What is a Catahoula?

The Catahoula Leopard Dog's roots date back over 400 years, to the period of Spanish Exploration of the New World, specifically the Gulf Coast and southern portions of the East Coast of the United States. On these expeditions the Spaniards were accompanied by "war dogs", believed to have been the Mastiff and Greyhound. These dogs would assist in hunting, guarding the camps, and battle. Some of these dogs were wounded or left behind and were captured by the Native Americans of the region. It is believed by historians that these dogs may have bred with the red wolf, a species native to that area. These wolf-like dogs became the companions and protectors of the Native Americans.

About a century later the French, during expeditions along the mouth of the Mississippi River, became intrigued with these strange-looking dogs with haunting light eyes. The French found that the wolf-like dogs had the ability to successfully hunt game in the swamp because of several characteristics including a keen sense of smell and webbed feet. The dogs could also easily retrieve cattle which had wandered into marshy areas. The French had brought with them their own dogs, known today as the Beauceron. The Beauceron dates back to the mid 1500's and was originally used to hunt wild boar. It is believed that in an attempt to create an even better hunter, protector, companion, and herder the French crossed the Beauceron with these wolf-like dogs. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is the descendant of that crossing.

A Catahoula is a loyal friend and protector, as well as being an incredibly versatile working dog. While not overtly aggressive, one would be unwise to enter their domain in the absence of their owner.

Catahoulas can be aggressive toward other dogs, and proper socialization is especially important when raising a pup in a multi-pet environment. They are very protective of their food, and a separate food bowl is suggested to alleviate potential conflict with other pets.

The Catahoula can be stubborn or hard-headed. A combination of love, praise, perseverance and a no-nonsense attitude is required when training a Catahoula. Given an inch these dogs will happily take a mile.  The owner must assert his/her dominance from day one & continue to re-enforce that dominance when tested, or trouble will follow.  While some will always argue an exception to the rule, the Catahoula is not a city dog. Unless allowed to run for a minimum of an hour per day (a walk on the leash or a romp in the park doesn't  begin to suffice) they will find other outlets for their energy, including unwelcome and sometimes destructive behavior.

Their conformation is that of a rugged yet agile athlete. They are "headers" rather than "heelers".   They gather or "bay-up" cattle and keep them bunched together so the cowboy can move the herd. They will prevent a cow from breaking away and circle the herd as the herd moves.

Catahoulas are also widely used today to hunt wild boar, and when you hear a Catahoula owner talk about them "working hogs" chances are they mean baying up wild boar, not herding domesticated pigs. Catahoulas also make a fine tree dog, being used on coon and squirrel.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is an often overlooked yet excellent choice of breed for training in both Schutzhund and SAR. ACA director Don Abney, a reserve deputy, handler, and trainer of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's office SAR division, has just retired his Catahoula Ladyhawke after a long and very successful career as a fully accredited Sheriff's deputy.  Don gave a SAR seminar for ACA in June of 1997 and a tracking seminar in May of '99.