LOUISIANA CATAHOULA LEOPARD DOG
Official U.K.C. Breed Standard
Copyright 1994, United Kennel Club, Inc.
Revised January 1, 2005
History
The origins of the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog are unknown
but it is believed to be descended from crosses between Native
American dogs, Red Wolves (some of whom lived as pariahs on the
outskirts of Indian villages), and the dogs brought to the New
World by Spanish conquistadors, probably mastiff-types and
sighthounds. Some experts believe Beaucerons were added to the mix
when the area was settled by the French. White settlers in
Louisiana found the Native Americans using these unusual-looking
dogs to hunt a variety of wild game, including deer, bobcat, wild
hog, and bear. The new arrivals soon came to appreciate this
versatile breed that was equally capable of scenting, trailing and
treeing game, or baying and herding feral hogs and cattle.
There are many stories regarding the origin of the breed's
exotic name: Catahoula. The most likely is that it is a corruption
of the Indian word that meant "Choctaw," the name of a local
tribe.
The only thing certain is that the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard
Dog is an all-American multi-purpose working dog. On July 9, 1979,
the governor of Louisiana signed a bill making this breed the
official State Dog of Louisiana.
The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog was recognized by the
United Kennel Club on January 1, 1995.
General Appearance
The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a medium to
medium-large, short-coated dog with a broad head, small-to-medium
drop ears, and an undocked tail set on as a natural extension of
the top line. The Catahoula is well muscled and powerful but not
bulky, giving the impression of agility and endurance. The
Catahoula is a moderate breed and should not resemble either a
sighthound or a bulldog in appearance. The body is just slightly
longer than tall and the distance from the elbow to the ground
should equal 50-60% of the dog's height from the withers to the
ground. The Catahoula should be evaluated as a multi-purpose
working dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in
proportion to how much they interfere with the dog's ability to
work.
Characteristics
Because of the breed's name, many people assume that all
Catahoulas have the so-called "leopard" markings and blue eyes. In
fact, the breed is noted for its many and unusual coat colors and
patterns, as well as varied eye color.
Catahoula temperament ranges from serious and business-like
when working to clownish at home, with varying levels of energy.
It is not uncommon for Catahoulas to be aloof with strangers,
which often results in a lack of animation when showing and may
cause some to draw away from judges when being examined.
Catahoulas should never be excessively aggressive or shy. They can
be independent, protective and territorial so they require firm
guidance and a clear understanding of their place in the family
unit. Catahoulas are affectionate, gentle and loyal family
companions.
Head
The head is powerfully built without appearing exaggerated.
Viewed from the side, the length of skull and muzzle are
approximately equal in length, and joined by a well-defined stop
of moderate length. The planes of the topskull and the bridge of
the muzzle are roughly parallel to one another. There may be a
slight median furrow between the eyes and running back to the
occipital bone. Gender differences should be apparent in the
characteristics of the head.
SKULL - The skull is broad and flat. The cheeks are well
developed.
Fault: Excessively broad skull; narrow skull.
MUZZLE - The muzzle is strong and deep. Viewed from above, the
muzzle is moderately wide and tapering toward the nose. Lips may
be tight or slightly pendulous with pigment of any color or
combination of colors.
Faults: Snipey muzzle.
TEETH - The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog has a complete set
of evenly spaced, white teeth. A scissors bite is preferred but a
level bite is acceptable. Full dentition is greatly desired but
dogs are not to be penalized for worn or broken teeth.
Serious Faults: Overshot or undershot bite.
NOSE - Nose pigment may be any color or combination of colors.
EYES - Eyes are set moderately well apart, medium in size,
somewhat rounded in appearance, and are set well into the skull.
Eyes may be any color or combination of colors without preference.
Eye rims are tight and may be any color or combination of colors.
Serious faults: Malformed pupils; pupils not centered;
sagging eyelids making haw visible; functional abnormality of
eyelids or eyelashes.
EARS - Ears are drop, short to medium in length, moderate in
size, and proportionally wide at the base, gradually tapering to
the slightly rounded tip. They should fold over and be generally
triangular in shape. The top of the ear fold is level or just
slightly below the top line of the skull. When the dog is at
attention, the inner edge of the ear lies close to the cheek.
Laid-back ears are acceptable but not preferred.
Faults: Any ear type other than described above.
Disqualification: Cropped ears.
Neck
The neck is muscular and of good length, without being
overdone. The circumference of the neck widens from the nape to
where the neck blends smoothly into the shoulders.
Faults: Neck too short and thick or too thin and weak;
excess skin forming dewlap.
