Several of the dog breeds that love water have webbed feet because they were bred to excel at swimming. Dogs from this line also tend to have a blue leopard coat. This is the line from which the unique glassy blue eyes originated. Catahoula Leopard Dogs from this line usually weigh in around 55 pounds. The smallest line of the three is the McMillan line. Catahoula Leopard Dogs from this line usually weigh in around 70 pounds. The Fairbanks line is credited to Lovie Fairbanks. Catahoula Leopard Dogs from this line usually weigh in around 100 pounds. The Wright line is credited to Preston Wright and is the largest of the three lines. The mixing and interbreeding of these three lines over the years is why Catahoula Leopard Dogs can have a lot of variety in appearance within breed standards. Three Distinct Breed Lines Are Blurringįor much of their modern history, the Catahoula Leopard Dog could be separated into three distinct breed lines – the Wright line, Fairbanks line, and McMillan line.Īlthough you can find individual Catahoula Leopard Dogs that are still distinct to these lines, most are some mix of them. Not only did part of their name come from a parish in Louisiana, but this is also why they are sometimes also referred to as the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, Louisiana Leopard Dog, Catahoula Cur, and others.

Edwin Edwards, who was governor at the time, officially named the state dog of Louisiana as the Catahoula Leopard Dog in 1979. The Catahoula is the State Dog of Louisianaīecause of their history rooted in what is now northern Louisiana, it’s no surprise that the state has some pride when it comes to this dog breed. We know they have a mixed lineage that stretches back to before the United States was founded and originated in the region that now includes Louisiana.Īlthough there are competing and various theories as to how the Catahoula Leopard Dog came to be as we know it now, we do know that they are a dedicated and focused working dog that excels at hunting, tracking, and herding.Īlthough the American Kennel Club does not currently recognize the breed for conformation events, they are designated in the Herding Group, included in the Foundation Stock Service, and are considered a rare breed. They Are an American BreedĬatahoula Leopard Dogs are considered American herding dogs, but their origins are not precise. Here are a few more facts about Catahoula Leopard Dogs: 1. They are highly intelligent and energetic working dogs that love their families. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a medium-sized dog breed with a unique appearance.

Catahoula webbed feet