Chiapom vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The Catahoula Cur is also known as the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Louisiana Catahoula. The dog hails from Louisiana, United States.

It is thought that the Catahoula Cur or Catahoula Hound as it is also known, used to be a hunting dog. The first settlers in Louisiana needed a strong dog to help them with hunting wild hogs and they bred their dogs with other dogs belonging to the locals. This gave them a strong, resilient dog that could take on the wild hogs and also protect their livestock.

Dogs who have no doubt been brought into the mix to produce the Catahoula Cur are mastiffs, Beaucerons, sighthounds and wolves.They are today more commonly referred to as Catahoula Leopard Dogs.

The Chi-Pom or Chiapom comes from mixing the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua, and both these dogs are toy breeds and known as companion dogs.

These little dogs each have their own individual histories, but but being a cross breed, the Chi-Pom’s history isn’t well documented particularly well.

Nobody seems to know precisely when this new dog breed came into being, but they were first bred in the United States.

There are varying sizes for Catahoulas and a typical height is 51–66cm and weighing anything from 18 – 51kg. These Cathoula Cur’s come in different colors too, but the leopard-like coat is a dominant feature with this dog.

While there are solid colors, you can expect red- and blue merle, grey-, black, patchwork and brindle too.

The length of the coat varies somewhat too and while the coat is essentially short and smooth, there are Catahoulas where the coat is a little longer and more coarse.

The eyes of the Catahoula Cur are another interesting feature and both eyes can be the same color, but in some instances the one eye can be brown while the other could be blue, green or gray.   The ears of the Catahoula Cur are medium in size and are floppy, dropping down close to the head.

Temperament:

The Catahoula Cur is an intelligent dog and also active and full of sports. You can’t call this dog aggressive, but merely assertive, being strong-willed. He is also affectionate and loyal, loving to spend time with his human family.

He makes a wonderful family pet, complete with children as well as other pets in the home, more so when he has been trained and socialized. These dogs are bright and alert and they also make excellent watch dogs. People who have owned a Catahoula Cur will tell you that these are wonderful pets, full of life and personality.

The Chi-Pom or Chiapom isn’t a pure bred dog, but a cross between the Chihuahua and the Pomeranian. This toy breed’s coat can be shortish like the Chihuahua or feathery and medium to long like with the Pomeranian, and the coat will be soft and shiny.

He has pointed ears, much like a fox, and the long tail is carried upward and curls over the back. The coat can be a solid color such as white, tan, cream, fawn, brown or gray, with the most common color being light brown.

If he takes more after the Pomeranian, he may need to have his hair cut. The typical Pomchi dog’s head is more round that the Pomeranian but with the narrow muzzle. The eyes are large and dark.

The Chiapom is a small dog that measures just 15 – 25cm in height and weighs between 2 and 8kg.

Temperament:

Pomchis are intelligent and inquisitive, having a temperament which comes from either of the two breeds which are quite similar.You’re definitely going to have an entertaining little dog, one who is energetic, curious and alert.

He isn’t a good choice with small children as he gets nervous and aggravated when handled improperly. Nervous and hurt, he may nip and then often he gets the blame, whereas he just shouldn’t have to put up with small children.

He loves to be in the company of his human family who treat him well, and he doesn’t like to be left alone. He is an intelligent little dog and is eager to learn. Therefore, even though he is small, training and socialization will be good for him and give him an even more amicable disposition.

Catahoula dogs are the kind of dogs that make perfect family pets as they are all rounders. They’ve got characteristics that everybody wants in a dog. They are naturally protective, even they are not described as aggressive dogs. With training and socialization they get on well with children as well as other pets in the home. He is alert and territorial, which makes him a good watchdog, more so because he doesn’t particularly like strangers.

Intelligent and independent, training makes him wonderfully obedient and relaxed. However, give him the chance for ball games and a walk, and he is more than ready.

He is used to being a guard- and hunting dog, and this makes him an active, energetic dog. You will need to give him plenty of activities if you don’t want this amicable dog becoming anxious, frustrated and destructive.

Exercise him well, provide him with nourishing, top quality food together with fresh water and shower him with the love and attention he deserves as a family member. You’ll also join the ranks of Catahoula Cur owners who want to tell others about what an awesome pet he makes.

Crossing two breeds of dog is the in-thing these days, and its not surprising that lovers of small breed dogs would think to mix the Chihuahua and the Pomeranian.

The Chiapom is affectionate, playful and good-natured with their human family. They are full of personality, are spunky and brave, believing they can protect their families. He may be too frail for this but he alerts you to danger with his barking.

With the Chiapom, you’re going to have an awesome little friend who will stand by you in thick and thin.

When you buy a Catahoula Cur, you can know that your pet is going to be fairly healthy, however there will be some common health issues to look out for, and by knowing about these health concerns, you can be better prepared.

Typical Infections:

Your Catahoula Cur will be susceptible to some bacterial and viral infections which can be life threatening for him if he gets them. Some of these are parvo, distemper and rabies. That is why it is important to have your pet vaccinated, which can start at about 8 weeks of age for a puppy.

Obesity:

Obesity is a world-wide problem with humans and with their pets and it can open up a whole lot of problems with your pet’s health that he otherwise might not have got. It can play havoc with your pet’s digestion, and it can cause joint problems too.

It can be so tempting to pop a sweet treat into your pet’s mouth because you love him so much, but get to know what foods can actually be hazardous for him.

Being a cross bred, the Chiapom will be healthier than the purebred Chihuahua or Pomeranian. He is full of personality, but sometimes he can have his fair share of doggy troubles too.

He is more prone to injuries just because he gets under your feet all the time. We look at one or two health issues with this small breed that you should be aware of -

Pancreatitis:

This is an ailment which can be found in all dogs but it occurs more in smaller dogs. An inflamed pancreas from trauma, infection or a metabolic disorder can mean your little dog vomiting, being uncomfortable with stomach pain and shivering.

Tracheal Collapse:

This is a disease which involves the trachea which is also known as the windpipe. When the windpipe weakens, it becomes difficult to breath. Obesity in your pet as well as dust and kennel cough can contribute to this ailment.

Grooming:

Your Catahoula Cur isn’t a high maintenance dog and a good brushing 2 times a week will keep his leopard coat looking shiny and free of loose hairs.

Catahoula’s have good teeth, and you want to keep them that way by brushing them at least 2 or 3 times a week to prevent dental decay and a host of other medical issues.

The Pomchi is a small dog who is looked upon essentially as an indoors dog, so it is quite able to adapt to apartment living as he won’t require large doses of exercise.

With some stimulating toys, he is able to exert energy indoors and will love to chase a ball down the passage. He certainly won’t do well in cold weather and being left outdoors.

Grooming:

The Chiapom often has the longer hair of the Pomeranian so it becomes necessary to give your little dog a good brush twice a week for the hair to remain tangle-free and to keep it shiny and silky.

Be gentle though as he has very sensitive skin.

You’ll notice with your Pomchi that he could possibly have overactive tear ducts so that they have a discharge. A small damp cloth can be used to wipe his eyes.

Diet:

Small breed dogs often require more calories than larger dogs because of their higher metabolic rates. He is a small dog that will require all the right vitamins and minerals.

Commercial dog foods are certainly convenient, and the best quality ones contain the nutrients a dogs needs to remain health. It is always beneficial for your 4-legged friend if you can include some brown rice, a little bit of cooked chicken and vegetables in his diet. However, if you are uncertain about the nutrition requirements of your pet, speak to your vet and get help with a food that caters for your dog’s age, breed and activity levels.