Okay so I'm sure there are a few of you out there who don't know what a Catahoula is, so allow me to enlighten you. Vetstreet.com defines the Catahoula as -
The hard-working Catahoula Leopard Dog, the official canine of Louisiana, was developed to catch and drive wild hogs and cattle to market. When he’s off-duty, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is an excellent family dog who’s both protective and affectionate.
These dogs are agile, high-energy, protective, loyal, cautious of strangers, independent and stubborn. They were bred to hunt and work, and aren't a common breed outside of Lousiana where the breed was founded.
As a single female college student, I was desperate for a companion. I have always been drawn to Catahoulas because of their unique appearance and protective attitude, so when I came across my dog, I knew I had to have her. What I didn't know, however, was that I was bringing another bossy drama queen into my household. I absolutely adore Hinley and all the ways she keeps my life interesting, but let me tell you guys, the struggle is REAL.
She trees squirrels and other small dogs.
Okay, so this isn't quite her fault. She was bred to be a hunting dog, and in all honesty, some small dogs really do look like squirrels. It's just that...well my neighbors next door aren't too pleased when their five pounds of gray fluff is running for dear life behind a wide-eyed (and totally harmless, I might add) spotted animal howling her head off.
She takes attitude to a whole new level.
I'm talking glares from hell when I forget to order a pup cup in the Starbucks drive through. Yes, this really does happen.
Exercising your dog is a joke.
I remember when the weather started to warm up and I thought it would be a good idea to take Hinley on walks to try to wear her out. Yeah right. There is no such thing as wearing these dogs out. Our cute little walk turned into her running up and down stadium stairs while I stood at the bottom, too out of breath to even call her back to me.
One time, I put a GPS collar on her to track how many miles she ran...it was 19.7 you guys and you wouldn't even know it.
Days on the beach are spent worrying about your dog getting eaten by a shark.
Seriously. If she isn't running circles around me in the sand, she's 500 yards out in the ocean paddling away as if she is on the world's most important mission. I couldn't bribe her out of the water with a 20-ounce steak.
Be prepared to apologize to other pet owners.
So, recently I took Hinley to my cousin's house with me, who also owns a dog, except he gets put on a large runner so he doesn't run off. So what does my dog do? She steals his toys and gets almost close enough for him to reach her before running off. She also steals the neighbor dog's toys when they are both outside and will bury them where he can't find them. When she plays with other dogs, she chases them and then bites their back legs out from underneath them so they literally faceplant. If Mean Dogs were a thing, she would so be Regina George.
They are too smart for their own good.
She can let herself out of her crate but will wait until she hears my car start to do it. When you pretend to throw a toy but really hide it behind your back, she looks at you like you're stupid. Also, she will steal food from the kitchen and hide it where I won't find it in places like the dirty clothes basket.
They need to be the center of attention at all times.
Hinley is mega jealous. If I come home and hug someone before I acknowledge her she has no problem getting between us and letting out a mix between a howl and a low grunt. Also, don't be surprised if your phone gets slapped out of your hand because she is waiting to be petted and time is up.
You will understand the meaning of dramatic better than ever before.
Not only does she give mean looks, but if she is excited or really into something and I yell at her to quit, she does what I say, but not without a grunt. I've also received eye rolls when I make her stay and if she is all up in your face wanting to play and you yell at her, be prepared to get a growl before she crawls under the bed and pouts.
