Catahoula Leopard vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

Catahoula Leopard is originated from United States but Australian Cattle Dog is originated from Australia. Catahoula Leopard may grow 18 cm / 8 inches higher than Australian Cattle Dog. Catahoula Leopard may weigh 32 kg / 71 pounds more than Australian Cattle Dog. Both Catahoula Leopard and Australian Cattle Dog has almost same life span. Catahoula Leopard may have more litter size than Australian Cattle Dog. Both Catahoula Leopard and Australian Cattle Dog requires Low maintenance.

History

catahoula leopard - historyThis working dog breed originates from America’s Deep South. In fact it was originally named after a small village in the state of Louisiana and was made the state’s official dog in 1979. The dog is believed to have come from the Mastiff and Greyhound.

Known as war dogs they were left with local tribes who crossed them with wolves, and French Beauceron blood was also included.

A number of Catahoula dog Associations were started and the Louisiana Catahoula Cur Association was formed in 1976, followed by others. These Associations work to promote the breed. In 1995 the United Kennel Club was the first national dog registry to recognize the Catahoula.

During the 19th century, in the New South Wales, lived a cattle farmer Thomas Hall. He wanted to have a perfect cattle dog so he mixed two breeds: dogs used by stockman with the dingo. The new breed was given an interesting name - Halls Heelers. Heelers was a part of the dog breed because this new breed of the dog inherited the nipping instinct. As time passed, one breed was developing in two breeds: the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog.

The Australian Cattle dog can be found in two available colours: red and blue. This is how they got their nicknames: Red Heeler and Blue Heeler.

Description

catahoula leopard puppy - descriptionKnown as the Leopard dog because of the distinctive spotted patches on his short to medium length coat, this interesting looking spotted dog can have a coat of many colors such as solid colors, brindle and a blend of several colors including blue merle and red merle, black and tan.

He is a muscular and athletic dog of medium to large size with sturdy legs and deep chest. He stands at 56 – 68cm and weighs 20 – 50kg. Many of these dogs have webbing between the toes which gives them an advantage when running through marshy areas or when swimming.

With his floppy ears, the tail is long or bobtailed. An unusual aspect with the dog is his eyes – having what is known as marbled glass eyes which are blue or blueish-white in color.

Temperament:

The Catahoula Leopard Dog can be stubborn and he is also energetic, fearless and highly intelligent. You’ll want to have him trained and socialized early as then he becomes a more relaxed, obedient dog. He is an assertive dog but not aggressive by nature.

Catahoulas in general are even tempered and they are willing to share their space with children in the home as well as other pets. They are protective of children and of their entire human family, making good watchdogs.

The Australian Cattle Dog originally mixed with Australian herding dog that was kept near the cattle to guide them. Medium-sized, with the short coat, this dog is generally easy to groom and maintain. It does require more brushing during the shedding period, but it is still not an everyday need. He is easy to train because he likes challenging games and activities which are. It gets very attached to its owner, and he is always protective of them and their possessions. The most common health problems happen with their ears and eyes, but they are usually very healthy and they have a long life – up to 15 years.

Characteristics

catahoula leopard dog - characteristicsThe Catahoula makes a fine family pet but he is a dog which shouldn’t be left outside day after day. He is a companion dog and won’t thrive without the companionship of his human family.

He is highly intelligent and also energetic, and if you want him to be relaxed and amicable around other humans and pets in the home he will require training and socialization. For training and ownership, the Catahoula Leopard will require a strong, firm, confident personality and he’ll be an obedient, loving and loyal companion.

Around children

Children and Australian Cattle Dogs can grow up together in harmony. They will have a loyal and protective companion. After you properly train your dog and teach your child how to play with the dog, you will bring the friendship on the safe side. Some of them will have the instinct to nip at heels, so you should pay attention to this while training your pet.

Special talents: cattle dog, service dog, therapy dog, police dogs, drug detection dogs.

Adaptability

Australian Cattle Dogs can survive cool, hot and temperate conditions. They can live in a shelter outdoors, and they do well living indoors. But, be aware – without enough physical activity, this dog will end up being frustrated and unhappy.

Learning ability

They will absorb every new trick so quick that you will be amazed. They love to learn, and if you start with some good trick you will raise a great friend and maybe a great competitor in fetch, swim, bring-a-stick, or run-the-show dog sports.

Health Problems

catahoula leopard puppies - health problemsYour Catahoula Leopard is a healthy dog breed and with good care he can live to be 10 to 14 years of age. However, there are a number of reasons why some of the healthiest dogs can become ill.

