The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog evolved in the swamps of central Louisiana, around the Catahoula Lakes. Legend says their ancestors were the results of the Indian dogs, or red wolves around in the area at that time, mating with the surviving “war dogs” or mastiffs used by the Spaniards in battle and then left behind, either wounded or captured by the Indians.  The first white settlers to the Catahoula Lake area found this strange breed of dog with mottled spots and white eyes, and called the CATAHOULA, meaning  “beautiful clear water.”  The dogs were used for hunting deer, bobcat and wild hogs, and the settlers appreciated their technique in trailing or winding, baying, herding and soon had the dogs working their cattle.

Appearance

The Louisiana Catahoula is a medium to tall rangy dog, with broad chest, strong legs and a wide head.  It has slick, short hair, and the average adult size ranges between 20-26 inches at the withers.  The average weight being between 50-95lbs. Most Louisiana Catahoulas are spotted up from 2-5 different colors in their coat, having a base color of black, blue, brown, liver or white, with contrasting spots of any, or all, of these colors.  A few may be almost solid but have a white spot on the chest or trim on the legs and face. There are two types of ears: folded-over like a hound, but much shorter is preferred, or the wrinkled, and laid back is permissible. The webbed toes of these dogs help them walk easily in swampland as well as over snow, and make them excellent swimmers. The Louisiana catahoula keeps growing until about 2 years old, but some bloodlines work like adults at 8 or 9 months old.  Females come into heat between 8 months and 1 year old. Studs should not be used till 16 months old. The females make better brood dogs when bred after 2 years of age. The pups are weaned at about 4 weeks old.

Eyes

A characteristic of the breed are the unusual eyes, the most striking and preferred eye color is the unique double glass eyes.  Other colors can be brown, green, amber, or one colored eye with one glass eye, or eyes with glass cracks, spots of glass in one or both eyes.

Training

This versatile dog can be trained for almost any purpose. Performance in obedience training, as well as the ability to master and perform difficult tricks, amaze and amuse owners of this dog. Basically, the dog wants to please it’s master, and this, together with their natural instincts, make training a matter of getting the pups attention, then teaching them the basics of obedience. They develop their own style of working and strive to help and defend their masters. They work on both sight and sound signals and are excellent obedience and field trail dogs. A kind word and a pat on the head will be reward enough for the Catahoula to try his best for his master.

Abilities

This dog is second to none as a stock dog, having the guts and inbred desire to work wild Brahma cows or hogs, but still working well with gentle stock.  Lead dogs bark to aggravate the cows from the front;  herd or drive dogs circle, give voice and keep the cows bunched; or there is a combination dog that works all positions. The catahoula can out work and outlast any other breed. It is strong, active and has natural instincts and a working style all it’s own.  A Catahoula is affectionate, intelligent and faithful.

A Catahoula makes a wonderful companion dog, guard, a stock, hunting or show dog. They are currently being used in Search and Rescue, Narcotics Detection and Attack Training. They are fearless in nature and can be fighters yet gentle with their family. They are said to be the worlds most useful, multi-purpose dog, good at home, on the farm or on a hunt.

Hunting

Hog dogs work well in swampy areas, bark, snap and run, working in pairs or trios to circle and bunch. Cow dogs tease, circle and bay until the herd calms and bunches, then they help pen. Coon hunters like the keen eyesight at night of these dogs and a Catahoula-Coon fight is something to see!  Squirrel hunters use the sharp eyesight, keen sense of hearing and smell.  They are good deer hunters as they are short range dogs, silent trailers and bay dogs.

Remember

Catahoulas are working dogs first and foremost. They must have personal attention, room to run, and some thing to occupy their active mental state.  Catahoulas are vocal, high energy and some are master escape artists. Be sure you're ready for the demands of this breed.

NALC Events

NALC sponsors working cow dog trials and dog shows. They register purebred Catahoulas with Louisiana bloodlines. A quarterly News Bulletin is published to keep interested persons informed on buying, raising and breeding the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard dogs. They also publish a list of certified Breeders who will be happy to show you their dogs. This information is in a soft bound book and can be purchased from the NALC office.  Registered dogs are of top conformation, quality and spirit. Brood stock is selectively bred to the best dogs within the breed. Prices commensurate with the pup quality. Most breeders are willing to ship puppies and young dogs. All arrangements must be approved by the breeder and health and registrations papers should accompany the dog. NALC and most Certified Breeders will be glad to send and exchange information with interested persons.

The Louisiana Catahoula

A big boned, glass eyed, white trimmed leopard is the “Cadillac” of the Catahoulas. Many owners go squirrel or hog hunting in the morning, pen a few cows in the afternoon, and have a good coon hunt that night …. all with the same pair of Catahoulas! The Catahoula is useful in so many ways, and can be trained to individual needs. No wonder it is in such demand.

NALC contact info:
NALC, INC.
Post Office Box 1041
Denham Springs, LA 70727-1041
225-665-6082

February , 2003  Cheifland, Florida

April, 2003  Fairfield, Tx

May, 2003, Gonzales, Louisiana  Lamar-Dixon Areana

September, 2002  Gonzales, Louisiana  Lamar-Dixon Arena - National Finals, Champion of Champion show

October, 2002  Ion , California

November, 2002  Tupelo, Mississippi  E & E Livestock Farm

Most  Shows offer the following events:
Obedience
Junior Showmanship
Conformation
Coon Treeing
Penned Hog Baying
Open A-Hog Baying
Cow Dog Trails

Something for everyone,  bring the whole family.