Catahoulas 101

Herding group

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a strong, protective breed that's best in the hands of those experienced with guardian dogs. They are intelligent, active and devoted to their families, although generally not fond of strangers or other dogs. And while they love their families, they may be too physical and large to be recommended for families with small children. This is not a breed for beginners, but those who can handle them will enjoy the company of a dog who'll never back down.

What we love about Catahoulas

A serious dog for serious work

Energy level

75% energy level

Energy level: 75% (High)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • Talkative

Bark level: As needed. This breed only barks when necessary

Size

22 to 24 inches tall
Large breed size

Size: 22 to 24 inches tall. This is a Large sized Dog.

Lifespan

10 to 14 years

Lifespan: 10 to 14 years average

Weight

50 to 95 lbs

Weight: 50 to 95 lbs typical range

Energy level
High (75%)
Bark level
As needed
Height
22 to 24 inches
Lifespan
10 to 14 years
Weight
50 to 95 lbs

The Catahoula Leopard Dog stands 22 to 24 inches tall and weighs 50 to 95 lbs. Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a as needed bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Catahoula Leopard Dogs get?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs stand 22 to 24 inches tall and typically weigh between 50 and 95 pounds.
How long do Catahoula Leopard Dogs live?
The average lifespan of a Catahoula Leopard Dog is 10 to 14 years.
Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs good for first-time dog owners?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs bark a lot?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs typically only bark when necessary — they are not known to be excessive barkers.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Catahoula Leopard Dog health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Catahoula

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Catahoula conditions

Mid-life Catahoula Leopard Dogs should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health.

40% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Above Average Risk
20% on risk scale
Trauma
Average Risk
5% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Below Average Risk

Senior Catahoula

9+ years

Risk level for common Catahoula conditions

Senior Catahoula Leopard Dogs face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Arthritis is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Arthritis
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Liver disease
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Kidney failure
Moderate Risk

Catahoula puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Catahoula conditions

Catahoula Leopard Dog puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Foreign body ingestion and Gastroenteritis and Conjunctivitis are at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Conjunctivitis
High Risk

Young adult Catahoula

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Catahoula conditions

As Catahoula Leopard Dogs grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant.

40% on risk scale
Allergic reaction
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Trauma
Above Average Risk

Mature adult Catahoula

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Catahoula conditions

Mid-life Catahoula Leopard Dogs should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health.

40% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Above Average Risk
20% on risk scale
Trauma
Average Risk
5% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Below Average Risk

Senior Catahoula

9+ years

Risk level for common Catahoula conditions

Senior Catahoula Leopard Dogs face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Arthritis is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Arthritis
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Liver disease
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Kidney failure
Moderate Risk

Catahoula puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Catahoula conditions

Catahoula Leopard Dog puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Foreign body ingestion and Gastroenteritis and Conjunctivitis are at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Conjunctivitis
High Risk

Young adult Catahoula

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Catahoula conditions

As Catahoula Leopard Dogs grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant.

40% on risk scale
Allergic reaction
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Trauma
Above Average Risk
Catahoula leopard dog standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Catahoula Leopard Dog's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 6 months)
Foreign body ingestion: High Risk, Gastroenteritis: High Risk, Conjunctivitis: High Risk
Young Adult (7 months to 4 years)
Allergic reaction: Above Average Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Above Average Risk, Trauma: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (5 years to 8 years)
Cruciate ligament tear (knee): Above Average Risk, Trauma: Average Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Below Average Risk
Senior (9+ years)
Arthritis: High Risk, Liver disease: Moderate Risk, Kidney failure: Moderate Risk
3-Fun fact-Catahoula leopard dog GettyImages-626912906

Named for Catahoula Parish in Louisiana, where it is also the state dog.

Catahoula Leopard Dog coat care and colors

Nothing could be easier than keeping the Cat's coat tidy. Weekly brushing and regular nail trims (get them used to them early) take care of most grooming needs.

Catahoula exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

The Catahoula will take all the exercise you can offer them. The minimum is a long, brisk walk, ideally every day.

Trainability

Trainability

The Catahoula is strong-willed and intelligent. Start socializing and training early, with consistent no-nonsense handling. Get a trainer's help sooner rather than later if you run into challenges.

Catahoula fun facts

Top girl names for Catahoulas

100%

of Catahoulas are female

0%

of Catahoulas are male

Top boy names for Catahoulas

Nationwide loves Catahoula Leopard Dogs of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Catahoula Leopard Dog gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Catahoula Leopard Dogs insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Catahoula Leopard Dog statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Catahoulas

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