Knowing about these illnesses means you can take action and minimize the pain and suffering your pet might have to otherwise endure.

Ear Infections:

You’ll notice your pet shaking his head and maybe even scratching his ears. Ear infections are more evident in dogs with floppy ears and there can be an ear discharge. When left untreated, the ears can become painful and then it is time to get him to the vet.

Urinary Tract Infection:

This is a common illness in dogs and can be terribly uncomfortable and debilitating for your pet as he tries to urinate all the time with no success. Signs of UTI can include this excessive urination with little urine coming out, lethargy and discomfort. Take your pet immediately to the vet to be checked over.

Health Problems: are mostly inherited. You can avoid this by searching for a good breeder that can clear out the hereditary diseases.

Eyes

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the breeds that can be born with progressive retinal atrophy. Progressive rod-cone degeneration is a disease that causes the rods and cones in the retina of the eye to degenerate. It might lead to blindness.

Ears

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the rare breeds with recessive piebald alleles. This gene is the reason why they have white colour on their coat. But, unfortunately, this gene can be the reason why congenital hereditary deafness develops.

Caring The Pet

catahoula leopard dogs - caringA dog makes such a splendid pet, willing to give loyal and loving friendship to humans, even those who don’t treat him properly. When you think of the unconditional love your Catahoula Leopard dog will give you, surely you want to provide him with good food and shelter.

Love and treasure this 4-legged friend of yours as he is a friend like no other.

Provide identification for Him:

It can be devastating if your dog goes missing, and if he has no identification, to find him might only mean telling people what he looks like. Rather put a collar on him and an ID tag so that your chances of getting him back are just that much better.

You can also have him micro-chipped by your veterinarian and these chips have a unique code which can provide useful information on your pet.

Vaccinations:

Make sure that your pet is vaccinated as a puppy against diseases which could be deadly such as rabies.

Spay or Neuter your Catahoula Leopard:

If you have no intention of allowing your Catahoula Leopard to have puppies, rather have him neutered or spayed if its a female. It is better for them and they can live longer and be free of some ailments that at un-spayed or un-neutered dog may get.

Feeding the puppy and adult

Herding dog have a history of the joint diseases. That’s why some of the pet suggest feeding a herding dog with meat like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb and fish. Dry dog food, even premium quality, may not be enough for this energetic dogs and their bone structure. But it depends on the dog. The best advice is to always take an advice from your breeder or your wet.

Grooming

You won’t be very busy with grooming your Australian cattle dog. You don’t have to take everyday care of it. Occasional brushing will be more than enough. Bath the dog only when you notice odour problem.

Points for Good Health

The Australian Cattle Dog needs a high level of activity. Like many other herding dog breeds, they love walks, spending time with people, running or doing any athletic sports with them, teaching them tricks since they have above average intelligence. Fetching will be super fun for everyone, agility, competitions or any other challenging activity. They love water and they swim very well so you can take the dog with you to the nearest pool and have a great time.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
United States
Australia
Height Male:
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
53 - 68 cm
20 - 27 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 48 kg
44 - 106 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 48 kg
39 - 106 pounds
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
8 - 12
1 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Louisiana Catahoula, Catahoula Hound, Leopard Dog
ACD, Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
Brindle, blend of several colors - blue merle, red merle, black and tan
blue (mottled or speckled), red (mottled or speckled)
Coat:
Short and smooth
short double coat
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Australian Cattle Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  5. Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  6. Bearded Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  7. Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  9. Blue Healer vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. English Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. Australian Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Catahoula Cur vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  15. Bergamasco vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Picard vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  17. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. German Coolie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  20. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Red Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  23. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. Blue Lacy vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  26. Sakhalin Husky vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  27. Catahoula Leopard vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  28. Catahoula Leopard vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  29. Catahoula Leopard vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  30. Catahoula Leopard vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  31. Catahoula Leopard vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  32. Catahoula Leopard vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Catahoula Leopard vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  34. Catahoula Leopard vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  35. Catahoula Leopard vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Catahoula Leopard vs Canaan Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. German Pinscher vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  38. Portuguese Water Dog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  39. Puli vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  40. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  41. German Spaniel vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  42. McNab vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  43. Porcelaine vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  44. Finnish Lapphund vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  45. Griffon Nivernais vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  46. Hokkaido vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  47. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  48. Pumi vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  49. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  50. Istrian Sheepdog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds