Catahoula Leopard Dogs, also known as the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, is a unique breed specially bred for hunting and herding. It’s named after Lake Catahoula in Louisiana and was commonly found on farms. Today, these dogs are often used as guard dogs for hunting and still remain popular on farms.
Average Cost of a Catahoula Leopard Dog Puppy & Subsequent Yearly Costs
Catahoula Leopard Dog Puppy Costs: A puppy will cost an average of $520, though this can go as high as $2,000, depending on the puppy’s bloodline. Factors such as eye color and coat will be a big influence on price, as well as whether or not the pup has had its vaccinations.
First-year costs should be: On average, around $3,110. This will cover everything from food, bedding, and toys to vaccines ($170) and general health costs ($600). During the first year, it’s likely that your puppy will chew through toys, bedding, and shoes, it’s therefore more important to over budget than under budget.
Annual costs should be: An average of $2,521.50, including vet bills, general health costs, food, and mischievous items.
Lifetime costs should be: $30,258.00
It’s important to note these prices do not include sterilization, walking grooming, training, and any costs that would be considered non-essential.
Tips on Determining Where to Buy Your Catahoula Leopard Dog Puppy
Choosing where to buy your Catahoula Leopard Dog can be a bit of an overwhelming experience. With so many vendors to choose from, it’s hard to find which ones are trustworthy. To help you find the best option for your needs, we’ve covered everything you need to know to ensure you get what you paid for.
When Buying Your Puppy from a Local Breeder
Buying from a local breeder is somewhat easier than buying online. In general local breeders will already have a reputation if you ask around. Additionally, you can also pay an in-person visit to see how the puppies are treated. Be proactive with your questioning. Ask where the puppies came from, if they have health certificates, and whether or not you can meet the parents.
Good breeders will be happy to provide you with answers regarding their dogs’ lineage and show you around the area where their dogs and puppies live. This area should be well-maintained and provide the animals with a sufficient area to exercise. In some states, it’s law that puppies must stay with their mom for 8 weeks before they can be taken away.
It’s also important to note that a reputable breeder won’t force you into buying a puppy. Instead, they’re more likely to offer help and advice based on your needs to find the right pup for you. If you have any doubts or bad feelings, it’s best to look elsewhere. There are thousands of breeders throughout the US who put animal welfare first.
When Buying Your Catahoula Leopard Dog Puppy Online
With breeds such as a Catahoula Leopard Dog, it’s not always possible to visit a pet breeder in person. Luckily, it’s possible to make purchases from breeders online. However, it’s important to do your research and make sure the pup you buy comes from an ethical and safe environment.
It’s important to note that the AKC doesn’t fully recognize the Catahoula Leopard Dog. However, the breed has been assigned to its herding dog group and Foundation Stock Service. This is the first step towards AKC recognizing a breed.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is recognized by the UKC, where it’s called the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog. As of 1979, the Catahoula Leopard Dog has earned the status of Louisiana State’s official dog breed.
When starting your research, focus on the breeder. You want to check everything from their website and social media to reviews from previous customers. When buying, you can also ask to see photos of the puppies, their family, and the facility.
When asking questions, make sure to ask about the puppy’s health records and lineage. Reputable breeders will happily provide you with health records, including any vaccinations, deworming, or other treatments, all of which should be performed by a licensed veterinarian.
The last, but most important question to ask a breeder is in regard to their breeding practices. Reputable breeders will be happy to provide you with additional information, however, if the breeder you’ve chosen does not wish to disclose any facts, this is a huge red flag. If, after several questions, they refuse to answer, it’s best to look for another breeder.
When shopping for a Catahoula Leopard Dog, you want to consider factors such as eye color and coat color. These will play an important role in the price of your dog and will influence how it looks when growing up. Current colors include:
Blue Leopard, Dark Leopard, White with Light Gray Leopard, Light Leopard with Dark Patches, Solid Tan, Solid Red, Dark Red Leopard with White Trim, Light Red Leopard, Leopard with Red or Tan Trim, Black with Brindle and White Trim, Solid Silver (Gunmetal) and Solid Brown (Chocolate.)
