Catahoula Leopard vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison

Catahoula Leopard vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed ComparisonWest Highland White Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Catahoula Leopard is originated from United States. West Highland White Terrier may grow 38 cm / 14 inches shorter than Catahoula Leopard. West Highland White Terrier may weigh 38 kg / 83 pounds lesser than Catahoula Leopard. Both West Highland White Terrier and Catahoula Leopard has almost same life span. West Highland White Terrier may have less litter size than Catahoula Leopard. West Highland White Terrier requires High Maintenance. But Catahoula Leopard requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
undefined
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Height Female:
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
53 - 68 cm
20 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
20 - 48 kg
44 - 106 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 7 kg
13 - 16 pounds
18 - 48 kg
39 - 106 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 7
8 - 12
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Westie or Westy
Louisiana Catahoula, Catahoula Hound, Leopard Dog
Colors Available:
White
Brindle, blend of several colors - blue merle, red merle, black and tan
Coat:
‎Double
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Friendly, Independent
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

west highland white terrierThe West highland white terrier originated from Poltalloch in Scotland. So they were initially called as Poltalloch terrier and after that they were called as Roseneath terrier. They were initially used for hunting fox, badger, otter and in killing the vermin like rats.

The breed history says that Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch was the reason for the Westie's white colour. This is because in 19th centuryhe went for hunting with his dogs and accidentally he shot his dog as its colour was as fox. So he decided to breed only white colour dogs.

catahoula leopardThis 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.

Description

west highland white terrier puppy - descriptionThe Westie can be said as that a small dog having the talents of the big dog. They are very popular for their obedience. They are also working as therapy dogs and also some in search and rescue teams. The home having Westie will have fun always and be enthusiastic. They will suit them for country or city living, but they like to live with their family. They are well suitable for apartment living, but some training should be given to them for not barking. They can stay in home when you are at work. Westie can be taken to travel, whether it may be long vacation or a short visit.

They are quick learners and so training them is not difficult. Mistakes of them can be corrected patiently since they don't like harsh activities against them. Westie will definitely bark when he sees something or hear different sounds. He will bark on seeing visitors or even other dogs. Sometimes they will bark for very silly things but when given appropriate training in their young stage, they can bark only for alerts.

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

Children friendliness

west highland white terrier dog - characteristicsThe Westie is friendly with children but not all the time. So some care should be taken while they are near children.

Special talents

They like to chase rodents like rabbits as they are interested in hunting.

Adaptability

They are suitable for apartment living unless they are left alone for a very long time. They love cold weather more than hot.

Learning ability

They can be trained by giving some extra efforts.

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

west highland white terrier puppies - health problemsItchy skin and pyoderma are common in terriers. Skin diseases such as Seborrhea and epidermal dysplasia are also found in them.

Hair fall

Westies have possibilities of getting yeast infections in skin[Malassezia Dermatitis] and due to that hair loss will be more.

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 puppy

west highland white terrier dogs - caringThe puppy should be fed 3 to 4 times per day as it requires a considerable amount for their growth. Cooked chicken breast and turkey are best for them and also vegetables should be given to them. Beef and chicken should be kept a limit as it will lead to itchy skin and allergies.

Feeding the adult

The preferable food for the Westie is home cooked. The home food will only contain all the essential nutrients for the Westie.

Points for Good Health

Eventhough the Westie is suitable for apartment living it is recommended to have a daily walk for him to be active and refreshing.

Games and Exercises

They should be made to play for atleast 30 minutes per day for their health as to not gain overweight. Grown up children can play with them as they like it.

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. West Highland White Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. West Highland White Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. West Highland White Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. West Highland White Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. French Bulldog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Beagle vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Yorkshire Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Poodle vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Rottweiler vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Boxer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. English Pointer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Siberian Husky vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Doberman Pinscher vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. American Bully vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Abruzzenhund vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Affenpinscher vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Afghan Hound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Aidi vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Airedale Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Akbash Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Akita vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Africanis vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Askal vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Atlas Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Aussie Poo vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Catahoula Leopard vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Catahoula Leopard vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Catahoula Leopard vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Catahoula Leopard vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Catahoula Leopard vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Catahoula Leopard vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Catahoula Leopard vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Catahoula Leopard vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Catahoula Leopard vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Catahoula Leopard vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Catahoula Leopard vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Catahoula Leopard vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Catahoula Leopard vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Catahoula Leopard vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Catahoula Leopard vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Catahoula Leopard vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Catahoula Leopard vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Catahoula Leopard vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Catahoula Leopard vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Catahoula Leopard vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Catahoula Leopard vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Catahoula Leopard vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Catahoula Leopard vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Catahoula Leopard vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Catahoula Leopard vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison