The American Leopard Hounds are medium-sized dogs ranging in height around 21-27 inches. They are high-energy, intelligent, and naturally hunting dogs. People knew the American Leopard Hound as the Leopard Cur or Leopard Cur dog in 1988. However in years after it was officially changed. This dog looks very much like the Louisiana Catahoula leopard dog. Their differences are their behavior. The American Leopard Cur is a Treeing dog and the Louisiana Catahoula leopard is a herding dog!
People believed this breed existed hundred of years ago but its origin is uncertain. Generally, American Leopard Hounds are healthy breeds, Smart hunter dogs, ideal for companionship for families and adorable dogs.
They are best in Rural Area with an active family. However, it is an important reminder to not breed two leopard patterned dogs as it can lead to serious genetic problems such as deafness or blindness.
The American Leopard Hound History
The American Leopard Hounds originally came from Mexico. Spanish Conquistadors brought this dog with them from Europe. By its nature, they are energetic, sociable and and smart hunters. their are some research about their names by its origin.
These smart hunters’ dogs are best in home with yards. These dogs are ideal for households of all types, especially single parents and families with children because they are sociable by nature.
Where did the American Leopard Hound Come From?
The Breed originated from Mexico with no specific person who brought this breed to the country but by group of Spanish Conquistadors from Spain. Theories erupted about the origin of these dogs.
People had one theory that the Spanish dogs were crossed with Mexican dogs prior in appearing in America. By the early 18th century, American Leopard Hounds had become established in eastern North Carolina. From there, it made its way west into Tennessee and Kentucky and, later, south into Texas and Oklahoma.
Another is they were created by crossing breeds between Hounds dogs and Herding dogs in the Southern part of United States. Later Fanciers J. Richard McDuffie, Leroy E. Smith and A.W. Carter noticed the shortage of this breed and set out to re-establish the breed.
What Were They Bred For?
The Leopard Cur dog was bred to be a companion for families with children. They also do hunting because they are smart hunters dogs with a strong desire to please. This makes them are easy to train. They are bred to socialize with people and are friendly dogs not only to the owners but also to strangers. They are protective Especially to children.
Are They a Pure Breed?
Yes
American Leopard Hounds at a Glance
[table “Amer_Leop_Cur” not found /]Physical Traits
The American Leopard dog breed has its own variation when it comes to its color. This breed has the main color of yellow, black, brindle, red and blue or grayish. With most dogs the color may include white points and white collar. The American Leopard can be determined by its outer coat. Its rough and its undercoat is woolly.
This dog looks very similar to the Louisiana Catahoula leopard dog. It’s very difficult to tell them apart. The Louisiana Catahoula leopard dog has a smoother coat. The biggest difference is the American Leopard Cur is a treeing dog and the Louisiana catahoula leopard dog is a herding dog.
Breed Standard
American Leopard Hound Size
The sizes of this American Leopard Hounds range in a Height from 21 to 27 inches.
Height measurements are always from the ground to the highest point of a dog’s shoulder blades. Breeders know the highest point on a dogs shoulder-blades as the withers.
Weight
The Breed weight ranges from 35 to 75 pounds.
Grooming
These dogs are very easy to groom. They have a short hair coat which sheds several times a year. They should be brushed every once and a while or seasonally when they shed. An occasional bath helps but is generally not needed unless they are very dirty.
Do They Drool?
No. All Dogs pant to keep themselves cool but this dog does not drool excessively.
Best Climate for the American Leopard Hound
The American Leopards Hounds Tolerates cold and Hot weather
Temperament
The American Leopard Dog is a smart hunter that loves playing. They are an accommodating dog and look to please. They are very friendly, especially to your children.
Do They Tolerate Other Pets?
This breed has a very strong prey drive. This dog gets along with other dogs but because of the strong prey drive can be dangerous for smaller pets and should not be left alone with them.
Are They Good for Families?
These dogs are great with families. This was the sole purpose of why they were bred and work best for families with a decent amount of space to let this dog roam.
Do They Have a Strong Prey Drive?
This breed is a friendly dog however they naturally track prey and can do so for many miles. Because of this trait they have a fairly strong prey drive that training can help curb.
Are They Social With Other People?
The American Leopard is kid Friendly, Family friendly, and animal friendly. They love to have more playmate with him.
Is The American Leopard Hound Good for New Owners?
This Breed is ideal for new owners because its friendly and easy to train.
Leopard Cur Dog Health
Generally, this breed is healthy breed, the only health issues with this breed is “hip dysplasia” or musculoskeletal problem.
The American Leopard Hound Lifespan
The American Leopard Hounds has a lifeSpan of 12 to 15 years.
Health Issues
When two merle-colored American Leopards are bred they create the possibility of puppies called double merles. They carry a higher risk of being blind, deaf, or sight or hearing-impaired. Work with a good breeder that does genetic testing to make sure puppoes are not susceptible to these diseases.
The American Leopard Hound does not have any breed specific health issues and can live a long time! Keep these dogs in shape and work with your vet to monitor dogs for many common health issues to older dogs.
Exercise
The american Leopard seems to have endless supply of energy and stamina, so this kind of breed need to have a lot of daily exercise like walking or jogging with your dog or climbing staircases or swimming.
American Leopard Hound Rescues
Some great Rescues if you are interested in rescuing a American Leopard Hounds are are Wright-Way Rescue located at located at 5915 Lincoln Avenue, Morton Grove, IL with their webpage https://wright-wayrescue.org/ land Angels Among Us Pet Rescue located at PO Box 821, Alpharetta, GA 30009 https://www.angelsrescue.org/ .
