Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Be Guard Dogs?

Wanting to adopt a Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy and want to know whether a Catahoula Leopard Dog can be a good watch dog or if Catahoula Leopard Dogs are protective of their owners?

According to dog trainers, Catahoula Leopard Dogs score out of 5 in the scale of breeds that are considered the best watch dogs.


Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Be Guard Dogs?

Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Be A Watch Dog?

    Great Watchdog Ability: This dog will bark and alert its owners when an intruder is present. It exhibits very protective behavior, acts fearless toward any aggressor, and will do what it takes to guard and protect its family.

    Training a Catahoula Leopard Dog To Be a Watch Dog

    Many people get a canine because they want extra security around their homes. A guard dog, or a pet dog that will actually stop an intruder, generally takes unique breeding and training, but there are many dogs that are superb watch dogs.

    A watch dog simply alerts their owner to somebody approaching their house. Even though your dog isn't a police dog, most barking dogs will discourage an intruder even if they aren't large. Most guard dogs also make excellent watch dogs, but not all watch dogs make good guard dogs.

    Top 5 Best Guard Dogs

    1. Doberman Pinscher - The Doberman Pinscher is German breed initially used for safeguarding, police and military work. They are huge, powerful dogs that will alarm their owners to doubtful activity and can make great guard dogs as well.

    2. Cairn Terrier - Although little, the Cairn Terrier is mighty. They are strong-willed, feisty little terriers that are quite watchful of their surroundings and will alarm their owners to any novel activity in no time. Because of this, they make exceptional watch dogs.

    3. Rottweiler - The Rottweiler is a big German guard dog breed that is deeply loyal to its family but wary of strangers. However, they are not a good choice for beginner dog owners.

    4. German Shepherd - They are excellent guard dogs that will alert their owners of any strangers just a little too close to their homes.

    5. Akita - They will quickly signal their owners to any uncommon activity. They are powerful dogs that are not well-suited for the newbie owner, but are almost unparalleled in their loyalty to their owners.

Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Be Guard Dogs

Catahoula Leopard Dog Information

The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a medium to medium-large, short-coated dog, with a broad head, small-to-medium drop ears, and an undocked tail set on as a natural extension of the topline. The Catahoula is well muscled and powerful, but not bulky, giving the impression of agility and endurance. The Catahoula is a moderate breed and should not resemble either a sighthound or a bulldog in appearance. The body is just slightly longer than tall and the distance from the elbow to the ground should equal 50-60 percent of the dog’s height from the withers to the ground. Because of the breed’s name, many people assume that all Catahoulas have the so-called “leopard” markings and blue eyes. In fact, the breed is noted for its many and unusual coat colors and patterns, as well as varied eye color. The Catahoula should be evaluated as a multi-purpose working dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog’s ability to work.

Catahoulas are highly intelligent and energetic. They are assertive but not aggressive by nature. Catahoulas in general are very even tempered. Males tend to be more obnoxious than females, but Catahoulas are very serious about their job if they are working dogs. They make a good family dog but will not tolerate being isolated, so interaction with the dog is a daily requirement. When a Catahoula is raised with children, the dog believes that it is his or her responsibility to look after and protect those children. Many owners will say that the Catahoula owns them and they can be insistent when it's time to eat or do other activities. Catahoulas are protective and a natural alarm dog. They will alert one to anything out of the ordinary.

What to do if you lose your Catahoula Leopard Dog

If your Catahoula Leopard Dog or any other pet has gone missing and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. List your missing pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. List the lost pet on the Local Lost Pets Facebook Groups Here.

3. Call the local vet clinics to see if someone has handed in your missing pet.

4. Contact the RSPCA or Visit the RSPCA Lost Pets website and complete a Lost Pet Report.

5. Visit Lost Pets Pages of Animal Pounds.

What to do if you find a lost Catahoula Leopard Dog

If you find a Catahoula Leopard Dog or any other pet and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Register the found pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Report the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups.

3. Phone the Local Council to collect the lost animal.

4. Take the pet to the local Animal Shelter near to your suburb.

5. Take the animal to the local Vet who usually scan the animal’s microchip and contact the registered owner of the pet.

Laws Regarding Missing Pets

1. It is against the law to keep any animal that you find.

2. Pets are generally considered property and it is illegal to take and keep someone else’s property.

3. You must call your local animal control unit and file a FOUND AN ANIMAL report for any dog or cat you find.

4. To reclaim your lost dog, cat or other pet from the animal shelter you must pay a release fee.

5. If your dog or cat is unregistered, you will have to register your pet before you can take it home.