Hi All - Can someone help me in a possible ID. I rescued 3 pups from a Walmart parking lot in June and as I have watched them grow I have tried determining their possible breeds... which mix. In my n'hood it's all about pit bulls and the moron that had them told me they were chow/pit mix but when I said they didn't look like either he finally admitted that his mix pit/chow ran loose. He admitted there was a lab in the 'hood and also a rottie. At first I thought they looked like rotties, especially the male. But at around 3 months I started seeing a change in their coloring... so I'm thinking brindle, common with the pit among other breeds. They are black with white blaze on their chests but then their feet are mottled blk/whi with a tad on this mottleing on their tummies. I thought I saw spots, mainly on the male, mainly on his back, rump and back legs but wondered if something bad was going on with his skin or something. But then yesterday I had them out on the sidewalk at a shelter (no-kill) trying to get them adopted. A lady was looking at the male and I heard her tell her husband "look at that dog - he's got spots like a leopard". I looked closely at him in the bright sunlight and either hadn't noticed before how distinct the spots were becoming - seems much of his base black coloring is now greying and there are distinct small blk spots all over. I had never heard of the catahoula leopard dog and only found info on them this afternoon when I googled leopard dog. These pups look so much like some of the CL puppy pics I am seeing. I'm wondering just how many CL dogs migrated from Louisana into GA after Katrina and believe it is very possible that they are CL mixed with something (hoping not pit).

I am reading about their temperament and there seem to be a few differing opinions about that. ie: children/strangers/other dogs etc. I read they should not be homed as a family pet but only on a farm situation. I know they are bred to be used for HogDogs and hunting etc. However, now that I have read about them, I am scared at some of what I have read. I need to know if anyone has had one of these dogs in their life for any length of time and can vouch for their good personality. etc. will they adapt in a family situation, socialized with other dogs, walk in the park????? I can sure see this big little male as a couch potato one day!

I am now very concerned because one of the 3 pups was adopted to a young soon to be married couple living in a condo. They are planning a family soon afterwards and have friends with dogs that they socialize with and also plan to take their pup on trips to Michigan where their family has dogs. I sure don't want to put this girl in the wrong place only to have to be rehomed again. We will do their homecheck this week and they plan to get her Sat. am If anyone can give me some feedback here I would so appreciate it. Thanks,

Thank you for rescuing those pups!!! That's great of you!!! Send some pictures for sure!!
I have a catahoula mix and he is one of the best buddies i have had around! He gets excited to see new people but all he's lookin for is some scratchin behind his ears and attention! As long as you keep them socialized from a young age , as with all dogs, they should be fine. My son from the time he was 1 has layed on and curled up in the kennel with my houla and takin naps, they get along great! My son can take bones and toys from my houla and he is very gentle. My houla is around chickens, water fowl, horses, cats and any wild critters that come meandering onto the farm and I have never had troubles with him. I have also spent the time with him teaching him to respect my commands so when i say no, he knows i mean no and comes waggin his tail back to me!
I got interested in catahoulas from my aunt who has a ranch in Florida, she has her dogs watch the cattle. They are so dedicated and goofy and do their job well. Really, in my opinion, its all how you raise ANY dog. A miniature pinscher can be more aggressive than a pitty. If you teach your dog manners & respect from a young age and keep them socialized and exercised than you shouldn't have troubles.
I LOVE my houla and someday hope to give a home to more. good luck with your pups and hopefully find them active families who will play and excersise with them:)

I had some issues with my Houla when he came to live with me. I didn't understand the breed and was first told he was a great dane mix. IT was my lack of understanding that led to our "issues". But with the advice of the members here and some time (like a few weeks) we worked through the Alpha issues. He's now a wonderful member of my family.

I'm single, but I have 2 nephews that are 9 & 5, Harley is great with them both. I do not allow them to approach him while he is eating though. For me he was trained to step back from the food bowl when I approach him. (part of his "you are not the alpha" training)

He has shown aggression with other dogs, mostly males. I believe part of his 'aggression' is more related to him showing he's the boss. (once they submit he's fine) He's great with my 14 year old shepherd mix and my brother's boxer. But please keep in mind that I wasn't able to socialize him with other animals for the first 5-6 months that I had him, and he was 10 months old when I adopted him. I believe that had a major impact on his growth.

He's an awsome guard dog. It wasn't until I got him that I felt completely secure.I agree that any dog can go either way. It really depends on how they are raised. Since you have them so young you are able to work with their socializing. Make sure the homes that take the pups have the time for them though. When I first read 'houla's demand attention I didn't understand that they will DEMAND attention. Even if its just a quick belly rub or a couple throws of a toy...they thrive on that interaction.

Catahoulas are very good family dogs IF you pay attention to them and don't just tie them up. They are very intelligent and High energy. They are traditionally cattle dogs. Herders and yes, they are hog dogs as well. they like to do things and will often herd whatever animals you have around be they chickens, cats, and children. They are very loyal and protective. A friend of mine had one and the dog was fine with all the kids playing together but had to be taught that when some other kid took the ball from his owner it was a game. His dog use to run out and get between his owner and the other kids when they took the ball from him. If you ignore a Houla he starts to entertain him or herself and can chew up all sorts of stuff. I had one that I rescued and when I first got her she would sleep under my pickup truck and chew and pull on the wires underneath. Had to replace my breaklight wires and once the antiskid brake switch. Once I taught her to leave the wires alone and not play with them as toys all was well. She use to love to ride in that truck. One day I walked to the truck and without looking for the dog I shut the tailgate and she hit it with her head as she was inflight to jump into the truck. It didn't hurt her but dazed her alittle. I was laughing so hard after I saw she was ok I let her ride up front with me. After that she watched the tailgate position alot more. They are funny great dogs who love to be part of the family.