Pet Wiki

Catahoula Leopard Dog

Also called Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, Catahoula Cur, Catahoula Hog Dog, Catahoula Hound

Focused and businesslike on the job, then goofy and affectionate once back home.

SizeLarge
Weight18 to 43 kg (40 to 95 lb)123
Height51 to 66 cm (20 to 26 in)males 56 to 66 cm, females 51 to 61 cm12
CoatShort to medium single coat
OriginUnited States, Louisiana; named after Catahoula Parish.21
Recognised breedShort profile
tireless, versatile worker
playful clown at home
devoted to its family
134

Personality what they are like

Focused and businesslike on the job, then goofy and affectionate once back home. It is independent, can be reserved with strangers, and does best with an owner who gives clear, consistent guidance.134

Coat and looks how to spot one

short to medium single coat

A single coat that lies close to the body and can feel anything from sleek to fairly coarse. Underneath is a muscular, slightly rectangular frame built for stamina and agility.12

Coloursblue merle (leopard)red merle (leopard)brindlesolid colourspatchworkwhite trim12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Catahoula Leopard Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high. Needs plenty of running, hiking, swimming or real work plus mental challenges such as training and scent games every day.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low-maintenance coat: a regular brush and the odd bath. Check and clean the drop ears often and keep nails trimmed.3

Home where they are happiest

Best in an active household with space and a securely fenced yard.3

Company who they like around

Loves being part of family life; early socialisation helps with its natural wariness of strangers. Suits families with older children.31

The story where it all began

The breed took shape in Louisiana, with a lineage often traced to the mid-1700s when settlers' dogs were mixed with local dogs. It became the go-to dog for rounding up half-wild hogs and cattle in the swamps and woods. Louisiana made it the state dog in 1979, and the UKC recognised it in 1995.21

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Eyes can be blue, brown, green, amber or a mix of colours, even within the same eye.2

  2. 2

    It works as a 'bay dog', holding hogs or cattle in place by barking and circling rather than grabbing them.2

  3. 3

    The name 'Catahoula' is thought to come from a Choctaw word.1

  4. 4

    When moving stock, the dogs spread out to form a living 'canine fence' around the herd.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after Catahoula Parish in Louisiana, where it was developed and recognized as the official state dog in 1979.2

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

BoudreauxT-BoneMagnoliaSwampyCajunBayouRouxClovisDeltaZuluMardiGumbo

A day in the life told by a Catahoula Leopard Dog

This morning I sniffed out a trail of raccoon prints along the bayou, then herded the neighbor's chickens back into their coop like a pro. After a swim in the pond, I came home and flopped on the couch, tail thumping. My human laughed and called me a silly goofball. Later, we played hide-and-seek with my favorite squeaky toy. I found it under the bed in two seconds flat. Life's perfect: work hard, play hard, and nap harder.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

UKC
Recognised 1 January 1995 as the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, Herding Dog Group.1
AKC
Foundation Stock Service since 1996.2
State of Louisiana
Official state dog since 9 July 1979.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Catahoula Leopard Dog tip

Use treats sparingly, no more than 10% of daily calories, and choose lean, low-fat options to support joint health and maintain a healthy weight. Treat-based positive reinforcement works brilliantly for this energetic breed, but always ask your vet before introducing new supplements or chews.

Source: petmd.com purina.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Catahoula Leopard Dog, and at what times?

Feed your adult Catahoula at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals daily. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5

What should a Catahoula Leopard Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.6

How often should I bathe a Catahoula Leopard Dog?

Bathe your Catahoula about every eight weeks, or as needed if it gets dirty. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but more frequent baths are fine if your dog is very active outdoors.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Catahoula Leopard Dog need brushing?

Brush your Catahoula's short coat once a week to remove loose hair and keep it healthy. Pet Wiki's plan recommends weekly brushing, which is perfect for this low-maintenance breed.73 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Catahoula Leopard Dog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Catahoula Leopard Dog need?

This breed needs very high daily exercise, including running, hiking, swimming, or real work, plus mental challenges like training and scent games. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily walks and play, but aim for at least an hour of vigorous activity.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Catahoula Leopard Dog's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check and dry the drop ears weekly to prevent moisture buildup, and never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Catahoula Leopard Dog live?

The lifespan varies by individual and care. For specific information, please ask your vet or a reputable breeder.

Is a Catahoula Leopard Dog good with children and other pets?

This breed suits families with older children and does best with early socialisation. It can be reserved with strangers and may not get along with other pets, so introduce carefully and supervise interactions.31

Can a Catahoula Leopard Dog be left alone?

Catahoulas love being part of family life and may struggle with long periods alone. They do best in an active household where someone is home often. If left alone, provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation beforehand.3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Australian ShepherdBeauceronAmerican Leopard Hound

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. UKC Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, coat, colours, eyes, temperament, name origin
  2. Catahoula Leopard Dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, AKC FSS, uses, eye colours
  3. Purina Catahoula Leopard Dog profile purina.comused for weight, exercise, grooming, social needs
  4. AKC Catahoula Leopard Dog akc.orgused for temperament summary
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.