As more and more rescues travel south to help dogs and cats from the high kill shelters, we are seeing different breeds here in Wisconsin that we didn’t before. Hound dogs, Coon Dogs, Hog hunting dogs, to name a few. We are attracted to their beauty, but we also need to know the difference in training and caring for these types of hunting breeds. 

Let’s start with a breed near and dear to my heart, the Catahoula leopard dog, also known as the Catahoula cur or the Catahoula hog dog, this became the state dog of Louisiana in 1979. This dog was developed over the past several hundred years and are thought to have been interbred with the domesticated dogs of the Native Americans with the dogs the Spanish explorers brought to North America. Possible breeds that have been interbred to create the Catahoula include bloodhounds, greyhounds, mastiffs, and then with the Beauceron after the French arrived in the state. 

The Catahoula was initially used for hunting large game, most notably wild pigs in the swamps of Louisianna. They are also used to hunt smaller game as well and have evolved into goods scent dogs that are used in search and rescue operations. They also are herding dogs and that is the group they are listed for the AKC and UKC. 

Though physical characteristics are varied, Catahoula’s are usually muscular dogs with a rectangular-shaped body. They tend to have a large head with drop ears and a strong, slightly tapered muzzle. They tend to have a thick muscular neck and a long, curved tail. They come in many colors and have medium/short hair. 

Catahoula’s come in many different colors, including blue merle, red merle, brindle, and solid colors. Often, solid coat Catahoula’s have small splashes of other colors such as white on their face, legs or chest. The leopard-like coat of most Catahoula’s is the result of the merle gene. The merle gene does not normally affect the entire coat of the dog but dilutes the color only in areas that randomly present the characteristic of the gene. Deeper colors are preferred; predominantly white coats are discouraged. Since Catahoula is a working dog, coat color is not a primary consideration. They often have what is called glass eyes, with all blue or partial blue irises. 

One thing that Wisconsinites should know is the Catahoula has a single coat, they have no undercoat, so they need to be protected during our harsh winters as they get very cold. 

Last but not least, temperament. A Catahoula is a working breed and unlike some working breeds that have been bred to be family dogs over the past decades, they retain all of the characteristics of a dog that’s bred to work. This is not a breed for the beginning dog owner, and because they were bred to work independently of their humans, they have problem solving skills and strong opinions that might not be the same as you think they should be. If you are looking for a dog that will ‘fall in line’ it’s best to keep looking. If you enjoy a dog that will be a partner, not a pet, then keep on reading! 

Catahoula leopard dogs generally have an energetic and alert temperament. And with their family they have fairly affectionate and playful personalities. They can be aloof around strangers, but they’re not aggressive toward people.   

They don't always get along with other household pets, including dogs, due to their territorial nature and prey drive. Male Catahoula’s can be aggressive when they’re around other male dogs, thanks to their working instinct. But they sometimes can coexist with dogs when raised together from a young age. 

Start training and socialization from as young of an age as possible. tend to be independent and territorial, and this can result in bad habits forming if you don’t guide your dog. Use positive training methods and aim to keep training sessions fun. But always be consistent in your commands so your dog knows they can’t get away with bad behavior.  

Moreover, expose your Catahoula to different people, other dogs, and various locations from an early age to boost their comfort and confidence. Having positive experiences in different situations can help to quell their territorial nature. 

Catahoula leopard dogs are high-energy herding dogs, so they need both ample exercise and mental stimulation to be content and well-behaved at home. They're prone to becoming destructive if they don't get their energy out in a constructive manner. 

Aim for at least two hours a day of activity via: 

  • Walks
  • Running
  • Cycling
  • Swimming
  • Hiking
  • Vigorous playtime
  • Dog sports
  • Agility
  • Rally
  • Puzzle toys

These dogs should be kept on leash, as they have a high prey drive that can make them chase other animals. They also may not be suitable for dog parks because they could be aggressive toward other dogs. It’s best to have a fenced yard to keep your dog secure while playing outside. An electric fence likely won’t stop this dog from chasing animals they see.  

So if you are prepared for an intelligent dog that you need to work with, and you have the time and energy to provide the mental and physical stimulation they need, and will work from an early age to socialize them around people and other dogs, then this breed might work for you. 

As the partner of a Catahoula mix, I can tell you that I would not recommend this breed for just anyone, they are a huge commitment and if care isn’t taken, you might be living with a destructive beast who is hard to control and hard to predict their behavior at any given time. But if you like working dogs, and are up for the challenge, and don’t forget – ready to have them wear heavy coats and hog the heat vents in the winter, then this might be a dog for you!