Last Updated on October, 2024
The Catahoula leopard dog is a robust, multi-purpose working dog that also possesses agility and stamina.
My mistake; if you are here, you probably already know that. Along with knowing this, your primary motivation for coming here should be this.
Right, to find out how much your ideal dog costs?
You might be shocked to see how much the Catahoula leopard dog breed costs from purchase to grooming.
Quick Summary
The cost of purchasing a Catahoula Leopard Dog can vary depending on its age, with puppies typically costing around $600 and adults potentially costing up to $1000.
The cost of raising a Catahoula Leopard Dog in its first year is around $3,000.
Owning a Catahoula Leopard Dog may also involve additional costs such as registration, veterinarian treatment, and vaccinations.
Table of Contents
How Much Does a Catahoula Leopard Dog Cost?
Due to the color and pattern of its fur, which mimics a leopard’s spots, the Catahoula Leopard is one of the most distinctive breeds in the entire world.
Although, they are reasonably priced, particularly in comparison to other working dogs of comparable size.
Catahoula Leopard Dog Puppy
Catahoula leopard puppies can typically be purchased from a registered reputable breeder for about $600.
Catahoula Leopard Dog Adult
It might cost up to $1000 to find a Catahoula leopard dog with a strong lineage, which includes the registration certificate, the initial veterinarian treatment, and the initial vaccinations.
About the Catahoula Leopard Dog
Details in a Nutshell
| Name | Catahoula Leopard Dog |
| Other names | Catahoula Cur, Catahoula Hound, Leopard Hound, Louisiana Catahoula |
| Origin | United States of America |
| Breed Group | Herding |
| Catahoula Leopard Dog Size | Height: 22-26 inches (Male), 20-24 inches (Female) Weight: 50-95 Pounds |
| Color | Black, Black & Tan, Blue, Brown, Gray, Red, Silver, Tricolor |
| Life Span | 10-14 years |
| Temperament | Energetic, Gentle, Loving, Protective, Loyal, Intelligent & Has an active lifestyle |
| Price | Varies $600- $800 |
Let’s get into details, shall we?
Size & Appearance
A medium-to-large, short-coated dog. The Catahoula leopard dog has a broad head and small-to-medium drop ears; in other words, they are not particularly enormous, but they have a lowered, and an undocked tail that is put on as a natural extension of the topline.
The Catahoula appears agile and resilient because it is well-muscled but not obese.
Regarding the standard size, males often stand 24″ tall, while females typically stand 20″ tall; males usually weigh 90 lbs at full maturity, compared to females’ average weight of 65 lbs.
These dogs are more mature physiologically by the time they are closer to two years old, as evidenced by their size, which tends to be larger.
The Noseeee… It’s robust and straight as a pole. The neck is thick and muscular and medium in length. The tail is quite long, slightly curled, and covered in short hairs.
Its fur comes in a variety of hues, ranging from red, yellow, and blue to white, bronze, and brown. It can also have patches of any color, striped, spotted, or even have a leopard-like pattern.
Temperament and the Personality
The Catahoula leopard is a loyal, clever, active, protective, and intelligent breed.
These dogs exhibit behavior that is ideal for their working background, but they can also adjust to home life.
With their vibrant personalities, Catahoula Leopards are likely to charm everyone they come into contact with.
These dogs can accomplish a variety of duties while having characteristics that date back to their time spent pulling hogs.
Training can effectively address any behavioral concerns these dogs may have. Because of its adventurous nature, the Catahoula dog makes the ideal travel companion for hiking and other outdoor excursions.
The genetic makeup of your Catahoula is that of a free-ranging hunter. It goes without saying that no dog should ever entertain the idea of running the home, but this dog would love to do it.
Catahoula Leopard Dog is not a particularly sensitive dog; its reactions to emotional difficulties are frequently quite predictable. However, most Catahoulas tend to assert themselves when there are other dogs around.
So, when introducing the dog to an environment where it will be around other animals, make sure it is on a leash.
Compared to other dogs, Catahoulas are excellent guard dogs. When an unfamiliar person comes near the house, they will bark. However, it’s not a good idea to reward excessive barking.
Catahoula leopard dogs will move quickly to put themselves between the threat and any family member they perceive to be in danger.
Unexpectedly for an “independent hunter,” the Catahoula Leopard dog thrives when given lots of attention.
