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Named the official state dog of Louisiana in 1979, the Catahoula Leopard Dog, or Catahoula Hound, originates from a mix of dogs from different parts of the world that were all brought to Louisiana. Before the land was taken over by white settlers, Native American Indians in the area used an early version of this breed as a hunting dog. The breed remains most popular as a working dog.

Physical Characteristics

This breed is known for its endless variety of colors and patterns. The Catahoula Leopard Dog’s coat is single-layer, and although it may be seen in any color combination, it is mainly seen in these four: solid color, brindle, leopard pattern, or patchwork pattern coat. The eyes also stand out. Catahoulas often will have bluish white eyes with a cracked glaze appearance, referred to as “glass eyes.” It is also common for a dog to have just one glass eye, with the other in amber or brown, or to have glass eyes that also have colors within the blue, which are referred to as “cracked glass” eyes. The height of this breed ranges from 22 to 24 inches, and can weigh from 50 to 95 pounds.

Personality and Temperament

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is very loving with family, but may be wary with strangers if it’s not socialized early on. Catahoulas are protective of the family, and make excellent watch dogs. This breed is not aggressive; however, similar to other herding breeds, it is a natural leader. The Catahoula does not allow mistreatment and may assert itself in self-defense. Overall, this breed requires a good amount of teaching and exercise or else it can be very destructive in the home. It does not make a good city or apartment dog.

Care

This breed requires daily exercise and enjoys playing. Although the Catahoula Leopard Dog is not a high maintenance breed, if it is not given an appropriate amount of exercise and attention every day, expect it to start causing trouble, such as digging holes and chewing things.

Health

This breed lives an average life span of 10 to 14 years. Frequent health issues include hip dysplasia, deafness in mostly white Catahoulas, and some eye problems.

History and Background

Although the exact origins of the Catahoula Leopard Dog are unknown, it is believed by some to be a result of chance and some mixed breeding of Native American Indian Dogs, red wolves, and dogs brought over by the Spanish. The Native American Indians in Northern Louisiana referred to this new breed as the “Wolf Dog,” which was later bred with a dog brought over by the French, resulting in today’s Catahoula Leopard Dog.

American Indians and later white settlers used the Catahoula Leopard Dog as a hunting dog, especially with the overpopulation of wild hogs in the area. For this latter reason, the dog is also knows regionally as the Catahoula Hog Dog. This new dog breed was useful in herding cattle by creating a “canine fence” around the wild cows or hogs and moving them in the path as directed by the herder.

In 1979, the governor of Louisiana named this multi-purpose working dog the official state dog. The United Kennel Club recognized the Catahoula Leopard Dog in 1995.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the older of the two Corgi breeds. Like the Pembroke, the Cardigan is low-set with a deep chest. Originally used as a farm dog in South Wales, the breed remains a small and powerful companion today.

Physical Characteristics

This breed has a friendly, gentle, watchful and alert expression. The moderately heavy-boned and low-set Cardigan’s length is approximately 1.8 times more than its height. Even though it is small, it is a powerful dog that has the endurance, speed, and agility required for driving cattle for a length of time, nipping at the feet to keep the cattle moving. If the cattle kick their feet, the Corgi can easily dodge around the large animal’s hooves because of its small size.

Its smooth, effortless and free gait enable it to cover ground quickly. The dog’s double coat, meanwhile, is comprised of a thick, soft undercoat and a moderately long and somewhat harsh outer coat that can be found in variety of colors, including red, black, and blue merle. One of its immediately recognizable physical differences from the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is its tail, which is long and full, as opposed to short, as it is with the Pembroke. The Cardigan is affectionately referred to by many as “the Corgi with the tail.”

Personality and Temperament

This tough, tireless, and agile breed can play throughout the day. At home, it behaves very well but tends to bark. It also has a tendency to be reserved with strangers and aggressive towards other dogs. The easy-going, high-spirited, and fun-loving Cardigan is an amusing and devoted companion.

Care

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi requires a lot of exercise for its small size. Its exercise needs are best met with a good herding session, but a vigorous play session or a moderate walk is also sufficient. It can easily live outdoors in cool or temperate weather, but it serves as an excellent house-dog and is at its best when allowed to spend time in both the yard and home. Its coat requires brushing once every week to remove dead hair.

Health

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi, which has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, may suffer from degenerative myelopathy and canine hip dysplasia (CHD). This breed may also be prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and urinary stones. To identify some of these conditions early, a veterinarian may recommend hip, eye, and DNA tests for the dog.

