American Leopard Hound Vs Catahoula, one is a hunting dog, whereas the latter is a herding dog. These two are worthy ‘opponents.
So, if you can’t settle on whether you want a hunting or a herding dog, then ease your mind as you have searched on the right article.
Through this article, I will capture an in-depth history, physical appearance, lifespan, health conditions, nutritional requirements, exercising and grooming needs, and the temperaments of these two dog breeds.
And to guarantee that you resolve this dilemma, I will walk you through a comprehensive summary of the significant differences between these two dog breeds.
I am optimistic that you will have made an unquestionable selection on which doggie you will be adopting by the end of the article.
| Attributes | American Leopard Hound | Catahoula |
| Good For First Time Owners | Yes | Yes |
| Good Guard Dog | Yes | Yes |
| Apartment Friendly | No | No |
| Good Family Dog | Yes | Yes |
| Shedding | Moderate | Moderate |
| Barking And Howling | High | Low |
| Height | 21-27 inches (53-68.5 cm) | 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) |
| Average Life Expectancy | 12-15 Years | 12-14 Years |
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American Leopard Hound – Dog Breed Info
Also known as American Leopard Cur, American Leopard, and Leopard cur.
History And Physical Appearance
The history of these medium-sized hounds is a debatable one.
One theory that seems to explain these exceptional hunting dogs’ origins beyond doubt is that during the conquest of America around 1519, the Spanish conquistadors (Hispanic leaders and soldiers) brought in these hounds to New Mexico.
Afterward, these hounds were introduced into Louisiana, USA.
These hounds, which are the official Louisiana dog state, were bred with the other herding dogs present in the region, thus creating the American Leopard Hounds as we know them.
American leopard hound can grow to 21-27 inches and weigh around 20-32 kgs as an adult.
These excellent guard dogs have massive heads, short muzzle, high set drop ears with a broad base, wide apart brow/yellow and sometimes round blue eyes, and low set and straight tail.
Their smooth-to-touch and wooly dense double coat come in a variety of captivating shades of blue, brindle, black and tan, yellow, and Merle.
Lifespan And Health Conditions
Leopard curs are fairly healthy hounds that have a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
Medical conditions such as Hip dysplasia, deafness, and viral/bacterial infections usually lessen their life expectancy.
Nutritional And Exercising Requirements
American Leopard hounds need to be fed with foods rich in calories (for energy), healthy fats (necessary for normal physiological functioning), and proteins (vital for growth and development).
The meals should be given 2-3 times in a day depending on the American leopard hound’s intensity of activity and age.
Pregnant and breastfeeding doggies should be fed large quantity of premium dog food.
An unlimited supply of freshwater for these hounds throughout the day is of the essence.
America Leopard hounds are exceedingly energetic and playful, which necessitates them to take part in daily sessions of physical and mental exercises.
You can keep your hound physically and mentally fit by taking it out for a 2-mile walk, jogging, running, swimming, or hiding its toys and instructing it to find them.
Dog puzzles are also an excellent way of stimulating your hound’s mental ability.
Grooming Needs
These intelligent hounds require very minimal grooming efforts.
They need to be bathed once every 4 weeks with a dog-safe conditioner and shampoo, and their coats brushed with combs specifically designed for dogs’ coats once in a week.
Brushing their teeth 2 times a week is vital if you are to keep this hound’s oral hygiene at par.
Temperament
These remarkable hunting dogs are famous for their undoubtedly loyal, devoted, affectionate, and protective nature.
American Leopard Hounds are also very intelligent and easy to train, making them excellent guard dogs.
Catahoula – Dog Breed Info
Also known as Catahoula Hog Dog, Catahoula Cur, Catahoula hound, and Catahoula Leopard dog.
History and Physical appearance
Catahoula is a herding dog breed whose origins can be traced back between 1520-1800 in Northern Louisiana, USA.
These unmatchable guard dogs can grow to 22-24 inches and weigh around 16-37 kgs. They are slightly shorter than they are long.
The males are typically more prominent than the females.
Catahoula dog breeds that are muscular and with a smooth gait can be distinguished by their somewhat flat heads, which are of equal size to their tapering and deep-set muzzle, and in between their eyes, there is a marked furrow.
They also have medium-sized eyes of any color (brown and glassy colors are the most common), long, folded triangular ears rounded at the tips, webbed toes and oval paws, straight forelegs, and broad back.
