Catahoula Leopard Dog | Is It Right For You?

[@StonnieDennis]

Are you a fan of my training style, but can’t travel to Kentucky to see me in person? No worries! I offer an awesome online dog training course, which includes access to an array of exclusive videos and content, personalized coaching, journaling, and in-depth mentoring and evaluation by yours truly! If you just need some an advice or have a couple questions you need answered, I also offer professional consulting by the hour. Both of these great services can be found here: www.kentuckycanine.com Thank you all for your remarkable support over the years! I cannot express enough how grateful I am for your appreciation and patronage of this channel, my training style, and my kennel. Always remember, it’s a great day for a puppy-sized adventure!

[@daviddawson1718]

I have to admit that I used a shock collar with my Catahoula. I only needed to make him understand that the highway is not a fun place to go. I have not yet pulled the trigger 5 times, but Levon knows that he is very free to travel the woods and river bottom up to the woods on the hill, but not the highway.

[@gigglingchicken8444]

I agree with your assessment. I adopted mine 3 years ago when he was about a year old. I didn't know what the breed was when I did. I love him to death but I would never get another unless I can get enough money to get a lot of land. We still do a lot like hiking, camping and being outside but I can see how that is not enough. The reason why I am keeping mine and not find a farm is because he is epileptic and a lot of people who want working hunting dogs can't really have that. So I try to give him the best life I can for him. We also formed a close bond and doesn't like to be without me and my shepherd. But at the same time he can be independent where he has time he likes to look out the window on my bed and if me shep or I bother him he gives this look like what do you want can't you see I am busy? But after dinner we must cuddle otherwise he will let the whole world know with his hyena laughter that he is not happy about this. To keep him stimulated I hide a scented stuffed duck in a field that I drag around and he goes and finds it. It is also nice because my shepherd lab plays Frisbee while he is zig zagging all over the place until he finds it. They are great dogs but at their heart they are working dogs.

[@belbal5004]

​​@@daviddawson1718 It's prob fine- better than getting hit by a car. When in my early twenties with a bunch of dogs and other things, my usually peaceful Afghan suddenly discovered she was a dog instead of a showgirl. She batted a jack rabbit around, then ate it. This dog had been given into a distinguished family by England. So later I ended up with her. And she went after my chickens. I took the horse corral top electric line with its breaker off, put her on one side and a chicken on the other, then said go get it. Kinda mean, but it only took once. After that she became guardian of chickens, listening for hawks, and jumping at them in the air while barking. It gave the rooster time to round up domestic hens, and the game hens time to hide in tall trees. My once fussy show dog even rounded up the neighbors 3 pigs one morning and put them in the horse corral, with no prior training. Dogs are awesome! We didnt use fencing except that horse corral. The goats hung out with wild deer- but close by. It was a huge ranch, in central Tx, but most who had bought there were out of state. I wish more young people could have this exp I had in late 70's! Afghans act a bit dumb like Irish shepherds...but are not. Just cat like. As my last dog was in part, too. Some cats are dog like too. Usually you must repeat till it drives you crazy with cats to teach them to avoid the road. One cat from back in 70's, one of the kittens the Dingo hunted for and fed, actually saved me from a dog attack when it got older. A friend had got a shelter Borzoi, and when putting down ham bones far apart, it decided it needed both and jumped my Afghan...so I needed to intervene. And the Borzoi was turning on me, when this calico blur ran by. She jumped on its side, clung there doggedly. And the Borzoi went nuts spinning in circles and running. The cat hung on. I had to grow a pair- and I'm female ha- or soon the cat would lose its grip and die. So it all worked out. I hate hearing people talk bad about cats ( or say animals are not aware of death), when I've watched wild things stand and grieve for 3 days at their kid or mates death. Cats can be amazing. Very large spectrum of differences in them. I think in your case the measured and judicial use of an electric collar was fine. - have seen too many lose their dogs to cars.

[@sid5156]

Pitbulls do not have a murder in them. What they do have is the tenacity to die just to please their owner. That's what makes them great or horrible depending on the owner. They definitely need a strong alpha leader. Then again the older I get I am feeling people should have to take a test to own a dog or even raise a child. Lol

[@larryberg3707]

Was living in northern Saskatchewan in Canada on a farm. We were given 2 Catahoulas by a close friend from Tennesse who was living near by. When they were only about8-9 months old when a large bear came into the farmyard. My brother was only 7 at the time and playing outside. In the time it took dad to grab a rifle and come back out. These two hit that bear head on. Bear did not make out well and the last I saw of it it was running for the bush. Numerous cuts and bites, the dogs then went back to playing like nothing had happened. Love this breed can’t say it enough

[@markfcoble]

Exactly right!