If it is kept in isolation for any period of time, he can bark nonstop. Catahoulas can get bored and destructive in addition to barking if left unattended.
Lastly, Catahoula’s sense of smell is acute. Competitions in tracking and nose work feature them winning.
Nutrition & Health
- Nutrition
The Catahoula Leopard Dog should thrive on premium high-quality food, whether it is produced commercially or is made at home under the guidance and consent of your veterinarian.
Any diet should be suitable for the age of the dog.
Watch your dog’s calorie intake and weight level because certain dogs are prone to obesity. Treats can be a valuable training tool, but offering them in excess might lead to obesity.
Discover which foods fit the bill for canine consumption and which don’t. If you have any worries about your dog’s weight or diet, consult your veterinarian.
- Health Problems
The majority of Catahoula leopards are healthy canines. However, they occasionally develop health problems. These dogs may experience hip dysplasia later in life, an issue that is common in many dog breeds.
Deafness is another condition that can affect a Catahoula hog dog; merle-coated dogs with blue eyes are more likely to develop it. This dog breed may experience eye conditions linked to specific lines bred to maintain the most attractive hues.
There may be abnormal pupil dilation, tunnel vision, and trouble opening the eyes. As they age, Catahoula Leopards are susceptible to various malignancies.
Catahoula is also more likely to be prone to skin cancer; however, it is probably curable if detected early.
Those who want to own a Catahoula Leopard Dog can learn all they need to about certain health issues that the breed has by working with a responsible breeder to get the information they need.
Responsible breeders genetically screen their breeding stock to lower the chance of sickness in their puppies.
Life Expectancy
The average lifespan of a catahoula leopard dog is 10 to 14 years.
Training
Due to their independence, Catahoula leopards are more difficult to teach than many other breeds. Consequently, they require professional training and mental stimulation.
To ensure the training is effective, socializing your pet is very important. (This applies to all the pets)
Short training sessions are important to lower the possibility of the dog becoming bored.
First-time dog owners should keep in mind that these dogs mature completely by the age of two.
As mentioned above, if left unattended, Catahoulas may also start to drool and bark and get bored. If they don’t get enough attention and enrichment, they could howl, chew on the furniture, or dig holes in the yard.
If you must leave your Catahoula unattended, be sure to provide him with toys and enrichment supplies to keep him occupied.
Avoid trainers that impose physical restraints or dominance-based training techniques. Forceful training techniques do not work well with Catahoulas. The most kind and efficient form of training is positive reinforcement.
Training your Catahoula in obedience is a terrific way to strengthen your relationship with your pets.
You can learn about your enjoyable canine activities like agility, nose work, tracking, and weight pulling, in addition to taking basic obedience training.
Catahoula Leopard Dog Price!
Where you purchase the Catahoula leopard dogs will have the biggest impact on how much they cost. Breeders are the priciest choice, but there is a good reason for this. They invest a lot of time and money in their puppies; thus, they are usually more expensive.
These dogs are frequently seen in rescues and animal shelters, while adults are more prevalent than puppies. Saving a dog only costs a few hundred dollars, which is less expensive than adopting one.
Occasionally, you might see that these dogs are also for sale on Craigslist or another comparable website. If you use this technique and go meet the vendor in person, you can find a puppy for less money.
Getting a Catahoula Leopard Puppy From a Breeder
These dogs’ breeding is a popular specialty, while other dog breeds are raised for hunting, and some of them breed dogs for shows.
Due to breeders’ extensive time investment in them, these Catahoula leopard dog puppies are generally more expensive.
Catahoula leopard puppies receive a lot of veterinary treatment and socialization.
Consequently, they have a higher likelihood of settling in well to a new home, which will lead to a more well-behaved puppy.
In addition, they frequently have had some basic preventive care and are generally less prone to health issues.
In general, depending on the breeder, these dogs cost between $600 and $900; considering other breeds available, this is incredibly affordable.
Getting Catahoula Leopard Dog From Rescue/ Animal Shelters
Where hunting is prominent, Catahoula leopard dogs are common!
They frequently get lost by hunting, so many of them might end up at your neighborhood animal shelter.
Although dogs from rescues may have a past condition, they receive the best veterinary care while they are there. They are frequently treated in the animal shelter if they have any underlying conditions.
