Catahoula Leopard Dog Price That Will Surprise You

The Catahoula Leopard Dog price depends on several factors that we will discuss in today’s articles.

The price of the puppy is the main, but not only, Catahoula Leopard dog cost, so it’s time to discuss this matter in greater detail and find out whether it pays off to own one of these pups.

Catahoulas are excellent farm and herding dogs, but they’re recently trying out the new role of companion dogs, and I must admit, they are doing quite a good job.

If you’d like to own one of these doggies, but aren’t sure about the price and other costs, read this article to the end and find out answers to everything you wanted to know.

The Average Price Of The Catahoula Leopard Dog

Although Catahoula Leopard Dogs are becoming more popular not only as farm and stock dogs but as family pets as well, they’re still among the cheaper dog breeds.

The cost of getting this type of canine can range anywhere from $600 to $850 on average. The main factor that influences the price of these pups is the breeder (its location, number of litters per year, and reputability).

If you get a Catahoula Leopard puppy from a reputable breeder, you can expect that the price includes NALC registration, along with their first vaccine shots and a vet checkup.

Take into consideration the fact that the breeder you choose may provide a different selection of extras in addition to the base price of the puppy.

Some breeders argue that pricing does not truly depend on the color of their dogs’ eyes or coats because the mixing takes place depending on other qualities that the parent canines possess.

However, the fur and eye colors shouldn’t be neglected either, which is why we will discuss it a bit later.

In most cases, the price is decided according to the parentage and bloodline of each puppy.

It’s natural for the price to be higher if the puppy comes from a family of show ring champions, but it can also depend on other factors, too.

Which Factors Affect The Price?

The breeder is the single most important element in determining the price, as we mentioned above.

However, eye shades and coat colors are other potential considerations that should be taken as a pricing factor.

Eye Colors

Catahoula Leopards, also known as Catahoula Hog Dogs, have beautiful eyes that can be found in various shades, including blue eyes (similar to the blue-eyed Pitbull).

This feature is essentially one of the reasons why there’s a veil of mystery around these pooches.

Some potential owners are looking specifically for Catahoulas with blue, green, brownish, or any other type of eyes, which can result in a higher price for the puppy.

Coat Colors

A similar thing happens when it comes to the coat of this canine. They have a specific leopard-like fur which can be found in several shades, including brindle spots or merle patterns.

Therefore, these pups are usually colored in brindle or red and blue merle shades and markings, which are quite appealing and unique. It’s quite simple – the rarer the shade, the higher the price of the pup.

You may also get solid yellow, solid black, and solid blue pups, in addition to backgrounds that are white, with a variety of the hues described above sprinkled throughout the fur.

When you are on the hunt for a healthy Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy, you should be wary of adopting canines that have an abnormally high percentage of white fur.

There is a higher risk that a white-colored puppy will develop health problems caused by a genetic issue that has been related to this specific fur shade.

Overall Health And Heritage

It is essential to inquire about the health tests that both the parents and the puppies of the Catahoula Leopard Dog litter have gone through.

This is due to the fact that Catahoula Leopard Dogs might be predisposed to certain health conditions. Health records will assist in reducing the likelihood that your future pet might become unwell in the later stages of life.

Any trustworthy breeder will offer information about the health of the puppies and their parents even before you ask them. Still, if that doesn’t happen, you should insist on getting their medical records prior to the purchase.

It is critical that you develop a relationship with your pet’s breeder. Breeders with experience should be able to provide a lot of useful advice, and they should also never prevent you from seeing the parent before you pick the pup.

The biggest red flag would be the breeder’s lack of interest in the conditions you’re taking the pup into. If a breeder shows interest in your living situation, it’s just because they want to make sure that their puppies are placed in a healthy environment.

Cost Of Essentials For Catahoula Leopard Dog Puppies

Essentially, these canines aren’t expensive to maintain, especially when it comes to their grooming and exercise needs.

Still, there are several things that your puppy will require, at least during the first days of its life in the new home, which include:

Food Bowls

There are plenty of food bowls on the market that are suitable for Catahoulas.

Some dog owners go with low-quality plastic dog food bowls, thinking that they will save a few bucks and regret it once these bowls break and almost harm their pups.