[@sdfghjasdfghjk8175]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate how fun "Catahoula" is to say? Is it just me?

[@Grinding_Gears]

Are you Buddy the Elf? 🙂

[@anthonyelwick3600]

Sacred Lake is the meaning of the word its Choctaw

[@nicholashunter8638]

Perfect!!! Made me laugh😅

[@daviddawson1718]

​@anthonyelwick3600, that makes perfect sense. Thank you for the information.

[@vieuxacadian9455]

It means clear water not sacred lake . Catahoula lake itself is sacred to "Chata" people @@anthonyelwick3600

[@marythibault9032]

Raised 2 Catahoulas male and female and your description was spot on. So clownish with the family and goofy with anyone we bring in. but strangers beware. Both dogs would sit inside the fence together wagging their tails and strangers would come up to the fence thinking they were being friendly until the stranger stuck their arms through or over the fence and the dogs launched themselves at the stranger. Despite numerous warning signs telling strangers not to do it, stupid knows no limits. I even posted a sign saying, " The dogs are not wagging their tails because they like you, they do it because they want to eat you. Keep hands and body parts you value away from the fence." Not two days later some woman walking by sticks her hand through the fence in front of the sign and then yells at me because the dogs went for her. After that I ut up an electrified fence within my fence to protect the dogs because there are too many stupid people out there. Kids were ok, the dogs never bothered kids in or out of the yard. They never tolerated strangers who were not ok's by us.

[@DD-zp8zb]

The same advice your parents gave to you to not talk to strangers applies to dogs. Do not look, talk or touch strange dogs unless you want to risk getting bit.

[@damienrubio9585]

My catahoula was a stray in Los Angeles and I drove down 100 miles to go rescue him. He's been the best guard dog and most loyal friend I've ever had. Big boy is about 120lb

[@gustavov.5225]

I found mine in Hammond, LA, she was 3 months old, and she’s everything Stonnie described. In an open field she goes after a jackrabbit until it lays down flat on the ground, at that point she’ll bark to let me know where she is, and I can literally pick it up by the ears. She never bites them, but she loves the chase. I live in S TX, so when temperatures are quite high she has to get in the water to drop body temperature, since we travel a lot, I noticed her preferred temperature is from the 30’s to the 60’s, but we have hiked in CO at 10F and she does just fine. On leash while on city streets, once we hit the field she’s on her own. Owning a Catahoula puts you as an owner on that very thin line between being a “responsible” owner or not. When at home, she stays inside the house, she truly needs to be where the family is, and since I found her she has never damaged anything, even when she’s alone. Of all the breeds I have had Catahoulas are the best for me.

[@stubbbrady]

as a catahoula owner i enjoyed this. one thing also with the breed is that they were bred to think things out. i am on my second purebred catahoula - he is nalc. in between the two purebreds i had a catahoulaxaustralian shepherd cross. being in my mid-sixties getting the 2nd one [bleucat] i put a lot of thought into it. i know their energy level can be off the charts, plus if you are not actively hunting it is extremely hard to even find a breeder or even get one when you do find a breeder. and there are long waits for a puppy. bleucat is a grey leopard, little over 2 yrs old now. in fact 2 days ago made 2 yrs ago i brought him home at 8 weeks old and he was 16 lbs. i do not hunt anymore, but i have owned beef cattle and horses the majority of my life. what i have found also with this breed is that as long as you are the alpha, you do not need to be to physical in correcting this breed. i can hurt bleucat's feelings by raising my voice very loud. And there is a lot of repetitive work to reinforce what is expected of them. my motto also: not everyone needs a catahoula. his prey drive is also off the chain. again thank you for this video.

[@cindyhuffman6711]

One of the best most fun dogs my family ever had was a catahoula/ Australian shepard. She was super smart and funny. She was great with people, but very alpha with the rest of the pack. All dogs trust came on the farm showed her their belly or bleed. They learned quick. She also was very protective of her pack and farm.

[@toms5212]

Great video. I had a 90 lb Catahoula who lived to be 13. He was an AWESOME dog and was definitely everything Stonnie described. So well behaved, but independent athletic, and a squirrel hunting machine.

[@dirtinnails]

Your assessment is spot on. I had a red leopard catahoula from a breeder friend of mine here in South Louisiana. As a puppy she would heard my 3-year-old daughter back to me when she wandered in the front yard. These dogs can do ANY hunting/farmwork. But they need lots of room to roam. They want to work. And they belong on a large piece of property.

[@debbiesmith2207]

Love these breed specific videos! I value Stonnies opinions and perspectives. He confirms what I already know, plus so much more!

[@v4k_foto716]

A good friend of mine bred them in the 90's on their family ranch in Florida. They used them for cattle dogs and were not to be approached if they didn't know you. Spooky intelligent yet 'primitive' in many ways if that makes any sense, loved them since then.

