Catahoula Leopard Dog

Nature 2 Minutes

Some dogs are easy-going companions. Others are natural-born workers, always ready for action. Then there’s the Catahoula Leopard Dog—a breed with a personality as bold as its name. Get ready to uncover what makes this breed one of the most intriguing in the canine world.

Louisiana Recognizes It as the Official State Dog

Declared Louisiana’s official state dog in 1979, the Catahoula Leopard Dog has deep historical roots in the region. This breed is used for hunting and herding, and it showcases impressive intelligence and resilience. Its official recognition reflects its significance in Louisiana’s culture, particularly in rural and working communities.

Catahoula means “sacred lake” in the Choctaw language, referencing the Catahoula Parish in Louisiana. This name highlights the breed’s connection to indigenous history and the swampy landscapes where it thrived. Some historical accounts suggest the breed was originally called the Catahoula Cur.

Eyes Can Be a Striking Mix of Colors

Heterochromia, a rare genetic trait, often occurs in Catahoulas and creates one-of-a-kind eye colors. Some have “glass eyes” that appear blue or white. Others display amber, green, or a mix in one eye. These variations enhance their mysterious, piercing gaze, making them even more captivating.

One Of the Most Unique Coat Patterns

Swirls and brindle stripes combine to make this breed instantly recognizable. In addition, the Catahoula Leopard Dog’s coat can display blue, red, black, or chocolate merle patterns. Because of this, no two Catahoulas look identical, making their appearance as distinctive as a fingerprint.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog’s Coat Is Water-Resistant

The Catahoula Leopard Dog’s coat is not only striking but also functional. Their short, dense fur helps repel water, allowing them to move through wet environments comfortably. This characteristic is especially beneficial in the wet and muddy terrains they are often found working in.

The American Kennel Club Does Not Recognize It

Despite its long history and working capabilities, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has not officially recognized the breed. Instead, organizations like the United Kennel Club and the National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas (NALC) uphold breed standards.

Requires A Job to Stay Happy

A daily routine with problem-solving exercises keeps the Catahoula Leopard Dog engaged and reinforces its instincts. The breed may become restless and destructive without this mental and physical stimulation. High-energy tasks like agility courses or herding trials are essential to prevent boredom.

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  2. “Located at the southernmost point of the Norwegian coastline, where the sea storms from the north and south meet, the project is situated at a unique confluence. Marine species flourish here in the both briny and brackish waters to produce a natural abundance in biodiversity at the site. 

    In Norwegian, “under” has the dual meaning of ”below” and ”wonder.” Half-sunken into the sea, the building’s 34-meter long monolithic form breaks the surface of the water to rest directly on the seabed five meters below. The structure is designed to fully integrate into its marine environment over time, as the roughness of the concrete shell will function as an artificial reef, welcoming limpets and kelp to inhabit it. With the thick concrete walls lying against the craggy shoreline, the structure is built to withstand pressure and shock from the rugged sea conditions. Like a sunken periscope, the restaurant’s massive window offers a view of the seabed as it changes throughout the seasons and varying weather conditions. 

    The restaurant seats 35-40 dinner guests every night, in a dining room protected by half a meter-thick concrete walls. Its culinary focus is to create a fine dining experience based on high quality, locally-sourced produce, with a special emphasis on sustainable wildlife capture. Danish expatriate Nicolai Ellitsgaard from acclaimed restaurant Måltid in Kristiansand is the Head Chef, bringing an international, 16-person kitchen team with experience from top Michelin restaurants.”

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  8. “Army drops COVID-19 vaccine requirement for child care and youth program staff”

    Stars and Stripes, Lara Korte • August 25, 2025

    A child care provider wears a face mask while leading children in an activity.

    Isela Orona, a child care provider at Fort Carson, Colo., leads children in a fall learning activity in 2021.

    ENTIRE ARTICLE: “Workers and participants in the Army’s child and youth services programs will no longer be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the service said in a memo Aug. 25, 2025. (Eric Parris/U.S. Army)

    COVID-19 shots are no longer required for employees or children in Army child care centers, youth programs and school support services. A memo announcing the end of the coronavirus immunization mandate was posted online Monday after being signed earlier this month by Anthony Tata, defense undersecretary for personnel and readiness. It applies to all youth program staffers, child care providers and volunteers, as well as children enrolled in the programs.

    All other age-appropriate vaccinations, such as the one for measles, are still required, according to the memo.

    The Army’s Child and Youth Services programs range from day care to sports and fitness programs. The service employs about 11,000 people and serves more than 200,000 children, according to the Army.

    The directive is meant to align with a 2023 executive order by former President Joe Biden saying that there was no further need for a government-wide COVID-19 vaccination requirement, according to the new memo.

    Faith Nietfeld, a child care center teacher at Fort Polk, La., watches over her students as they play in 2021. (Angie Thorne/U.S. Army)

    President Donald Trump had long criticized the Biden administration for ordering service members to receive the vaccine between 2021 and 2023. During that period, roughly 8,200 troops were discharged for refusing the vaccine, according to The Associated Press.

    Shortly after returning to office in January, Trump issued an executive order reinstating the discharged service members, though few opted to reenlist.

    The federal government initially required COVID-19 vaccines for its employees at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. In recent years, many of those mandates were rolled back as vaccination rates increased and the threat from the virus decreased…..”

    Ninety-six active-duty service members were among at least 690 military-connected workers who had died from the virus as of December 2022, according to DOD data.

    Even without a vaccine mandate, the Defense Department is still encouraging employees to stay current with vaccinations, especially those for seasonal respiratory viruses like the flu and COVID-19.”

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