Catahoula Leopard Dog

[SlowMoFuckingToes]

Anyone had any experience? I'm on the hunt for our next dog and I've always been intrigued by this breed.

[adaline]

Wiki has this to say about them:

"Catahoulas are highly intelligent and energetic. They are assertive dogs, but can also have issues with interdog aggression and intolerance to strangers. Their original purpose of hunting hogs, controlling cattle, etc. has bred in a high prey drive; small animals including cats and chickens may be injured by a Catahoula, even when raised with them. Some do not always make a good family dog, and are better suited to a working or active performance home. Aggression, destructive behavior, and undesirable behaviors all begin when inadequate mental and physical exercise is provided. "

They don't strike me as being a good choice for a pet. Especially when that is followed by:

"Socialization and training from a young age may help lessen some undesirable behaviors, but may not completely eliminate them."

Why are you attracted to them? They're handsome dogs but they don't strike me as being a good idea for a family.

[Nesssie]

Depends what country/environment you are in.
They are popular in America, where people have lots of land for them, not so good in a London flat.

[LindaLa]

Can you put a picture up please?

Then I shall decide on level of cute...

[MaudebeGonne]

Beautiful looking dog, completely unsuitable as a family pet in an urban environment. Totally unfair to put an animal in a living situation that is so alien to its nature.

[Nesssie]

They have beautiful markings and are very striking looking, but that won't help when they have chewed through your wall and are bouncing off the ceiling.

[SlowMoFuckingToes]

We aren't in an urban environment. We live in the countryside with a decent amount of land and I've had similar dogs before. I do want a working dog and a guard dog but not a scary looking one. I'm hoping to do search and rescue with this one.

[QuestionableMouse]

The one I knew was like a jack Russell x2000. His owner lives on a smallholding and the dog killed a few chickens. He was also an excellent escape artist to the point where his owner had to build a big enclosed outdoor run for him.

I'd do a lot of research before you go ahead.

[Nesssie]

They are ideal for working dogs, very clever and active so S&R would be good.
I don't think there are any CLD breeders in the UK though, and only a few in Europe so may be difficult getting your hands on one.

How about a Pointer/Vizla instead?

[babysharkah]

My father in law has one. She is HUGE. Lovely but HUGE. They don't live in the uk (sorry being vague but this is very identifying!) but where they live you cannot was off lead apart from in specific dog parks. So MIL runs with her 6 miles a day on a lead that goes around her waist. She has a high prey drive, they have Prairie dogs and will absolutely go for them.

They go to to the dog park for off lead time and she's great with other dogs.

My kids have been around her since she was three and she's been nothing. But gentle.

I don't think ive ever seen one in the uk.

[babysharkah]

At 1 year old. Big softie.

[babysharkah]

Still as a pup

[QuestionableMouse]

Yep, the one I knew lived in Canada.

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

A merle collie might be a more practical, but equally beautiful choice if you've still got plenty of time for physical and mental exercise

[SlowMoFuckingToes]

Pointers are way too hard headed and independent but lovely dogs. I've had Ridgebacks both Rhodesian and Thai, a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd over the years. The Rhodesians were my favourite but I'm after something with more working dog tendencies.

[adaline]

What about a Doberman?

[SlowMoFuckingToes]

@adaline Love dobies but now that we have kids I'm afraid other parents would be wary. It's why I won't go for another Rottweiler at GSD. We live rurally so play dates need to be organised and tend to not be brief. I wouldn't want our dog to put off other parents. Our Rottie was the softest of dogs but people were so afraid of him despite the fact that he couldn't wag hard enough and would sit very patiently waiting to say hello. At the same time I'm often here without DH and want a guarding breed.

[adaline]

Ah that's fair enough - Doberman's would fit all your criteria that's all, plus they're fab pets if they're fully trained. It sounds like you've tons of experience as well.

I hope you find a breed that fits!

[Fruittreeorchard]

My Dobe is the softest dog on the planet! But a good guard.

What about a Bouvier? They are big & exceptional guard dogs ( need a lot of early socialisation) but haven't got the same reputation as GSD's & Dobermanns.

[Nesssie]

Giant Schnauzer? Intelligent, large, working, guarding, fluffy fur to soften the look?

[InTropicalTrumpsLand]

What about a Bernese Mountain Dog? Very friendly bit with am intimidating size while still looking "cute". I have no experience with the breed, but the dogs I've met have all been incredibly polite.

[Fucksandflowers]

WHat about a Beuceron or Hovawort?

[SlowMoFuckingToes]

Bernese or Greater Swiss add both lovely but not particularly useful for working unless you want to do pulling. Beaucerons are fab but I don't think any less scary looking than a GSD/rottie/dobie.

[StBernard]

I've seen catahoulas in the dog parks round here (in Canada) they are incredibly high energy and twitchy - never calm. I wouldn't be keen on my dc visiting a house with one as I would assume that it was inappropriately housed and trained. The ones here live on ranches and work cattle and are with cowboys on horse back all day every day - and still need time out walking in dog parks. We have a Bernese x - incredible family dog, so loving with dc and very clever. Can walk for hours and I think would suit search and rescue!

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

German pointer? They can produce a proper eff-off guard dog bark, are very trainable and love people. Have excellent noses and boundless energy so would be great for S&R. IME the shorthairs tend to be a bit more gentle and capable of chilling than the wires.

Or a Huntaway? They're big, and they do look a bit like rotties and dobes (most of them are black and tan), which might put off visitors - but they are primarily sheepdogs which might calm the visitors back down again., They also have a great work ethic and loads of energy.

[JesusInTheCabbageVan]

Just done a Google image search out of curiosity. Stunning looking dogs, but pretty much every single dog in those photos looks like Hard Work. Something about the eyes.