Dog Breeds

About 35+ years ago my late Uncle mentioned a breed of dogs that originated from the southern states called Catahoula Cur. Lately I have been doing some research and have found this to be a unique to me breed. They seem to be very loyal and protective dog, lots of energy and medium sized dog. Has anyone had one or know of someone that has had one , and the good and bad, No I am not looking at getting one, just curious. Thanks in advance, Doyle

We had one for over 10 years. They are a mottled color, mostly dark grey with large black patches and small patches of brown and long, floppy ears and about 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder.


Chester was a good watch dog, but friendly to "escorted" guests. He got along well with our other two male dogs and was not a fighter.

He was a stray that I found on the side of the highway with a broken leg, which is why we named him Chester. My vet told me they were very good, all around dogs and even made good hunting dogs.

We've only had experience with the one, but if Chester was a general example of his breed, I would recommend Catahoulas to anyone.

We had several Catahoulas many years ago. They make a good family dog, but really only bond to one person. Very protective of the place, as well as everything on it. They are very protective of their feed.. Once you feed them, better stay away from that area until they are finished..

I concur with what Davis & Nancy said and as a matter of personal observation and opinion,believe the breed has benefited by not been akc because they were judged by their performance rather than papers as other breeds are.If there was an indivual that acted undesiriable it recieved the "S&S"treatment instead of being bred resulting in more stupid animals.The fools who support akc puppy mills have ruined many breeds.There were some AKC Labadoddles advertised this week on craigslist.Sorry!,,,,rant is over for now. Them "HULA" dogs make a very good no nonsense companion.

The Louisiana state dog a Catahoula Leopard Dog from GOOD breeding stock is a herding or hunting dog. They do well as hog hunters and many like them because they are a head herding dog rather than a heel herding dog. Some even call them a Cat Dog because they have been know to chase a coon 10 to 15 ft up into a tree.

They do not do well in city settings because they need a lot of exercise. If you do not give them this needed exercise they will eat your house apart.

It is true that they have been culled in odd ways but it has made a dog that will work for you to the end. No consideration was ever given for looks. This is why many have blue and/or cracked (two colors in the same eye)glass eyes and a molted color pattern but any color is acceptable. If you look it up on the net you can even find sites that talk about their culling in the early days of the breed. It is said a litter of pups was let loose on a hog. The first and last dog to return to the owner was shot on site. The others were trained to hunt better. Over years and years of doing this the weak and lazy were culled out.

They have a bad reputation because people label them as aggressive. They are more of what you would call assertive and will protect what they think they own. They are very child protective and will often give their life to protect a child.

This is a picture of my 1/2 Catahoula 1/2 Pit Bull puppy. He is sleeping (and often does waiting for the baby to return) in the child swing my granddaughter uses when she is here.



If there is one thing I notice about this puppy it is the fact he sure loves that baby.



I will include a link to the top breeder in my area of these dogs. Lots of good info about Catahoula’s on his site.
ABNEY CATAHOULAS

Wonder how many people here under fifty know what you mean by the "Chester/cripple" reference?

Your photo is priceless!

Thanks for sharing.

I AM OVER 50 AND DON'T KNOW THE MEANING OF CHESTER/ CRIPPLE. PLEASE ENLIGHTEN. THANKS

If they're under 50, none. Started to put that he was named after Chester in the Gunsmoke series and then didn't. Glad you caught on.

BTW, the leg healed completely and only me, James and the vet knew it had ever been broken.

The dog was named after Chester in the Gunsmoke tv series. Chester was crippled after being drug behind a horse by some bad guys that Matt later erradicated.

I second James' comment. That photo is a treasure!

One of the first things I've learned about common courtesy is ----
The Vet -- James and I... ( others First, you Last)
Courtsey isn't so Common..
Have you Caught on?

Nephew had one- great dog. Not especially protective- seemed glad to see anyone who came by. Loved playing with any dog who came along. Not particularly attractive- they called him "Shovelhead".

Early Gunsmoke. Chester was Matt's sidekick. A baby-faced Dennis Weaver played the role. Chester had a bad leg and made for a very pronounced limp.

When Chester was written out of the script, Ken Curtis moved in to play the new sidekick, Festus.

Although the photo that you've displayed above may have some short-term effect, the one displayed below will hit a little closer to home.

<a href="http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/jameslloydhowell/Winona/?action=view¤t=4011758_18.jpg" target="_blank"></a>

Maybe he will catch on.

I have got one and he goes everywere my two year old daughter goes.He is very protective of her.If she does something to make us mad and we raise our voice to her that dang dog will get right in between us.The dog is pretty good at herding,not as good as my australian shepherd but he will get right in a crazy bulls face if need be.He is alot of fun just dont mess with his best friend[my daughter] and he will love you to.

Only ones I was ever around were working/house dogs on a cattle ranch in New Mexico.

John described their nature pretty well.

Where the heeling shepherd and collie type dogs are good at keeping a herd or bunch together, the "Cats" tend to work the head end of the cow and earn their keep in finding, rounding up and holding cattle, especially stubborn ones.

<}:>)}

What am I supppose to catch ???,,, nice picture !!!!

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha,,,,,
That's funny

That kinda looks like a Tree farm.

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha,,,, that's really funny, I suppose you could say any hill of trees look like a tree farm,,,

Looks like OLD ROY is calling himself an AVENGER, (retaliation)
When I was in Law Enforcement, I took care of a great many who wanted retailiation ..........