The Catahoula Leopard Dog (aka Louisiana Catahoula Cur, Catahoula Hog Dog, Leopard Dog) is the state animal of Louisiana in the United States. Catahoula is a parish in the state, and is believed to be from Choctaw words meaning "water" and "beloved." Its name is only one of the things about the Catahoula that seem to have no clear origin. The breed is actually a mixed-breed, descended from Native American dogs and a mix of European dogs believed to include hounds, molossers, and mastiffs. Unlike mutts, however, which come from random breeding, curs are mixed from several breeds on purpose for their work abilities. The monicker "Hog Dog" refers to the Catahoula's use as a tracker/hunter of feral hogs, as well as other game.
The Catahoula's glass eyes are also one of the things noteworthy about the breed. Heterochromia is a condition wherein a pair of eyes may be of two different colors, or where a single eye may contain two different colors. This pigmentation anomaly is a congenital condition in the dog, the result of a dominant gene.
Today, farmers and ranchers consider the Catahoula an integral part of their operations, being a well-rounded dog able to help in watching/guarding, herding, and hunting, as well as protect and be loyal to a family.
