American Leopard Hound
Profile
The American Leopard Hound is a versatile hunting dog known for its speed, agility, and strong tracking abilities. This breed is intelligent, loyal, and highly energetic, making them excellent companions for active individuals or families.
Characteristics | Details |
Dog Breed Name | American Leopard Hound |
Breed Group | Hound Group |
Origin | United States |
Alternative Names | Leopard Cur, Catahoula Cur, Catahoula Leopard Dog |
Suitable Weather | Moderate to warm weather |
Avg. Weight | 50-75 pounds |
Avg. Height | 22-27 inches |
Life Expectancy | 10-14 years |
Coat Color | The coat color of the American Leopard Hound is typically spotted or mottled. |
Coat Type | Short and smooth coat. |
Shedding Frequency | Every 2-3 days. |
Activity Level | High |
Hypoallergenic | No |
Grooming | Moderate |
Dog Cost | $500 – $800 |
History
The American Leopard Hound is a relatively new breed that originated in the United States. Developed in the early 20th century, they are a mix of various hound breeds including the Treeing Walker Coonhound and the Plott Hound.
Known for their hunting abilities and distinctive leopard-like coat, they are a versatile and energetic breed.
Highlights
The American Leopard Hound is a rare and relatively new breed that was developed in the United States by crossing various hound breeds, including the Catahoula Leopard Dog, Plott Hound, and Treeing Walker Coonhound.
Known for their striking coat patterns and colors, American Leopard Hounds have a distinctive leopard-like appearance with spots and patches of different colors, such as black, brown, red, and brindle.
These dogs are highly intelligent, energetic, and independent, making them excellent hunting and tracking companions. They have a strong prey drive and excel in activities such as scent work, agility, and obedience training.
American Leopard Hounds are loyal and protective of their families, but they can be reserved and cautious around strangers. They require early socialization and consistent training to help them develop good manners and prevent any potential behavioral issues.
With proper exercise, mental stimulation, and a loving home environment, the American Leopard Hound makes a devoted and affectionate companion for active individuals or families who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Appearance
The American Leopard Hound is a medium to large-sized breed with a muscular and athletic build. They typically stand between 20 to 27 inches tall and weigh between 40 to 70 pounds.
Their coat is short and dense, coming in a variety of colors and patterns including brindle, black, and tan. They have a strong and noble appearance with a confident and alert expression.
Personality & Behaviour
The American Leopard Hound is a loyal and intelligent breed known for its strong hunting instincts. They are independent and confident dogs, making them excellent working or hunting companions.
They are also friendly and affectionate towards their family members, but may be reserved or cautious around strangers. American Leopard Hounds are energetic and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
They are known for their alertness and protective nature, making them good watchdogs. With proper training and socialization, they can make great family pets.
Temperament
Compatibility with Children | Requires Supervision with Children |
Compatibility with other Dogs | Good with Other Dogs |
Compatibility with Strangers | Highly Friendly |
Playfulness | Highly Playful |
Protectiveness | Highly Protective |
Trainability Level | Highly Trainable |
Energy Level | High |
Barking Level | Moderate |
Need of Exercise | High |
Compatibility with Children
The American Leopard Hound is known to be a loyal and protective breed, making them great companions for children. They are energetic and playful, making them a good match for active kids who enjoy outdoor activities.
However, they can also be stubborn and independent, so early training and socialization are important to ensure they get along well with children.
Overall, the American Leopard Hound can be a loving and devoted family pet that forms strong bonds with children.
Compatibility with other Pets
American Leopard Hounds are known to be friendly and sociable dogs that generally get along well with other pets, including dogs and cats. They have a playful and energetic nature, making them great companions for other animals that enjoy being active.
However, due to their strong prey drive, they may not be suitable for households with small animals such as birds or rodents.
Proper socialization and training from a young age can help ensure that American Leopard Hounds coexist peacefully with other pets in the household.
Best Compatible Dogs with American Leopard Hound
1. American Foxhound
2. Black and Tan Coonhound
3. Plott Hound
4. Treeing Walker Coonhound
5. Redbone Coonhound
Other Dog Breeds
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Care Requirements
The American Leopard Hound is a highly energetic and intelligent breed that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. They have a strong prey drive and need a secure yard to prevent them from chasing after small animals.
Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat healthy and free of tangles. Training should start early to establish good behavior and socialization with other animals.
Providing a balanced diet and regular veterinary check-ups are essential for the overall health and well-being of the American Leopard Hound.
Monthly Maintenance Cost
The American Leopard Hound is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, but there are still monthly costs associated with keeping them healthy and happy. Here is a breakdown of the average monthly maintenance costs for an American Leopard Hound:
- Food: $50-$100
- Veterinary care (vaccinations, check-ups, etc.): $50-$100
- Heartworm prevention: $10-$20
- Flea and tick prevention: $10-$20
- Training classes or toys: $20-$50
Overall, the average monthly maintenance cost for an American Leopard Hound ranges from $140 to $290.
Health
The American Leopard Hound is a relatively healthy breed, but like all dogs, they are prone to certain health issues. It is important for owners to be aware of these common health concerns and take necessary precautions to keep their American Leopard Hound healthy and happy.
Some common health issues in American Leopard Hounds include:
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain.
- Eye Problems: American Leopard Hounds can be prone to eye issues such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
- Bloat: This is a serious condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow. It is important to feed your American Leopard Hound smaller meals and avoid vigorous exercise after eating.
To prevent these health issues, it is important to provide regular exercise, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups. Keeping your American Leopard Hound at a healthy weight and monitoring their overall well-being can help prevent many common health concerns in this breed.
Food & Feeding
The American Leopard Hound is a medium to large-sized dog breed known for its athletic build and high energy levels. When it comes to feeding this breed, it is important to provide a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.
The best food for American Leopard Hounds is a high-quality dry kibble that is specifically formulated for large breeds. Look for a food that contains real meat as the first ingredient, as well as essential vitamins and minerals for overall health. Avoid foods with fillers or artificial ingredients.
In terms of quantity, American Leopard Hounds typically require around 2-3 cups of food per day, depending on their size, age, and activity level. It is important to monitor their weight and adjust their portions accordingly to prevent obesity.
Feeding timings for American Leopard Hounds should be consistent and structured. It is recommended to feed them twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, to maintain their energy levels throughout the day.
Make sure to provide fresh water at all times and consult with a veterinarian for any specific dietary needs or concerns.
Overall, providing a balanced diet and regular feeding schedule is essential for the health and well-being of American Leopard Hounds.
List of feeding guidelines for American Leopard Hound:
- Feed a high-quality dry kibble formulated for large breeds
- Provide 2-3 cups of food per day, adjusted based on weight and activity level
- Feed twice a day, morning and evening, to maintain energy levels
- Monitor weight and consult with a veterinarian for specific dietary needs.
Fun Facts About American Leopard Hound
The American Leopard Hound is a relatively rare breed that originated in the United States, specifically in the southern Appalachian region.
This breed is known for its striking coat pattern, which resembles that of a leopard, hence the name “Leopard Hound.”
American Leopard Hounds are highly intelligent and versatile hunting dogs, excelling in various types of hunting such as tracking, treeing, and trailing game.
Despite their hunting abilities, American Leopard Hounds are also known to be loyal and affectionate family pets, bonding closely with their owners.
This breed is known for its high energy levels and requires plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They thrive in active households where they can participate in outdoor activities.
Cost
The average cost of an American Leopard Hound ranges from $500 to $1500. Prices may vary based on breeder reputation, bloodline, and location. Some breeders may charge as high as $2500 for show-quality dogs, while rescues may have lower adoption fees around $200.