History and Background

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi was among the first breeds to arrive in the British Isles from central Europe. It was brought to Cardiganshire in South Wales. The breed’s origin is obscure, but extinct turn-spit dogs of England may have influenced the low-bodied and short-legged dogs that turned spits in kitchens. Originally, the Cardigan Welsh Corgis were used as family protectors and helpers in hunting, but it wasn’t until later that the Corgi found its true calling.

There was a time when the amount of land occupied by cattle determined how much land would be provided to tenant farmers. Thus, the farmer had far-ranging and scattered stock. A dog was required that would drive instead of herding the cattle. The Corgi was best suited for this purpose, as it would nip at the heels of the cattle and duck their kicks. The word Corgi, in fact, is said to be derived from “Cor,” meaning to gather and “Gi,” which means dog.

The original Corgi was the size of a Welsh yard or a little more than an English yard, from the tail-tip to nose. In some parts of Cardiganshire, the dog was known as the Ci-llathed or “yard-long dog.” Later, when the Crown lands were split, fenced, and sold, there was no need for drovers and the Corgi was left unemployed. Some kept it as a companion and guard, but few could afford it. Soon it was on the verge of extinction. Breeders tried to inter-breed it with other dogs, but the results were not successful. However, one exception was the inter-breeding with the brindle herder, which led to the production of the modern Cardigans.

The first Cardigans were publicized in the 1920s. However, until 1934, the Pembroke Welsh Corgis and the Cardigan were regarded as one breed, and crossing the two was a common practice.

The first Cardigan Welsh Corgi was seen in the United States in 1931, and four years later the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. Sadly, the Cardigan does not enjoy as much popularity as the Pembroke Corgi, but it still remains a tireless, well-behaved, and devoted companion.

The Cane Corso is an Italian dog breed that has been long valued in Italy as a companion, guardian and hunter. It is a muscular and large-boned breed, radiating a noble, majestic, and powerful presence. The Cane Corso received official AKC breed status in 2010.

Physical Characteristics

The Cane Corso is a medium- to large-sized, robust dog. It has a broad head with a square muzzle that is as wide as it is long, giving the Cane Corso superior bite strength. Its coat is dense and coarse, usually in black, light or dark shades of gray, or in light or dark shades of fawn, red, or brindle. White patches are common, and are accepted by the AKC on the chest, toes, chin, and nose.

The average height of a Cane Corso ranges from 24 to 27 inches tall, with males at the higher end of the spectrum and females at the lower. Weight is anywhere from 88 to 110 lbs.

The ears of a Cane Corso are naturally dropped forward, though it is the preference of breeders to crop the ears into small, equilateral triangles that stand upright. Breeders also typically dock the tails of Cane Corsos.

Personality and Temperament

The biggest factor in a Cane Corso’s temperament is that one should never be fearful, as this would go against the natural instincts of a guard dog. The Cane Corso is reserved and confident, territorial, and keenly alert to its surroundings. It tends to be a quiet breed, indifferent to others approaching unless a real threat is perceived.

Always eager to please, it is also easy to obedience train. It forms a strong bond with its primary owners and is very protective over them. However, don’t be fooled by the Cane Corso’s guard dog instincts, it is docile and loving with its owners, and affectionate with children and families.

Care

The Cane Corso is quite simple to care for. As a short haired breed, it does not require much grooming; just a bath and a brush now and then. Shedding is minimal. It is also flexible when it comes to living arrangements as the Cane Corso can settle just as happily into apartment dwelling as outdoor living. If left outdoors, adequate shelter needs to be provided. If dwelling in an apartment, owners need to make sure to provide enough daily exercise. The Cane Corso can make excellent jogging companions, but for daily exercise needs it need at least one long, brisk walk.

Health

Life expectancy for a Cane Corso is 10 to 11 years. As a large and robust dog, it has the typical bone and joint problems of giant breeds. These can include hip dysplasia and degenerative joint disease. Providing proper nutrition and preventing obesity from occurring can help reduce the risk of degenerative joint disease. Hip dysplasia is more genetically based.

Cane Corso’s are also prone to common eye defects, such as entropion, ectropion, and glandular hypertrophy, or “Cherry eye.”

History and Background

The Cane Corso descends from a Roman breed of dog that was once used in war. It is now one of two Italian “Mastiff” type breeds, along with the Neapolitan Mastiff, that descended from this war dog. The Cane Corso is the lighter version, and is more adept at hunting.

The breed was nearing extinction when it was rescued by enthusiasts in the 1970s. It was cross-bred with select breeds, and as a result is a very different looking Cane Corso than the pre-1970s Cane Corso.

It was brought to the U.S. in 1987 and has gained widespread popularity. The UKC recognized it as a breed under the name Cane Corso Italiano in 2008. The AKC then recognized it as the Cane Corso in 2010.