In general, Catahoula Leopard Dogs will also have blue eyes, which distinguishes them from many other breeds. That being said, some may have green or amber eyes too.
Catahoula Leopard Dog at a Glance
Although initially bred as a working dog, the Catahoula Leopard Dog has become a great dog for families and individuals throughout the US. Here are a few details you should know about before you buy.
Temperament
The Catahoula Leopard Dog can appear quite serious at first. However, after some time together, you’ll soon realize they’re extremely affectionate and devoted to their owners. That being said, they’re also pretty independent. Rather than relying on you for their every need, a Catahoula Leopard Dog will choose to take control if possible. They can be territorial and protective, though early socialization will limit this behavior.
Energy Levels
Being used on farms, Catahoula Leopard Dogs naturally have extremely high energy levels. They’ll require at least one long walk per day, though several walks would be optimal.
Catahoula Leopard Dog and Children
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are family-friendly, though it’s best to introduce your dog to children as a puppy. The earlier they get used to having small people around, the faster they’ll adapt and become more gentle when needed.
Apartment-Friendly?
A Catahoula Leopard Dog can be kept in an apartment. However, they will require a significant amount of exercise, and therefore, two to three walks a day will be required to keep them happy.
Shedding Tendencies
The coat of a Catahoula Leopard dog is short and made of thicker hairs than most other dog breeds. As a result, no color variations shed, which makes them more popular in households who want a dog without finding hair in every corner.
Factors Affecting a Catahoula Leopard Dog Puppy’s Price
Several factors influence the price of a Catahoula Leopard dog puppy, with prices ranging from $500 to over $2,000. Some common factors that affect a puppy’s price include:
Color
Catahoula Leopard dogs have one of the widest color ranges of any breed. Color will significantly influence your puppy’s value, with Solid Silver (Gunmetal) and Black with Brindle and White Trim colored dogs being priced the highest. Other colors include:
Blue Leopard, Dark Leopard, White with Light Gray Leopard, Light Leopard with Dark Patches, Solid Tan, Solid Red, Dark Red Leopard with White Trim, Light Red Leopard, Leopard with Red or Tan Trim, and Solid Brown (Chocolate.)
Breeder
When buying a Catahoula Leopard Dog, check out The National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas (NALC) website. The NALC is a non-profit organization that looks to support the breed. As a result, they will list reputed breeders near you. In general, these dogs may cost more, however, you’ll receive a pup who was raised in good conditions with the right breeding.
Training
As Catahoula Leopard Dogs are a working breed, you can buy pre-trained dogs who are trained for a particular purpose. In general, these dogs will be significantly more expensive due to their skillset and their lineage, as it’s likely their parents will come from a working background too.
Lineage
Catahoula Leopard Dogs that come from a working background will always be priced higher than those who don’t.
Age
Catahoula Leopard Dogs pups may sell for more money than a senior dog, however, a trained Catahoula Leopard Dog will always be the most expensive. When buying, consider whether or not you want a pre-trained dog or a puppy you can raise yourself.
Geographic Location
Geographic location can influence the price of Catahoula Leopard puppies. For example, Catahoula Leopard Dogs bred in Louisiana are more likely to be more expensive than in other states as their lineage is more likely to be tracked.
In addition, Catahoula Leopard Dogs bred in Louisiana are advertised by The National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas to promote good breeders and breeding practices.
Basic Dog Supplies Cost in the USA
Before taking your pup home, you need to make sure your home is ready for their arrival. This involves getting everything in order to ensure they feel comfortable and safe in their new home.
Important supplies include a collar and leash, a crate, toys, a bed, water bowls, grooming tools, nail clippers, and treats. These can be purchased for anywhere between $200 to $300.
