Catahoula Leopard Dog Characteristics: The spirited and eager Catahoula Leopard Dog is a breed of large dog classified as a member of the Herding Group. The Catahoula Leopard Dog, is characterized by its powerful appearance with unusual coat colors and patterns a broad head and aloof expression. Other characteristics include medium sized, rounded eyes; triangular shaped, pendulous ears; a muscular body and a smooth and fluid gait. The temperament of the Catahoula Leopard Dog can be described as Energetic, Gentle, Inquisitive. The coat type of the Catahoula Leopard Dog is described as short, slick coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Catahoula Leopard Dog demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog, Herder and hunter and is known by its nick name the "Louisiana Catahoula Cur". The origin of the Catahoula Leopard breed was in United States where it was developed in the 1700's. Fast Facts about the Catahoula Leopard Dog: The following facts provide fast information about the Catahoula Leopard Dog breed. Size: Large *** Breed Group: Herding Group *** Nick name: "Louisiana Catahoula Cur" *** Origin: United States *** Male Height: 56-58 cm *** Female Height: 51-61 cm *** Male Weight: 16-37 kg (35 - 82lbs) *** Female Weight: 16-37 kg (35 - 82lbs) *** Coat Type: short, slick coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 8-12 puppies *** Catahoula Leopard Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, Deafness, Eye Problems *** Catahoula Leopard Lifespan: 10 - 14 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Catahoula Leopard Dog Breed Group and Type - Herding Dog Group: The Catahoula Leopard Dog is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Herding Dog Group. Other names for the Catahoula Leopard Dog: The Catahoula Leopard Dog is known by the nickname of the "Louisiana Catahoula Cur". Other names for this breed of dog include the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard, Catahoula Hog Dog and the Catahoula Cur. Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Catahoula Leopard Dog" is a subject of much debate. The word "Leopard" is easy to explain, the merle coat looks like the distinctive dark spots, called rosettes, which are characteristic of the Leopard (the great spotted cat). The name 'Catahoula' derives from the name of a village inhabited by the Taensa Native American Indians in Louisiana. Catahoula Leopard Dog History and Origin: The country of origin of the Catahoula Leopard Dog breed was in United States during the 1700's. One of its main duties was to assist man as a hunting dog to hunt wolves, cougars, bear, raccoons and wild hogs. The name 'Catahoula' is a corruption of the word "Couthaougoula", the name of a village inhabited by the Taensa Native American Indians. The Taensa tribe of northeastern Louisiana lived on Lake Saint Joseph west of the Mississippi River, between the Yazoo River and Saint Catherine Creek. The Taensa tribe were encountered by the Spanish conquistador, Hernando de Soto (c. 1495 – May 21, 1542) who was accompanied by great Mastiff dogs to assist their soldiers in subjugating the native population of the New World. In 1682 Nicolas de la Salle, the first commissary of French colony of Louisiana, encountered the Taensa people. His diaries strengthen the claims of the conquistador's contact as the Taensa chief showed him some Spanish objects. Nicolas de la Salle listed the names of several Taensa villages including "Couthaougoula", meaning 'lake'. The French were accompanied by their Beauceron hunting dogs. The history of Louisiana explains how the mastiff and the Beauceron became the ancestors of the Catahoula Leopard Dog, and how this American dog breed got its name. The 1803 Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States and American settlers began to develop the Catahoula Leopard Dogs. The mastiff heritage of the Catahoula Leopard Dog ensured it inherited the power and strength of successful guard dogs. Its Beauceron ancestors provided the abilities of both a farm dog and a hunting dog that had hunted big game such as the stag, deer, wild boar and bears in Europe. Catahoula Leopard History - Wright, McMillin, and Fairbanks lines: Three distinct varieties of the Catahoula Leopard Dog emerged, known as the Wright, McMillin, and Fairbanks lines. The dogs bred by Preston Wright were the largest of between 90 and 110 pounds, the dogs bred by Lovie Fairbanks ranged between 65 and 75 pounds and the smallest dogs were bred by T. A. McMillin whose dogs ranged between 50 and 60 pounds. The forbears of the biggest dogs were the mastiffs introduced by the Spanish and the ancestors of the smaller dogs were the French Beaucerons. Many of these dogs were crossed with each other, but varieties of the existing lines can still be seen in the modern Catahoula Leopard Dog. The versatile Catahoula Leopard was, and still is, used in a variety of different roles - as watch dogs, guard dogs, farm dogs and herders - equally capable of scenting, tracking and treeing game, or baying and herding. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is also renown as a great and fearless hunting dog with quarry such as the mountain lion, black bear, wild hog, squirrel, deer, bobcat and raccoon. The Catahoula Leopard was designated the official state dog of Louisiana in 1979. Catahoula Leopard Dog - Jim Bowie and Teddy Roosevelt: The famous owners of Catahoula Leopard Dogs included the American pioneer Jim Bowie (c. 1796 – March 6, 1836) who was raised on the frontier and spent much of his youth in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. The favorite hunting dogs of President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt (1858-1919) were the Catahoula Leopard. Catahoula Leopard Dog Height: The Catahoula Leopard breed is classified as a large sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 56-58 cm. The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 51-61 cm. Catahoula Leopard Dog Weight: Not surprisingly for a large sized dog, the weight of a male is 16-37 kg (35 - 82lbs). The weight of the smaller female is 16-37 kg (35 - 82lbs). Catahoula Leopard Dog Coat Type: The coat type of the Catahoula Leopard is described as a short, slick coat. Catahoula Leopard Dog Coat Colors: The colors of the Catahoula Leopard breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, Yellow, Red, Brindle, Red Merle and Black merle. N.B. the term 'merle' describes the mottled patches of color on the coat (also referred to as spots. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors. The coloring of the Catahoula Leopard Dog gave rise to the nicknames such as the "black leopard" and the "brown leopard". Catahoula Leopard Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The grooming needs of the Catahoula Leopard Dog are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy, tangle-free coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited grooming needs of the Catahoula Leopard are considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming where brushing and combing, is concerned. Grooming Requirements should include bathing the Catahoula Leopard on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Catahoula Leopard Dog Litter Size: The litter size of the Catahoula Leopard breed ranges from 8-12 puppies. Catahoula Leopard puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Catahoula Leopard puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Catahoula Leopard Dog Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of the popular Catahoula Leopard breed is described as Spirited, Energetic, Gentle, Inquisitive and Eager. Catahoula Leopard Dog Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Catahoula Leopard Dog requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. The large, powerful Catahoula Leopard has an easy, smooth and fluid gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Catahoula Leopard Dog Diet: A fully grown Catahoula Leopard should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Catahoula Leopard Dog Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Catahoula Leopard Dog breed include Hip dysplasia, Deafness, Eye Problems. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Catahoula Leopard breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Catahoula Leopard Dog Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Catahoula Leopard breed is 10 - 14 years. Catahoula Leopard Male Dog Names: Male names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Catahoula Leopard breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Catahoula Leopard names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Roman *** Maxi *** Titan *** Moose *** Brawny *** Lurch *** Buffalo *** Magnum *** Jabba *** Rugby *** Jaws *** Samson. Catahoula Leopard Female Dog Names: Female names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl Catahoula Leopard. Our top choice of good female Catahoula Leopard names are Isa *** Taryn *** Princess *** Bella *** Ruby *** Sassy *** Sheba *** Lydia *** Mara *** Angel *** Lady. Fast Facts about the Catahoula Leopard Dog: The following facts provide fast information about the Catahoula Leopard breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Breed Group: Herding Dogs Group *** Catahoula Leopard Dog Size: Large *** Country of Origin: United States *** Catahoula Leopard Dog History / Date: 1700's *** Male Catahoula Leopard Dog Height: 56-58 cm *** Male Catahoula Leopard Weight: 16-37 kg (35 - 82lbs) *** Coat Type: short, slick coat *** Catahoula Leopard Dog Litter Size: 8-12 puppies *** Catahoula Leopard Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Catahoula Leopard Lifespan: 10 - 14 years *** | 