Catahoula Leopard Dog
Also called Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, Catahoula Cur, Catahoula Hog Dog, Catahoula Hound
From United States, Louisiana; named after Catahoula Parish.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
UKC and Wikipedia give 50-95 lb (about 23-43 kg) in proportion to height; Wikipedia also lists 40-95 lb. Purina quotes 50-90 lb.
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.21
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.234
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.32
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 1995.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Eyes can be blue, brown, green, amber or a mix of colours, even within the same eye.1
- 2
It works as a 'bay dog', holding hogs or cattle in place by barking and circling rather than grabbing them.1
- 3
The name 'Catahoula' is thought to come from a Choctaw word.2
- 4
When moving stock, the dogs spread out to form a living 'canine fence' around the herd.1
Recognised by the official bits
- UKC
- Recognised 1 January 1995 as the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, Herding Dog Group.2
- AKC
- Foundation Stock Service since 1996.1
- State of Louisiana
- Official state dog since 9 July 1979.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Catahoula Leopard Dog. 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 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. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but more frequent baths are fine if your dog is very active outdoors.7 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary's plan recommends weekly brushing, which is perfect for this low-maintenance breed.73 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily walks and play, but aim for at least an hour of vigorous activity.3 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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.32
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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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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.
- Catahoula Leopard Dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, AKC FSS, uses, eye colours
- UKC Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, coat, colours, eyes, temperament, name origin
- Purina Catahoula Leopard Dog profile purina.comused for weight, exercise, grooming, social needs
- AKC Catahoula Leopard Dog akc.orgused for temperament summary
- 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.