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.

I think we're going to do a trip to Germany to meet some in person. There's a breeder that I like the look of there. A German short haired pointer might be one to look at. I'd originally looked at a blue heeled but ruled them out for being too mouthy with kids. We may just end up with another ridgeback but I'd really like something I can work.

You could look at German Pointers when in Germany too... The Germans take their working dogs seriously and do not breed their gundogs to be pets. I've seen the odd German import (not just GSPs, other German gundog breeds too) and they are serious, full-on dogs.

How about an Italian spinone? Striking looking dogs, excellent family dogs but very fit and clever too.

Would a dog which is liable to have high prey drive be an appropriate choice if you want to do search and rescue? I'm thinking of the mountain rescue type of scenario where they work at a distance in an environment which will be likely to have livestock and wildlife.

I'm in awe of those dogs and their trainers, hope you find the right dog be it Catahoula or not.

I would worry about two things with your choice:

The first is finding a decent puppy given that the breed is so rare. Gettin a puppy from Germany is not that easy, even now with the EU and things may become a lot more complicated after Brexit. The puppy will need a rabies vaccine, which cannot be done very early, and to then wait another 21 days before it can travel. This will mean that the breeder will have to do the vital socialization during the first few weeks of the puppy's life. Is the breeder willing to do this? Do you trust them to do a good job by your standards and in criminal conditions as your home?

The other issue is that if you want to do search and rescue you are going to have to be a bit lucky with your choice of dog. Why not stack the odds in your favor by going for a breed that is frequently used for this? What breed dogs are used by the search and rescue club you want to train with? Usually you see Goldies, Labs, Borders.

@Booboostwo you make a good point about the age the dog would need to be before being transported to the UK. It would obviously need to be a breeder which was willing to do the early socialisation. I'm only in the beginning of exploring this breed but I am very good at choosing a breeder. This certainly isn't my first time.

I don't have any interest in a lab or a golden. They just aren't what I'm looking for in my next dog. I like something with a bit more independence and spirit.

Did you end up with a fur baby yet.. If trained I Highly recommend the CLC(Catahoula Leopard Cure) best dog