***A Rare Breed***
...One of the only known domesticated native North American dog breeds...
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is the ultimate working dog and is one of the world’s most versatile breeds. They are naturally protective of their home and family and will outwork and outfight all other stock breeds when it comes to protecting their master, livestock and property. They are tough when working the fields, and work best when hunting wild animals such as wild hog, cattle, bear, coon and squirrels. When not working these dogs make great family pets. The Catahoula Leopard Dogs were developed by our Native American Indians and early settlers, having direct ancestral ties to the Carolina Dog, Australian Dingo, African Jackal, and New Guinea Singing Dog.
We socialize our dogs with children and adults, thereby making them great pets and companions.
History: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a rare unique breed named after Catahoula Parish, Louisiana . Of remaining dog breeds, the Catahoula is believed to have occupied North America the longest, and descended from Native American-created breeds. The Catahoula is the working dog of the region. They are used for herding cattle and sheep, and for tracking and hunting feral pigs (as well as anything else huntable, from squirrel to deer to bear...). In 1979, the Catahoula was named the official state dog of Louisiana in recognition of their importance in the history of the region.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 explorer's party were interbred by the local Indians with their semi-domesticated Red Wolves. In the 17th century, French settlers arrived in Louisiana . They brought with them the Beauceron and mixed them with the dogs that had been created by the earlier cross of red wolves and the Spanish "war dogs". Recent archeological discoveries of Indian remains (including dogs buried with them) in Bienville Parish, LA, have been dated at 5,630 BC giving some proof that the Catahoula Leopard was a valued part of the Native American way of life. DNA tests have shown that the Catahoula Leopard is a feral relic of antiquity, directly related to the Carolina Singing Dog, Australian Dingo, African Jackal, and New Guinea Singing Dog.
Appearance: As a working dog, Catahoulas have been bred more for temperament and ability than for appearance. As a result, the physical characteristics of the Catahoula are somewhat varied. Preferred size from 20-26", weight 50-90 lbs, with a few individuals larger although most males average 60-70 lbs in lean working condition, & about 24" tall. They are short haired, have a natural flop to the ear (like a Dalmatian ear) and a long tail although some Catahoulas can have a short or bob tail. They come in every color of the rainbow; blue, red, black, black & tan, in both merles and solids. The Archetype, however, is the blue/grey base with black/liver spots ("blue Leopard"), tan legs and face, white toes and chest. They are known for having haunting, light-blue "glass eyes", or half-blue, half-brown "cracked" eyes, although all-brown, golden and green are also acceptable eye colors.
Temperament: Catahoulas are highly intelligent, energetic, and quick, yet are generally very loving and gentle with children. They are inquisitive and have an independent streak. However, the Catahoula temperament is not suited for everyone; these dogs tend to be very protective of their territory and family.
A true Catahoula Leopard Dog is in NO WAY related to a Catahoula Bulldog.
The Catahoula Bulldog is not a purebred dog; it is a cross between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Bulldog.
We have a new litter- info will be added to the 'puppies available' page soon!
We have a very limited number of litters. So, if you are interested in one of our future Catahoula Leopard Pups please email us to be placed on the list.. All pups sold on a first come basis- GET ON LIST NOW!
