Catahoulas
Breed History:
The name was changed from Catahoula
Cur to Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog when Governor Edwin Edwards signed a
bill establishing it as the State Dog in 1979. The Catahoula is thought to have
derived through breedings with the Red Wolf (which was in Louisiana in the
1500's), Alano Mastiff and Greyhound (which were brought by DeSoto in 1541),
and the Bas Rouge (Beauceron brought by the French in the early 1700's). This
dog has been allowed to evolve for over 400 years with very few changes in its
traits. The blue and red leopard colour pattern is the result of the Merle Gene
that is similar to that of the Australian Shepherd, Great Dane and other breeds
exhibiting merle colouring. It is a misconception
that this is the only accepted colouring as many other colours including solids
are recognized. Average size for male at withers 23" to 25 “ weight 65-75
lbs, female 21" to 23" weight 55-65 lbs, though extremes up to 90
lbs. are occasionally seen. A Catahoula will not tolerate being isolated,
interaction is a daily requirement. This is a dog that lives to be active,
needs exercise & simple obedience tasks to occupy his mind, every day.
Daily walks or a yard to run in can be sufficient, but they are happiest
working. Catahoulas in general, want to be the top dog & in charge of the
pack. Introducing this dog to another should be done in the same manner as with
any other dog. They are naturally protective of what & whom they think they
own. Many owners will say that the Catahoula owns them. This dog is a natural
alarm dog, they will alert you to anything out of the ordinary. Herding and
Hunting are what they do best, though they have also proven themselves in
Search and Rescue, Agility and other activities. They generally work cattle from
the head, rather than the heel. As with any breed, you may find one that is
aggressive, but, in general, they are even tempered. All are very serious about
their job when they are working. They are an assertive dog, they will not
tolerate being mishandled, mistreated or attacked. This dog has the inherent
nature to herd & track game. Tracking is 46% inherited & Scenting is
36% inherited. The Catahoula is at home with children. If the two are allowed
to grow together, you will not have to worry about your child. You will have a
built in baby-sitter. Always keep in mind that young children should never be
left unsupervised with any dog as they are at eye level with the dog and tend
to make random jerky movements and loud noises. This could be perceived by a dog
as aggression or prey movement.
Here are pictures and information
regarding some of our Catahoulas:
Bab’s Ms Creole – “Creole” is our
foundation female and is 8 this year. We had our first opportunity to go to an NALC trial in
California in 2003 and Creole didn’t disappoint me. She received 1st
place in her Obedience trial, and Obedience is probably the most difficult
event for a Catahoula due to their independent working nature! She has
tremendous herding instinct and has tried her paw at working some different
stock. In 2004 she also competed in Hog Baying at the California show and wow!
Is all I can say. 1st place 1 dog B Bay, High Point Female B Bay, 4th
place 1 dog A Bay, 4th place 2 dog A Bay, and High Point Female A
Bay. Creole has also produced some nice pups and we 
hope to breed her again when we get a sufficient puppy
list of prospective 
new owners.
2001 Litter – DX’s Jambalaya
“Jammer” is a red leopard male with blue eyes and is currently a pet in
Calgary.
DX’s Blue Bayou “Blue” is a blue leopard male with cracked eyes.
He’s currently in Edmonton and has been doing some Obedience, Agility and SAR
(Search and Rescue) training.
DX’s Pecan Pie – “Brit” is a red leopard female with hazel eyes. She
is currently in Mexico herding cattle (when she feels like getting off the
couchJ).
DX’s Bayou Bourbon – “Angel” is a red and tan male. He has gone to a new home in Texas to herd cattle.
DX’s Water Dragon – “Gator” See him
on our Animals Available page.
DX’s Blackened Snapper – “Jetta” is
a black female with brindle/tan trim and brown eyes. According to her owner in
Kamloops, B.C. she “Follows her nose, will sniff everything over & over
till satisfied it’s OK. She loves to eat. OK is her release word. Good
protector, watch dog. Doesn’t get-along with every dog. Likes stuffed animals.
Easy to do claws, brush teeth, check ears, bath. She snores. On left eye has
red spot on the white, sensitive on tip of left ear. Likes to have web of feet
rubbed . Does not swim well. Very assertive when she wants something. Treats
will win her over to your side.”
DX’s Creole’s Voodoo – “Voodoo” See him on our Animals Available page.
DX’s Lafayette – “Tara” is a red
leopard female with blue eyes. She is currently in California baying up a
storm. Her owner is so proud of her I don’t think he’ll ever part with her! She
has won and placed well in conformation, cattle herding and hog baying and is
quite the daddy’s little girl.
Contact Dawn Watts at: mail
– RR6 Calgary, Alberta, Canada
T2M
4L5
Email
– dragonx@efirehose.net
Fax
– (403) 640-7619
Phone – (403) 640-7619 or (403)
861-2809