[@ryantrone4140]

I have a 2 year old and your comment about them being "spooky intelligent" caught my eye. This dog doesn't miss much. We describe him to be like the Velociraptors depicted in Jurassic Park. He has figured out how to open most doors unless they have a traditional Knob handle. And when he looks at something, especially when he watches you, you can tell he is working it out. HA

[@jamesdilts277]

It's taken awhile, but my Catahoula leopard dog has almost gotten me trained. This is fastest growing, fastest running dog I've ever seen, coyotes don't have a chance, he literally runs them to ground.

[@myhounddog]

I agree, They train us. haha Absolutely love this comment

[@kimlittleton4943]

Absolutely !!! They listen....when they want to....but take charge when you are being what they perceive as an "idiot". LOL We had some freaking racoons being a total menace to our camp and our neighbors camp. The kids were crying because the audacity of these coons. So I had to unleash Wilson. He freaking went after them. My camping neighbors were freaked out. They were like "they will kill a dog". I may have been taking some chances, but this scenerio has played out many times in our camping adventures. Wilson takes care of the coons. Never a scratch. No more coon problems. I think they talk....LOL

[@cstx86]

I just lost my Catahoula/Pit mix of 15 years. Most amazing dog I ever had. Immensely loyal, protective, emotional, intelligent, obedient, and lived to please her owner. Very much a one owner/family dog and she wouldn't dream of leaving my sight ever.I adopted her when she was about a year old after she had been used as a bait dog. We had a lot of amazing adventures together. Amazingly athletic and she actually loved playing in snow! Never once saw her bothered by cold weather and would have to nearly drag her inside. Hated farm animals though lol.

[@grahamblackall6305]

I love this type of video! This isn't academic study of dogs, it's exposure to them, leading to real world dog knowledge and wisdom! Thank you for your content Stonnie!

[@leonpse]

He sounds like he knows a lot dog behavior and has the ability to talk like regular people which needs more knowledge because he doesn’t repeating things in books or schools.

[@s.b.5259]

Love it when dog trainers are honest about pits and pit adjacent breeds.

[@SueTay.]

You just spoke my mind :)

[@Shakashack2022]

4:50 facts

[@sixter4157]

My mom had a friend with a female pit. She was always friendly and loving except when she had puppies. Then she turned into "Touch my puppies and I will end you."

[@SueTay.]

@@sixter4157 Kind of like I was when I had babies :) My dogs don’t leave the grandbabies side when they nap either. They lay on the floor by the door until they wake up, the were once known as the nanny dog for a reason :)

[@stygifan]

@@SueTay. the nanny dog thing is a myth.

[@lindsayravenell5365]

I have a Black Mouth Cur/catahoula mix and she's all of these things. Super athletic, no real off leash issues, very strong, but also VERY sensitive. She has a high prey drive and is very much a slave to her nose. I describe our relationship as "roommates"; sometimes. We like to be around each other but she kind of just orbits around me when I do things.

[@inesvetinparadise9715]

my boy Tobi is similar. I always say we are in a 'relationship' rather than 'ownership' situation

[@pamelaromer7727]

I do trail maintenance and have always gone out with a dog. I bought a ‘Texas Heeler’ pup . And soon figured out she was ‘different.’ Not totally sure of her breed but she is excellent during trail work. Doesn’t chase deer or small animals but she has my back if we come across a bear. She usually runs around while I’m working. Once I got off trail and started to wander. She was 1 year old and got me back on the trail. Dogs are truly amazing animals.

[@myhounddog]

Thank you for raising awareness. So many just pick this Dog to HAVE IT! but these people can not provide the Life style this Dog needs. Having a Dog is a Lifestyle choice.

[@theMickPolitik]

As a person with Catahoula experience, I found your "non-expert" assessment to be quite astute! 💯 True Behaviorists are great for the formal Training industry at large. I also endorse the claim that many, many people do NOT need/want this cool, cool-looking, breed!

[@StonnieDennis]

Thank you!

[@philipbriney4430]

I just got my first Catahoula she is working out to be the best farm dog I have ever had!!!

[@Docochoco39]

Very well said! I just found this video, he has me watching more!

[@mcsequoia5107]

Thank you for this video. I learned a lot from it that I think is very applicable to my Black Mouth Cur, that I adopted. The breed was new to me but their behaviors are very similar to the Catahoula Leopard Dog. I've had other dog breeds, but this is my first scent hound, general farm dog breed. I'm learning that she's very smart, very aware and wants nothing more than to engage with the world around her. I think knowing about a breed and understanding its needs and motivations is critical to not only being able to train it, but also in giving it a good life and having a good relationship with it that is mutually beneficial. Thanks for doing what you do so well and sharing it freely here with others. Maggie & I appreciate it greatly!

