The Catahoula Leopard or Catahoula Cur does not only possess an obvious colorful coat but an interesting and colorful history as well. Being a native of Catahoula county in Louisiana, this dog is not only trusted among farms and ranches in the state but of the whole North America as well. This dog is well-known and well-loved for its ability to hunt and track games outstandingly, and stir and guide any herd of animals commandingly.
The breed of Catahoula traces back to the year 1536 when the Spanish conquistador Hernando De Soto brought with him the massive war dog breeds, the Mastiffs and Greyhounds, to interrogate the Indians about information on treasures and gold. Eventually, the Spaniards left America and the wounded dogs they left behind were took in by the Indians and cared for together with the Red fox, a dog which is widespread at the time in Louisiana and used by Indians as hunting dogs. The Red fox and the Spaniards' war dogs lived side by side with the Indians and this is how the new breed of Indian fox dog came to be.
French settlers arrived in Louisiana during 1700 and were immediately captured by the Indian fox dog's natural excellent hunting skills and glassy eyes. This breed was widespread all over Louisiana at that time and was popular among and favored by the people of that state. The French had their own breed called Beauceron at the time and they cross-bred this with the Indian fox dog and the result was no other than the Catahoula Cur.
The Catahoula Cur breed was famous and is said to have affected the lives of many known personalities such as the brothers Jim and Rezin Bowie who were believed to adore this breed so much they let them sleep in on their beds. Teddy Roosevelt also favored the Catahoula as hunting companion and the then La. Gov. Earl K. Long collected and bred Catahoula. Because of these inclinations to famous people, the breed became a household name all over the country and in 1979, it was made the official state dog of Louisiana.
This great pet is also lucky enough to be judged according to its characteristics and skills and not according to its appearance. Although not as fancy-haired as other breeds, this dog's coat is also beautifully speckled with an assortment of colors and patterns. Some of the common varieties are black with mottles of blue and gray, red or brown with a light touch of red or liver, and any other colors with a touch of blue or gray merle.
In texture, the coat of this breed also varies such as slick, coarse, shaggy or wooly. The course coat, when wet, dries out longer but maintenance of it is quite easy while the wooly or shaggy coats shed incessantly but grows back as course coat or double coat. The slick coat dries out in minutes when wet and is referred to as the wash n' wear coat, obviously referring to its manageability and low-maintenance requirement.
As quoted by breeder Don Abney, "You must be ready to teach and exercise a Catahoula. If not, he will eat your house. The Catahoula will not let you forget that you own a dog." This breed is impressively intelligent, strongly energetic, makes an outstanding ranch or farm dog, and makes a very dear and excellent family companion and playmate to children. They can become insistent and demanding but they are not aggressive by nature.
To keep them in shape mentally and physically, they must be busied with at least an hour of exercise everyday, household or farm chores that will keep them occupied, and playtime with its masters or other people that they know. This breed, however, becomes aggressive and intolerant as they grow older and will tend to be very protective of their property. If they see other animals or dogs wandering in their space, they will drive them away or worst kill them.
About the Author:
Know how awesome the Catahoula Leopard breed is and access countless of information from expert breeder Madison Richardson. Check out her website now and know how to give proper training, grooming and breeding of Catahoula Leopards or Catahoula Curs.
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