English Water Spaniel vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison

English Water Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom but Catahoula Leopard is originated from United States. English Water Spaniel may grow 17 cm / 6 inches shorter than Catahoula Leopard. English Water Spaniel may weigh 28 kg / 61 pounds lesser than Catahoula Leopard. Both English Water Spaniel and Catahoula Leopard has same life span. English Water Spaniel may have less litter size than Catahoula Leopard. Both English Water Spaniel and Catahoula Leopard requires Low maintenance.

History

The English Water Spaniel breed is extinct and has been since the early 1900’s. It was last seen in the 1930s. The breed was a hunting breed, diving for duck and hunting other waterfowl. Legend has it that Shakespeare was referring to this breed of dog in Macbeth when he refers to the “water rug”. Again, in Two Gentlemen of Verona one of the character states about another that “She hath more qualities than a water-spaniel.’

The English Water Spaniel came along before the Irish Water Spaniel and had a part in the development the Curly Coated Retriever, the American Water Spaniel and the Field Spaniel. The English Water Spaniel looks somewhat like a Poodle/Springer Spaniel cross or a Collie. It is not known whether the English Water Spaniel was part of the development of the Irish Water Spaniel.

When the English Water Spaniel was first developed the UKC had a “Water Spaniels other than Irish” and the English Water Spaniel had no standard written and accepted for it yet. But by 1967 the breed was extinct. Still the American Water Spaniel and the Flat Coated Retriever are believed to be descendants of the English Water Spaniel.

catahoula leopard - historyThis working dog breed originates from America’s Deep South. In fact it was originally named after a small village in the state of Louisiana and was made the state’s official dog in 1979. The dog is believed to have come from the Mastiff and Greyhound.

Known as war dogs they were left with local tribes who crossed them with wolves, and French Beauceron blood was also included.

A number of Catahoula dog Associations were started and the Louisiana Catahoula Cur Association was formed in 1976, followed by others. These Associations work to promote the breed. In 1995 the United Kennel Club was the first national dog registry to recognize the Catahoula.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
49 - 51 cm
19 - 21 inches
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Height Female:
45 - 47 cm
17 - 19 inches
53 - 68 cm
20 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
20 - 48 kg
44 - 106 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
18 - 48 kg
39 - 106 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
8 - 12
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Water Dog, Water Rug
Louisiana Catahoula, Catahoula Hound, Leopard Dog
Colors Available:
liver and white
Brindle, blend of several colors - blue merle, red merle, black and tan
Coat:
dense, waterproof, doublecoated
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

Resembling the Springer Spaniel, poodle, collie and setter the English Water Spaniel has very little in common with the Irish Water Spaniel in respect to looks. The English has a narrow and somewhat longer head their than other spaniels and they have long furry ears. Their body is stout, and they are shaped like a barrel – more like a Clumber. With long legs and large feet, it is ready to take to the hunt. There coat was waterproof, and their toes were webbed.

catahoula leopard puppy - descriptionKnown as the Leopard dog because of the distinctive spotted patches on his short to medium length coat, this interesting looking spotted dog can have a coat of many colors such as solid colors, brindle and a blend of several colors including blue merle and red merle, black and tan.

He is a muscular and athletic dog of medium to large size with sturdy legs and deep chest. He stands at 56 – 68cm and weighs 20 – 50kg. Many of these dogs have webbing between the toes which gives them an advantage when running through marshy areas or when swimming.

With his floppy ears, the tail is long or bobtailed. An unusual aspect with the dog is his eyes – having what is known as marbled glass eyes which are blue or blueish-white in color.

Temperament:

The Catahoula Leopard Dog can be stubborn and he is also energetic, fearless and highly intelligent. You’ll want to have him trained and socialized early as then he becomes a more relaxed, obedient dog. He is an assertive dog but not aggressive by nature.

Catahoulas in general are even tempered and they are willing to share their space with children in the home as well as other pets. They are protective of children and of their entire human family, making good watchdogs.

Characteristics

The English Water Spaniel was aloof with strangers but loyal with his hunter. He was a little stubborn and an excellent water dog. They loved being in the water and could enter it without making any noise so as not to frighten his prey. He was highly intelligent and trainable. He also was very affectionate with his people.

catahoula leopard dog - characteristicsThe Catahoula makes a fine family pet but he is a dog which shouldn’t be left outside day after day. He is a companion dog and won’t thrive without the companionship of his human family.