[@dbmail545]

Essentially the same breed. Solid colored Catahoulas are often sold as black mouth currs.

[@Wherethewindblows524]

My grandson has a catahoula my icon. Its been raised on a farmette. Shes 1 yr old but the property has 3 family homes on it. Last summer we sat on the porch watching trixie heard 1 cow at a time into the pond area. It was really amazing i fell in love with her too.

[@jessicabergeron8168]

You mention not being an expert on the breed a couple of times but your genuine reverence and the space you hold for the dogs to be as they are has led to in depth observations regarding the breeds personality characteristics, temperament, inclinations, engagement etc. Youre spot on with everything you have noted. This is the most accurate, in depth, and insightful video on the breed that ive seen and anyone thinking about selecting this breed as a companion should watch this video. My boy is all of these things and hes taught me things like no other. Highly emotionally sensitive as you say with low tempermental resilience. Hard to keep motivated in regards to working in conjunction with handler. I can have great short obedience/work sessions with him, hes super intelligent and loves problem solving and the mental stimulation, but absolutely nothing is more rewarding than exploring the environment and tracking/hunting, in a very calculated way of course. So so nose driven and autonomy is certainly huge for him. The more i allowed him to be himself and do/show me the things he loved, the more he thrived and felt truly fulfilled. Our bond is like no other and a huge part of that is exactly due to what you mentioned- recognizing the lineage of the breed and what they were bred for and honoring that as well as the individuality of the dog in front of you. Much love and respect 🙏 🫶🏽 these dogs are truly seen by you

[@pinkdogaustralia]

As always, your breed insights are invaluable Stonnie.

[@angelamcrae3019]

We accidentally adopted our Catahoula back in December. She was originally adopted in Louisiana at about 4 months old and her owner brought her to Utah. He wasnt good with her, he didnt like her so we asked for her and spent a few month's trying to find her a home. 8 month's later I'm trying to dumb her down she can just be a house dog. This video gave me several ideas on ways I can improve my ownership to meet her needs ❤

[@lindajackson8138]

You are spot on with most of the things you have pointed out...I new nothing about catahoolas until I got my Ruby....she has been trained as my asistance dog...you guys call it a service dog....it has been a Chalange...but she has turned out to be perfect...she alerts to many thing ...some things we didn't expect....she is very protective of me and has changed my life for the better

[@TedH71]

Got to warn you when they reach full maturity, they become very protective. I knew of a lady who had one and she was in a wheel chair. The dog had been trained to pick up things for her (fetching isn't a catahoula trait generally) and to go get help if she fell down. I warned her the older her dog gets, the more protective he would get. The lady fell in a public space and for some reason her dog turned on and wouldn't let anyone approach her. The dog had to be put down by the police for safety reasons. The dog was either 5 or 6 years of age. Even the tribe who the catahoula came from will tell you they do not make good service dogs at all. What I suspect you may have is an Australian shepherd mix that came out with short hair.

[@zooneym3887]

Great video, as an owner of several Catahoulas you did very well describing them. I adore mine .

[@richardthurston3547]

The Catahoula’s temperment and size appears very similar to my Plott (hound). We did not do a good job of socializing him when he was young so he tends to be aggressive towards other dogs and strangers. Since I retired 8 months ago I’ve been taking him for long walks through wooded areas. When we first started the dog became agitated on encountering another walker but he was obedient in coming to my side and settling down. The exception was when we encountered another dog that showed aggression. I had to pull him away from that situation quickly. Now, after 7 months walking almost every day he show absolutely no aggression toward other people or docile dogs while we’re away from home. He’s still very territorial in our yard and barks or bays at other dogs or people who get too close. The dog is 5 years old now; is very sweet and obedient with my wife and me.

[@andersrasmussen704]

That is some wisdom right there at 23 minutes, thanks Stonnie.

[@pennymayphilip9646]

Agree 100%. The happiest my dogs ever were was on our farm (South Africa), & I loved seeing them so happy .

[@Cory_Dora]

I’m from Louisiana and knew folk with these dogs. They were never fenced or indoors. Just a plain old yard dog that did their own thing. Us kids didn’t even pay them no mind.

[@vieuxacadian9455]

Oui , verite mes ami .