These hounds have a single short or medium length smooth or coarse coat that can be in appealing shades of black, blue, brown, brindle, gray, tan, tricolor, silver, and red.
Their coat pattern can be solid, leopard or brindle.
Lifespan And Health Conditions
These lifetime companions have a lifespan of 11-13 years.
Generally, they are medically predisposed to Hip dysplasia, bloat, and deafness (most common in white Curs) tend to lower their life expectancy and quality.
PS; breeding two merles usually results in an offspring(s) that have vision and hearing impairments.
To halt any progression of diseases in Catahoula, it’s important that you take them to a vet for a thorough medical checkup once/twice in a year.
Nutritional And Exercising Requirements
Catahoula fed with premium dry dog foods rich in 22-25% protein, 8% proteins, and 700-1400 calories tend to grow and develop with minimal health issues.
Human foods such as chicken, turkey, pork, cucumber, carrots, and brown rice are also excellent sources of nutrients to these canines.
Pro-tip; To avoid food monotony, please switch in between your dog’s diet. Adjust the food quantity if your doggie is extra active, lactating, or pregnant.
Plenty of freshwaters should also be provided to Catahoula.
Under no circumstances should you feed your dog citrus food, chocolate, mushrooms, grapes, walnuts, or ice cream.
Running, swimming, agility training, dog puzzles, hide and seek games are some of the most effective ways to stimulate your hound’s brain while keeping it in a top-notch physical shape.
Grooming Needs
After every 4-6 weeks, give your Catahoula a warm, 10-20 minutes bathe. A 5 minutes coat brushing routine should be observed weekly.
It’s paramount that this dog’s oral and ear hygiene be observed by brushing/wiping its teeth and ears 2 times a week.
Temperament
Catahoula leopard dogs are appreciated for their alert, bold, energetic, gentle, independent, intelligent, loyal, and protective nature.
These hounds are also fiercely territorial, an attribute that makes them ace at guarding both their owners and their owners’ property.
The possibility of a Catahoula becoming stubborn and aggressive are very minimal but do happen, especially when insufficient basic obedience training is done.
Through proper training and socialization, you are guaranteed that such behaviors will not be a part of your doggie’s social temperament.
American Leopard Hound Vs Catahoula – What’s Their Difference?
| American Leopard Hound | Catahoula |
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| Cataholula Leopard Dog by Nagygabornet (CC BY-SA 4.0) |
Country Of Origin
The American Leopard hound’s origins can be linked to the Hispanic countries, whereas the Catahoula are believed to have their origins rooted in Louisiana, USA.
Size
American Leopards can grow to a height of 21-27 inches and weigh around 20-32 kgs as adults, whereas the Catahoula as adults typically grow to heights of 20-25 inches long and weigh approximately 16-37 kgs.
This makes the American Leopards larger in size than the Catahoula.
Lifespan
American Leopard hounds have a lifespan of 12-15 years, whereas the Catahoula has a life expectancy of 11-13 years. The American Leopard hounds outlive the latter.
Litter size
Leopard curs have a litter size of 5-8 puppies, whereas the Catahoula curs have a litter size of 8-12 puppies.
Catahoula hounds are very kid-friendly and make an excellent pet for senior citizens when compared to the American Leopard hounds.
Independence
Catahoulas are more independent than the American leopard hounds.
Barking Tendency
American Leopard dogs are more vocal than the Catahoulas.
Cost
It will cost you around $800-$1000 to get an American Leopard puppy from a certified dog breeder.
Naturalizing a Catahoula from a credible dog breeder will cost you approximately $300-$500.
This makes the American Leopard hound be more expensive than the Catahoula.
American Leopard Hound Vs Catahoula – Which One Should I Choose?
Both the American Leopard hound and Catahoula make excellent family, watch and guard dogs to experienced and novice dog parents.
American Leopard is easier to train and less likely to develop aggressive behaviors when compared to the Catahoula dog breed, making them an ideal match for a newbie dog admirer.
They are known to tolerate and adapt effortlessly in living in warm and cold environments.
These two dog breeds are relatively healthy, extraordinarily energetic, and aren’t suitable for potential dog parents who live in apartments or in homes that have a small backyard.
They are also kid and pet friendly but not stranger and dog friendly.
American Leopard hounds are larger in size, more territorial, more vocal, and have a longer life expectancy than Catahoula curs.
Catahoula is less costly to adopt, and more independent than the American Leopard hounds.
It’s always a smart decision and a worthy investment to get your dog and all dog products from a reputable breeder and pet store.