The Canaan Dog developed in the Middle East centuries ago as a herder and flock guardian. Although it is aloof with strangers, this medium-sized dog is loyal and loving with its human family.

Physical Characteristics

The Canaan’s double coat comprises a short, soft undercoat that changes its density in different climates, and a flat-lying, straight, harsh outer coat, with a ruff. This coat allows the breed to adapt to extremes of weather that range from cold nights to hot days.

Its two most common patterns are as follows: (1) Predominantly white with or without additional patches of black and brown, and (2) Solid-colored with or without white trim.

The Canaan Dog does not resemble other herding breeds, as it comes from a different background. It does, however, have traits that enable it to herd for hours. Its square-proportioned and medium-sized body has moderate substance and combines endurance, strength, and agility.

Its brisk trot is ground-covering, and its gait is graceful and athletic. The Canaan can also change directions very quickly.

Personality and Temperament

The Canaan Dog behaves well with other household pets (including dogs), but tends to be scrappy towards strange dogs and people. A natural guardian, it may bark a lot and is protective of its human family. Additionally, the intelligent Canaan is an excellent herder, performing tasks obediently and always willing to please.

Care

This breed can live outside in warm or cool climates, but is also suitable as a house pet. To maintain coat clean and remove any dead hair, brush the dog once a week.

The Canaan Dog is one of the few breed to claim to be a pure worker. It simply abhors sitting around and is in constant need of physical and mental exercise. This can be accomplished through various activities, including a challenging training session, herding exercises, strenuous playing, or long jogs.

Health

The Canaan Dog, which has an average lifespan of 12 to 13 years, does not normally suffer from any major or minor health problems. However, a veterinarian may recommend hip exams for the dog.

History and Background

There is evidence to suggest the breed developed centuries ago in Canaan, the land of the Israelites. At the time, there were referred to as the Dog of Canaan or Kelev Kanani.

However, many of these Israeli dogs would become isolated in the Negec Desert and Sebulon Coastal Plain when the Romans drove the Israelites from their land about 2,000 years ago. On the brink of extinction, some wild Canaan Dogs were caputred by local Bedoins to assist them in guarding and herding.

Dr. Rudolphina Menzel, who was asked by the Haganah (a Jewish self-defense organization) to develop a dog capable of guarding the isolated Jewish settlements and withstanding the harsh climate, was instrumental in developing the modern Canaan Dog breed.

Her breeding and training program consisted of only the best native, untamed dogs, which were then developed to serve as as messengers, sentry dogs, Red Cross helpers, mine detectors, helpers in locating wounded soldiers during World War II, and as guide dogs for visually handicapped people after the War. This is perhaps the only breed to rise from its feral roots and become such a dedicated and useful companion in such a short time span.

The first Canaan Dog entered the United States in 1965. But given that its appearance was understated, the breed did not quickly garner admiration. The American Kennel Club registered the breed under the Herding Group in 1997, and today it is considered a popular show dog and an excellent, well-behaved house pet.

The breed’s five minutes of fame came in the film classic, The Wizard of Oz, as Toto was a Cairn Terrier. A small, hardy working dog originally bred in Scotland to hunt vermin, Cairn Terriers are now mostly concerned with obedience, agility, terrier and tracking trials.

Physical Characteristics

The Cairn Terrier is everything a working terrier should be: active, hardy, and mettlesome. The dog’s coat, which can be found in a variety of colors, is weather-resistant, comprising an abundant and harsh outer coat and close, soft undercoat. The furnishing circling the Cairn’s face resembles a fox-like expression.

This short-legged breed is long in proportion to its height, but differs from the Scottish or Sealyham Terriers, in that it is not as low to the ground. Its good build allows it to squeeze through close quarters while chasing its quarry. Its powerful jaws, meanwhile, are due to its wide and short head.

Personality and Temperament

The courageous, inquisitive, spirited, bold, stubborn, clever, and hardy Cairn Terrier has a fighting streak, but is incredibly sensitive as well. The Cairn can be a proper house pet provided it gets daily mental and physical exercise. It enjoys playing with children, and can withstand mild roughhousing.

A devoted companion, the Cairn Terrier explores, hunts, digs and barks like the best of working terriers. When threatened, however, it may become aggressive toward other dogs or give chase to small animals.

Care

Though a dog of small size, the Cairn Terrier requires daily outdoor exercises; this may be in the form of a game, an on-leash walk, or an expedition in a secure area. The dog’s wire coat should be combed once a week and stripped of dead hair twice a year. The breed prefers to sleep in the house; however, it can live outdoors in cool climates.

