Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog

The Catahoula originated in the North America state Louisiana in the region around the Catahoula Lake, from which it got its name (the word Catahoula is of Choctaw origin and is translated to mean “sacred lake”). Catahoulas are the only breed of dog to have historically originated in Louisiana. The breed was developed long before written records of breeding practices were kept, by farmers who cared only for working ability, not pedigree. However, it is believed to have originated sometime between the 1520’s and mid 1800’s by cross breeding the dogs of the local Native Americans with those brought to the area by European explorers and settlers.

The Native American dogs of the time were described by the Europeans as being nearly identical to the wolf, except smaller, with a bark like a dog. The early Spanish explorers brought a number of “Spanish War Dogs” with them –brutal killing machines of three types: Alaunts, Mastiffs and Sighthounds. Some of these dogs were abandoned after battles in the region, while others were acquired by the Native tribes through trade. Thereafter, French settlers arrived in the region with their hounds, breeds such as the Bas Rouge (Red Stockings) and the Beauceron, and further crossbreeding eventuated.

The early European settlers used these crossbred dogs to pen and catch the wild hogs and cows that were extensive in the area, and they became legendary for this skill, working naturally in a pack to do so. This practice developed into a unique method of managing stock in which the dogs create a “canine fence” around the herd, within which the herd is directed by the dogs’ master. Life in the region was often extremely difficult and it was costly to keep a pack of large Catahoulas. Subsequently, only those dogs which were most capable workers, skilled trackers and most pack-oriented could be kept, and were able to spread their genes to subsequent generations. By the end of the 20th Century, the breed was known as the, “King of all Stock Dogs” and was one of the most popular of all breeds in the Southern United States.

In 1979, the Catahoula was named the State Dog of Louisiana and its name was officially changed to Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog. As late as 1995, the United Kennel Club was the first national dog registry to recognize the Catahoula. It has not yet met the requirements for full recognition by the American Kennel Club and may not participate in AKC conformation events. Today, unlike most modern breeds, a sizable majority of Catahoulas remain primarily working dogs. This breed is one of the most highly regarded stock dogs in the United States and is also very commonly used for hunting any species from squirrel to mountain lion.