As a result, you may assume that the dogs at the shelter are healthy, at least for the time being.
Dogs at rescues cost between $50 and $300.
Getting a Catahoula Leopard Dog From Craigslist
Puppy advertisements can frequently be found on Craigslist. Catahoula Leopard Dog litter is frequently marketed for cheap in several places.
They could cost as little as $50 each. These canines are often inexpensive for a reason, though.
The majority of these litter come from backyard or puppy mill breeders.
While backyard breeders have the best of intentions, they frequently fail to socialize or properly health screen their dogs.
As a result, individuals could be more vulnerable to behavioral and health issues.
The goal of puppy mills is to produce as many puppies as possible at the lowest cost. The canines’ levels of well-being are lowered as a result. Puppies generally receive no treatment at all with very little socialization.
Many of these dogs lose their mother when they are still very young, which can cause behavioral and physical issues.
Cost of Raising a Catahoula Leopard Dog
The first year will have the highest yearly costs for owning a Catahoula Leopard Dog because there will be a lot of setup costs and supplies. In the first year, puppies will also require greater medical attention. The first year could cost up to $3,000 in total.
And here are some of the costs you have to bear when having a Catahoula Leopard dog as your pet,
Vet Expenses
You should budget about $600 for your Catahoula Leopard puppy’s first-year vet bills.
This includes each and every immunization and physical test that your dog needs.
Additionally, getting your dog fixed or spayed will cost roughly $250.
Some clinics will occasionally perform it at a considerably lower cost, even for as little as $50.
However, there are usually some form of waiting lists for these.
Despite being usually healthy, Leopard Catahoula dogs can develop a variety of health issues, including deafness and hip dysplasia.
Every six to twelve months, you should take your Catahoula to the vet for a checkup to make sure it stays healthy. One visit to the veterinarian costs close to $65.
Costs for adults will probably be in the range of $600. They require one appointment. However, additional tasks must be completed at this time.
The prevention of heartworms, fleas, and ticks is also covered. As you could expect, they’ll require bigger dosages as they age, which will raise the price.
Always keep your dog’s vaccinations and deworming treatments up to date to provide an additional layer of defense against infections.
Make sure it receives one for rabies, parvovirus, distemper, parainfluenza, and adenovirus 2. Each shot might cost between $19 and $33.
Food Expenses
Catahoula Leopard Dogs consume whatever their owners put out for them.
They don’t require special nutritional dog food because they are generally in good health.
Regarding their meals, the only things you need to be concerned about are the brand and their preferences.
Choose a brand that has meat as its main ingredient because these dogs are active and enthusiastic.
Use a measuring device or frequently check the amount of food being fed to your dog, and give them set meals.
Uncontrolled feeding can result in obesity, which worsens hip dysplasia, a common condition in this breed, and leads to other health issues, including diabetes.
Depending on how hungry your dog is, a bag of large breed dry dog food would last for 12 days and cost you about $45 in total.
You should budget about $300 per year for the feeding of a developing puppy. Due to the fact that adults consume more food than pups, they will cost an additional $50. Puppy food might be more expensive, but the Catahoula Leopard’s size makes up for it.
This presupposes that you’re buying a meaty, reasonably high-quality option. Depending on the health problem that needs to be treated, prescription diets will cost more, generally upwards of $600 for an adult.
Training Cost
Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a natural tendency to be wary of unfamiliar people and animals because they were developed to be herding dogs. Therefore, put them through obedience training to make them friendly or at least respectful when you have guests.
For four one-hour sessions with the trainer, the majority of basic training programs where your dog could learn fundamental commands like “sit” and “come” cost between $450 and $800.
Most dogs of this breed do not require formal training. If you have previous experience raising dogs, they are usually relatively simple to teach. For socialization reasons, it is advised to enroll puppies in certain group classes.
Depending on where you take your dog, this could cost as little as $100. This usually includes a few group meetings. For example, if you decide to take the instruction at the trainer’s location rather than at your house, several programs will charge you less.
You can also consider the best online dog training program that is cheaper than hiring a trainer and more effective.
Grooming Cost
One of the simpler canine breeds to maintain is the Catahoula Leopard dog. Many of them can survive on two baths a year.
The short-coat catahoula leopard dogs prevent debris from adhering, so they gradually fall off.
