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Group: Foundation Stock Service

Size: 21-27 inches
Weight: 35-75 pounds

Hypoallergenic: No

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Behavior

The American Leopard Hound is a breed of dog that is known for its friendly and outgoing personality. They are loyal and affectionate to their owners, and tend to be good with children and other pets when socialized properly. The breed is also known for its high energy level and love for outdoor activities. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Daily walks, runs, and playtime in a secure, fenced area are essential for their well-being.

American Leopard Hounds are intelligent and trainable dogs that excel in various dog sports, such as agility and obedience training. They also have a strong hunting instinct and may chase small animals, making it utmost important to keep them on a leash or in a secure area when outside. Proper socialization is important for American Leopard Hounds to prevent fearfulness and aggression towards strangers or other animals. Early socialization and exposure to different people, animals, and environments can help them become well-adjusted and confident dogs. The breed is also known for its vocalization, and may bark or howl frequently. Training and positive reinforcement methods can help to reduce excessive barking. American Leopard Hounds are protective of their families and may bark or growl if they perceive a threat. However, they are not typically aggressive towards humans or other animals.

History

The American Leopard Hound is a relatively new breed that was developed in the United States in the late 20th century. The breed was created by crossbreeding various hunting dogs, including the Treeing Walker Coonhound, the Mountain Cur, and the Plott Hound.

The breed's development was led by a group of breeders who aimed to create a versatile hunting dog that could track and tree a wide range of game, including raccoons, squirrels, and big game like bears and cougars. The name comes from its distinctive leopard-like coat pattern, which is believed to be a result of the Plott Hound and other breeds that were used in its development. The American Leopard Hound was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2018 and is still a rare breed. However, the breed is gaining popularity among hunting enthusiasts and families looking for an active and loyal companion.

In addition to its hunting abilities, the American Leopard Hound has also been used as a search and rescue dog and in law enforcement for their keen sense of smell and tracking abilities. The breed's friendly and outgoing personality has also made them suitable as therapy dogs. Although still a developing breed, the breed standards for American Leopard Hound are not yet fully established. However, breeders are working to maintain and improve the breed's health, temperament, and hunting abilities. The breed is recognized by the UKC and several other organizations, and breed clubs and associations have been established to promote and support the breed.

Looks & Health

The American Leopard Hound is a medium-sized breed with a lean and muscular build. They have a short, sleek coat that can come in a variety of colors and patterns, including the distinctive leopard-like pattern that gives the breed its name. The breed has a broad head with drop ears, and their eyes are typically brown or amber in color. They have a long tail that is often carried in a curved or sickle shape when in motion. Overall, the American Leopard Hound is a striking and distinctive looking breed.

The American Leopard Hound is a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. However, they can be prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia, which is a common condition in many dog breeds that can cause lameness and arthritis. Other health issues that may be seen in American Leopard Hounds include ear infections, allergies, and eye problems.

To maintain good health, regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care, such as vaccinations and parasite control, are important. Responsible breeders should test their breeding stock for genetic conditions and only breed dogs that are free from known health issues. Prospective owners should also ask about the health history of the dog's parents and grandparents before making a commitment to a puppy.

Exercise

The American Leopard Hound are hunting dogs by nature, and they have a strong drive to chase and track prey. As such, they thrive in environments where they can engage in these activities, such as in rural or suburban areas with access to wooded trails or large open fields. Owners of American Leopard Hounds should provide them with plenty of opportunities for exercise, including daily walks or runs, outdoor playtime, and training sessions that engage their minds and bodies. They also enjoy activities such as swimming, hiking, and agility training.

It is important to note that the breed can be strong-willed and independent, so owners should ensure that they are always in control and that their dogs are trained to come when called. A securely fenced yard is also recommended to prevent the dog from wandering off or chasing after small animals.

Training

The American Leopard Hound is an intelligent and trainable breed, but they can be independent and strong willed at times. As such, early socialization and training are important for establishing good behavior and obedience. American Leopard Hound dog training must include positive reinforcement training methods, such as using treats and praise. They respond well to consistent and patient training, and they enjoy activities that engage their minds, such as scent work, agility training, and obedience training.

Because they are a hunting breed, make sure to train them to come when called and to be able to control their prey drive. They also benefit from learning basic commands such as "sit," "stay," and "come." Early leash training is also important for ensuring that they do not pull or become overly excited during walks or outdoor activities. As with any breed, you should start training the American Leopard Hound as early as possible and to remain consistent and patient throughout the process.

Food & Nutrition

As an active and energetic breed, American Leopard Hound may require more calories than sedentary breeds. Food and nutrition for American Leopard Hound includes high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, weight, and activity level. Protein is an essential component of the American Leopard Hound's diet, as it helps to support their lean muscle mass and overall health. Look for dog foods that have a high protein content and a balanced ratio of fats and carbohydrates. Adequate hydration is also essential for their overall health and wellbeing, especially during periods of exercise and high activity.

Avoid feeding them table scraps or human food, as this can upset their stomachs and lead to obesity or other health problems. Additionally, some human foods, such as chocolate, onions, and garlic, can be toxic to dogs.

Conclusion

The American Leopard Hound can make a wonderful pet for the right owner or family. They are loyal, loving, and eager to please their humans. They thrive on regular exercise and outdoor activities, making them a good choice for individuals or families who enjoy an active lifestyle. However, potential owners should be aware that the American Leopard Hound requires early socialization and consistent training to ensure good behavior and obedience. They can also have a high prey drive and may require additional training to control this instinct. For more information, or to avail our services like overnight stays for dogs, visit Pawnanny.com .