Catahula leopard dog: description, advantages and disadvantages, temperament, rules of care

Catahula leopard dog? an animal with an unusual appearance. This American breed is considered a "working" breed. Such a dog is indispensable for hunting because of its keen sense of smell and excitement, forcing it to pursue prey. For lovers of quiet indoor pets, this sports breed will not suit. However, with proper upbringing, the owner can build a relationship with the dog based on mutual respect and loyalty.

It is believed that the breed began to form in the 16th century in Louisiana (USA). The unusual Indian name is associated with the river of the same name that flows in this area. Experts refer to the ancestors of unusual dogs as mastiffs, bloodhounds, grayhounds. Also in the breed there are genes of the red wolf. In the 17th century, the French brought with them the Beauceron. They were also bred with half-wolves. As a result of all these natural mixtures, the leopard dog known today was obtained.

The name of the breed was fixed in 1979. The Louisiana governor declared her the state's official animal. Dogs were used to help the servants of the law. They were sent to search and rescue operations, and were introduced to grazing. They did not forget about the hunting skills of the dogs.

Leopard dogs are of medium size. Animals have great strength, endurance, athletic constitution. They are active, fast, agile. Representatives of this breed are ideal for sporting events, they perform well on teams. Running with obstacles and other similar tasks is easy for them. The beauty of the breed is no different. They are rather unsightly animals with a large head and smooth hair. Let's consider the characteristics of spotted dogs in more detail.

• Head. The large head is distinguished by pronounced cheekbones. The cheeks droop slightly. The jaws are powerful. The correct bite is "scissors". Eye color varies. It can be sky blue, turquoise, nutty. Individuals are often found when the left and right eyes are of different shades. The ears are pendant, of medium length, and have an envelope shape.
• Frame. The neck is quite long to provide a good view. The chest is well developed. The back is straight. The tail is small, directed upwards, and has the shape of an arc.
• Extremities. Legs are long, strong, give a powerful push when moving. A unique feature of this breed is the presence of a small membrane on its paws. It allows animals to move easily in swampy areas. It also helps in swimming.
• Color... "Leopard" coloring suggests the presence of spots and patterns on the animal's coat. However, the basic tone, size, number and location of specks may vary. Wool is dyed in gray, white, black, all shades of brown, beige. Individuals of the same color are practically not found. But the combination of 3 shades in the color of one dog is not uncommon.

The leopard dog is an active but friendly animal. She can be a great companion and a good friend. Animals are curious, communicative, but not intrusive. At the same time, they are smart and loyal. Dogs love children, treat them patiently, even with some care. With strangers, the catahoulas behave rather restrainedly. Dogs cannot be called cowardly, they protect their territory. If necessary, they can even show aggression. Outside the house, four-legged pets behave more relaxed and peaceful. Although they do not belong to gullible cuties seeking to get to know everyone.

As for other dogs, those who begin to encroach on the territory of the leopard dog from the outside are out of luck. If animals live in the same house, the relationship can develop more calm, without much conflict. Cats and smaller animals (such as hamsters) can provoke an animal with an innate hunting instinct. However, with proper education, peaceful coexistence of all pets is possible.

The breed is very playful. This is especially true for puppies. Adults behave more restrained, but they also have plenty of energy. Therefore, walking a pet, it is important not to lose vigilance... For example, at any moment the dog can jump off the spot when he sees a cat crossing the road.

Animals are wayward, persistent in achieving what they want, they can show character... If you are fond of hunting, the dog can not only keep you company, but also help in tracking down game. However, it is worth noting that such dogs only take a hot trail. If the game passed through the area more than 2 hours ago, it will be difficult for the dog to trace its further path.

In the process of detecting prey, the catahula is silent. Only a rare bark can betray his excitement. But when a trophy is found, the dog is filled with loud barking, which makes the owner understand where to go. The pet does not enter the fight with a wild beast. He simply holds him in place until the hunter himself appears.

Although the leopard dog is not a herding breed, it can help in this matter too. Therefore, farmers sometimes have such pets for grazing cows, goats and other livestock. The dog controls the herd by circling around it. If any member of the herd tries to leave the territory, the catahula will try to stop him. He will bark loudly, and if this does not help, he will slightly bite the animal.

Catahula is an unpretentious dog. It is easy to maintain. In particular, this applies to short hair, which does not require complex maintenance. Vigilance, keen hearing and sense of smell can also be attributed to virtues. The dog is good at hunting, protects his home and its inhabitants. At the same time, you shouldn't start her as a bodyguard. Outside the home, the animal does not have the habit of protecting the owner. Instincts are closely related to territory.

Also, hunting habits can negatively affect the relationship of a leopard dog with other pets (for example, a cat). To avoid unpleasant situations, it is important to educate the dog from childhood, instilling in him respect for other living beings.

The Catahula is an independent breed. Dogs are often stubborn. In this regard, sometimes it is difficult to force an animal to behave with dignity in a public place, to obey commands. Individuals whose socialization is not given due attention can be especially uncontrollable. Regular classes and upbringing are required. By the way, females are usually calmer. When buying a pet, you can take this fact into account.

In some kennels, dogs are kept in open enclosures. Moreover, each animal has an insulated booth. However, this content is permissible only in warm regions. In the middle climatic zone, the winter time is rather cold. The short hair of the pet does not warm it, so the dog will not be able to live on the street.

A cozy bed in a country house is a great option. During the day, the dog can frolic in the fenced area, and in the evening it can relax with family members. Communication plays a big role in raising a pet. Staying alone for a long time, he can become slightly wild.

Shedding of representatives of this breed is moderate. The pet should be brushed using a special brush or mitten. The procedure is carried out once a week. Frequent bathing is useless. Enough once every 3 months. As with other breeds, regular eye and ear examinations are required.

They should be carefully cleaned with special products as needed. Most leopard dogs grind their nails naturally. Otherwise, they are cut to the optimum length. Dental care is another traditional procedure... It is better to teach your pet to brush your teeth from childhood. The procedure should be carried out a couple of times a week.

The Catahula is a healthy breed. However, the pet may have joint problems. To avoid this, you should pay attention to the weight of the dog. In accordance with this, the duration of the training is also adjusted.

There are no special recommendations for feeding representatives of this breed. Of course, the diet should be complete and balanced according to BJU. The food is selected taking into account the age of the pet. You should pay attention to ready-made dry food super premium, designed for dogs with an active lifestyle.

Natural feeding is also allowed. In this case, the pet's menu must include meat and offal. The share of such components is calculated as follows: 40 g per 1 kg of body weight for young and 10-15 g per 1 kg of body weight for adults. Also, animals are given cereals, eggs, vegetables. Fermented milk products are also useful.

Leopard dogs are confident, self-sufficient, energetic. To tame such a pet, the owner needs to earn his respect. Only the leader will be able to achieve tangible results in training the dog. When raising, you should be firm, but be fair. If you disobey, you need to make it clear to the dog that he is wrong.

If he does the commands well, he should definitely be praised. As with other dogs, physical punishment and screaming are not allowed. Teaching should be clear and consistent, but gentle. Trust and mutual understanding - this is what the relationship between the owner and the dog should be based on.

Patience should be shown. The first 2 years of training will be the most difficult, despite the fact that such animals are quite smart. But then the process will go faster, and in the end you can get a disciplined four-legged friend. At the same time, the pet will be able to master commands of any degree of complexity.

For the characteristics of the breed, see the following video.