The short answer is no; Catahoula Leopard dogs aren’t hypoallergenic.
The Catahoula Leopard dogs are agile hunters, so they’re particularly good outdoors. However, this might also be part of the reason why they aren’t risk-free for those who suffer from pet allergies.
Why Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs Non-Hypoallergenic?
Despite what you might have heard, no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic.
That said, some breeds are less likely to trigger allergic reactions, like the Basenji and Italian Greyhound. So, people label them as “hypoallergenic” pets.
Unfortunately, the Catahoula Leopard isn’t one of those.
Here’s why:
1. The Short Coat Isn’t Dander-Free
At first glance, it might seem like the Catahoula Leopard puppies should be hypoallergenic. After all, the coat looks manageable, so it shouldn’t trigger allergies, right?
Well, that’s not the case.
Just because the Catahoula Leopard’s single coat is short and easy to manage doesn’t mean it’s dander free. This pet dander is actually the main reason behind allergies to dogs, not the hair itself.
So, when the pet sheds, he spreads the dander around the house. The Catahoula Leopard dogs don’t shed a ton, but they do it regularly.
2. They’re Really Outdoorsy
If you’ve raised a Catahoula Leopard, you’ll know how much this breed loves being outdoors. They don’t even mind rough trails.
In fact, the breed’s history with hunting traces all the way back to Native American tribes!
That’s why they make great companions for outdoorsy folks like hunters, hikers, and avid campers.
Unfortunately, though, this exposes them to pollen, dirt, mites, and bacteria, all of which can accumulate in their coats.
Plus, they’re scent-driven. So, they’ll always be tracking and sniffing—possibly where they shouldn’t be sniffing.
So, by the end of the day, these lovable pooches will bring all these potential allergens back home. If anyone in the household is particularly sensitive, they could end up showing symptoms of an allergic reaction.
3. It’s in the Saliva
Just like how dog dander causes allergies, salvia could also be a culprit behind allergic reactions. Fortunately, Catahoula Leopards aren’t heavy droolers, at least not as much as the Saint Bernard breed!
The catch here is that, despite their reputation as watchdogs and hunters, the Catahoula Leopard dogs can actually be friendly. This is particularly true if they had enough socialization as pups.
So, naturally, you can expect a couple of licks here and there during playtime.
If your immune system is sensitive, the playtime with licking, shedding, and dander flying around could be an issue.
How Can You Tell That You’re Allergic to a Catahoula Leopard?
Sadly, it’s hard to tell whether you’ll get allergies from a Catahoula Leopard dog without spending time with him first.
Spot the Signs
If you’re concerned about pet allergies, it’s best to meet the pup a few times before bringing him back home.
This way, you can spot the common warning signs, including:
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Itchy throat
- Skin rashes (especially in response to saliva)
- Asthma attacks
Consider Allergy Testing
There’s no definitive test for allergies to the Catahoula Leopard breed in particular. However, you could set an appointment to get tested for common allergens.
The test results can tell if you’re likely to be sensitive to things like pet dander, dust, and pollen.
Is It Possible to Manage Exposure to Allergens With a Catahoula Leopard?
Some people with mild pet allergies can cope with their furry friends.
So, it’s not far-fetched to believe that you might still be able to keep your Catahoula Leopard at home with some precautions.
1. Keep Your Catahoula Leopard Stress-Free
It could sound a little counterintuitive to suggest caring for the pet when you’re the one with a runny nose.
However, the Catahoula Leopard dogs tend to shed more when they feel stressed out.
So, you’ll want to make sure the little guy is as comfortable around you as possible. Otherwise, you’ll risk more shedding that spreads dander around the house.
2. Stick to a Bathing Routine
A Catahoula Leopard dog will thrive on outdoor time, and it’ll be hard to deprive him of that. So, instead, you might just want to clean him up more often.
Plus, where your pup gets his exercise will make all the difference in how much you’ll need to bathe him.
So, if you take your dog along on camping trips, you could give him a thorough rinse before heading back home.
3. Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Grooming
With their short coats, the Catahoula Leopards can be really easy to groom at home.
In this case, you won’t be doing it only for aesthetic or bonding benefits. Instead, you’ll do it to control the shedding, too.
Of course, you’ll want someone who isn’t as allergic to handle the grooming chore. If that’s not possible, consider taking your Catahoula to a professional groomer every now and then.
4. Use Obedience Training to Your Advantage
If you’re getting a breed that’s as energetic as the Catahoula Leopard, odds are, you’ll need obedience training.
So, you might as well make the most of the training sessions in managing exposure to allergens.
For instance, you’ll need to work on “stop” and “come” commands to keep the dog from rolling around dirty grounds. The commands will also come in handy if you want to keep him away from allergic family members.
You can also consider making your bedroom pet-free if your allergies tend to act up at night. If any fur finds its way inside, it should be minimal, and you can tackle it with a lint roller.
Just try to do this early on while training the puppy to reinforce the idea that some spaces are off-limits.
5. Consider Medication
Suppose you’re only going to spend limited time with the Catahoula Leopard. In that case, you can talk to your physician about medications.
Depending on how severe your symptoms are, your allergist might recommend some ant-histamine pills to help you out.
If all else fails, you might want to consider getting a breed that’s a bit more hypoallergenic than the Catahoula Leopard.
Calvin is the co-founder and one of the main contributors to dogtemperament.com. He has been an avid dog lover all his life. He enjoys researching and sharing great ideas on how you can avoid common pitfalls of dog ownership and build the most loving and enjoyable relationship with your dog.