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Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog Breed Facts
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Breed: Louisiana Catahoula Leopard
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Also Called: Catahoula Leopard Dog, Catahoula Hog Dog, Catahoula Cur
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Height: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is about 20-26 inches tall.
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Weight: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog weighs between 55-80 lbs.
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Colors: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog can be merle or a black/tan pattern. Their eyes are usually blue.
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Physical Appearance: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a medium to medium-large, short-coated dog with a broad head. It has small-to-medium drop ears and an undocked tail. The Catahoula Dog is well muscled and powerful but not bulky, giving the impression of agility and endurance. It should not resemble either a sighthound or a bulldog in appearance. Their body is just slightly longer than it is tall and the distance from the elbow to the ground should equal 50-60% of the dog's height from the withers to the ground.
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Temperament/Personality: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a serious dog when it comes to working. They are a hunting breed and do well at their job. But when at home with their master, they love to play and act silly. The Catahoula Dog is independent and protective. Catahoulas are affectionate, gentle and loyal family companions that are great with children and other animals.
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Care: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog requires minimal grooming. This dog needs to only be bathed when necessary and have it's hair brushed once a week. This breed is a light to average shedder that seems to shed more when nervous or stressed.
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Health Concerns/Problems: White colored Catahoulas may inherit deafness.
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Training: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a hunting breed and will do well to be trained for this purpose. They are not easy to train and need experienced handling.
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Activity: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog should have access to an open yard to run freely. Daily exercise is necessary for this breed.
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Life Span: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog lives an average life of 12-13 years.
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Litter Size: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog has an average litter size of 8-12 puppies.
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Country of Origin: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog originated in the USA.
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Brief History: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is believed to be descended from crosses between Native American dogs, Red Wolves (some of whom lived as pariahs on the outskirts of Indian villages), and the dogs brought to the New World by Spanish conquistadors, probably mastiff-types and sighthounds. Some experts believe Beaucerons were added to the mix when the area was settled by the French. White settlers in Louisiana found the Native Americans using these dogs to hunt a variety of wild game, including deer, bobcat, wild hog, and bear. The new arrivals soon came to appreciate this versatile breed that was capable of scenting, trailing and treeing game, or baying and herding feral hogs and cattle. Catahoula is believed to be a corruption of the Indian word that meant ""Choctaw"" which was a local tribe. The state of Louisiana is cited as the point of origin, particularly the area of Catahoula. In 1979, the breed was designated the state dog of Louisiana.
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