Leopard catahula dog: description, advantages and disadvantages, temperament, care rules

Leopard dog catahula? an animal with an unusual appearance. This American breed is considered "working." Such a dog is indispensable on the hunt because of the sharp scent and excitement, forcing him to pursue prey. Lovers of quiet indoor pets, this sports breed will not work. However, with proper upbringing, the owner can build a relationship with the dog based on mutual respect and loyalty.

It is believed that the breed began to form in the XVI century in Louisiana (USA). The unusual Indian name is associated with the eponymous river flowing in this area. Experts refer to the ancestors of unusual dogs mastiffs, bloodhounds, greyhaundov. Also in the breed there are genes of the red wolf. In the 17th century, the French brought Beaucerons with them. They were also crossed with half-wolves. As a result of all these natural mixtures, the leopard dog known today turned out.

The name of the breed stuck in 1979. The Louisiana governor proclaimed her state animals. The dogs were used to help the ministers of the law. They were sent to search and rescue operations, attached to cattle grazing. Do not forget about the hunting skills of dogs.

Leopard dogs have average dimensions. Animals have great strength, endurance, athletic physique. They are active, fast, agile. Representatives of this breed are ideal for sporting events, well-executed teams. They are easily given a run with obstacles and other similar tasks. Beauty breed is no different. These are rather inconspicuous animals with a large head and smooth hair. Consider the characteristics of spotted dogs in more detail.

• Head. The large head is distinguished by pronounced cheekbones. Cheeks hanging slightly. Jaws are powerful. The correct bite is “scissors”. Eye color varies. It may be sky blue, turquoise, and nutty. Often there are individuals when the left and right eyes of different shades. The ears are drooping, of medium length, have a convertible shape.
• Body The neck is quite long, which provides a good overview. The chest is well developed. The back is straight. The tail is small, pointing up, has the shape of an arc.
• Limbs. The legs are long, strong, give a powerful impetus when moving. A unique feature of this breed is the presence of a small membrane on its paws. It allows animals to move easily through the marshland. She helps in swimming.
• Color. "Leopard" coloring suggests the presence of animal spots on the coat, drawings. However, the basic tone, size, number and location of the specks may be different. Wool can be colored gray, white, black, all shades of brown, beige. Monochromatic individuals practically do not meet. But the combination of 3 shades in the colors of one dog is not uncommon.

A leopard dog is an active but benevolent animal. She can be a great companion and good friend. Animals are curious, contact, but not intrusive. However, they are smart and loyal. Children love dogs, treat them patiently, even with some care.. With strangers, the catacholes behave quite restrained. Coward dogs can not be called, they protect their territory. If necessary, they can even show aggression. Outside the house, four-legged pets behave more relaxed and peaceful. Although the trusting cuties, seeking to meet everyone, they do not apply.

As for the other dogs, not lucky those who begin to encroach on the territory of a leopard dog from the outside. If animals live in the same house, the relationship may be more relaxed, without much conflict. Cats and smaller animals (hamsters, for example) can provoke an animal with a congenital hunting instinct. However, with proper upbringing, the peaceful coexistence of all pets is possible.

Representatives of the breed are very playful. This especially applies to puppies. Adult individuals behave more restrained, but they also have plenty of energy. Therefore, walking pet, it is important not to be vigilant. For example, at any moment the dog may break away from the spot when he sees a cat crossing the road.

Animals are capricious, persistent in achieving the desired, can show character. If you are fond of hunting, the dog can not only keep you company, but also help in tracking the game. However, it is worth noting that such dogs take only hot trail. If the game passed through the area more than 2 hours ago, it will be difficult for the dog to follow its further path.

In the process of detecting prey, catahula is silent. Only a rare woof can produce his excitement. But when a trophy is found, the dog bursts into loud barking, which makes the owner know where to go. Pet does not enter fight against a wild animal. He simply holds it in place until the hunter himself appears.

Although the leopard dog does not belong to the herding breeds, it can also help in this matter. Therefore, farmers sometimes have such pets for grazing cows, goats and other livestock. The dog controls the herd, describing circles around it. If a member of the herd tries to leave the territory, the catahula will try to stop him. He will bark loudly, and if this does not help, the animal will not bite it much.

Catahula is an unpretentious dog. It is easy to contain. In particular, this applies to short wool, which does not require complex care. Vigilance, sensitive hearing and smell can also be attributed to the merits. The dog is good at hunting, protects its home and its inhabitants. At the same time, it’s not worth starting it as a bodyguard. Outside the house, the animal has no habit of protecting the owner. Instincts are closely related to the territory.

Also, hunting habits can adversely affect the relationship of a leopard dog with other pets (for example, with a cat). To avoid unpleasant situations, it is important to raise a dog from childhood, instilling in it respect for other living beings.

Catahula is an independent breed. Often dogs are stubborn. In this regard, sometimes the animal is difficult to force to behave with dignity in a public place, to obey commands. Particularly uncontrollable can be individuals, the socialization of which is not given due attention. Regular classes and education are required. By the way, females are usually calmer. When buying a pet, you can consider this fact.

In some kennels dogs are kept in open enclosures. In addition, each animal has a warmed booth. However, such content is permissible only in warm regions. In the middle climate zone, the winter time is rather cold. The pet's short hair does not warm it, so the dog cannot live on the street.

Cozy bed in a country house - a great option. In the afternoon, a dog may frolic in a fenced area, and in the evening relax with family members. Communication plays a big role in raising a pet. Staying alone for a long time, it can become slightly wild.

Shedding of representatives of this breed is moderate. Pet should be combed using a special brush or mitten. The procedure is carried out once a week. Frequent bathing to anything. Enough 1 time in 3 months. As with other breeds, regular inspection of the eyes and ears is necessary.

As necessary, they must be carefully cleaned with special tools. The claws of most leopard dogs grind off naturally. Otherwise, they are cut to the optimum length. Teeth care is another traditional procedure.. It is better to accustom your pet to brushing your teeth since childhood. The procedure should be carried out a couple of times a week.

Catahula is a breed characterized by good health. However, the pet may have problems with the joints. To avoid this, you should pay attention to the weight of the dog. In accordance with this corrected and the duration of training.

There are no special recommendations for feeding representatives of this breed. Of course, the diet should be complete and balanced on BZHU. Food is selected based on the age of the pet. Attention should be paid to the finished dry food. super premium class designed for dogs with an active lifestyle.

Natural feeding is also allowed. In this case, the pet menu must include meat and offal. The proportion of such components is calculated as follows: 40 g per 1 kg of mass for young and 10-15 g per 1 kg of mass for adults. Also, animals give cereals, eggs, vegetables. Useful and dairy products.

Leopard dogs are confident, self-sufficient, energetic. To tame such a pet, the owner needs to earn his respect. Only the leader will be able to achieve tangible results in training the dog. When raising should be firm, but to be fair. When disobedience is necessary to make it clear to the dog that he is wrong.

If he performs the commands well, he should definitely be praised. As with other dogs, physical punishment and crying are unacceptable. Training should be clear and consistent, but soft. Trust and mutual understanding - this is what the owner and dog relationship should be based on.

Should be patient. The first 2 years of training will be the most difficult, despite the fact that such animals are smart enough. But then the process will go faster, and in the end you can get a disciplined four-legged friend. At the same time, the pet will be able to master commands of any degree of difficulty.

About the features of the breed, see the next video.