He is highly intelligent and also energetic, and if you want him to be relaxed and amicable around other humans and pets in the home he will require training and socialization. For training and ownership, the Catahoula Leopard will require a strong, firm, confident personality and he’ll be an obedient, loving and loyal companion.

Health Problems

The English Water Spaniel is a fairly healthy breed given to some fairly common disorders such as:

Hip Dysplasia

Can lead to lameness and arthritis

Cardiac abnormalities

Arterial fib and flutter and other problems that could lead to death.

Degenerative Myelopathy

This is a disease seem in several “Dwarf” breeds such as Corgis, as well as in many spaniels. This is the canine version of Lou Gehrig’s Disease or ALS and it is fatal.

catahoula leopard puppies - health problemsYour Catahoula Leopard is a healthy dog breed and with good care he can live to be 10 to 14 years of age. However, there are a number of reasons why some of the healthiest dogs can become ill.

Knowing about these illnesses means you can take action and minimize the pain and suffering your pet might have to otherwise endure.

Ear Infections:

You’ll notice your pet shaking his head and maybe even scratching his ears. Ear infections are more evident in dogs with floppy ears and there can be an ear discharge. When left untreated, the ears can become painful and then it is time to get him to the vet.

Urinary Tract Infection:

This is a common illness in dogs and can be terribly uncomfortable and debilitating for your pet as he tries to urinate all the time with no success. Signs of UTI can include this excessive urination with little urine coming out, lethargy and discomfort. Take your pet immediately to the vet to be checked over.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

The English Water Spaniel is not an overly energetic dog and has a tendency to over eat. Feed him 1 to 1.5 cups of high quality dry dog food over two meals each day.

Health issues

In addition to the health issues mentioned earlier, the English Water Spaniel is also prone to:

Baldness

Pattern baldness – is genetic and occurs on the neck and back of the hind legs.

Cataracts

English Water Spaniels can have these in old age like most other breeds.

Retinal Dysplasia

Clumps form in the retinal tissue and can lead to blindness

Exercise and games

The English Water Spaniel was a worker and an outdoor athlete at a time before organized canine games and activities such as agility and flyball. They loved to swim, and they loved to hunt. Without a job to do they could become barky and destructive.

catahoula leopard dogs - caringA dog makes such a splendid pet, willing to give loyal and loving friendship to humans, even those who don’t treat him properly. When you think of the unconditional love your Catahoula Leopard dog will give you, surely you want to provide him with good food and shelter.

Love and treasure this 4-legged friend of yours as he is a friend like no other.

Provide identification for Him:

It can be devastating if your dog goes missing, and if he has no identification, to find him might only mean telling people what he looks like. Rather put a collar on him and an ID tag so that your chances of getting him back are just that much better.

You can also have him micro-chipped by your veterinarian and these chips have a unique code which can provide useful information on your pet.

Vaccinations:

Make sure that your pet is vaccinated as a puppy against diseases which could be deadly such as rabies.

Spay or Neuter your Catahoula Leopard:

If you have no intention of allowing your Catahoula Leopard to have puppies, rather have him neutered or spayed if its a female. It is better for them and they can live longer and be free of some ailments that at un-spayed or un-neutered dog may get.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. French Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  2. Flat-Coated Retriever vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  3. Finnish Spitz vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  5. English Water Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  6. English Water Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  7. English Water Spaniel vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  8. English Water Spaniel vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  9. English Water Spaniel vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  10. English Water Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  11. English Water Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  12. English Water Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  13. English Water Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  14. Field Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  15. Lagotto Romagnolo vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  16. Formosan Mountain Dog vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  17. Shikoku vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  18. Slovakian Hound vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  19. Small Munsterlander vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  20. Sussex Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  21. Kooikerhondje vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. Sakhalin Husky vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  27. Catahoula Leopard vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  28. Catahoula Leopard vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  29. Catahoula Leopard vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  30. Catahoula Leopard vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  31. Catahoula Leopard vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  32. Catahoula Leopard vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Catahoula Leopard vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  34. Catahoula Leopard vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  35. Catahoula Leopard vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Catahoula Leopard vs Canaan Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. German Pinscher vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  38. Portuguese Water Dog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  39. Puli vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  40. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  41. German Spaniel vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  42. McNab vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  43. Porcelaine vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  44. Finnish Lapphund vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  45. Griffon Nivernais vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  46. Hokkaido vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  47. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  48. Pumi vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  49. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  50. Istrian Sheepdog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds