While some dogs that work with hogs or cattle prod, cajole, or nibble at ankles, the Catahoula Leopard Dog has a rather different (and distinct) approach: Run like hell toward the cattle, bite if need be, then make a run for it. The enraged cow or hog will chase after dog with retaliation in mind, but ultimately, the critter will find itself exactly where the dog wanted it in the first place.

This is a rather simplistic explanation, of course, as there are nuanced steps in between. A Catahoula is what some might describe as a “bay” dog, its natural inclination being to stop cattle and hold them in a group or bunch. Until a farmhand, rancher,  or owner arrives, the Catahoula will work from the front in “header” fashion, barking and moving in a semi-circle face to face with the animal. When more than one Catahoula is present, they seem to work off each other by making wide circles around any cow in sight, the point being to gather them into a herd. Once settled, the cows are pushed from behind by the human, while the dogs cover areas in front to discourage a cow from making a break for it. The dogs eventually run into a paddock or fenced stock yard with the livestock behind, still being pushed forward. Once penned, the gates are shut, the dogs jump over the fence or railing, and another day’s work is done.

We came across this video which illustrates a bit of what you’ve just read. What looks like mayhem early on suddenly seems organized. With regards to the boldness with which the dogs confront beasts many times their size, author, Desmond Morris, quoted one owner as saying that these dogs are “walking sledgehammers.”  We can’t disagree!

It should be said that some people regards Catahoulas not as stock dogs, but as true hunters at heart, their working talent a welcomed offshoot of that instinct.

Image: “Catahoula Leopard Dog Riding Pig” – Collage on Tea Stained Paper by Elliot of Tea Stained Madness is available for purchase here.