In the Catahoula breed, some dogs have a “spotted-up” coat. This unique pattern is known as Leopard in the NALC Standard. Other breeds may have a similar coat pattern called “merle.” Please note that not all Catahoulas have leopard coats – this is what makes the breed so unique and diverse.
What two breeds make a Catahoula?
Named for a Choctaw Indian word meaning “sacred lake,” the Catahoula originated in northern Louisiana near Catahoula Lake. They’re probably the product of breeding between local dogs and the Bloodhounds, Mastiffs, and Greyhounds brought to the area by Spanish explorers.
Can Catahoula be solid color?
In addition to the Leopard pattern, Catahoulas may also exhibit brindle patterns, patchwork patterns, or even solid colors, like blue. A brindle patterned dog will have stripes of a solid color accenting a speckled or patchwork coat.
How many types of Catahoulas are there?
There are three distinct breeds lines of Catahoula leopard dogs. There are three lines of Catahoula dogs that vary in size and appearance. The largest is the Wright line, developed by Preston Wright. These dogs weigh around 100 pounds.
Are Catahoulas pit bulls?
The Catahoula Leopard dog is less well-known than the other parent, the Pitbull. However, one state is pretty fond of Catahoula’s. This is the state dog of Louisiana, where it was named after the largest natural freshwater lake.
Are all Catahoula leopard dogs merle?
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.
What does owning a Catahoula say about you?
Catahoulas are loyal and protective. They’re strong and sometimes forceful, but not aggressive. They do, however, intend to make sure you are safe at all times. So please don’t do anything with your body that doesn’t look normal.
How can you tell if you have a Catahoula Leopard Dog?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs have single coats that are close and flat on the body. In length, they are either short or medium, and they may feel anywhere between coarse and smooth. Expect any color other than white. A Catahoula may be nearly any color, combination of colors, or pattern.
Are Catahoula leopard dogs rare?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are relatively rare. They can easily be found in the Louisiana and Gulf Coast areas but are much more difficult to come across in other parts of the United States. Outside of the U.S., this breed is nearly impossible to find.
What is a merle Catahoula?
Catahoulas are most commonly seen in blue or red merle (leopard) patterns. Other colors seen in the breed include patchwork (a variation of the merle pattern), solid black, solid red/liver, solid blue, yellow, and brindle. Various amounts of tan, brindle, and/or white trim may also be present.
Are Catahoulas good family dogs?
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is very loving with family, but may be wary with strangers if it’s not socialized early on. Catahoulas are protective of the family, and make excellent watch dogs. This breed is not aggressive; however, similar to other herding breeds, it is a natural leader.
Are Catahoulas intelligent?
As with most smart dog breeds, the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard needs to have a fair amount of stimulation in order to stay energized and happy. These dogs are highly intelligent and quick to assess situations, making them perfect helpers in law enforcement.
What is the best Catahoula mix?
- The Labahoula is the perfect mix for any family and makes for a loyal, loving companion.
- The Beagahoula is full of personality and is well suited for families with children.
- The Catahoula Bulldog is an affectionate, loyal dog with a very stable personality.
- The Chiahuahoula are very social and have big personalities!
How much are Catahoula dogs worth?
Many hunters still breed and use them, which is why they are less expensive than other breeds. Generally, puppies are as little as $600 to $900 from a professional, registered breeder. Some may be more expensive at around $1,000, but these are typically dogs with competitive pedigrees.
What is a Catalina dog?
About the Breed The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a medium-large, short-coated dog, known for its many varied coat and eye colors and patterns. The word is of Choctaw origin and is translated to mean “sacred lake.” Catahoulas are the only breed of dog to have historically originated in the state of Louisiana.
What is the difference between a Catahoula Cur and a Catahoula Leopard Dog?
Well, we’re here to shed some light on this aspect! The most important thing to know is that the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Catahoula Cur are the same dog breed; the Catahoula Cur is just a name variation for the Catahoula Leopard Dog.
Do Catahoulas have blue eyes?
There is no standard eye color for Catahoulas. The eyes may be any color or combination of colors, although glass eyes are preferred. The eyes do not have to be the same color and may have partial glass in one or both eyes, commonly called “cracks”.
How often should I bathe my Catahoula?
Catahoula Leopard Dog Breed Maintenance A quick brushing once a week is enough to keep this breed’s coat shiny and clean. While they may need a bath if especially dirty, typically you will only need to bathe a Catahoula perhaps a couple times a year.
What does double merle mean?
“Double merle” refers to a dog that inherited two copies of the merle gene, a gene that can be present in many breeds from aussies and collies to danes and catahoulas to dachshunds and chihuahuas.
How do I know if my dog is a merle carrier?
The merle gene modifies the dark pigment in the eyes, occasionally changing dark eyes to blue, or part of the eye to be colored blue. Since merle causes random modifications, however, both dark-eyed, blue-eyed, and odd-colored eyes are possible. Pigmentation on paw pads and nose may be mottled by pink.
Can you breed 2 merle Catahoulas?
Similarly, puppies born from two merle dogs have a 25 percent chance of being born as double merle. Double merle puppies may be born blind, deaf, or both. Compared to other breeds, it is rarer for double merle puppies to be born deaf and blind, but the possibility is still a significant problem for the breed.
Do Catahoulas bark alot?
Catahoulas make good watchdogs. They will bark when strangers approach the house. However, excessive barking should not be encouraged.
Are Catahoula dogs easy to train?
Catahoula Leopard Dog Trainability Due to their independent qualities, the Catahoula is not the easiest breed to train. As previously stated, they need an owner who is willing to put in a lot of work and determination in order to train them.
How do you stop a Catahoula from biting?
Why do Catahoulas climb trees?
Bred to circle and hold cattle, wild boars and bears, they’ll fearlessly plunge into thickets or marshes, or climb mountains (and in some cases, trees) to catch up to their prey. Raising their heads high, they will wind a scent, and the baying can be heard up to a mile away.