat them with proper care.
Diet
Catahoula Leopard Dogs, because of their energy, need high-protein foods to stay healthy.
As for their general diet, when we discussed the Bloodhound, it’s the exact same thing. No milk, no yeast, no grapes, pretty much no human foods at all, just to be a bit precautious.
To know more, watch our video if you didn’t watch it yet, on the Bloodhound post!
Health Problems
Catahoula Leopard Dogs can catch diseases, of course!
Here is a list of the top five diseases they can catch:
- Allergies (not a disease, but it’s still important!).
- Diarrhea
- Cancer
- Ear Infections
- Intervertebral disc disease
There are plenty more, so be sure to research them!
Farewell, and remember to read more of our posts!