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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is also known as the Catahoula Cur. They are medium to
large dogs with a broad and flat skull. This breed is distinguished by their unusual
eyes. The eyes are normally clear in vivid shades of light blue or golden-brown.
It is not uncommon to see a Catahoula with two different color eyes. The coat of
this breed is short and thick. It can come in many different colors; however, they
usually have merle coats in either black and tan, black and white or in multiple
shades of black and gray that give them their blue coloring. These dogs are almost
always spotted similar to a leopard. They are also distinguished by their webbed
feet. The legs are solid and strong and the chest is deep. The tail is long and
tapers at the tip. Some call them "Catdogs" because of their intuitive behavior
and their ability to climb trees.
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Temperament
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The Catahoula Leopard Dog tends to be territorial and very protective of their home
and property. They make excellent watch and guard dogs. They are assertive, strong
and playful with their owners; however, they are wary of strangers. They get along
well with children if they are raised with them. This breed has alpha tendencies.
They are dominant and usually serve as pack leaders. They tend to be aggressive
towards other dogs, especially with same sex dogs. Training and early socialization
is essential to live with other pets. It normally takes about two years for this
breed to reach full maturity.
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Height, Weight
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There are three different weight lines of the Catahoula:
The Wright line is from 90-110 lbs.
The Fairbanks line is from 65-70 lbs.
The McMillin line is from 50-60 lbs.
Male Height: 22-26" ; Female Height: 20-24"
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Health Problems
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This breed is mostly healthy. Dogs with mostly white coats have an 80% chance
of becoming deaf in one or both ears as well as blindness. Other minor concerns
include hip dysplasia, tunnel vision and abnormal pupils.
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Living Conditions
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The Catahoula Leopard Dog is best suited for life on a farm or a ranch. If they
are to live in the city, they must have an outlet for the abundant energy level
and workaholic personality. This breed needs an owner who is dog-experienced, firm
and an active person. If they are going to be in a fenced yard, keep in mind that
the Catahoula can climb trees as well as fence.
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Exercise
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This breed needs at least a minimum of one hour of rigorous running every day. Care
must be taken with this breed as playtime can turn into a noisy and physical event.
The Catahoula likes to run, jump and bump into their playmates. If they do not get
enough exercise, this breed may begin chewing, digging and excessive barking.
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Life Expectancy
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About 12-13 years
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Grooming
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This coat of this breed is easy to care for and should be brushed occasionally.
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Origin
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The Catahoula Leopard Dog's lineage is thought to come from the Red Wolf, which
was in Louisiana in the 1500s. They are also crossed with the Mastiff and the Greyhound
which were brought by DeSoto in 1541, and the Bas Rough (Beauceron) which arrived
during the early 1700s. The name was changed from Catahoula Cur to the Louisiana
Catahoula Leopard Dog when then Governor Edwin Edwards established the breed as
the official State Dog of Louisiana in 1979. The name was taken from a parish in
Northeastern Louisiana and after the mottled spots on its coat. They have been accepted
for recording in the AKC Foundation Stock Service®.
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Group
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Herding
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