Catahoula Leopard Dog

The Catahoula Leopard Dog temperament is intense, serious and focused when working out in the field, and protective, playful and affectionate at home with their family. If properly socialized from puppyhood, Catahoulas aren't aggressive toward people, but they do tend to be wary and aloof around strangers.

While they can be taught to get along with other dogs of the opposite sex, they may become aggressive with dogs of the same sex. Their intense prey drive also makes them unsafe around cats and other small pets, cautions The Spruce Pets. Their tendency to bark at strangers, combined with their strong protective instincts, make them excellent watchdogs.

Catahoulas get along well with older children who are able to treat them with gentleness and respect, especially if raised with them from the time they're puppies. But they should be closely supervised around small children and infants. This breed is best suited for families with older children or teens who can participate in training and take a firm but gentle hand. It's important for all members of the family to deal fairly with these dogs, who won't hesitate to defend themselves if they perceive they're being mistreated, says Dogtime.

Catahoula Leopard Dogs feel most at home on a farm or ranch with livestock to herd and plenty of space to run and play. Barring that, they need a home with a large, fenced-in yard, and they need to be provided with an outlet for their herding and tracking instincts. This breed excels in hunting and tracking sports, as well as in agility and obedience training.

Your Catahoula will need at least an hour of physical exercise a day. They make a great companion for an active pet parent who enjoys running, hiking or long walks. But because of their aggression toward other dogs and their tendency to chase small animals, they may not be the best candidates for dog parks, and they should never be allowed off leash. In addition to physical exercise, Catahoulas need mental stimulation through sports, interactive games or training activities. Without it, they'll become bored, which could lead to destructive behavior.

Despite their love for the outdoors, this isn't a breed who can be left outside. Catahoulas hate to be left alone for long they need to spend plenty of quality time with their human pack. Crate training from an early age, combined with treat-dispensing puzzle toys to keep them occupied, can help keep them calm and contained when it's necessary to leave them alone for a few hours.

Catahoulas are highly intelligent and fairly easy to train. They do possess an independent streak that can make them stubborn at times, so it's important to be firm and patient as well as fair and gentle. Clear expectations and consistency will go a long way toward earning your Catahoula's respect and obedience. Overall, these pups are eager to please and tend to be motivated by praise.

This is a hardy breed that generally has very few health problems. Like many large breeds, they're predisposed toward hip dysplasia, but this should be screened out by reputable breeders. If you purchase a Catahoula puppy from a breeder, ask to see health clearances for both parents, which should include a hip screening from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

Deafness may also be a concern with this breed, a condition that's genetically linked to the gene for merle coloration. While you can test their hearing prior to bringing your Catahoula home, keep in mind that while deafness will require some minor accommodations, dogs with hearing loss can be just as happy and productive as hearing dogs.

The Catahoula dog's fur ranges from smooth to coarse and does a good job of repelling dirt on its own. Light shedding year-round can be easily managed with weekly brushing, and you'll only need to bathe your Catahoula when they become muddy or stinky. Trim the nails whenever you hear them tapping against the floor. Ears should be inspected and cleaned with an ear solution once a week to prevent infection or wax buildup that can contribute to hearing loss. Ideally, teeth should be brushed daily, or two to three times a week at a minimum. Annual dental checkups and cleanings by a veterinarian will also be necessary to prevent gum and dental diseases.