Catahoula Leopard Dog health: what owners should know

The breed is generally hardy, but known issues include deafness (especially in merle and mostly white dogs), eye defects, hip dysplasia and some autoimmune conditions. Responsible breeders hearing-test puppies, X-ray hips, have eyes examined, and avoid merle-to-merle pairings. Ask to see these results before choosing a puppy.

Working and hiking dogs pick up injuries, so run your hands over legs, feet and eyes after a big day out. See a vet promptly if your Catahoula limps for more than a day, comes back from work with a wound, has a red, cloudy or squinting eye, or seems not to hear you calling.