Longevity
Life expectancy
It lives on average from 10 to 14 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Very hardy, it withstands difficult working conditions and the humid heat of its country of origin well.
Watch points
What to watch for
It is necessary to check the hearing and vision of merle puppies, monitor the hips and prevent injuries related to its intense activity.
Deafness : Especially in puppies from two merle parents.
Eye abnormalities : Possible malformations in double merle individuals.
Hip dysplasia : Screening recommended for breeding dogs.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
It tolerates heat well and tolerates moderate cold; its short coat offers little protection from prolonged damp cold.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Very active, he stays slim if he gets enough exercise. The ration must match his activity level.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Request the puppy's BAER hearing test.
- Check that both parents are not merle.
- Inspect the dog after outings in nature.
Vaccination
Catahoula vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Catahoula? Like all dogs, the Catahoula receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Catahoula is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Catahoula vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Catahoula?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Catahoula
A hearing test (BAER) of the puppies, an eye examination and an X-ray of the breeders' hips are recommended. Merle × merle matings should be avoided.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