[@s.porter8646]

Never heard of the breed till i rescued one, she is the biggest PIA, never listens,argues, stubborn. .love her to death, and been with her 24/7, on 4 years...my best running buddy, for service connected PTSD

[@RealDallasFed]

My dad had one for some strange reason. I was in Denver because I moved away for awhile, and he was still in Shreveport living by himself. My pops pretty much only drinks Jim Bean watches TV, goes to the grocery once a week, and eats out sometimes. My dad had to crack the back door, throw his food dish out, and shut the door as quick as he could. The dog ate the ceiling fan on the back porch, and I asked him "What the hell did you think you are doing keeping that dog? He's so bored, he might actually explode or spontaneously combust! You're the most inoperative person I know and he will not motivate you to be active enough for him or even active at all. Find him somewhere else to live so he can live life!" Dad set him up with a guy who was in college with a lot of roommates and that dog fit right in. He checks on him every now and then and the dog is doing well.

[@ScottBarkdoll]

Best dog I ever had

[@-cMc-]

Hank recognized that you called him and chose to do something else. But no name ❤ he comes immediately

[@victoriabaker4400]

First time watching, my mom's family is in Louisiana and I love dogs, and thought I'd settle in. I enjoyed this very much. The biggest point that people should understand is these serious working dogs are good at their jobs because they've been bred for independent thinking. But that means you have to be willing to call them and have them not come immediately. My husb was very frustrated by the Great Pyr we rescued and rehomed to a working environment. I was put in mind of a guy I saw once at a large, public, offleash park. He became enraged that his (large working type) dog wouldn't respond to his demands, and he obviously was embarrassed and ego hurt. Really having a tantrum. All I could feel was sadness for the dog who was just having fun being himself. So yes please these working dogs should never be held by city dwellers where the dogs have limited outdoor access, but even folks in the country who want a companion, I question. And honestly if they don't have appropriate outlets they'll make them up and you wont like their creative efforts. So i believe in your teaching and method, you seem super knowledgeable about shaping behaviors in the right windows. Great stuff!

[@TheLazyhomesteader]

You should make “That’s a fine animal” merch! Id buy that!

[@nogames8982]

My dad had a Catahoula leopard dog named Hank also. Great dog.

[@junedetla3324]

I just adopted a 4 month pup ..your opinion is solid! Really appreciate the time you explained everything. !

[@michaelcude]

@stonnieDennis we loved the Catahoula episode…you nailed it. Little murder inside, independent, not for everyone, change is not your friend-this is ‘not normal’. Question: do you know about the catahoula lean?? Or unimpressed face? Very snuggly otherwise. And loves squirrels more than anything on the planet. Definitely not for everyone. They have a lot of energy and take a lot of work.

[@hmu958]

You mean the lean of love? My girl does this. Her mother did the same thing but not the dad.

[@Joos-676]

Catahoula coat length or lack there of is of the most minimalist importance in all honesty. I live in Wisconsin and have a 2 year old Catahoula who I have wear a pretty heavy duty carhart jacket in winter. And with how high energy they are and non stop moving around and running they regulate their body temperature pretty well. Definitely does need a coat in the winter though.

[@jenniferchilton-kauffmann6280]

I think I’m in love with No Name

[@anthonyelwick3600]

I have two just got my second one in June. I'm service training the pup. She's amazing.

[@brandiebriley2404]

Thank you for your time and your honesty.

[@Criahs]

As if I didn't like Uncle Stonnie enough already, he went and pulled out the Milwaukee!

[@TedH71]

I've been raising the breed for close to 30 years. They do not have pit bull in them at all or any hound in them either. What they do resemble is a muscular dog with drop ears. They have a tendency to be hot nosed which means they do air trailing instead of on the ground because they're so smart they don't wanna waste time sniffing the ground unless you got a pup from the old timers who bred their dogs to be cold nosed. I can only attest of maybe 2 guys who breed for the cold nose trait because of where they live, hogs are far and few in between. In Louisiana, hogs are pretty much everywhere so they really do not have to work so hard to track them. They come in solid colors and they work JUST THE SAME as the leopard ones which is irritating to me. People would often try to buy my leopard pups first and I would end up stuck with solid colored ones but one time I ended up selling all the solid colored ones and having leopard marked ones left over which was nice! I've not watched the whole video yet but I will. What I can tell you is catahoulas radically change upon full maturity which tends to be age 2 to 3 years of age with some turning on at age 4. What happens is they become very dog selective. Doesn't really mater if you heavily socialized the dog or not. Also doesn't matter if they're spayed/neutered...it's just a breed trait. I'm having to run 2 separate packs due to this and due to the fact my wife won't let me sell the ones that don't like the others. If I lived out in the country, it would be much more manageable due to more space. Lots of catahoula breeders will attempt to sell 2 pups together. Please don't buy from those breeders. City folks are guilty of this. The breed can be prone to Littermate Syndrome which means people will kennel them together, feed them together, play with them together etc.....that's the worse thing you could do to a catahoula. Rural folks tend to know that they need separate kennels, separate feeding areas, etc and it includes training them separately. With trying to train them on cattle or hogs, they're one of the few breeds who actively learn from each other. Get an experienced catahoula to show your pup what to do and then you can start adding commands what to do after the pup starts barking at the cow or hog. The experienced dog will bump the pup into position and go from there. Mothers are famous for teaching their pups how to hunt. What they will do is grab a pup's front leg and gently flip them over and gradually the pups start doing it to each other. That's how they stop feral hogs from running. Some breeders start them really young which I disagree with because it can cause the pup to burn out later on but I would trust only 1 or 2 breeders with turning on the pups properly. Too many get ruined for life. I tend to wait until my pups start barking at strangers or wild animals which tends to be around 8 to 10 months of age. I will mess around with your usual training commands like sit, stay, etc....before I start them on anything else. Some bloodlines are known to have pups produced that are extremely submissive to the point they're crawling on the ground and it makes other people think you beat your dog. No, it's a breed trait and yes, it can be bred away from! The good thing is if you've got a pup that's submissive, chances are very high they won't be stolen because they will bite strangers attempting to steal them. Oh one more thing! Many animal shelters are attempting to label merle short haired dogs as catahoulas in order to make them sound more exotic therefore they would get them new homes. If you didn't buy the pup/dog from a breeder or someone who has other catahoulas, chances are very high you were duped into buying/getting a dog that isn't behaviorally a catahoula.

