Catahoula Leopard Dog

A versatile and highly adaptable dog, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is muscular, agile, and a born worker that enjoys their downtime. These broad-headed, drop-ear dogs come in a variety of colors and are the only dog to have originated in Louisiana.

Catahoula Leopard Dog Breed Overview

The Catahoula Leopard Dog originated from Native American dogs, as catalogued by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in the mid-1500s. The dog was created in the late 1700s and early 1800s in Louisiana by crossing native dogs with Beaucerons, Bloodhounds, Mastiffs, and Greyhounds. They are hard-working, independent dogs that enjoy the jobs they are given as much as they do their playtime and downtime.

Catahoula Leopard Dog Facts

• Sometimes called the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog.
• They can have multiple colors in one eye, or even white eyes.  
• “Catahoula” is Choctaw for “sacred lake,” a nod to the area where the dogs were first created.  
• The pronunciation of Catahoula is “Cat-a-who-la.  
• They are versatile farm hands, but specialize in wild boar management.
• They are the state dog of Louisiana.

How to Care for Your Catahoula Leopard Dog

Here’s what you need to know about the care the Catahoula Leopard Dog may need, including nutrition and feeding, grooming and hygiene, and living arrangements.

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed a Catahoula Leopard Dog

Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very active dogs and will need a pet food formula to support them that includes high-quality protein, balanced fatty acids, and more, such as those found in Purina Pro Plan Sport food. They are a medium- to large-sized dog breed, so look for foods specifically formulated for this size, such as Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult food.

How Much to Feed a Catahoula Leopard Dog

Catahoulas love to work and expend energy, and they’ll need enough food to support that high physical activity level. Dog food is best given on a feeding schedule for this type of breed, which usually happens twice a day. To figure out how much your dog needs per day, consult your vet or your dog’s food bag. Since the breed can be classified as medium or large, you can also use the Purina Feeding Calculator to help you get an accurate amount.

Treats & Supplements

Catahoulas love to have a job to do, and they can be taught all sorts of things with treat-based positive reinforcement training. Treats should be used sparingly and not exceed 10% of the dog’s daily calories. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a generally healthy dog, but they, like many dogs, could potentially benefit from supplements. Joint supplements like Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Joint Care can be preventative, and a supplement like Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Skin Care Soft Chews can help keep their coats shiny thanks to omega-3 fatty acids. Talk to your vet to find out if supplements are right for your dog.

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

Responsible dog ownership includes regular vet visits, where they can take care of things like parasite prevention, vaccines, and more. Talk to your vet about spaying or neutering your dog. They can also advise on dental hygiene, which is important for their overall health and well-being.

Catahoula Leopard Dog Enrichment & Exercise Needs

Highly active dogs like the Catahoula Leopard Dog require lots of physical and mental stimulation. They enjoy exercise in all forms, such as running, hiking, and swimming. They will require mental stimulation to engage their brains, although they are so eager to work that this can come easily to them once they have a job to do. These needs must be met; understimulated Catahoulas can become destructive if they don’t have proper outlets for their energy.

Understanding Your Catahoula Leopard Dog’s Behavior

A Catahoula that has been given a long list of jobs to perform is more likely to be well-behaved at the end of the day and happy to spend time with their family. They can be territorial sometimes. They love to train and learn, although they can be stubborn on occasion. Socialization is important to overcoming this attitude, so give them plenty of opportunities to have positive experiences with new people, places, and things to build confidence. This breed doesn’t fully mature until about 2 years old, so it will take consistency and a firm but gentle hand in the beginning.

What to Expect as Your Catahoula Leopard Dog Ages

The Catahoula Leopard Dog could potentially suffer from some conditions as they age, including one called hip dysplasia, something common in medium to large breeds, and deafness, something that can occur in dogs with white coloring or merle patterns. A senior dog food can help adjust their nutrient intake as they age, adding in things like glucosamine and EPA for joint health and mobility. Talk to your vet about when to make the switch.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

The Catahoula has a short, dense coat that is relatively low-maintenance. Regular brushing can help redistribute the oils. They have moderate shedding coats that usually can shake off a lot of dirt, but a bath might be in order if they’ve gotten into something particularly muddy. If your Catahoula has a lot of light-colored merle or patching in their coat, they could sunburn easily, something to keep in mind.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

Their triangle-shaped drop ears can trap moisture, so check your dog’s ears frequently and clean them with vet-approved wipes. Inspect your dog’s paws for any irritations, scrapes, or cuts, especially since these are highly active dogs that like to be outdoors. Their nails should be trimmed regularly, and you should get your dog on a teeth brushing schedule to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Anal Gland Care

Medium to large dogs are less inclined to have impacted or abscesses of their anal glands than smaller dogs, but there still could be a chance that they need their glands expressed professionally by a vet or a groomer.  If you are concerned about an abscess, call your vet. If your dog is licking their bottom excessively, scooting, emitting a foul-smelling odor, or having trouble going to the bathroom, call a professional.

Living With a Catahoula Leopard Dog

Living Space

The Catahoula is happiest when they have a lot of access to the outdoors, such as on a farm or in a rural or suburban setting. They enjoy being active with their owners and have a work mentality ingrained in them. They like to dig, so a secured, fenced-in yard is best for these hard workers.

Socialization

At the end of the day, the Catahoula likes to rest as much as they like to work. They are good family dogs for highly active families, especially those with older children who can participate in the physical and mental stimulation. They are playful and devoted dogs, although they might need additional training to live with other pets.

Climate Considerations

The Catahoula Dog was created in the hot, muggy climate of Louisiana, so they generally do fine under these conditions. However, owners of Catahoula Leopard Dogs with light-colored coats need to watch out for sunburns. Some Catahoula Leopard Dogs will have light or blue eyes, which can make them more light sensitive as well. Because their short coat doesn’t have any insulation, they do not do well in colder climates.

Potential Challenges

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is well-mannered so long as they have their work drive satisfied. These dogs enjoy relaxing, but only when their jobs are complete. They were bred to track cattle and wild boar, and this prey drive is strong. Owners can help them shed excess energy and reduce the likelihood of destructive behavior through lots of mental and physical stimulation, including swimming. They can be stubborn, so they’ll need lots of positive reinforcement training, especially before the age of 2, to help them understand their place. Finally, they need plenty of room to move, preferably with a fenced-in yard or on a farm.

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