Origin
United States
Lifespan
10–14 years
Weight
18–43 kg
Height
51–66 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Blue Merle · Red Merle · Brindle · Solid
Catahoula Leopard Dog
About This Breed
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is Louisiana's state dog, named after Catahoula Parish. Known for their striking glass eyes and merle coats, they were bred by French settlers to track and herd wild boar.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Catahoula Leopard Dog
Origin
| Origin | United States |
| Group | Other |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 18–43 kg |
| Lifespan | 10–14 years |
| Height | 51–66 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | Blue Merle · Red Merle · Brindle · Solid |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Independent · Energetic · Loyal · Gentle |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Usually needs relatively little coat care. Brush as needed for its coat and shedding.
Some shedding is expected, and it may change with the season.
Living together
A familiar routine can help it settle in.
Teach children to handle it gently and leave it alone when it rests.
Introduce other pets gradually and watch how each animal responds.
Training and activities
Practice in short sessions and reward the behavior you want.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is named for a Choctaw Nation word meaning “sacred lake” and originated in Louisiana near Catahoula Lake. These pups, who are also called Catahoula Hog Dogs and Catahoula Curs, were bred as working dogs to track and drive hogs and cattle from Southern swamps. Their hardworking and independent nature is still present today. Catahoulas are striking-looking dogs, often with brindle or merle coats and bright blue eyes. They have a muscular build, with adults standing 22–24 inches and weighing 50–95 pounds.
Care Guide
Catahoula Leopard Dogs have been bred to be hard workers, enduring the swamps and forests of the South for their stock work. This means that when they’re not working, Catahoulas have high energy needs that must be met. Catahoulas are best in homes with ample space and fenced yards to allow for lots—lots—of exercise. If their energy needs are not met, they can become destructive, digging and chewing to keep themselves busy. But while pet parents will spend a lot of time keeping their Catahoula Leopard Dog’s paws moving, grooming this shorthaired breed is relatively hands-off.