Catahoula Leopard Dog

Also known as the Catahoula Cur and Catahoula Hog Dog, the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is named after Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. Of extant dog breeds, the Catahoula is thought to have been in North America the longest: truly an American Dog.

The Catahoula is thought to have descended from "war dogs" (Mastiffs and Greyhounds) brought to Louisiana by Hernando de Soto in the 16th century. Dogs left behind by the explorers party were interbred by the local indians with a semi-domesticated Red Wolf.

In the 17th century, French settlers arrived in Lousiana. They brought with them the Beauceron, and mixed it with the local indian dogs.

The Catahoula is the working dog of the region. They are used for herding cattle and sheep, and tracking and hunting ferile pigs (as well as anything else huntable from squirrel to deer to bear...) Owing to their importance in the history of the region, in 1979 they were named the official state dog of Louisiana.

Being a working dog (the breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club), the physical characteristics of the Catahoula are fairly variable. They typically range from 50 to 95 pounds and have short to very short hair. They come in a variety of colors: blue, red and yellow, in both merles and solids --- the archetype, however, is the blue merle.

Catahoulas are highly intelligent, energetic and quick, yet are generally very loving and gentle with children. They are inquisitive and have an independent streak.

External References

• http://www.catahoulas.org/
• The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog (1997), by Don Abney; Doral Publishing. ISBN: 0-944875-44-0. [amazon.com]