American Leopard Hound — breed guide

At a glance

Group

hound

Size

Large

Weight

20–34 kg (44–75 lb)

Life span

12–15 years

Coat

Short, dense, often merle coat

Living with a American Leopard Hound

• Very high energy — built for work and long days out.
• Almost no grooming.
• Moderate shedding.
• Quick to learn.
• Barks readily.
• Can do well with children, with care — easier with older kids than toddlers.
• Usually fine with a familiar dog; strange dogs need managing.
• Not a safe bet with cats — this is prey drive rather than a training problem.
• Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
• Better with previous experience behind you.
• Handles warm weather well.
• Average cold tolerance.

Temperament

Intelligent · Friendly · Tenacious · Watchful

Health to watch

• Hip dysplasia
• Deafness in double merles
• Eye problems

Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.

Questions people ask

Is a American Leopard Hound good with kids?

With care. American Leopard Hounds generally do well with older children who already know how to behave around a dog; with toddlers, supervise every interaction and give the animal somewhere it can retreat to.

Is a American Leopard Hound good with cats?

Usually not. This is prey drive rather than a training problem — a cat that runs can trigger it in a dog that is otherwise impeccably behaved.

How much exercise does a American Leopard Hound need?

Hours — this breed needs a job or a long day out.

Can a American Leopard Hound handle hot weather?

It copes well with warm days.