[@phoenixxstar3825]

I adopted one from a rescue in Florida January 31st 2024, he is the bestest boy I ever had, so gentle with my two Labradors. He is just over a year old and in training, he's stunning to look at, just look at my picture. Amazing dog 😻

[@heidigib01]

I really like Hank. Great attitude.

[@Pausha]

My Catahoula is the same age as Hank. She's just as independent yet reliably attached to me. Her recall is brilliant but her on leash walking is a work in progress. Nose always on the ground! 😅

[@stubbbrady]

do they ever walk without a nose on the ground?? mine is 2 yrs old. and is the same!

[@andrewdavid9333]

Great insight to the breed, a real asset to those who want the best suited dog for their actual activities.

[@andrewdavid9333]

Reminds me of my Springer

[@lollydormido]

I never knew what a Catahoula was until I rescued my dog as a puppy. Had no idea her breed until someone mentioned “catahoula.” And she matches your breed description so well... very independent, intelligent, curious. She’s the best❤

[@MaryanneRhea]

I grew up raising and hunting catahoulas. Converted to Labrador shadow worshipers. Thanks for making me miss my catahoulas!

[@QUANDELDINL]

I rescued mine when he was a puppy, he is great with kids and he was great with my cat too. He is very sweet. I’ve never ever had a dog like him. ❤

[@watchwomandebrajesusistheway]

I've been watching the judging of UKC most the day. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are so lovely.

[@goodman9471]

man you aren't kidding when you said a Catahoula cur can be a little hard to live with but they are extremely intelligent and ready to please their person . my 2yr. old male never leaves my side and doesn't go more than 30ft. from me he is my trail buddy /lapdog .

[@rhondaduplissey889]

You’re absolutely right about the autonomy. Mine will play and hangout with me but when he’s done that’s it. He goes off and nothing I can do will lure him back. He hits the woods and he’s gone to do his own thing.

[@anthonyelwick3600]

My 12 year old female is like that but my 9 month old puppy lives in my pocket lol

[@nogames8982]

My dad's Catahoula would crawl through the electric fence yipping the whole time. Then he'd run the hills for a while and a few hours later come back crawl back through the electric fence yipping again.

[@susanfitch1994]

Nice pup and wonderful play/training area! Thanks

[@DossNZ]

My favourite Alaskan homesteaders have got an elderly one. 1st time I'd ever seen one. Beautiful.

[@-cMc-]

He catalogues the day to day and understands what’s a dangerous situation

[@philipbriney4430]

Minnie from Casabelle Catahoulas will be on the way to my Kansas farm April 5th!!!!!

[@Peter-rg4ng]

Beautiful intro to this unique breed. Our Alapaha bulldogs have a little Catahoula in them and you can see how it's affected their sensory ability - amazing tracking. They are tough...but sensitive - how they are treated and trained by owner. Great general purpose farm/ranch dogs - natural property protector, livestock protection, hog hunting and just having fun - going fly fishing, hiking and hanging out as you are doing work on the property etc. They are very interested in what you are doing. And you hit it in the target - they are so intuitive.

[@wilkinsnl]

My Ex-Wife had a houla/collie mix. Best dog I ever got to own. Man I miss that dog.

[@StonnieDennis]

Ha!