Instead of purchasing such food bowls, it is advisable to put money into purchasing robust ones that are made of stainless steel.

There are many reasons why these bowls are a better choice, including the fact that they don’t break, so your pooch won’t ingest any plastic shards, as well as the fact that they can’t be tipped over easily.

A good, stainless steel bowl can be found within the range between $25 and $30.

These bowls might not seem inexpensive at first, but they will pay off in the long term.

Crate

Considering that Catahoulas are primarily farm and hunting dogs, it’s no surprise that some owners prefer to keep these canines outside the house.

However, this means that you need to get the best place for them, which will keep them safe and shield them from any weather conditions that might occur.

Comfort is another thing that you need to keep an eye on. If the pup doesn’t feel comfortable enough in its crate, it might express negative behavior and refuse to enter the crate again.

On the other hand, even if you intend to keep this type of canine inside your house, you should still provide it with a strong box to live in.

A price range of $50 to $75 is expected to be paid for a crate of medium to big size.

Bed

Big doggies like Catahoulas don’t use their dog beds just for sleeping, so don’t be surprised if you see them severely chewed from all sides.

As puppies have a tendency to destroy their sleeping places, you should look at less expensive solutions, at least until they go through obedience and socialization training.

The purchase of a chew-proof ballistic bed, which typically goes over $150, might be a good choice for those who are willing to spend more money.

However, if the dog is properly trained from an early age, a standard dog bed will be just as good for the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

The price of such beds can be anywhere from $30 to $50, depending on the model, type of bed, size, and other factors.

Harnesses, Collars, etc.

Harnesses, collars, and leashes are just some of the parts of dog equipment that are meant for outdoor activities. If you want to take your pup outside for a walk, you should never do it without a collar, at least.

One of the most common suggestions for those who use a leash is to get a longer one, which will provide the dogs with greater freedom of movement and still keep the dog owner in the position of the leader.

However, if you’re looking for dog equipment that can be used in training, you also need to look for high-quality shock collars, which will help your pup during obedience training.

Catahoula pups are known as dogs with a lot of energy and a high prey drive, so they might not be able to acquire commands so easily without an additional training tool.

The price of such dog equipment can be anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on which things you consider worth buying, as well as on the quality of the products.

Other Expenses To Consider

Dog equipment, a bed, a crate, and other tools are definitely all necessities, not only for Catahoula Leopard Dogs but any other dog breed in general.

However, those aren’t the only costs that you should take into consideration.

Although these expenses are described as “other” expenses to consider, they’re just as equally important for the maintenance of your pup.

Certification

The majority of Catahoula Leopard Dogs are registered with the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas (NALC).

There are plenty of dog owners who want to register their pups with the American Kennel Club (AKC). Although the AKC accepts Catahoula registrations, the breed is not yet well-known enough to be featured in its yearly shows and contests.

If you do not want to enroll your Catahoula Leopard Dog in a dog show, registration should not be an issue.

However, if this is the case, you are recommended to register your dog with the UKC instead. The UKC registration price for Catahoula puppies is about $35.

The NALC membership price is usually around $30, but certain changes might apply to the price each year.

Food

Essentially, Catahoula Leopard Dogs are really easy to feed as they practically devour anything that their owners put in front of them.

Considering that they’re generally in good health, these canines have no special dietary needs, so you don’t have to buy specific food brands that might be a bit more on the expensive side.

When it comes to their meals, the only thing you need to be concerned about is the quality of the food and their nutritional needs. Because Catahoulas are active and energetic dogs, choose a brand with meat as the principal ingredient.

A bag of good-quality food might cost a bit more, depending on the nutrients it contains. However, in the long run, it’s better to pay a bit more and give your dog everything they need for proper development in one meal.

A bag of big-breed dry dog food can cost at least $40 and can last up to ten to twelve days, depending on your pet’s appetite.

Instead of leaving their dish full all the time, you can measure the amount that will be just right for your pup and will save more food for another meal.

Grooming Needs

Catahoulas are regarded as one of the simplest dog breeds to maintain. Many of them could possibly get away with only two baths each year, although they should be washed more often than that for the health of their skin and fur.

