The AKC defines the Catahoula Leopard Dog as native dogs to Louisiana, whose bloodlines include bloodhounds, mastiffs, and greyhounds. The breed was named the Louisiana state dog in 1979 and has been approved to compete in AKC competitions since 2010. This breed is a unique one, especially where I live in Pennsylvania, and for this reason I wanted to share the priceless tidbits of advice I've comprised over the past 9 months of being a Catahoula mama. I'm hoping these tips will help you know what to expect and be prepared to handle the little intricacies of the breed, whether you are already a 'houla parent or you hope to be in the future.
1. PERSISTENCE. Expect outright defiance. Prior to adopting our family Catahoula from a rescue, we did tons of research about the breed. We learned everything about their history, how they have been utilized to coral pigs, and their general demeanor. There was one aspect which I remember reading specifically and thinking, “that's the same with all puppies,”...and that was the fact that they tend to be a bit strong-willed and defiant. Our puppy, Zeppelin, was basically a total angel during the first 6 months of his life with the exception of being rather bite-y. Then when he hit 7 months old, it appeared like a demon spawned from our little angel. It was at this age that he began to chew furniture as well as to outwardly defy prompts especially when he was directed to stop biting. He has begun to slow his role as a now-11-month-old, however there are still times when he will defy a command while staring right at us as if to say he thinks he is the one in charge.
2. YOU ARE THE BOSS. Because of the defiant behavior discussed above, you will absolutely need to make yourself known as the dominant alpha to your Catahoula. This does not mean to physically put your dog in his place. This means he or she will respond best to a human who demonstrates a strong alpha-type personality in regards to redirecting behaviors. My boyfriend definitely became that for our puppy. Zeppelin would bite on my arms, regardless of the strong tone I used to attempt to redirect, but the moment his dad would walk into the room, he would quickly stop his behavior. One would think that as a strong-willed individual myself, I would be disappointed in not being an alpha, however it works for our family because I get to be the buffer and cuddler when he gets in trouble. But in all honesty, Catahoulas are known to be better behaved when they are lead by a strong personality who makes it known to them that they do not call the shots.
3. PATIENCE. Know that they will destroy every “chew proof” toy they come across, and that your forearms will likely be bruised. We provided countless stuffed dog toys for Zeppelin and during those angel-puppy months, he could chew on them but they withstood his bites. Enter the second half of his first year when he suddenly and with reckless abandonment, began to obliterate the stuffing (literally) out of every single toy he owned. We have a PupBox subscription for Zeppelin, and we watched him destroy many a stuffed toy within 30 minutes of opening the box. As he got older, we began to purchase toys made for aggressive chewers...to much dismay, as we watched him also quickly dismantle those toys as well.
4. UNDERSTANDING. Understand that it is in their DNA to protect you...and they will. When doing our research we also learned that another classic Catahoula characteristic is protecting their family to all ends. And this one we have learned is spot on. In order to provide exercise, we take Zeppelin on daily walks. On many occasions we have come across strangers, at whom Zeppelin greeted with a deep, warning bark in which he was clearly protecting his loved ones. He does the same in our house while watching out the window. He is not much of a vocal barker, however he will make it known when he sees a person walking past our house.
5. ACTIVITY. Get ready for many excursions to counteract a seemingly never-ending energy level. As a younger puppy, we got in the habit of taking Zeppelin out on walks frequently. His favorite became hikes through the woods where he could experience many new smells. We took him to a spot near a creek where we could unleash him and just allow him to run freely, which he loved. As winter weather began to approach, we cut back on frequent, longer walks. Big mistake. Catahoulas absolutely require the opportunity to exercise otherwise they become restless. We do take Zeppelin on short daily walks as I said before, but there is something about when we take him out for a long walk in the woods that very clearly satisfies his soul so much more.
6. EDUCATION. If you are not a Southern states resident, be prepared for pretty much no one you come across to know what kind of dog you have. It never fails, every single time I say I own a Catahoula, people look at me like I have 5 heads. And then I explain that they are a breed mostly found in southern states and that mine hails from the streets of Shreveport, Louisiana. His beautiful blue Merle coat mixed with brindle is definitely unique and I have to admit I enjoy telling others about his breed. Catahoulas tend to catch the attention of others with their beautiful and unique characteristics.
7. ENGAGEMENT. Know that they will be way smarter than you could ever expect. Catahoulas are SMART. I’m talking from very young ages. They are known to learn and master a new trick within hours, which means you will always need to be prepared to challenge your Catahoula both physically and intellectually. Stock up on engaging toys in which your ‘houla will get to flex his problem solving muscles. But also be fully prepared to provide another one after he masters the first in no time at all. However you won’t necessarily need to purchase toys to keep your ‘houla engaged. My dogs’ favorite challenging activity is simply searching for a ball that we hide in a blanket. He is clearly proud of his accomplishment after finding the ball and attempts to hide the ball himself to play again. No matter what challenging activity you provide, your Catahoula will NEED daily engagement with you. By that I mean you spending time on the floor with him, engaging in some light rough play, fetch, tug, or whatever is his favorite. Catahoulas require that kind of stimulation and engagement with their humans.
8. COMPASSION. Be conscious that although he is a brave soul, he will be afraid of the strangest things at time. As I said before, Catahoulas are born protectors and my guy has no issue with making that known to strangers. However, he is terrified of fireworks, items dropping on the floor, and don’t even get me started about him having to walk across furnace grates. Catahoulas are not only highly intelligent but they are also incredibly observant. They process things very quickly and as they grow older become leery of situations of which they have not experienced. Be cognizant of your Catahoula’s fears and hesitations and comfort him through new and uncertain circumstances. You’ll find that your ‘houla will come to you to show you when he’s feeling uncertain, which is a level of trust that will undoubtedly warm your heart.
9. OBEDIENCE. Get ready to chase after every squirrel, bunny, bird....etc., within the vicinity of your dog. Catahoulas are innately working dogs and have been bred with the intention of corralling pigs. In fact, Catahoulas are often known as the "Catahoula Hog Dog." Also another fun fact...the Catahoula lineage includes the red wolf. Can you imagine the extreme prey drive this combination creates?? Be prepared to teach your Catahoula to “leave it” unless you plan to allow him to hunt wild animals on walks. Even though Zeppelin has been taught this command and is able to comply, there are times when his pray drive just completely takes over and he still attempts to chase a furry creature that crosses his path. Always be observant and aware that this is an innate instinct in your dog and be prepared to redirect when necessary.
10. RECIPROCATION. One thing I’ve learned is that Catahoulas do everything with commitment and intensity, and loving their humans is no exception to that rule. Be prepared for daily kiss baths from your ‘houla as they thrive on showing affection. The alpha in our house, who I spoke of earlier, starts and ends every single day having his face basically exfoliated with abundant Catahoula kisses. Along with many kisses, Catahoulas also show affection with what is known as “the lean.” You’ll notice your ‘houla will approach you and literally lean his body against you. This will happen at quiet times as well as in the midst of playtime or when your dog is feeling anxious or uncertain about a situation. Understand that this is your dogs’ ultimate demonstration of love toward you and reciprocate his affection.
The Catahoula breed is most definitely not for the faint of heart. They require persistent redirection, energy-releasing activities and time. But I assure you that you will quickly observe the fruits of your efforts and you will feel loved by your dog with an indescribable intensity you may have never experienced before.
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