Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
Complete Breed Guide
"I love to swim, work, play, and run!"
Quick Facts About Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dogs
Working
50–95 lbs
22–24"
No
Based on current listing prices on Puppies.com. Results may vary.
Overview
The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a hard-working and are actually classified as curs. Their printed "leopard" pattern is a common characteristic. They love to swim, work, and live alongside their families.
The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a distinctive working dog, bred to be a talented hunter and tracker. These hard-working and focused dogs also can be loyal and attached to their families. They have a brindled or "leopard" patchwork pattern to their coats, and their medium-sized bodies are strong, agile, and fit for a variety of jobs. These intelligent dogs are highly trainable and can be tenacious but rarely aggressive. These dogs love to swim, which is probably where their name is derived - "Choctaw" means "water" and "beloved!"
Temperament and Behavior
The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a highly intelligent dog that loves to work and will certainly let you know. They can be pushy and territorial, but they are also even-tempered and are loyal to their families. Their sweet side often comes out, but they make great watch dogs since they will quickly notify you of strangers nearby. Training is important for this breed to learn to socialize with humans and other dogs early on. Otherwise, they can be aggressive with other dogs.
Coat & Grooming
Most of the time, the coat of a Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog has a brindle or leopard-look pattern to them with a mix of light and dark colors. Some are tri- or quad-colored. Their coats are flat, short, and require usually just a weekly brushing to keep it shiny. This will also help with shedding. They are light shedders, but once a year, they do have one heavy shed.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
The best type of home for a Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog isn't necessarily one in Louisiana - although they are the state's official dog, and their somewhat water-bred and webby paws do very well in the marshy Louisiana swamps. These dogs don't always need to live indoors, but they do need sufficient time around people each day.
Exercise & Activity
The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog needs human interaction and will not be happy kept in isolation. They need daily vigorous exercise and at least a daily walk or run. Since these dogs can be aggressive around other dogs, keeping them on a leash is a must. Training these dogs is a big job but necessary to make for a happy pet and worker.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog FAQs
Common questions about the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog breed, answered by our editorial team.
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