The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a highly intelligent and serious working dog with an even disposition. Because they are naturally curious and were bred to be useful, these dogs do not fare well on their own. They are excellent watchdogs, as they are protective and instinctively alert. Even well-socialized, they tend to be wary of strangers, including both people and animals they do not know.

Due to their energetic nature, Catahoulas are playful and need to be kept reasonably stimulated. This unique breed makes for a fine family pet, so long as these dogs are given the care they need to be happy. Well-socialized, they are great with children, but their high energy means interactions between young kids and puppies should be supervised to make sure playtime doesn’t get too rambunctious.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They do not tend to be good apartment-dwelling dogs. Their energy, temperament, and breeding history dictate that they have lots of space to explore their world for stimulation.

Even though these dogs enjoy outdoor activities, they do not thrive where it is too hot or too cold. Their sturdy coat and webbed feet make them especially adaptable in water and woodland areas. They also are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water.

Potential health concerns to be aware of in Catahoula Leopard Dogs can include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and deafness. A lack of melanocytes can determine a dog’s vulnerability to deafness. A Catahoula that is predominantly white has an 80% chance of being born or becoming deaf. One in four “double merle” puppies – where both parents of any dog breed have the merle coat – are born deaf.

Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Catahoula Leopard Dog puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs before breeding to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents, and also about any health tests or clearances that have been done.

Although these good-natured dogs have a pleasant temperament, they are not recommended for novice dog owners. Puppy training classes or the help of a trainer are recommended for people who do not have experience with this breed. This is simply because these dogs require careful attention to their need to exert energy and to be useful. They are eager to please and need to be a useful member of the family.

The Catahoula is intelligent and highly trainable, but this requires a strong trainer who understands the capabilities and limits of the breed. Simply put, the Catahoula is no pushover; they tend to insist on having things their own way and can be stubborn and independent. They can also be protective and territorial, which requires ongoing socialization and training to keep in check.

Although the Catahoula Leopard Dog may not be the best fit for everyone, they make exceptional companions for the active family who can attend to their needs. They are loving and affectionate with their families and are eager to please, but they are also high-spirited and require a lot of activity to be happy and healthy.

The coat of the Catahoula Leopard Dog is a marvel to behold and a breeze to maintain. A weekly brushing to help mitigate the light shedding of the fur and the occasional bath as needed is all that is required.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Catahoula Leopard Dog’s nails, ears, and teeth. Nails should be trimmed regularly; once or twice monthly is usually sufficient. The ears should be checked weekly for irritants or parasites, and carefully cleaned as needed. It’s almost important to brush your dog’s teeth every day to help prevent dental problems later in life.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a high-energy dog and they are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep this active dog happy and healthy. But, they will probably be up for more activity if you are.

They also need a job to do or some sort of activity that makes them feel useful to satisfy their working dog tendencies. Just make sure you keep activities low impact until puppies finish growing to avoid damaging developing bones and joints.

Fully-grown Catahoula Leopard Dogs usually stand 22-24 inches tall and weigh 50-95 pounds. Males usually weigh 65-95 pounds while females usually weigh 50-65 pounds. There is usually about a 1-2 inch difference between males and females.

Catahoula Leopard Dogs generally live for 10-14 years on average. As a large dog breed, their life span is usually shorter, but some have been known to live for up to 18 years!

President Theodore Roosevelt used a Catahoula Leopard Dog to assist him on his beloved hunting excursions in the Wild West of the early 1900s United States.