It is a fact that the dog hair on Catahoulas’ coats is so short that not even dirt can stay on it, but these pups still need to be regularly brushed (at least once a week) and bathed (at least once in two months).

Brushing not only removes falling hair, but it also strengthens the bond between them and their owners.

A dog brush costs about $8 to $15, yet the benefits it may provide are limitless. When you add bathing supplies, nail clippers, etc., the overall cost might easily go over $50.

Vet Costs

Catahoulas, as previously said, are typically healthy. However, this does not imply they are immune to all illnesses and other health issues that might appear throughout their lives.

A basic medical examination every six to twelve months is essential to ensure that anything unexpected is detected before it worsens.

It only costs $60, which is significantly less than the expense of meds or operations if your dog becomes ill.

Always keep your dog’s vaccinations and deworming treatments up to date to provide an extra layer of defense against any canine conditions.

Ensure that your pet is immunized against parvovirus, distemper, parainfluenza, adenovirus 2, and rabies. Each shot might cost between $19 and $33 but might potentially save your pup’s life.

Training

Catahoulas were raised in the past as herding dogs, which is why they’re great watchdogs nowadays. However, that is why they’re very cautious of any person or animal that doesn’t live with their human family.

Therefore, in order to make these pups more relaxed around other people and animals, you should pay for training in socialization, basic commands, obedience, etc.

Most basic training programs that teach your dog basic instructions like “sit” and “come” cost between $450 and $800 for several one-hour sessions with a professional dog trainer.

The cost of dog training varies based on where you want your dog taught. Some programs charge less if you decide to take your pup to the trainer’s location rather than bringing the trainer to your house.

More experienced owners will probably be able to train their dogs without the assistance of a dog trainer. However, if you’re a first-time dog owner, taking the pet to a professional is definitely a better option, at least in the beginning.

History Of Catahoula Leopard Dogs

Catahoula Leopard Dogs are purebred dogs that were bred and raised to hunt big animals.

Historically, this dog was employed to hunt deer and other large animals because of its size and power.

They’re also known as excellent farm dogs and guard dogs, which is why many people decide to get them, especially those that have big properties.

They have their own bloodline and purebred heritage, despite being wrongly identified as the Catahoula Cur or Leopard Hound (owing to their combination of numerous hunting breeds).

Catahoulas are currently known by a variety of names, including Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, which isn’t a surprise considering that it was named after the Catahoula Parish from this state.

Catahoula became the official dog of the state of Louisiana more than forty years ago, which made them the eleventh state dog-owning country in the USA.

They have recently been utilized as cattle and wild hog herding dogs.

Although they might be wary of outsiders, Catahoula Leopard Dogs are noted for their devotion to their owners. They make excellent companions and build solid ties.

It is critical that this breed has enough area to run and spend all of its energy. They are extremely bright, and with the appropriate owner, they have the potential for a wide range of work tasks.

Size And Features Of The Catahoula Leopard Dog

Even though they’re considered medium-sized canines because of their actual size, most people still find and describe them as big dogs because of their muscular and commanding appearance.

Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not bulky but rather nimble, which is why they prefer various types of outdoor activities.

Their tails are fairly lengthy in comparison to many other working dogs and are not frequently docked.

The hue of their eyes is another distinguishing feature of this breed’s look, as we mentioned at the beginning of the article.

Some puppies are born with bright blue eyes. Others are born with brown eyes of varied tints.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a big but not enormous breed, weighing 50 to 95 pounds and standing 22 to 24 inches tall.

Temperament

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a breed known for its intelligence and steadfastness.

Because of their friendly and outgoing personalities towards owners, these canines are wonderful pets to have about the house when they are not being put to work.

They like their jobs because they were designed with strong hunting and herding urges that must be satisfied in order for them to mature properly.

This breed is highly friendly and forms a strong bond with its owner over the course of its lifespan. Unfortunately, their unwavering loyalty to their owners can often cause them to mistakenly believe that all other people are enemies.

Because of their natural urge to protect, they might show signs of aggressive behavior toward other people and animals.

Exercise Requirements

Catahoula Leopard Dogs were originally designed for hunting and herding, so the best way to channel all of their fierce energy is to put them to work on a farm or ranch.

