Louisiana Catahoula Leopard DogBy Veronica Wertmanon the following pages, click the sound icon for narration

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is said to be descended from Mastiffs and Greyhounds. Although some people think that they were bred with Red Wolves, recent DNA work doesn’t support the idea. The word Catahoula is made up of two Choctaw words, ‘Okhata’ meaning lake and ‘Hullo’ meaning beloved. In the early 1900’s Teddy Roosevelt always went hunting with a Catahoula at his side.

History

The Catahoula was named the “State Dog of Louisiana” in 1979 by Governor Edwin Edwards. In 2007 the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog became the school mascot for the Centenary College of Louisiana.

History (continued)

Appearance

Catahoula’s can be 20-26” tall and 50-90lbs with a few dogs bigger. Usually most males are 60-70lbs and are around 24” tall. A Catahoula’s coat is usually short and dense and varies from black, gray, brown, and white. Although most Catahoula’s have a short coat, some have a bit of a fluffy coat. Catahoula’s also have a slick and smooth coat so that they dry quickly and are also called wash and wear dogs. Although most

dogs have eyes that are only one colour Catahoula’s have different color eyes.

Catahoula’s can have 2 colors in one eye, the different types of eyes are called cracked glass and marbled glass eyes, the colour for eyes varies from ice blue, brown, gray, green, and amber, no particular eye color is normal. Usually most Catahoula’s have a long whip-like tail. Unlike other dogs, Catahoula’s have noticeable webbed feet that extended to the end of their toes, which makes them great swimmers.

Appearance (continued)

Temperament

Catahoula’s are highly intelligent and a very energetic dog. Among being with other dogs, people and other animals they are assertive and not aggressive. Catahoula’s are great family pets and are excellent with kids. If you don’t train them to look after kids they will still do so.

Health

Catahoula’s can be deaf, but it only affects some of the white dogs. By having a white dog, there is a 80% chance it may be deaf. Catahoula’s have no more of a chance of getting Hip Dysplasia than other breeds. Aside from deafness, Catahoulas have few health problems, and they can live as long as 15 years.

Work

Catahoula’s are seen on farms and ranches across North America. Usually they are used for hunting (they hunt feral pigs, squirrel, deer, raccoon, and black bear), Police work, Search and Rescue, herding

cattle, and Fire Station dogs in Louisiana.

References:WikipediaDon Abney CatahoulasCatahoula Ranch

The End