Here is some more information on the breed from excerpts taken from the official breed standard.
The Louisiana Catahoula is a medium to medium-large dog, well muscled, yet trim, powerful, but denoting agility and great endurance. They are used as a stock dog, treeing dog, companion, watch and guard dog. They are normally 20-26 inches tall and weigh 50-85lbs.
The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog evolved in the swamps of central Louisiana, around the Catahoula Lakes. Legend says their ancestors were the results of the Indian dogs, or red wolf found in the area at that time, mating with the surviving "war dogs" or mastiff used by the Spaniards in battle and then left behind, either wounded or captured by the Indians. The dogs were used for hunting deer, bobcat, and wild hogs. The settlers learned to appreciate the dogs technique in trailing by wind, baying and herding and soon they had the dogs working cattle.
The Louisiana Catahoula keeps growing and maturing until around 2 years old, but they work like adults at 8 or 9 months.
This versatile dog can be trained for almost any purpose. Performance and obedience training, as well as the ability to master and perform difficult tricks, amaze and amuse owners. Basically, the dog wants to please its master, and this, together with their natural instincts, make training a matter of getting the pup's attention, then teaching them basic obedience. They develop their own style of working and strive to help and defend their master. They work on both sight and sound signals and are excellent obedience and field dogs.
This dog is second to none as a Head Dog, stock dog, having the guts and inbred desire to work wild cows or hogs, but still working well with gentle stock. Lead dogs bark to aggravate the cows from the front; herd or drive dogs circle, give voice and keep the cows bunched; or there is a combination dog that works all positions. The Catahoula can out work and out last any other breed. It is strong, active, and has natural instincts and a working style all its own. A Catahoula is affectionate, intelligent and faithful. It makes a wonderful pet or guard dog, stock dog, hunting dog, or show dog. They are fearless in nature and can be fighters yet gentle with their family. They are multipurpose dogs, good at home, but best on the farm.
About the Louisiana Catahoula
Roy & Desirée Bundy (435)230-2930 Hugo, Oklahoma
BUNDY RANCH
Running Bred Quarter Horses, NALC Catahoulas, Australian Shepherds