Even if you don’t live on a farm, you could still find a suitable way to spend all their energy if you’re an outdoor person.

However, if you’re looking for a dog that can stay indoors and has medium energy levels, then Catahoulas isn’t the dog for you.

They require at least one hour of physical activity on a daily basis, along with longer walks.

When these dogs do not get enough physical activity, they may direct their excess energy into mischief, and in rare circumstances, they may become hostile.

It is essential that you make a commitment to meeting the dog’s activity requirements and include mental stimulation, which will benefit their overall development.

Also, the use of positive reinforcement is crucial, especially for breeds such as this one.

In spite of their brilliance, they may be challenging to work with, and they need an owner that is able to follow their pace.

They tend to be disobedient and less ready to satisfy their masters than many other breeds of dogs are. Because of this, it is necessary to engage in constant training and show dominance as their owner from the beginning.

Grooming Essentials

Due to the fact that Catahoula Leopard Dogs, in general, require relatively little attention and care, their grooming routines are not complex.

These dogs do shed during certain times of the year, but their coats are quite short, so there won’t be an enormous lump of hair waiting to explode from the vacuum cleaner, like with heavy shedders such as Labs, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Akitas, Chow Chows, etc.

The only maintenance they require is a weekly brushing with a gentle brush or rubber glove. They also do not need to be bathed on a frequent basis in order to maintain a healthy coat.

Brushing your dog’s teeth should become a habit that you never break; by following a few basic steps in daily dental practice, you can significantly enhance your dog’s dental health.

Are Catahoulas Good Family Dogs?

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is known for its guarding nature. They will not do well in a busy family with small children and other pets, especially if they are not the primary focus of attention in that household.

Despite this, they have the potential to be ideal family dogs if the household does not already have other pets. They will rapidly build a deep relationship with the entire family and will listen to them (sometimes even more than their owners).

There are a few characteristics inherent to the breed that prevent them from being suited for every household, including the following:

This dog is probably not the best option for you if you live in a city or apartment or if you are searching for a new pal to watch television and just lay around with.

They are not appropriate for family members who are in their senior years unless they have a really active outdoor lifestyle.

Due to the fact that they are so devoted to their owners, it is likely that they will be wary of visitors to the home and will not be sociable toward strangers.

They are better adapted to a one-on-one relationship with their owners. Thus, they do not get along very well with other pets, particularly other canines.

Common Health Issues

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a robust breed that has been bred for a variety of jobs, including hunting and herding.

This dog has the potential for a long and healthy life, as its typical lifetime falls anywhere between ten and fourteen years.

Although they generally are in good health, Catahoulas are, unfortunately, more likely to get certain illnesses.

This breed is prone to developing hip dysplasia, which affects more than 20% of the population, as well as elbow and shoulder dysplasia on occasion.

Due to the presence of certain pigmentation genes, this breed is genetically prone to deafness, in addition to having visual impairment issues.

These health issues underline how important it is to locate a breeder that is responsible.

Your breeder needs to be aware of these particular health risks and whether or not they have been passed down via their canine ancestors.

Breeders can utilize genetic testing to help lower the risk that any of their puppies will suffer from a hereditary ailment by conducting the test on their breeding stock.

Are These Dogs Recognized By The American Kennel Club (AKC)?

The American Kennel Club does not officially recognize Catahoula Leopard Dogs as a separate breed.

They are included in the category known as “Foundation Stock Service,” indicating that their recognition is merely partial.

The United Kennel Club is the only kennel club in the world that recognizes this breed of dog. They were officially acknowledged for the first time more than two decades ago and are classified as members of the “Herding Dog Group.“

The National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas is in charge of ensuring that this breed maintains high breeding standards and a high level of genetic diversity.

The members of this group give a significant amount of their time to the cause of preserving this breed and the integrity of its ancestry.

Final Thoughts

The Catahoula Leopard Dog price is considered low by many people, and the reason behind such price is the fact that there are many other popular breeds such as Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, etc.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is an excellent choice as a pet if you have a lifestyle that involves spending a lot of time outside, particularly in rural settings.

It is not required to possess a farm in order to keep this breed of dog, but only if you are willing to put in the effort to exercise (both your body and your mind) on a regular basis.

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