Catahoula Leopard Dog facts for kids

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a medium-sized hunting dog. It is also known by names like Catahoula Cur, Catahoula Hog Dog, and Catahoula Hound. These dogs usually live for about 10 to 14 years. The name Catahoula comes from Native American words and means "sacred lake." This special dog breed comes from Louisiana and is even the state's official dog!

Catahoulas are typically medium-sized with short coats that come in many different patterns and colors. Their eyes can also be many different colors, sometimes even two different colors! This breed was created by mixing Bloodhounds, Spanish Mastiffs, and Greyhounds. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), which groups them as a stock service animal. This means they are good at working with livestock.

Energetic and Smart Dogs

Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a lot of energy! They need plenty of activities to keep them happy and healthy. This includes fun things like playing fetch, going for long walks, running, or even hiking. These dogs also love to be around people and other dogs. They need a lot of attention and interaction to be well-behaved and friendly pets.

Showing Your Catahoula

Many dog clubs recognize the Catahoula Leopard Dog. This means these dogs can enter special dog shows! The two most popular clubs are the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC). If you want to show your Catahoula, your dog needs to be officially registered with one of these clubs. They also need a special license number. For a dog to compete, it must be a purebred Catahoula, not a mix, and be very well cared for.

What a Show Dog Looks Like

Judges at dog shows look for specific features in a Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Head and Face

A show-quality Catahoula should have a strong-looking head. Their mouth should line up nicely with their head. Sometimes, this can create small wrinkles on their forehead.

Healthy Teeth

For a dog show, Catahoulas should have clean, white teeth and healthy pink gums. A strong bite is ideal, but it's okay if some teeth are a little worn or broken.

Unique Eyes

Catahoula eyes are usually medium-sized and somewhat rounded. They can be many different colors, or even a mix of colors in one eye! This is a unique trait for the breed.

Ears

Their ears usually flop to the side. They are short to medium in length and have a triangular shape. The top of the ear should be even with the top of the head. When a Catahoula is alert, the tip of its ear will lay close to its cheek. Dogs with ears that have been cropped (surgically altered) cannot be shown.

Strong Body

A show Catahoula should have a strong body with a broad chest. Both their front and back legs should be of medium length. Their paws should be well-groomed and have good webbing between the toes. This webbing helps them move easily in different terrains.

Images for kids

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  A "blue leopard" Catahoula Leopard

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  Blue leopard

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  Blue leopard with tan points

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  Blue leopard with white and "glass" eyes

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  Blue merle

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  Red leopard

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  Red leopard with white

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  Silver leopard

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  White

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  Yellow leopard

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  Brindle

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  In the woods

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  Cracked glass eye with brindle coat