| Alternative Name Catahoula Cur, Catahoula
Hog Dog, Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
Basic Info
The breed is named after Catahoula Parish, Louisiana.
Of remaining dog breeds, the dog is believed to have
occupied North America the longest, aside from the dogs
descended from Native American-created breeds. As a
working dog, they have been bred more for temperament
and ability than for appearance. As a result, the
physical characteristics are somewhat varied. They
typically range from 50 to 95 pounds in weight and have
short to very short hair. They come in a variety of
colors: blue, red, and yellow, in both merles and
solids. The archetype, however, is the blue merle. They
are known for having haunting, light-blue "glass eyes",
or half-blue, half-brown "cracked" eyes, although
all-brown is also an acceptable eye color. Some have a
short tail.
Behavior
They are highly intelligent, energetic, and quick,
yet are generally very loving and gentle with children.
They are inquisitive and have an independent streak.
However, their temperament is not suited for everyone;
these dogs tend to be very protective of their territory
and family, and also, may be aggressive toward other
dogs—especially of the same sex. These traits, combined
with their independent nature, their high energy levels,
and physical strength, can make them "too much dog" for
inexperienced or meek owners, and can make having such a
a dog a liability in suburban neighborhoods. Ideally,
they should have proper obedience training, secure
confinement on the owner's property, and an outlet for
its energy.
Origin
United States
History
One theory as to the origins of the Catahoula Leopard
Dog states that they descended from "war dogs" (Mastiffs
and Greyhounds) brought to Louisiana by Hernando de Soto
in the 16th century. Dogs left behind by the explorer's
party were interbred by the local Indians with their
semidomesticated Red Wolves. In the 17th century, French
settlers arrived in Louisiana. They brought with them
the Beauceron and mixed them with the dogs that had been
created by the earlier cross of red wolves and the
Spanish "war dogs". This breed is the working dog of the
region. They are used for herding cattle and sheep, and
for tracking and hunting feral pigs (as well as anything
else huntable, from squirrel to deer to bear...) In
1979, the Catahoula was named the official state dog of
Louisiana in recognition of their importance in the
history of the region.
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