American Leopard Hound

Breed Group: Hound

"Do you smell that? I better go investigate."

Breed Profile

The American Leopard Hound’s spotted coat may be the first thing you notice, but these hunting dogs don’t care about looks—they’ve got a job to do. This breed can smell prey from a mile away, and once they start nosing around, they won’t stop until they’re victorious.

Behavior

American Leopard Hounds are tree dogs that aim to please their master. They’re easy to train and will do anything to make you happy. True to their hound name, American Leopards have a keen sense of smell and will track a scent for miles. They were bred for hunting, so once these dogs set their mind to something, they won’t stop until they get what they want.

Coat

The American Leopard Hound has a double coat of rough fur on the outside and fine, wooly hair underneath. This double coat allows them to withstand the elements and work in tough terrain that most dogs wouldn’t touch. They come in a variety of colors, but the most common is a leopard or merle pattern with splashes of yellow, black, tan, grey, and brindle. American Leopard Hounds are average shedders that only need brushing every week or so to keep their coat in good shape.

Lifestyle

American Leopard Hounds are tough dogs that can withstand the elements. They prefer cold climates over warm weather, but they can get along fine in either. Because this breed are natural hunters, they do best as the only animal in the family, but if you do have other animals, dogs of the opposite sex would be best. Bringing them into a home with cats or small animals will inevitably lead to trouble, as they’ll probably see them as prey rather than a fellow furry friend. American Leopards need plenty of activity and space to roam, so they’re best suited for homes with large, fenced-in yards instead apartments or smaller homes in urban settings.

Activity

American Leopard Hounds are known for their stamina and toughness. They’re used to being on the hunt, so they need lots of physical and mental stimulation to keep them occupied. These dogs can walk or run for hours without getting tired, and they aren’t bothered by extreme cold or heat, so they won’t let the weather stop them from being active.

Characteristics

Space Needs
Activity Needs
Intelligence
Playfulness
Grooming Needs
Trainability
Watchdog Ability
Affection
Barking
Cat-friendliness
Dog-friendliness
Child-friendliness