[@weneedchange9248]

My girlfriend saw a catahoula puppy and walk in the house with one two days later she ordered from Alabama … we got into a huge argument cuz I explained to her this is not the kind of dog for us and our lifestyle… long story short she learned the hard way ten months later we had to get rid of him but I wound up loving the breed I wish we had the space and time for one he’d still be here and he was beautiful muscular lean smooth coat light blue eyes every protective of my girls and home and friendly as can be with other dogs and people until provoked

[@lisagarrett3356]

We have a 2yr old female. She notices everything! Ceiling fan on or off, new plants, anything being moved. She is very protective of our grandchildren. Let them holler or cry and she is checking on them.

[@sharroon7574]

I wish they were for me. They are beautiful, smart and so soft.

[@-cMc-]

I flat out laughed at that big stick hank thought was a good idea 😂

[@leannajones3661]

I just had (mom)catahoula pitbull miniature husky (dad)Belgian malinois shepherd mixed puppies their almost 15 weeks way bigger than I expected but we’re so in love when them. Full of energy and very smart. Very loving and loyal from birth. But they definitely need their space to be alone when they want to. Best dogs ever. Very over protective and I feel so safe walking them alone. Even the puppies are over protective with their little barks. Thanks for your video

[@jaytouvelle2359]

outstanding video so much knowledge . You are a great dog owner and a dog's best friend. Thanks for keeping it real.

[@HUNLEE-ge7fj]

I have a 8 month old catahoula leaped as my first dog at 22 and I was very scared. I put a lot of thought into what I wanted though so I wasn’t going to back down. After working with a trainer I’ve gotten her recall down and sit and lay down, just to calm her down from the over stimulation. I’ve also worked very hard to get the first command to be the command she responds too and she does great. That’s about the only thing I would say I need. I take her everywhere off leash and she has been trained to stay in front of me on walks and not go too far. She is also my truck dog and she goes literally everywhere with me

[@therealhillbillyhoney]

I had a horse that had a registered name of "Catahoula Creek". Never knew that was a breed until 10 years later when I met a rancher with a few Catahoulas. From that point on I was intrigued. It wasn't until about 15 years later I acquired my first Catahoula blue leopard that was 5 mos old. I still have her 12 years later. I also own another purebred Catahoula female that is deaf, and two male Catahoula crosses. They are amazing dogs, but they ARE NOT for the average dog owner. I stress that to many people that comment about them or become intrigued simply by the name. They are FEROCIOUS guard dogs which I love, but not easy to handle. The word I always use for them is "primitive". They are so smart that it seems daily you have to establish who is in charge. They are very head strong. And agreed...they are very tough and yes...they do get their feelings hurt. My older female Catahoula and I go toe to toe many times, and then she will just dismiss me until we "make up". I swear she understands every word I am saying! Thank you for this video, and showcasing the characteristics of this truly unique breed.

[@Dtbind]

I have a 5 month old Catahoula and I’m trying to train him it isn’t easy but very much enjoying the challenge

[@Dreamdoggs]

“If you’re actually doing anything interesting in your life” 😂😂😂 thanks for the great laugh and another great video Stonnie!

[@JulietHaas]

Great video,Thank you! My husband and I thought we were adopting a huskie pit mix, but he definitely seems more and more every day like a Catahoula mix breed. Every description of his character you have noted to the T. We have also separated, and my husband has not been able to re-home him so I am taking him to my new mountain home with lots of hiking and trails for his curiosity and activity level. This puts my mind at ease a great deal knowing how I can negotiate with him in his new home with me.

[@anneg8319]

What a perfect buddy.

[@kevin.m213]

Love this, thank you. Just adopted a catahoula rescue, last dog was a pit with a very different personality. Gearing up for the adjustment!

[@joefish6546]

25:34 I just love it! Stonnie is all like "He's ignoring me, so I'ma just gonna walk off and he needs to figure it out...". Hank's appearance in a mild state of panic in the background is priceless! 🤣🤣

[@Patrick_Gray]

Thanks for the video. The dog you are walking through the obstacle coarse has such a loving demeanor, it was licking (kissing) your hand as you talked. It does not look like a breed that would be vicious. I am 74 and have always had dogs. When I was three years old my father was transferred to Elmendorf AFB Alaska. While there, he brought home a pup that was half Wolf and half husky, we called Wolf. The mother was killed at the base. We had Wolf for two years until my father was transferred to Sacramento California. I played with him all the time and he got along with our family and our other dog a small Boston Bull. Wolf was very large and could put his paws on my 6" tall fathers shoulders and look at him face to face. When we left Alaska we left Wolf with a lady that wanted him for her 3 dog sled racing team. We went to visit him right before we left Alaska and he was in a very large fenced in area with a bunch of other sled dogs. People go nuts once in a while so it is only reasonable to think that a dog could go nuts too. If a dog goes nuts, they could be dangerous and would have to be helped or put down. It is one thing to train an aggressive dog and another thing to try to train a dog that has gone nuts. Check out some of the dog trainers that take dogs that are acting aggressive and trying to bite people. Some of them can take a dog that is trying to bite them and bring the dog into control. One of them that amazes me is the "Dog Daddy".

