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Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dogs: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books

Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog dog breed

The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, often called "King of the Stock Dogs," belongs on a farm or ranch. This serious working dog goes about his business with tremendous focus and assertiveness.

This athletic, rugged dog requires at least an hour of running exercise each day. Without sufficient outlets for his high energy, he will become rambunctious and destructive.

Most Catahoula Leopard Dogs are reserved with strangers and naturally protective. Skittishness and sharpness can be problems in some lines, so you need to be careful about where you get your dog. Then you need to socialize extensively, right from puppyhood.

The Catahoula can be dominant and pushy with other animals, especially with other dogs of the same sex. He may or may not cohabit well in multi-pet homes. Catahoulas can be possessive of their food and belongings.

This is not a good breed for a novice owner. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are independent and like to be in charge. You must be a confident leader or they will walk all over you.

Overall, this is a capable, versatile companion when allowed to fulfill his working heritage. Otherwise, he may not be happy and can be too much dog to handle.


If you want a dog who...

  • Is medium to large, tautly muscled, and athletic
  • Has a short, easy-groom coat with an unusual color pattern
  • Is a serious working dog who thrives on vigorous exercise
  • Makes a keen watchdog

A Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog may be right for you.


If you don't want to deal with...

  • Vigorous exercise requirements
  • Potential rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
  • Potential destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
  • Suspiciousness or shyness when not extensively socialized
  • Potential aggression toward other animals – also strong chasing instincts
  • Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge

A Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog may not be right for you.

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Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament  is less predictable than the inheritance of physical  traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

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More traits and characteristics of the Catahoula

If I was considering a Catahoula Leopard Dog, I would be most concerned about...

  1. Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are happiest living on a farm or ranch and allowed to hunt or work stock. If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, I definitely don't recommend this breed. Bored Catahoulas can bark up a storm and destroy your home and yard with their chewing.
  2. Providing enough socialization. Many Catahoula Leopard Dogs have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, a Catahoula may be suspicious of everyone, which could lead to aggression or shyness.
  3. Animal aggression. Many Catahoula Leopard Dogs are dominant and pushy toward other dogs of the same sex. Many have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. Keep in mind that this breed was (and is) used to hunt other animals, including aggressive wild boar.
  4. The strong temperament. Catahoula Leopard Dogs have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. Some Catahoulas are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.

    To teach your Catahoula to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. Read my free online training programs.

Michele Welton with BuffyAbout the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs.

My best-selling books – now available  FREE  on my website


book coverRespect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy is for puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Click here to read for free.
book coverTeach Your Dog 100 English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Click here to read for free.
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