Catahoulas have been bred more for their temperantment and ability than for their appearance, and as a result the physical characteristics of the breed is somewhat varied. Catahoulas have a single, short, dense coat in many colors. The term "Leopard" refers to merles (color combinations in the dogs coat) which may be patched, black, red, liver, blue, gray, or brown. Solid colors are yellow, black, red, and chocolate. Catahoulas also have varied eye colorings that are refered to as "cracked glass or marble glass" eyes that occurs when both colored and glass portions are present in the same eye. Cracked eyes are blue or blue-white in color, and they may also be half one color and half another. Grey eyes are usually cracked eyes, made of blue and green, giving them a greyish look. Other eye colors are brown, amber, green, and grey.

Behavior

Catahoulas are indepedent, intelligent, energetic, and loving with children. These dogs are also good with other dogs, but can be protective of their territory and family. With their high energy level, and independent nature along with their physical strength, a Catahoula might be to much dog for an inexperienced owner. Catahoulas also need room to run, so apartment living and small spaces cans become a problem. The ideal place would be a rural area where they can have plenty of room for exercise.

The belief is that Catahoulas may have been descends from war dogs (mastiffs and greyhounds) brought to Louisiana by Mr. Hernado de Soto in the 16th century. Dogs that were left behind were interbred with the local natives semi-domesticated Red Wolves. French settlers arrived in Louisiana in the 17th century and brought with them Beauceron and mixed them with the early dogs that had been created between the war dogs and Red Wolves. The Catahoula became the state dog of Louisiana in 1979 with the signing of a bill by Governor Edwin Edwards, in recognition of their importance in the history of the region. It was during this time that they lost Catahoula Cur for Catahoula Leopard.Catahoula comes from the Indian word meaning "clear water". The Catahoula Leopard or Catahoula Cur is named after Catahoula Parish in the state of Louisiana. There are three versions of the Catahoula: The Wright line, which was developed by Mr. Preston Wright, was the largest at 90-110 lbs., the Fairbanks line, which was developed by Mr. Lovie Fairbanks was next at 65-75 lbs. and were brindle to yellow in color, and the McMillin line developed by Mr. T.A. McMillin of Sandy Lake, Louisiana was the smallest at 50-60 lbs.and were blue Catahoulas with glass eye. Catahoulas are working dogs in the region and are seen on farms and ranches across North America. They are very good at tracking and hunting, and are commonly used to hunt raccoon, black bear, deer, squirrel, and wild pigs. They are referred to as superior hunting dogs in Australia.

Health

Catahoulas are relatively free of a lot of diseases. One of their major genetic flaws is deafness. A Leopard that is mostly white or has a white face with glass eyes, has an 80% chance in being deaf in one or both ears. They are also prone to hip dysplasia, and also tunnel vision, where the eye won't open all the way (abnormal pupil). Some older dogs have also been diagnosed with cancer.