However, brushing them at least once a week can be beneficial.
It not only stops hair from falling out, but it also strengthens the attachment and love they have for their owners.
Each dog brush just costs $8 to $10, and it has countless advantages.
Their ear health is one crucial aspect to which you must pay attention. The ears of Catahoula’s are floppy. It may retain moisture, creating a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria which can later cost them an ear infection.
Check your dog’s ears from time to time for wax or redness. If your dog’s ears are dirty or have an unpleasant odor, clean them with a pet ear cleaner and consult your veterinarian if they are inflamed or smelly.
To avoid getting an ear infection, budget $12 for the ear cleaning.
Other Costs
Certification Cost: The National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas (NALC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC) are where the majority of Catahoula Leopard Dogs are registered.
The registry shouldn’t be an issue if you do not intend to enter your Catahoula Leopard Dog in a dog show.
However, if it is, you are advised to register your dog with UKC. For Catahoula puppies, the UKC registration price is just $35.
Why not the American Kennel Club?
AKC accepts registrations for Catahoulas, but it has yet to be widely accepted enough to be a part of its annual shows and competitions.
Crate Cost: A 48-inch crate is an ideal size for an adult Catahoula dog. A container manufactured from durable materials should cost roughly $50.
Toy Cost: Dog toys are useful for more than just keeping your Catahoulas’ occupied and productive. They can also be utilized as a technique for mental stimulation. Some toy companies have developed interactive dog toys so that your dog will think and be entertained. To prepare Catahoulas’ minds to accept your obedience instruction, they require mental stimulation.
Sadly, interactive toys are not inexpensive. Each item may cost $16. If money is short, purchasing a basic chew toy or ball will be enough to keep your Catahoula occupied. Costs range from $1 to $45.
Safety Tools: Due to their innate hunting instincts, Catahoula is frequently influenced by small creatures they come across in the area. They occasionally growl at unwelcome humans as well.
So, to keep them at bay, you need a reliable harness and leash. The former costs $35 to $55 to purchase, whereas the latter is just $11. Depending on the brand, prices could be both more and lower than this.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Catahoula Leopard Dog
At a glance:
- Dog’s pedigree
- Dog’s coat Colors
- Medical care received
- Professional training received
Pedigree: The pedigree has a significant impact on the cost of catahoula leopard dog puppies. Generally speaking, dogs with superior pedigrees will perform better in the hunting and show rings.
Catahoula Leopard dogs are more valuable as a result…
Of course, this does not automatically imply that they make superior companion animals—however, the price rises since breeders and hunters often pay more for them.
Catahoula Hound Color: Some breeders charge more for puppies with the ideal coloration. In this breed, some spotting patterns are preferred over others.
Training: It’s likely that the dog will cost more if it has been trained.
All puppies undergo some form of socialization, although intensive socializing may result in a higher puppy price.
Medical Care: The cost will also increase if the dog has undergone any medical treatment; they usually cost more if the puppies have had their hearing tested. In the long run, nevertheless, you might end up saving money.
Most breeders will offer your puppy his or her first vaccination, reducing your first year’s Catahoula leopard dog vet expenses.
Why Should You Buy a Catahoula?
A Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog might be the correct choice for you if you’re looking for a medium to large, tautly muscled, and athletic dog with a short, simple-to-maintain coat and a distinctive color pattern who is a serious working dog who enjoys strenuous exercise and makes an excellent watchdog.
Why Shouldn’t You Buy a Catahoula Leopard Dog?
A Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog may not be the right choice for you if you don’t want to deal with their demanding exercise needs, possible rowdiness, and jumping,
Especially,
When they are young, they potentially act destructively when bored or not exercised enough, suspiciousness or shyness when not extensively socialized, are potentially aggressive toward other animals and have strong chasing instincts and a strong-willed mind of their own.
Other Dog Breeds Pricing Guides:
Final Thoughts
The cost to adopt one of these canines is relatively low. They are frequently found at animal shelters and rescues, and they are often relatively affordable. It’s even less expensive to adopt a puppy from a breeder.
This is mostly because their supply and demand ratios are favorable for buyers. After all, they are so widely available. Usually, it causes the prices to decline.
However, the cost of caring for these pets is the same as that of other dogs. Once all of the essential costs are taken into account, they will run you thousands of dollars annually.
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