Catahoula Leopard Dog Training Costs
Dog training is an important part of your pup’s life. It can help them socialize with other dogs, behave when on walks and build good habits that last a lifetime. You can choose from a range of training options from basic puppy training, dog aggression training, obedience training, advanced training, and specialist training with Catahoula Leopard Dogs if you plan to use your pup as a working dog.
Each type of training will be priced differently and will range based on the trainer themselves as well as your location. A basic training session for Catahoula Leopard Dogs can range between $25 to $50. If this is out of your budget, group sessions can be found at a lower cost of $10 to $30. For some dogs, group sessions may be more beneficial as they can begin to learn social skills from an early age.
As Catahoula Leopard Dogs are naturally bred for work, they often take well to training. That said, dogs will require early socialization to ensure they behave well with other dogs. In some cases, they can be territorial, and therefore, it’s a good idea to train this habit out of them before it can become a problem. The earlier you do this, the better your Catahoula Leopard Dog will be at socializing in the future.
If you want to take your dog’s training to the next level, you can consider a doggy boot camp. These specialist camps can cost anywhere between $500 and $1,250 a week depending on the purpose of the camp.
Even if you’re an experienced dog owner, it’s a good option to get your Catahoula Leopard Dog professional training as a puppy to build good long-term habits.
Food Costs for Catahoula Leopard in the USA
One of the most significant costs you’ll have to consider when buying a Catahoula Leopard Dog is its food.
When you first bring your puppy home you don’t want to change their diet. Instead, ask to buy some food from the breeder and continue using that for a few weeks.
An adult Catahoula requires two large meals a day, whereas a pup will need three to four smaller meals. Meals themselves should be protein-rich. For more information, you should discuss your dog’s diet with a vet, as they will be able to provide you with more details about their personal requirements.
On average, you can expect to pay between $65 to $200 a month for your dog’s food depending on the quality.
Medical Costs for Catahoula Leopard Dog in the USA
When you first buy your puppy you need to consider the cost of vaccinations such as hepatitis and distemper. Other vaccinations include lyme disease and kennel cough, though a full list of vaccinations can be provided by your vet.
In addition to vaccinations, you also need to consider the price of having your Catahoula neutered or spayed.
One medical cost many first-time dog owners forget is worming. Deworming is a crucial health precaution to prevent parasites such as hookworm, tapeworm, and giardia. Deworming should begin when your pup is a few weeks old and should be continued throughout its life. Your vet will provide you with a deworming schedule to keep your pup safe.
Aside from worms, you also need to keep your dog protected from fleas, ticks, and mites. Aside from being frustrating, these parasites can cause significant health problems such as hair loss, skin infections, blisters, and even Lyme disease.
These treatments will cost an average of $600 a year depending on your geographic location.
Vaccines
The core vaccines you need to consider are:
- Rabies
- Canine Parvovirus
- Canine Distemper
- Hepatitis (Canine Adenovirus)
Each of these diseases is highly contagious and in some cases can be fatal, making vaccines essential for every dog
Vets may also recommend vaccines based on your location and your dog’s lifestyle.
In the first year, vaccines on average will cost around $170. This is likely to decrease each year as some vaccines may only be needed once.
Sterilization
In some circumstances, you may choose to get your dog spayed or neutered. This can cost anywhere between $100 to $500. Spaying is more expensive as it requires a more advanced procedure.
Deworming
Deworming can be completed at the vet and should be done regularly. This will cost anywhere between $19 to $33.
Common Health Conditions in Catahoula Leopard Dogs
Catahoula Leopard Dogs have an extremely high rate of hip dysplasia with around 1 in 5 experiencing it at one point in their life. They can also suffer from elbow dysplasia and shoulder dysplasia. If left untreated, this can result in lameness and require surgery. The cost to solve this can range from $1,700 to over $4,500 depending on the extent of the damage.
