Types of Catahoula Leopard Dogs

Catahoula leopard dogs are one of the only dog breeds native to North America. These dogs, which grow to between 50 and 90 lbs., are working dogs, often used in herding and hunting. They are intelligent, active dogs that require a lot of training. All Catahoula leopard dogs are one breed, with the same size, form and temperament. However, variances in coat texture and color create different types of this dog.

  1. Slick Coat

    • Slick coats are one of the two most common types of coat textures on the Catahoula leopard dog. The slick coat is a single layer coat comprised of extremely short hairs. This coat texture is referred to as slick because these hairs are short and lie flat. The texture shows off the dog's natural body shape. This coat is easy to groom and care for, making it one of the more desirable coat textures.

    Coarse Coat

    • The coarse coat texture is the second common coat type. The coarse coat is, like the slick coat, a single layer coat comprised of short hairs. However, the coarse coat displays slightly longer hairs that don't lie quite as flat as the slick coat does. The coarse coat usually gives the Catahoula leopard dog a short fur appearance, although in some cases, this single layer of fur can look a bit fluffy. "Feathers," or longer furs, may also develop at some parts of the body, such as the backs of the legs and underside of the tail.

    Wooly Coat

    • The wooly coat is a much thicker, longer coat than either the slick or coarse coat textures. It is considered the least desirable of all coats, as it negates the short coat appearance and is also harder take care of. This coat texture is a double layer, with medium length hair. It gives the dog a bushy look. Some puppies born with the wooly texture loose the double layer of fur as they grow, while others do not.

    Color Types

    • All three coat types can come in a wide variety of different colors and patterns. Catahoula leopard dogs can have solid colors, such as black and gray. Other dogs have three or four colors on their coats, and are known as tri- or quad-color, respectively. Brown and black dogs are known as brindles, while blue or red dogs with merle markings, which are darker and lighter spots along the bodies, are known as leopard colored. Other dogs are considered to be patchwork colored. These dogs are mostly white along their bodies, with light or small markings of a different color. The pattern and color combinations are nearly endless among Catahoula leopard dogs.