[@rangerdanger766]

I live in Montana and had a catahoula. He was a house dog. Whenever we went out in the snow he loved it.

[@Naamturd101]

I've owned two pit bulls, trained dozens, to the point of your questioning if they have some in them. They're extremely boisterous dogs, the terrier in them really brings out a prey drive and depending on the animal it's one that can be managed, but never controlled. Incredibly stoic animals, but if you've not owned one past the age of about 4 - 6 years you'll think they're absolutely finicky animals. They really calm down with age (like all dogs.) The terrier in them, again, makes them stubborn dogs. Definitely not a good first time dog if this dog has any pit bull in it. They require a highly experienced handler with at least some education in animal behavior and obedience. Fantastic companion dogs when they're appropriately socialized and trained, though.

[@paintproduct2332]

Love this breed and I’ve been a catahoula mom for a bit and they are truly such amazing dogs!

[@TomWagemaker]

I’m on my second Catahoula, a female. My first one was a male. The female loves everything and everybody, until you try taking her bone or eat her food. The male was more standoffish, but super loyal. Both male and female are wonderful, and I’d get another one in a heartbeat.

[@margaretfleming3554]

Love these character break downs of a specific breed, SO useful.

[@paulaoconnor498]

You were right, I want one. A beautiful beautiful pup. No really, a great video very interesting and helpful. Lots of insights.

[@scottbruce9872]

Another great vid that included good general dog training info.

[@davidwhitaker7412]

Dead on. Never trained but knew me like a book

[@anthonymusso5282]

Great video

[@abrahamramirez7816]

I missed my blockhead rottweiler. It was 12 months old and weighed a 140 pounds. Best dog?Ever had my best friend I ever had

[@macabeal8887]

Thanks Stonnie, you’re the best!

[@ideidrebradley198]

We had one his name was hooch.He would ride our flatbed with no rails just smart and family oriented

[@daviddawson1718]

You hit the nail on the head with this one. My Catahoula/pit is a great fit for me. I am self-employed, farmer with a big blackish brown, 60 lbs shadow.

[@sassy050184]

1st time Hound owner: I have a Dalmatian mix who is very spot on with training and eager to please then I recently adapted a Plott Hound who is not as excited about training. This video made me realize that that's okay. it's easy to forget their backgrounds and what they were bred for will take into account their training styles and methods. PLEASE do more videos on training Hounds! Thanks for the help 😊

[@marianom9729]

No Name is a beautiful dog indeed

[@-cMc-]

Yeah a real farm dog isn’t all over your feet and understands to give you your space while working isn’t going to trip you up or put himself in a dangerous situation. A true farming dog ❤

[@TheLuther1234]

Stone, thank you for posting this video. I have a “Hank” who has the same personality traits. He’s 14 months and has a a black saddle with darker black spots. I am being trained very well 😂

[@mightyhummingbird499]

You have described my dog. He is a staffy/cattkedog mix and I’ve always thought there was some hound in him. It must be Catahoula!

[@vieuxacadian9455]

Alas , Chien de Louisiane ! Merci pour votre video . Bonjour de Louisiane mes amis partout !

[@gayleschuster9969]

I have a Catahoula mix. I did a DNA test. She is amazing. She catches stuff. She smells any animal! Amazing

[@ferrynpalmer3875]

I have a 2 year old ....sire was an 80lb Catahoula Leopard dog, beautiful red tiger stripped and mom was a blue pit bull. She's a FANTASTIC dog, hardest dog to housebreak. She's easily trainable in every other way. She's the most dominant female dog I've ever seen....by far. I also have a female American Bully.

[@tumbleweedking5668]

I have female houla lab mix. Most dominant female I've ever owned. She dry humps the blanket we fight with every night.

[@ferrynpalmer3875]

@tumbleweedking5668 ....THAT'S exactly what I'm talking about!! Lol. Mine humps my American Bully every day, 100 times a day. It's insane. Her core muscles are on point!!!

[@_apocalypseK9_]

Great video I learned so much , thanks !

[@erinbrantley3206]

Thank you for all you do for this KZbin channels. Great to know how to take care of your dog. And what kind of dog to get

[@JLambinator]

Oh I've been waiting, fingers crossed for this one. Our last dog post recently. She was an awesome Australian cattle dog/Black mouth cur mix. Our kids are ready for another puppy and we've been looking hard at the catahoula and the short-haired or wired hair pointers. Love your breed specific videos.