Catahoulas can also go blind from cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, coloboma, or persistent pupillary membranes. Unfortunately, there are currently no solutions.
Additional Costs of Raising Your Catahoula Leopard Dog
Pet Insurance
Given that Catahoula Leopard Dogs can experience several issues throughout their lifetime, you want to be prepared for the worse. By taking a proactive approach you can save yourself thousands of dollars should your Catahoula get injured or diagnosed with a medical issue. Pet insurance can range from $15 for basic coverage to $50 for more extensive policies.
Boarding Costs
When buying a dog you need to consider travel. If you choose not to travel with your Catahoula, you’ll need a dog sitter. This will cost anywhere between $25 to $75 per day. Alternatively, you can consider pet boarding. This will cost an average of $40 a day.
Dog Walking
Due to their working background, Catahoula Leopard Dogs naturally have extremely high exercise requirements. They need to be walked several times a day and go on at least one walk. If you don’t have the time, finding a dog walker is a great alternative. Most dog walkers charge between $15 to $30 for a 30-minute walk, though this could differ based on your location.
Grooming
Given that their hair is thicker than many overbreed, Catahoula Leopard Dogs are relatively low maintenance. You can keep their hair in good order with regular dog brushes at home. You can also clip their nails if required. However, if you want to get your dog groomed professionally, a session will cost between $80 to $100.
Catahoula Leopard Dog Cost FAQs
How Do I Find a Catahoula Leopard Dog Puppy For Sale?
You can find a Catahoula Leopard Dog by searching online for local breeders, or by going to the The National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas (NALC) website.
What are Some Similar Breeds to Consider if I am Interested in Catahoula Leopard Dogs?
The Catahoula is an extremely unique breed exclusive to the US. Although not aesthetically similar, Catahoulas have been compared to Belgian Malinois in terms of temperament. Both dogs are affectionate, independent and come from working backgrounds.
Can I Afford a Catahoula Leopard Dog?
The average annual cost for a Catahoula is $2,521.50. If you can spare $3,000 a year for your dog then you can afford a Catahoula.
Can I Rescue a Catahoula Leopard Dog?
Yes! There are plenty of rescue centers throughout the US that specialize in rescuing Catahoula Leopard Dogs. Such centers include https://catahoula.rescueme.org/ and https://www.nehoularescue.com/
What Should I Ask a Catahoula Leopard Dog Breeder Before Purchasing From Them?
When looking for a Catahoula Leopard Dog breeder you want to ask questions about the following:
- Genetics
- Health Screenings
- Whether or not the dog has been sterilized and dewormed
- Where the parents are from and the dog’s lineage
- The facility where it has been raised
- Any guarantees
Who are the Best Catahoula Leopard Dog Breeders in the USA?
While the best breeders will vary from state to state, you can find a list of the most trustworthy on The National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas (NALC) website.
Can I Purchase a Catahoula Leopard Dog from a Foreign Breeder?
As Catahoula Leopard Dogs are bred in America it’s unlikely that you’ll find a foreign breeder. In most circumstances, it’s best to look for local and US-based breeders.
Summing Up – How Much Does it Cost to Own a Catahoula Leopard Dog?
First Year Costs
On average, the first-year costs of owning a Catahoula Leopard Dog are always going to be a little more expensive than in other years. This will cost around $3,110, though may be higher if you choose professional training, dog sitting or grooming.
Annual Costs
After your first-year costs are paid, the price of owning a Catahoula Leopard Dog will go down slightly to around $2,521.50. All training should also be complete, with a session every now and then if required, further decreasing the overall costs.
Lifetime Costs
Catahoula Leopard Dogs live for an average of 12 years. This means your dog will cost a total of $30,258.00 over their lifetime.
As a loving but independent breed, Catahoula Leopard Dogs make great family pets and working dogs. Within a few months they’ll feel like a new member of your family, ready to make new memories together.
