Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is an American dog breed named for Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. It became the state dog of Louisiana in 1979. It is recognized by the United Kennel Club as Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, while the American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service calls it Catahoula Leopard Dog. Both registries have assigned the breed a herding designation, although it was traditionally used for hunting wild boar.

History

The Catahoula line is unknown. One theory suggests that the breed originated in the mid-1700s when French colonists immigrated to what became Louisiana with Beauceron dogs. The settlers crossed their dogs with well-adapted swamp hunting wolfdogs from Native Americans in an effort to develop a better working dog. In the 19th century, breeding intensified in an attempt to develop a family dog that was well suited for working, hunting and guarding, yet could get along well with children.

On July 9, 1979, in recognition of the Catahoula cur's historical significance to the state of Louisiana, Governor Edwin Edwards signed House Bill #75, officially establishing the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog as the state dog. On January 1, 1995, the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club. In 1996, the AKC added the Catahoula Leopard Dog to their Foundation Stock Service.

Although physical characteristics are varied, Catahoulas are usually muscular dogs with a rectangular body. They usually have a large head with drooping ears and a strong, slightly tapered snout. They usually have a thick, muscular neck and a long, curved tail. They come in many colors and have a short coat.

Catahoulas come in many different colors, including blue merle, red merle, brindle and solid colors. Catahoulas with solid coats often have small splashes of other colors, such as white, on their faces, legs or chests. The leopard-like coat of most Catahoulas is the result of the merle gene. The merle gene does not normally affect the dog's entire coat, but only dilutes the color in areas that randomly show the gene's signature. Deeper colors are preferred; predominantly white coats are discouraged. Because Catahoula is a working dog, coat color is not a primary consideration.

The Catahoula has a single smooth short or coarse medium coat.

The breed can have any eye color or combination of colors including blue, brown, green or amber.

Work

The Catahoula was initially used for hunting. Native Americans often used the dog for hunting big game. European settlers used the dog for hunting and herding livestock. It is believed that the first white settlers in Louisiana used the dog to hunt wild pigs in the Louisiana swamps.

Catahoulas are used as bay dogs, tree dogs and for hunting a variety of wild game, including small game such as raccoons and squirrels, as well as large game such as deer, mountain lions and bears. They are also used for scent tracking and as search and rescue dogs.

Catahoulas have a natural herding instinct and a unique way of working a flock. AKC describes it as creating a “dog fence” around the herd, allowing the dog's owner to work the herd within that circle.[3] Herding ability and a natural working instinct are a top priority for Catahoula breeders, in addition to a dog's appearance. Herding instinct and trainability can be measured during non-competitive herding tests. Catahoulas that exhibit basic herding instincts can be trained to participate in cow and pig dog trials.

Health

Deafness is one of the major genetic faults common in Catahoulas and is associated with individuals being excessively white in color and deafness attributed to a lack of melanocytes. A Catahoula that is predominantly white has an 80% chance of being double. laterally deaf or unilaterally hearing. Hearing in one ear is called "directional deafness". Breeders are often unwilling to allow deaf Catahoulas to leave their premises and will generally euthanize deaf puppies. Pups born from a litter where both parents have the merle color pattern have a 25% chance of becoming blind, deaf, or blind and deaf. These puppies are often called "double merles".