Catahoula Leopard Dog Size Hernando Desoto And General Character
The Catahoula Leopard Dog/’s size ranges from 20-26/” and weighs between 50-90 lbs, with a few individuals larger. Most males average 60-70 lbs in lean working condition and are about 24/” tall. As a working dog, Catahoulas have been bred more for temperament and ability than for appearance. As a result, the physical characteristics of the Catahoula are somewhat varied.
This breed has also been referred to as the /”Catahoula Cur/”. The origins of the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog came into existence through chance breeding and some planned breeding. The Indians in and around Louisiana used the Red Wolf, which then roamed Louisiana during this period, to locate game, much in the same manner as hunters use their dogs today.
Hernando DeSoto, apparently (it is recorded) had traveled from Florida into Louisiana, bringing with him the /”War Dogs/” that had made the journey to the New World. The breeds that were referred to as War Dogs were the Greyhound and the Mastiff.
Research has shown that the Mastiff type of dog that accompanied him was probably those known as the “Alano Mastiff” of Spain, which are now extinct. These Mastiffs had a reputation of being able to pull down very large game with ease. DeSoto utilized their abilities to persuade the Indians to provide information on the whereabouts of Gold and Treasure. Mostly those already owned by the Indians.
After suffering defeat in battle, DeSoto abandoned his War Dogs which were allowed to roam freely. They bred and interbreed with each other along with the Red Wolf. The offspring of the various breedings were then used by the Indians, and became known as the “Wolf Dog.” The Wolf Dog, which is mentioned in Louisiana History, as well as most history books covering this era, was the name given to them by Henri Tonti during one of his visits to Louisiana.
The Catahoula Bulldog has been around for over 100 years. They are a crossbreed between the American Bulldog and the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard dog. In order to understand what this cross exactly means, first read my article about the Catahoula Leopard dog.
Breeders of the ‘Catahoula Bulldog” say it was bred for two reasons. First, ranchers and hog-hunters have used “Catahoulas” for many
1000
years to herd cattle and hunt hogs, but, to catch hogs, they had to carry a “catch-dog” with them. According to the Catahoula Bulldog fanciers, most “Catahoulas” were neither big enough, nor tough enough, to catch. The “American Bulldog” has an impeccable reputation as a catch-dog. Therefore, they say, when the “American Bulldog” is crossed with a “Catahoula”, you get a bigger, tougher dog which will work cattle and also catch hogs when needed.
The Catahoula Leopard dog is also said in many places on the web to have originated from the Nordic wolfhound. In 1979 the Catahoula dog was made the state dog of Louisiana.
There typical features are white and black further that is rather spotty. They have a sleek form, with plenty of muscle. These dogs have a long tail, thin legs, and droopy ears.
They can be white and tan as well. The coat is short, coarse, and usually tight to their bodies. You may mistake them for a mixed Labrador based on their appearance and frame.
Like most herders the Catahoula leopard dog offers a wonderful temperament for families. They are independent, protective, and territorial, but extremely affectionate with their family. Their characteristics make them good for herding and watch dogging. You will find they are aloof with strangers.
They are best with an active master they can get respect from. You will also want to check with a dog breeder regarding children and other pets with the Catahoula leopard.
By: Steve Evans
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is just one of the great dog breeds at the Dog Breeds Compendium web site. Take a visit now! Or how about a lively blog to visit? Take a look at the Dog and Puppy News Theraputic Dog Bed blog page now!
Are you preparing to bring a dog into your life? If you are, one of your biggest dog care considerations and responsibilities will undoubtedly be your new pet’s health. So what does optimum dog health entail? What can you do to ensure that your dog remains happy and healthy for as long as possible? How do you find the right vet for your dog? Hopefully this basic pet dog health care primer will get you started on the road to keeping your best friend by your side for years to come.
Your dog’s optimum health begins at home with quality food, plenty of exercise, and love. You need to tailor your dog’s diet to its specific needs. For instance, is your dog a puppy? Puppies have very specific nutritional needs to support them as they grow, so be sure that you’re feeding your puppy a dry puppy food formulated especially for a growing dog’s needs. On the other hand, if you have a dog over seven years old, you’ll want to consider a dry food geared specifically towards older dogs. Whatever your dog’s age, be sure you’re feeding a top-notch food offering primary ingredients such as lamb, rice, chicken, or beef rather than so-called “value” foods made with fillers such as corn, meat by-products, and ingredients with unrecognizable names.
Now that you’ve got your dog eating right, give him a chance to work up an appetite with daily exercise. A lot of people think that letting their dog out into the backyard to run around qualifies as exercise, and for some smaller dogs, that may be enough. For a more active, larger dog, however, daily walks, trips to the dog park, and hard play sessions may be a pet dog health care necessity. A lot of dogs thrive when they have a “job” to do be it herding sheep, running an agility course, or pulling a sled. Think creatively and explore different avenues to see what sort of activity your dog might enjoy. To double your fun and make friends, see if you can’t find a fellow dog owner or two to get involved right alongside you.
Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to pet dog care and health is operating under the impression that it’s okay to have an “outdoor dog.” Loneliness and exposure to the elements are both detriments to your dog’s mental and physical health, and keeping a dog outside is the fastest way to ensure that your dog is both of these things. Common arguments for the outdoor dog include “my dog is too big to live in the house” and “he’ll destroy the furniture.” The truth is, no dog is too large to live in the house, and most dogs would much rather lie quietly at your feet than wreak havoc on your possessions. Dogs are den animals by nature, and, in that same vein, are also pack animals. Your house is your dog’s den, and you are your dog’s pack leader. Therefore, when you sentence your dog to a lonely existence in the backyard, you’re essentially exiling your dog from its dent and its pack. That’s why so many backyard-dogs bark constantly, dig, or become aggressive, which in turn leads to being dumped at the animal shelter.
As your dog’s pack leader, you’re responsible for finding a veterinarian you can trust with your dog’s health needs. In the very least, your dog will need his yearly vaccinations and wellness check up. A complete set of vaccinations is particularly crucial for puppies who are extremely susceptible to deadly diseases such as parvovirus and distemper, but all dogs should receive their yearly vaccines. You’ll want to choose a vet who will treat your dog as his or her own pet and who will treat you with respect and compassion by thoroughly and patiently answering any pet dog health care questions you might have. The best way to find such a vet is to ask around for recommendations from other dog owners, reputable breeders, or your local animal shelter. Dogs are known for their unconditional, unending loyalty and love. While we may never be fully deserving of such devotion, a bowlful of good food, a home full of love and attention, and expert medical care goes a long way in saying “thank you” each and every day.
Article written by: Barry Mcgee
“Puppy Training & Dog Training Online” [http://www.take-care-of-a-pet-online.com]
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