Forequarters
The shoulders are strong and smoothly muscled. The shoulder
blades are long, wide, flat and well laid back. The upper arm is
roughly equal in length to the shoulder blade and joins it at an
angle sufficient to ensure that the foot falls under the withers.
The elbows are close to the body and do not turn out. The forelegs
are straight, and of medium bone, indicating strength without
excessive thickness. Pasterns are strong, short, and slightly
sloping. The length of the forelegs should roughly equal 50-60% of
the dog's height at the withers. A dog with legs shorter than the
ideal is to be more heavily penalized than a dog with longer legs.
Faults: Forequarters significantly heavier than
hindquarters; bone too heavy or too fine; straight shoulders; out
at elbows; weak pasterns.
Body
A properly proportioned Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is
slightly longer than tall. The topline inclines very slightly
downward from well-developed withers to a level back. The back is
broad and well muscled with a short, strong, slightly arched loin.
A slightly longer loin is acceptable in females. The ribs extend
well back and are well sprung out from the spine. The chest is
deep, reaching at least to the elbows, and moderately broad. When
viewed from the side, the forechest extends in a shallow oval
shape in front of the forelegs. Tuck-up is apparent but not
exaggerated. Croup is medium to long and slightly sloping. A
slightly elevated rear resulting from slightly straighter rear
angulation should not be penalized too severely.
Faults: Chest too broad, too narrow or too shallow; soft
topline; exaggerated or absent tuck-up; loin too long.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are strong and smoothly muscled. Width and
angulation of hindquarters are in balance with the forequarters.
The stifles are well bent, and the hocks are well let down. When
the dog is standing, the short, strong rear pasterns are
perpendicular to the ground and, viewed from the rear, parallel to
one another.
Faults: Thin, weak hindquarters; cow-hocked;
open-hocked.
Feet
Good feet are essential for a working dog. Feet are well knit
and oval in shape. Toes are long, webbed and well arched. Pads are
thick and hard. Nails are strong. Dewclaws may be removed.
Fault: Cat foot.
Tail
The tail is a natural extension of the topline. It is thicker
at the base and tapers to the tip. A tail of the correct length
extends to the hock. When the dog is relaxed, the tail hangs down
naturally. When the dog is moving or alert, the tail may be
carried upright with the tip curving forward. Catahoulas should be
allowed to carry their tails naturally when being shown.
Exhibitors should not hold the tails upright.
Faults: Ring tail; natural bobtail; docked tail.
Coat
The Catahoula has a single coat, short to medium in length that
lies flat and close to the body. Texture ranges from smooth to
coarse, without preference.
Disqualification: Long coat; fuzzy coat that obscures
the outline of the dog.
Color
Catahoulas come in an endless variety of coat colors and
patterns. All color combinations and patterns can have color
points or trim, which may be located on the chest, cheeks, above
the eyes, on the legs, underbody or under the tail. The Leopard
pattern has a base color with contrasting spots of one or more
other colors. Solids have a single coat color. Brindles may have a
light or dark base coat color with contrasting stripes. The
Patchwork pattern may or may not have one predominant solid color
with one or more different size patches of different colors and
shades placed randomly on the body. In dogs of equal quality,
rich, deep colors are preferable to the lighter colors. However,
in evaluating the Catahoula as a true, multi-purpose working dog,
coat color is not a primary consideration. No coat color or
pattern is preferred.
Serious fault: 70 percent or more white.
Disqualification: 90 percent or more white coat color;
solid white head; albinism.
Height and Weight
Ideal height at maturity for males is 24 inches and for
females, 22 inches, with a variation of two inches either way
acceptable. Weight may range from 50 to 95 pounds, in proportion
to the dog's height. The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog must be
both powerful and agile so actual weight and height are less
important than the correct proportion of weight to height.
Catahoulas should always be presented in hard, working condition.
Any deviation from the ideal must be judged by the extent of the
deviation, and the effect it has on the dog's ability to work.
Gait
When trotting, the gait is smooth, fluid and effortless,
showing good but not exaggerated reach in front and powerful drive
behind. The top line remains level with only a slight flexing to
indicate suppleness. Viewed from any position, legs turn neither
in nor out, nor do feet cross or interfere with each other. As
speed increases, feet tend to converge toward center line of
balance. Poor movement should be penalized to the degree to which
it reduces the Catahoula's ability to perform the tasks it was
bred to do.
Disqualifications
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme
shyness. Unilateral or bilateral deafness. Cropped ears. Long
coat. Fuzzy coat that obscures the outline of the dog. 90 percent
or more white coat color. Solid white head. Albinism.
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