Catahoula Leopard Dog
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Dog ( domestic dog ) |
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is an American
History
The Catahoula lineage is unknown. One theory suggests the breed originated in the mid-1700s when French settlers emigrated to what became Louisiana with Beauceron dogs. The settlers crossbred their dogs with well-adapted swamp hunting wolfdogs owned by Native Americans in an effort to develop a better working dog. In the 1800s, breeding intensified in an effort to develop a family dog that was well-suited to work, hunt, and guard yet good with children.[citation needed]
On July 9, 1979, in recognition of the historic significance of the Catahoula cur to the State of Louisiana, Governor
Appearance
Though physical characteristics are varied, Catahoulas are usually muscular dogs with a rectangular-shaped body. They tend to have a large head with drop ears and a strong, slightly tapered muzzle.[4] They tend to have a thick muscular neck and a long, curved tail. They come in many colors and have medium/short hair.[4]
Catahoulas come in many different colors, including blue merle, red merle, brindle, and solid colors. Often, solid coat Catahoulas have small splashes of other colors such as white on their face, legs or chest. The leopard-like coat of most Catahoulas is the result of the merle gene. The merle gene does not normally affect the entire coat of the dog, but dilutes the color only in areas that randomly present the characteristic of the gene. Deeper colors are preferred; predominantly white coats are discouraged. Since Catahoula is a working dog, coat color is not a primary consideration.[1][5]
The Catahoula has a single smooth short or coarse medium coat.[6][1] The short looks almost painted.[citation needed] The medium can have extended "feathering" on the hind legs, tail, and chest.[citation needed]
The breed may have any eye color or combination of colors including blue, brown, green, or amber.[7]
Work
The Catahoula was initially used for hunting. Native Americans tended to use the dog for hunting large game. European settlers used the dog for hunting and herding livestock. The first white settlers in Louisiana are believed to have used the dog to hunt feral pigs in the swamps of Louisiana.[4]
Catahoulas are used as
Catahoulas have a natural herding instinct and a unique way of working a herd. AKC describes it as creating a “canine fence” around the herd which allows the dog's master to work the herd within that circle.[3] Herding ability and a natural working instinct are a top priority to Catahoula breeders, over and above a dog's appearance.[3][1] Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Catahoulas exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in cow/hog dog trials.[10]
Health
It has been suggested that deafness and blindness from double merle may be rarer in Catahoulas than in other dog breeds.[11]
Gallery
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Blue leopard
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Blue leopard with tan points
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Blue leopard with white and "glass" eyes
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Blue merle
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Red leopard
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Red leopard with white
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Silver leopard
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White
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Yellow leopard
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Brindle
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In the woods
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Cracked glass eye with brindle coat
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Breed Standards : Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog". UKC.dogs.com. United Kennel Club.
- ^ Laney, Ruth (August 24, 2015). "The Catahoula Connection". Country Roads Magazine.
- ^ a b c d e "Catahoula Leopard Dog Dog Breed Information". AKC.org. American Kennel Club.
- ^ ISBN 9781931993340.
- ^ "Coat Colors". nalc-inc.org. National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
- ^ "Breed Standard". nalc-inc.org. National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas. Archived from the original on 2017-10-16. Retrieved 2017-10-15.
- ^ "Eye Color Examples". nalc-inc.org. National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas. Retrieved 26 November 2019.
- ^ "The Best Hunting Dogs for Retrieving, Pointing, Flushing or Scent". Outdoor Life. 2019-10-30. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
- ^ "Working dog Catahoula". EALC. Archived from the original on 2015-02-04. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
- ISBN 978-1-57779-106-5.
- ^ Strain, G. Deafness and the Merle Gene. Louisiana State University.