Health

The Cairn Terrier, which has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, may suffer from major health concerns such as Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GCL), or minor issues like glaucoma, portacaval shunt, and Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO). Veterinarian often recommend tests to confirm GCL in Cairn Terriers.

History and Background

The Cairn Terrier retains features of its root stock to a larger extent than others that have descended along the same lines. It belonged to a group of short-legged terriers, bred on the Scottish Isle of Skye.

Such dogs were used to hunt otter, fox, and badger in the 15th century, and were skilled in jumping at otters from piles of stone or cairns. These dogs had several colors like gray, white, and red and were often entered into dog shows as Scotch Terriers.

In 1873, the Scotch Terrier group was divided into two distinct breed: the Skye Terrier and Dandie Dinmont. The group was further split in 1881 into Skye and Hard-haired Terriers. Later the Hard-haired Terriers were separated into the West Highland White, Scotch, and the variety that was later known as the Cairn. The name Cairn Terrier was adopted in 1912.

Most of the earlier Cairns were completely white, and crossing with West Highland Whites was abolished by the 1920s. Having gained popularity in England, the breed also made its mark in America, when the dog chosen to play Toto in The Wizard of Oz was a Cairn Terrier.

The British breed club’s motto, “The best little pal in the world,” describes the true nature of a Cairn Terrier today.

The Beagle is a medium-sized breed belonging to the hound sporting group. Though many variations of this breed have existed throughout history, the modern breed emerged in England in the early 1800s. The Beagle is a popular choice for pet owners because of its size and calm temperament, and is useful for hunters because of its sharp sense of smell.

Physical Characteristics

Having a solid structure, the Beagle resembles a Foxhound. Hunters can follow the dog on foot, and the tuneful bay of the Beagle aids hunters in locating the dog from a distance. Because of its moderate size, the Beagle can even be carried to the hunting site, where it can then scurry into the dense undergrowth to look for the target. The dog receives protection against the thick underbrush from its coarse and close coat. And being an amicable dog makes it a great pack hunter, mixing well with other dogs.

Personality and Temperament

Known to be among the most friendly of the hound breeds, the Beagle was developed to be a pack hunter. The best qualities in the Beagle are its fondness for exploring the outdoors and its enthusiasm for trailing. This independent breed barks, howls, and sometimes runs off on a trail on its own. Because it is also an incredibly tolerant, calm and adventurously playful dog, the Beagle also makes a perfect pet for families with children.

Care

The Beagle is a social dog that is particularly well suited to the company of humans and other dogs alike. It also needs to spend equal time in the yard as it does in the house. Regular exercise, such as a romp at the park or in a spacious yard area, along with regular leash-led walks are great outdoor activities for the Beagle. This breed can withstand temperate climates and live outdoors most seasons, as long as it has bedding and an enclosed, warm shelter. With its short, close coat, the Beagle does not require extensive grooming. An occasional brushing to encourage turnover of hair, and to minimize hair buildup in the house is all that is needed to keep your Beagle looking healthy and vibrant.

Health

The Beagle has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. While this breed is generally healthy overall, some specific ailments that are known to affect the Beagle breed are patellar luxation, glaucoma, epilepsy, central progressive retinal atrophy (CPRA), hypothyroidism, distichiasis, chondrodysplasia, cherry eye, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). Deafness, cataract, hemophilia A, demodicosis, and umbilical hernia are some other health problems that affect the breed, while some major ailments include primary carnitine deficiency (CUD) and intervertebral disk disease. Some exams used to identify these conditions include hip, thyroid, and eye tests.

History and Background

The word “beagle” is thought to have come from certain old French words meaning an open throat, a possible connection to the dog’s musical bay. It is also speculated that the dog’s name might have derived from old French, Celtic or English words meaning small. Beagle-like dogs were probably used for the popular sport of hare-hunting in England during the 1300s, but the term “beagle” was not used until 1475. Hunters would follow the dog on foot and sometimes even carry one in his pocket. There were several sizes of Beagles in the 1800s, but the pocket-size dogs were most popular. These small dogs measured only about nine inches and required the hunter’s help while crossing rough fields. Because the smaller Beagles were slower and easier to follow on foot, they appealed especially to women, the elderly, and those who otherwise did not have the stamina or inclination to keep up with an active dog.

The first mention of the Beagle in the United States occurred in the town records of Ipswich, Massachusetts, in 1642. Before the American Civil War, people in the South used Beagles, but these dogs did not resemble English Beagles. However, when the war was over, English Beagles were imported for crossbreeding and to develop the modern American Beagle we know today. The last part of the 19th century saw the emergence of Beagles as popular competitors on the field and in exhibitions. Soon thereafter, this little hound dog with the melodic howl came to be amongst the most preferred family pets in the U.S.