Info, Rules & Guidelines || stopBSL FAQ || The List of Targeted Breeds
The Complete Member List || !RARE! Breed of the Month Features

---

Welcome to Our !RARE! Breed of the Month Feature!

Previous !RARE! Breeds of the Month
January's !RARE! Breed of the Month
February's !RARE! Breed of the Month
March's !RARE! Breed of the Month
April’s !RARE! Breed of the Month
May's !RARE! Breed of the Month
June's !RARE! Breed of the Month
July's !RARE! Breed of the Month
August's !RARE! Breed of the Month
2011 !RARE! Breed of the Month Recap

Featuring September’s !RARE! Breed of the Month
the Catahoula Leopard Dog

What is a Catahoula Leopard Dog?

  The (Louisiana) Catahoula Leopard Dog aka the Catahoula Cur is a very versatile working dog that at first was used to herd/round up wild hogs and cattle left by the Spanish explorers who had left pigs and cattle to roam wild after they left. Today the dog is used for herding purposes and as a companion. It also became the official dog of Louisiana in 1979

History & Origin

When it comes to the history and origins of this dog, there is much speculation about it. There are a few overlapping theories, with the most common being that the dog originated in Louisiana after the Spanish Explorer Hernando de Soto arrived in ~1539 and his “War dogs” bred with the dogs of the natives that lived in Louisiana. Some theories suggest that De Soto’s dogs were Mastiffs, Bloodhounds and Greyhounds that bred with the natives dogs to produce a mixed native dog, then when the French arrived with the Beaucerons in the next century, they bred with the now mixed breed native dogs to produce the Catahoula Leopard Dog as it’s seen today. That being said, no one really knows the true history of this dog.  

Appearance

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a muscular dog of medium build and a deep chest, with weight ranging from 40-50lbs.  It also has a long, “whip-like” tail, and feet with prominent webbing that extends nearly to the ends of the tes, giving it the ability to easily work marshy areas, and makes them good swimmers. It is also common for these dogs to have “marbled” or “cracked glass” eyes aka heterochromia. Cracked/marbled eyes are generally blue/white-blue in color.  The coat of the dog is generally fine and short, with merle coloration patterns.  These merle patterns can range from colors anywhere from reddish-brown to blue-grey to black-red.

Temperament

When it comes to the temperament of these dogs, they are known as being a highly intelligent and active breed. Because of that, they need plenty of stimulation to keep them from getting bored. It is recommended that this dog go to a home with plenty of space to roam around in. Besides that, these dogs are also loyal, with an independent streak, as well as being protective. This dog is the type of dog that craves interaction and attention from it’s family, but also needs someone who is ready to demonstrate leadership to the dog.



@ terrificpets.com



_{September's !RARE! BotM ~ the Catahoula ~ artwork by ~Anellyz}

---

Featuring September’s Targeted Breed of the Month
The Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher is a popular working and guardian breed discriminated against by breed-specific legislation.The breed-specific laws targeting, restricting, or banning ownership of Dobermans are found in cities across the United States, in parts of Canada, and throughout Europe. Due to the fact that the Doberman Pinscher is known to be a "high risk" breed, it is also discriminated against by insurance carriers, and ownership of this breed is commonly prohibited in rentals and apartment buildings.

The breed of the Doberman pinscher was developed in Germany during the 1860’s by a tax collector by the name of “Louis Dobermann” who decided to create a watch dog/guardian for himself when he traveled through parts of town that were infested with thieves.  It’s popularity soared after being presented at it’s first show in 1876. In 1908, the Doberman was recognized by the AKC.

The breed has many working capabilities, which include, guarding, competitive obedience, therapy dogs,  search & rescue, watch dog, police & military work and companionship

The Doberman Pinscher is a medium to large dog, with a squarely built body. They are muscular, powerful dogs, with great endurance and speed, and are quite elegant.



Quick Facts:
• Country of Origin: Germany
• Functionality: Working & guarding dog
• Coat Colors: Black, blue, red, fawn, tan, brown with rust or tan markings, and all white
• Height: Dogs – 26 to 28 inches & Bitches – 24 to 26 inches

These dogs are watchful, obedient, resourceful, alert, energetic and loyal. A Doberman that is properly trained proves itself to be a versatile, dedicated family dog. This dog isn’t for everyone. They do need good, firm, leadership. Without it they can become stubborn and willful if they are allowed to do what they want to do. The dog also needs to be socialized when it’s young to prevent shyness or skittishness. They also need plenty of stimulation and exercise to prevent boredom.