American Leopard Hounds are bred to be pack dogs and do best when they have a job to do. They have a very keen sense of smell and are able to cover a lot of ground quickly. If you are interested in owning an American Leopard Hound, be prepared to put in a lot of work training and exercising your dog. If you’re interested in owning an American Leopard Hound, here is all the information you need to know before you buy a puppy.
Facts About American Leopard History
The American Leopard Hound is a purebred dog whose ancestors came to Mexico by Spanish conquistadors and has some similarities to Catahoula Leopard dog. It was later carried from Mexico to the United States by settlers, who used them to hunt dogs. The UKC designated it the Leopard Cur in 1998, but ten years later the name was change to American Leopard Hound. The AKC (American Kennel Club) did not formally register the breed, but they are in Foundation Stock Service, which means that they are not eligible to be registered as pure breeds, however, they can be safely bred to keep their records. They were, however, registered by the United Kennel Club in 1998.
American Leopard Hound Breed Characteristics
American Leopard Hounds are muscular and have high endurance. They are a very versatile breed and make good pets as well as working dogs. They are noted for stamina, agility and ability to adapt to bad weather conditions.
American Leopard Hound Appearance
American Leopard Hounds are available in several colors, including black, liver, red and yellow. They stand about 21-24 inches tall and males weigh 45 to 75 pounds, while females 35 to 65 pounds. The American Leopard Hound has a short and smooth coat that can be merle or brindle. They have a dense double coat which helps keep them warm in cold weather and protects them in thick underbrush. They have a medium-length muzzle, floppy ears and smooth and effortless gait. Their tail can be virtually of any length, but usually is long, thin and tapered.
Maintenance
Their coat is quite short, but their undercoat is dense and not hypoallergenic, which means that they have some doggy smell. Baths should be done every couple of months, or more often if they get particularly dirty. American Leopard Hounds are relatively easy to groom; they require regular brushing and additional trimming around the paw pads. Nails should be trimmed every few weeks, and their ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent wax build-up and infection. If your hound gets particularly dirty from working in the field, baths can be done more frequently.
Energy Level
American Leopard Hounds are known to be high-energy dogs. They love to run and play, and need plenty of exercise every day. If you’re not able to provide enough activity for an American Leopard Hound, he may become restless and destructive. They love to be challenged with new things to do, so providing a fenced-in yard with plenty of toys and play opportunities is ideal. At least 60 minutes of exercise is recommended each day, as well as a good game of fetch or a long walk.
Diet
The amount of feed an American Leopard Hound needs will depend on its size, activity level, and age. Usually they should eat about 320-680 grams of food per day, but this can vary depending on the individual animal. Active or working dogs will need more food. Their diet should consist mainly of good quality dog food, full of protein and nutrients that will help them stay healthy. Dogs that are less active or older may need less food. It’s important to keep an eye on their weight and adjust their diet according to your dog’s individual needs.
Training
Leopard Hounds are known to be very eager to please and therefore relatively easy to train. They are intelligent animals and will quickly learn the basic commands, and they are known to socialize quickly. Leopard Hounds will also need to be house-trained. It is important to start this process early and be consistent with it.
Personality and Temperament
These herd dogs are bred as hunting dogs and possess the skills required for this activity. They are also bred to be loyal companions and excellent family dogs. American Leopard Hounds make great pets for active families with children who enjoy spending time outdoors. These dogs are lively, playful, loving and affectionate.
They do get along well with other dogs well, and another dog in the pack is always welcome. American Leopard Hounds can make great watchdogs, but should be supervised around small children, as they may accidentally knock them over.
American Leopard Hound: Common Health Concerns
American Leopard Hounds are considered a very healthy breed and their lifespan is 10 to 15 years. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions. Some of the most common health concerns for American Leopard Hounds include:
- hip dysplasia;
- cataracts;
- bloat;
- deafness.
Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint is not properly formed, which can lead to lameness and arthritis. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye that can cause blindness. Bloat is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach expands and traps air, fluid, and food. Deafness can be caused by a number of factors, including ear infections, old age, and genetics.
Healthcare
If you are considering bringing an American Leopard Hound into your home, it is important to be aware of these health concerns and to work with a qualified veterinarian to ensure that your dog receives proper care. By providing your American Leopard Hound with the proper care, you can help ensure that he or she lives a long and healthy life. Also, make sure that you buy a puppy from a reputable breeder who screens for health issues. This will help to ensure that you get a healthy dog.
For Whom?
American Leopard Hounds would be a great pet for someone who is looking for an active dog. These dogs need to be exercised regularly and will make a great jogging or hiking partner. They are also happy to fetch a ball or play Frisbee in the backyard. They are not well adapted to apartment living and would do best in a home with a large yard. Not only that, but they are quite playful and tolerate other dogs very well, so a home with another canine friend is great for them. They are quite vocal and cautious towards strangers, so they will let you know when there’s something on their mind. They’re alert and quick and would make good watch dogs.
American Leopard Hounds as Family Dogs
They’re known to be very loyal and affectionate with the family, so if you’re looking for a good all-around family dog, an American Leopard Hound may be perfect for you. The socialization should begin when they are young so that they will be good with people of all ages. They are very trainable and have a strong desire to please the owner. They are generally good with children and other pets, but may be too energetic for some families. American Leopard Hounds need plenty of exercise and should have a yard to run in. They tend to be barkers and since they have a high prey drive, they may see other pets or small animals as potential targets.
American Leopard Hound Puppy Price
The price for an American Hound can vary depending on the breeder. Some breeders may ask for more money than others, but it is important to find a responsible breeder who is breeding the dogs responsibly. American Leopard Hounds are generally not considered to be an expensive breed, but they are also quite unique and not as common as some other popular breeds. If you’re looking for a puppy, be prepared to pay about $1000. Some breeders may ask for more, but this is generally the average price. Remember to always do your research before buying a puppy to ensure you’re getting a healthy dog from a reputable breeder.
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