Standards
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 topline. 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 percent of the dog’s height from the withers to the ground. 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. 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
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 & Neck
The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog has a well-developed and robust head that is proportionate in size, paired with a muscular and appropriately sized neck.
Body & Quarters
A properly proportioned Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog has a slightly longer body than its height, with well-defined muscular shoulders and a smooth and muscular appearance in the hindquarters.
Gait, Height & Weight
Catahoulas come in various coat colors and patterns, and exhibit a smooth and fluid trotting gait with excellent front reach and rear drive, while adult males ideally stand around 24 inches tall and females around 22 inches, allowing for a two-inch variation in either direction.
Feet, Tail, and Coat
The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, a working breed, has well-formed feet and a seamlessly extending tail, with the allowance for natural bobtails, while their single coat is short to medium in length, lying smoothly and tightly against the body.
Disqualifications
Disqualifications for Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dogs include one or both undescended testicles, extreme aggression or shyness, one or both deaf ears, cropped ears, long or fuzzy coats that obscure the dog’s outline, coat color that is more than 90% white, solid white head, albinism, and complete absence of a tail (without visible external coccygeal vertebrae), resulting in their exclusion from conformation events and mandatory reporting to the governing body.