Catahoula Leopard is originated from United States but Pyrenean Mastiff is originated from Spain. Catahoula Leopard may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Pyrenean Mastiff. Catahoula Leopard may weigh 52 kg / 114 pounds lesser than Pyrenean Mastiff. Both Catahoula Leopard and Pyrenean Mastiff has same life span. Both Catahoula Leopard and Pyrenean Mastiff has same litter size. Both Catahoula Leopard and Pyrenean Mastiff requires Low Maintenance.
This working dog breed originates from America’s Deep South. In fact it was originally named after a small village in the state of Louisiana and was made the state’s official dog in 1979. The dog is believed to have come from the Mastiff and Greyhound.
Known as war dogs they were left with local tribes who crossed them with wolves, and French Beauceron blood was also included.
A number of Catahoula dog Associations were started and the Louisiana Catahoula Cur Association was formed in 1976, followed by others. These Associations work to promote the breed. In 1995 the United Kennel Club was the first national dog registry to recognize the Catahoula.
The Pyrenean Mastiff originates from Spain, descending from ancient livestock guardian-type dogs.
They have always been used as guardians, looking out for livestock and warding off predators.
When you do research you find that there is little information on the exact origins of the dog. It was only in recent years that the dog was taken out of its native region and sent to the USA, but it isn’t recognized by the AKC.
The dog was however recognized by the FCI in 1982.
Known as the Leopard dog because of the distinctive spotted patches on his short to medium length coat, this interesting looking spotted dog can have a coat of many colors such as solid colors, brindle and a blend of several colors including blue merle and red merle, black and tan.
He is a muscular and athletic dog of medium to large size with sturdy legs and deep chest. He stands at 56 – 68cm and weighs 20 – 50kg. Many of these dogs have webbing between the toes which gives them an advantage when running through marshy areas or when swimming.
With his floppy ears, the tail is long or bobtailed. An unusual aspect with the dog is his eyes – having what is known as marbled glass eyes which are blue or blueish-white in color.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog can be stubborn and he is also energetic, fearless and highly intelligent. You’ll want to have him trained and socialized early as then he becomes a more relaxed, obedient dog. He is an assertive dog but not aggressive by nature.
Catahoulas in general are even tempered and they are willing to share their space with children in the home as well as other pets. They are protective of children and of their entire human family, making good watchdogs.
This is a beautiful big dog, strong and muscular. He stands at between 75 and 82cm in height and weighs between 70 and 100kg, males and females.
He has a thick double coat which is fairly long and which also sheds regularly. The coat is essentially white in color with large markings of reddish brown, tan, grey or black.
The Pyrenean Mastiff has a large head with a black nose, small, dark eyes, floppy, medium sized ears and a long tail with lush hair growth.
Large he may be, but the Pyrenean Mastiff is a docile dog that gets on well with children as well as with other pets. He is intelligent but also strong willed and independent, making him a little bit difficult to handle if he chooses to ignore your commands.
Training and socialization will be required if you want him to be obedient and well mannered. He can do well with you as a novice pet owner, so long as you are firm, consistent, kind, patient and fair in your handling of the Pyrenean Mastiff.
Even with socialization, he tends to be wary around strangers and becomes quite protective around his human family.
He is a calm dog that doesn’t require a whole lot of exercise, but he isn’t suited to life on a small property in the city as he needs a lot of space to feel content and at ease.
The Catahoula makes a fine family pet but he is a dog which shouldn’t be left outside day after day. He is a companion dog and won’t thrive without the companionship of his human family.
He is highly intelligent and also energetic, and if you want him to be relaxed and amicable around other humans and pets in the home he will require training and socialization. For training and ownership, the Catahoula Leopard will require a strong, firm, confident personality and he’ll be an obedient, loving and loyal companion.
These beautiful dogs have always been extraordinary guarding dogs, but he has some other excellent characteristics that make him such a great companion.
He is a loyal, loving dog and easy to train.
You just have to think twice before you take such a large dog into your home, as he doesn’t like to be cooped up in small spaces. He will also eat a lot too.
You want to know that you can provide the Pyrenean Mastiff with all these things. If you have the means to keep such a large pet, then he will make you a splendid canine companion.
Your Catahoula Leopard is a healthy dog breed and with good care he can live to be 10 to 14 years of age. However, there are a number of reasons why some of the healthiest dogs can become ill.
Knowing about these illnesses means you can take action and minimize the pain and suffering your pet might have to otherwise endure.
You’ll notice your pet shaking his head and maybe even scratching his ears. Ear infections are more evident in dogs with floppy ears and there can be an ear discharge. When left untreated, the ears can become painful and then it is time to get him to the vet.
This is a common illness in dogs and can be terribly uncomfortable and debilitating for your pet as he tries to urinate all the time with no success. Signs of UTI can include this excessive urination with little urine coming out, lethargy and discomfort. Take your pet immediately to the vet to be checked over.
This is a fairly healthy dog breed, particularly when you consider what a big dog he is. There are always some health concerns to watch for so that you can take steps to get your pet well again.
There is tartar build-up on the teeth and this can lead to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Rotting teeth can cause pain, but more worrisome they can cause damage to the heart and kidneys as well as the dog's joints. The vet or professional pet groomers can keep your pet’s teeth clean. They can advise you on how to take care of your large pet’s teeth.
Diseases such as rabies and parvo can be prevented by means of vaccine.
You can’t afford for a big dog like this to become obese. It’s a serious disease and can put pressure on your dog’s joints and also cause back pain and digestive disorders.
Your dog can be infected with all kinds of worms and bugs such as ticks d and fleas as well as mites. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you. Your vet can talk about preventive medication.
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus, commonly referred to as bloat often occurs in dogs with deep chests.
The stomach twists and fills with gas,and blood to the stomach is cut off. Left unattended to, your dog can die, sometimes within half an hour. His stomach is hard and swollen, requiring immediate veterinary attention.
A dog makes such a splendid pet, willing to give loyal and loving friendship to humans, even those who don’t treat him properly. When you think of the unconditional love your Catahoula Leopard dog will give you, surely you want to provide him with good food and shelter.
It can be devastating if your dog goes missing, and if he has no identification, to find him might only mean telling people what he looks like. Rather put a collar on him and an ID tag so that your chances of getting him back are just that much better.
You can also have him micro-chipped by your veterinarian and these chips have a unique code which can provide useful information on your pet.
Make sure that your pet is vaccinated as a puppy against diseases which could be deadly such as rabies.
If you have no intention of allowing your Catahoula Leopard to have puppies, rather have him neutered or spayed if its a female. It is better for them and they can live longer and be free of some ailments that at un-spayed or un-neutered dog may get.
Have your pet spayed or neutered if you don’t want puppies. Spaying or neutering also decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers.
Nothing but a top quality diet is good enough for your pet. Commercially manufactured dog foods are a convenient means to feed your pet, and there are some excellent brands.
Look out for the ones for extra large dogs and avoid the ones with low quality ingredients. The dry kibble you give your big pet can be made more tasty when you add some homemade food to it about twice a week.
Dogs thrive on simplicity, so boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach will be wonderful for him when you chop the food up and add it into the dry kibble. Its such a tasty, wholesome treat for your pet.
Some raw meat added in occasionally will contribute to your pet’s heath. Make sure he is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.
Brush his coat at least twice a week. Check inside his ears for redness which could indicate an ear infection.
He’s an intelligent pet with lots of energy, so you will need to keep his mind and body active by ensuring he enjoys walks every day. He isn’t a dog that requires running with you on your jogs or cycles.