Catahoula Leopard Hound – Dog Breed, Temperament, Pictures

Catahoula Leopard Hound is a small, single-coated dog; the grooming needs are insignificant. They should have a bath a few times of year (unless they play in mud area) and weekly brushing.

The nails should be cut regularly, and the teeth clean. This breed is a standard to light, consistent shedder. When excited or emphasized, they have a tendency to shed more, mainly when you are adopting them.

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Working Catahoula leopard hound Dogs

As with the other breeds, Catahoula Leopard Dogs are most active when they are running. These highly smart herding dogs have long been used for hunting wild pigs in the Louisiana bottoms, and they are also great livestock breeds.

They are aggressive breeds that work best in groups. Unlike some other dogs, they don’t bite at the heels of their children.

Instead, they frequently run circles nearby the pets they are trying to direct, basically annoying them into stimulating in the desired direction.

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Consistent Leadership

Of course, your Catahoula will, in all likelihood, examine your power from time to time just to test if he can take over as a group leader, but these challenges are not difficult to win if you remain consistent in your leadership and don’t become soft about behavioral expectations.

These dogs need active ownership during their lives, but what you get back from them is more than just a reward for your struggles. 

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Exercise and Mental stimulation 

Catahoula Leopard Dogs are the most comfortable living on a farm or property and allowed to hunt or work. If you just want a pet for your family and don’t have the time or desire to take your dog running or to hike or to swim, I clearly don’t promote this breed to adopt. Bored Catahoulas can bark up craving and ruin your home and garden with their chewing.

Catahoula Leopard Dog Socialization

Many Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a protective ability toward outsiders. They need a long exposure to friendly people, so they learn to understand the normal ways of “good guys.”

Then they can understand the difference when someone behaves abnormally. Without great socialization, a Catahoula may be wary of everyone, which could lead to attack or shyness.

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Does Catahoula ever calm down?

Many Catahoula’s didn’t calm down and went their stride until they’re 4 or 5. But once you give time to Catahoula, you’ll start to see there are plenty of hyper, powerful females out there.

Animal aggression

Many Catahoula Leopard Dogs are bossy and pushy toward other dogs of the same genitals. Many have strong abilities to track and understand cats and other retreating animals. Keep in awareness that this dog was used to hunt other animals like an aggressive wild pig.

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Catahoula Leopard Dog Temperament

Catahoula Leopard Dogs have an objective mind of their own and are not victims to grow and train. Some Catahoulas are stubborn, determined, and powerful (they want to be the boss) and will give you prove that you can make them do anything. You must tell them, through simple consistency, that you imply what you say.

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