American Leopard Hound
Also called Leopard Cur, American Leopard Cur
From United States, from dogs thought to descend from Spanish hounds brought to Mexico and later taken north by settlers.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
UKC: males 45-75 lb, females 35-65 lb.
UKC: males 22-27 in, females 21-25 in.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, dense double coat
A smooth-lying coat with a harsher outer layer over a fine, woolly undercoat. The eye-catching spotted leopard pattern is the breed's signature, and eyes may be yellow, brown or blue.12
Personality what they are like
A clever, affectionate hunting hound that is keen to work with its handler. It is loyal and watchful around its own family, especially children, and will use its voice to alert.132
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Very high. Bred as an all-purpose tree dog with great stamina, it thrives with long daily outings, scent work or hunting.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat needs little more than an occasional brush.1
Home where they are happiest
Suits an active, rural or outdoorsy home with secure fencing; the standard notes it copes with a wide range of temperatures.1
Company who they like around
Forms a close bond with its people and likes having a job to do alongside them.13
The story where it all began
The breed is believed to come from dogs that Spanish conquistadors took to the New World, which mixed with native Mexican dogs. Settlers later brought these spotted hounds into the United States, where they were used to trail and tree game including bear. UKC first registered them as Leopard Curs in 1998.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It was known as the Leopard Cur until UKC changed the name in 2008.1
- 2
The AKC describes it as one of the oldest tree dog breeds in the United States, able to follow a trail for miles.3
- 3
Eyes can be yellow, brown or blue.2
- 4
Its breed standard highlights stamina and the ability to cope with both very hot and very cold weather.1
Recognised by the official bits
- UKC
- Recognised 1 November 1998 as the Leopard Cur; renamed American Leopard Hound on 1 May 2008. Scenthound Group.1
- AKC
- Recorded in the Foundation Stock Service since 2012 (not yet fully recognised).2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a American Leopard Hound. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my American Leopard Hound, and at what times?
Feed your adult American Leopard Hound at least two meals a day, ideally at consistent times. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a schedule tailored to your dog.4
What should an American Leopard Hound 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.5
How often should I bathe an American Leopard Hound?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo.6 Furry Diary plan
How often does an American Leopard Hound need brushing?
The short coat needs only an occasional brush. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing once a week to keep the coat healthy and reduce shedding.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim an American Leopard Hound's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every four weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you if you're unsure.6 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does an American Leopard Hound need?
This breed has very high energy and stamina, needing long daily outings, scent work, or hunting. Daily walks and play are essential to keep it happy and healthy.13 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an American Leopard Hound's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check floppy ears weekly for moisture and clean them gently; never push anything into the ear canal.6 Furry Diary plan
How long does an American Leopard Hound live?
Lifespan varies by individual health and care. Ask your vet for an estimate based on your dog's specific needs and lineage.
Is an American Leopard Hound good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed is loyal and watchful with its family, especially children. It forms close bonds and can get along with other pets when properly socialized, but its hunting instincts may affect interactions with smaller animals.132
Can an American Leopard Hound be left alone?
This breed forms a close bond with its people and likes having a job to do, so it may struggle with long periods alone. Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and consult a trainer or vet for advice on separation anxiety.13
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Catahoula Leopard Dog
Mountain Cur
Treeing Walker CoonhoundLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- UKC American Leopard Hound breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, history, size, coat, colours, temperament
- American Leopard Hound - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, AKC FSS status, eye colour, history
- AKC: American Leopard Hound akc.orgused for temperament, tracking ability
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.