Leopard dog katahula: description, advantages and disadvantages, temperament, rules of care

Leopard catachula dog? an animal with an unusual appearance. This American breed is considered "working." Such a dog is indispensable in the hunt because of the sharp scent and excitement, forcing him to pursue prey. Fans of quiet pets, this breed of sports is not suitable. However, with proper upbringing, the owner can build relationships with the dog based on mutual respect and devotion.

It is believed that the breed began to form in the 16th century in Louisiana (USA). An unusual Native American name is associated with the river of the same name flowing in this area. Experts refer to the ancestors of unusual dogs mastiffs, bloodhounds, greyhounds. There are also red wolf genes in the breed. In the XVII century, the French brought with them the Beaucerons. They were also crossed with half-wolves. As a result of all these natural mixtures, the leopard dog known today is turned out.

The name of the breed was fixed in 1979. The Louisiana governor proclaimed her the official state animal. Dogs were used to help the servants of the law. They were sent to search and rescue operations, introduced to cattle grazing. Do not forget about the hunting skills of dogs.

Leopard dogs are medium in size. Animals have great strength, endurance, athletic physique. They are active, fast, agile. Representatives of this breed are ideally suited for sporting events, perform well teams. They can easily run with obstacles and other similar tasks. The breed does not differ in beauty. These are quite unprepossessing animals with a large head and smooth hair. Consider the characteristics of spotted dogs in more detail.

• Head. The large head is distinguished by pronounced cheekbones. Cheeks hanging slightly. The jaws are powerful. The correct bite is “scissors”. Eye color varies. It can be sky blue, turquoise, hazel. Often there are individuals when the left and right eyes of different shades. Ears are hanging, medium length, have an envelope-shaped shape.
• Body. The neck is quite long, which provides a good overview. The chest is well developed. The back is straight. The tail is small, directed upward, has the shape of an arc.
• Limbs. The legs are long, strong, give a powerful impetus to movement. A unique feature of this breed is the presence of a small membrane on its paws. It allows animals to easily move through marshy areas. She also helps in swimming.
• Color. "Leopard" coloring suggests the presence of animal spots, patterns on the animal’s hair. However, the basic tone, size, quantity and location of the spots may be different. Wool is dyed in gray, white, black, all shades of brown, beige. One-color individuals practically do not occur. But the combination of 3 shades in the colors of one dog is not uncommon.

A leopard dog is an active but friendly animal. She can be a great companion and a good friend. Animals are curious, contact, but not intrusive. Moreover, they are smart and loyal. Dogs love children, treat them patiently, even with some care. With strangers, katahuls behave quite restrained. You can’t call cowardly dogs, they guard their territory. If necessary, they can even show aggression. Outside the house, four-legged pets behave more relaxed and peacefully. Although gullible cuties seeking to get to know everyone, they do not belong.

As for other dogs, those who begin to encroach on the territory of a leopard dog from outside are not lucky. If animals live in the same house, the relationship can be more relaxed, without much conflict. Cats and smaller animals (such as hamsters) can provoke an animal with an innate hunting instinct. However, with proper upbringing, peaceful coexistence of all pets is possible.

Representatives of the breed are very playful. This is especially true for puppies. Adult individuals behave more restrained, but they also have plenty of energy. Therefore, walking the pet, important not to lose vigilance. For example, at any moment, a dog may break loose after seeing a cat crossing a road.

Animals are wayward, persistent in achieving the desired, can show character. If you are fond of hunting, the dog can not only keep you company, but also help in tracking the game. However, it is worth noting that such dogs take only a hot track. If the game passed through the area more than 2 hours ago, it will be difficult for the dog to trace its further path.

In the process of detecting prey, the katahula is silent. Only a rare bark can give out his excitement. But when a trophy is discovered, the dog is filled with a loud bark, which makes the owner understand where to go. The pet does not enter the fight against the wild beast. He just keeps it in place until the hunter himself appears.

Although the leopard dog is not a shepherd, it can help in this matter. Therefore, farmers sometimes bring such pets to graze cows, goats and other livestock. The dog controls the herd, describing circles around him. If a member of the herd tries to leave the territory, the katahula will try to stop him. He will bark loudly, and if this does not help, he will slightly bite the animal.

Katahula is an unpretentious dog. It is easy to maintain. In particular, this applies to short hair, which does not require complex care. Vigilance, keen hearing and sense of smell can also be attributed to virtues. The dog is good at hunting, protecting its home and its inhabitants. At the same time, starting her as a bodyguard is not worth it. Outside the house, the animal does not have the habit of protecting the owner. Instincts are closely related to the territory.

Also, hunting habits can adversely affect the relationship of a leopard dog with other pets (for example, a cat). To avoid unpleasant situations, it is important to raise a dog from childhood, instilling in him respect for other living creatures.

Katahula is an independent breed. Dogs are often stubborn. In this regard, sometimes an animal is difficult to force to behave with dignity in a public place, to obey commands. Especially uncontrollable can be individuals whose socialization is not given due attention. Regular classes and education are required. By the way, females are usually calmer. When buying a pet, you can take this fact into account.

In some kennels, dogs are kept in open-air cages. In addition, each animal has an insulated booth. However, such content is permissible only in warm regions. In the middle climate zone, winter time is quite cold. The short coat of the pet does not warm him, so the dog will not be able to live on the street.

A cozy lounger in a country house is a great option. During the day, the dog can frolic in a fenced area, and in the evening rest in the circle of family members. Communication plays a big role in raising a pet. Left alone for a long time, he can become slightly wild.

Shedding of representatives of this breed is moderate. The pet should be combed using a special brush or mitten. The procedure is carried out once a week. Frequent bathing is useless. Enough 1 time in 3 months. As with other breeds, regular inspection of the eyes and ears is required.

As necessary, they must be carefully cleaned using special tools. Claws of most leopard dogs grind naturally. Otherwise, they are cut to the optimum length. Dental care is another traditional treatment.. Accustom your pet to brushing your teeth better since childhood. The procedure should be carried out a couple of times a week.

Katahula is a breed characterized by good health. However, the pet may have joint problems. To avoid this, attention should be paid to the weight of the dog. In accordance with this, the duration of training is also adjusted.

There are no special recommendations for feeding representatives of this breed. Of course, the diet should be complete and balanced according to the BJU. Food is selected taking into account the age of the pet. Pay attention to ready-made dry feed. Super premium designed for dogs with an active lifestyle.

Natural feeding is also allowed. In this case, the menu of the pet must include meat and offal. The share of such components is calculated as follows: 40 g per 1 kg of weight for young and 10-15 g per 1 kg of weight for adults. Also, animals are given cereals, eggs, vegetables. Sour-milk products are also useful.

Leopard dogs are self-confident, self-sufficient, assertive. To tame such a pet, the owner needs to earn his respect. Only the leader will be able to achieve tangible results in training the dog. When educating, one should be firm, but be fair. In disobedience, it must be made clear to the dog that he is wrong.

If he carries out commands well, he should definitely be praised. As with other dogs, physical punishment and screaming are unacceptable. Training should be clear and consistent, but gentle. Confidence and mutual understanding - this is what the owner-dog relationship should be based on.

Patience should be shown. The first 2 years of training will be the most difficult, despite the fact that such animals are smart enough. But then the process will go faster, and in the end you can get a disciplined four-legged friend. In this case, the pet will be able to master the teams of any degree of complexity.

About the features of the breed, see the next video.