History

In 1539, Hernando de Soto wrote about the ancestors of the Catahoula Leopard Dog, describing a Native American dog that resembled a wolf but had a dog’s bark. The Catahoula breed was developed by mixing these native dogs with Bloodhounds, Mastiffs, and Greyhounds, and later with French hounds. People living in Central Louisiana around Catahoula Lake employed these dogs for many tasks, such as herding livestock. Today, these dogs still have strong working instincts.
Ideal Owner

Having a Catahoula Leopard Dog means you lead an active lifestyle. These dogs are lively and intelligent, and they enjoy spending time with their families, particularly during outdoor activities such as swimming, running, or hiking. They also need mental challenges to keep them engaged. With their herding history, these dogs often have bold personalities, so they thrive under confident, gentle, and steady guidance.