Which American breed became Louisiana's state dog in 1979?

The Catahoula Leopard Dog became Louisiana’s state dog in 1979.

Named after Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, the breed is also known as the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog or Catahoula Cur. On July 9, 1979, Governor Edwin Edwards signed legislation officially naming it the state dog in recognition of the breed’s historical importance to Louisiana.

Catahoulas developed as versatile working dogs. They were used for hunting, including tracking and baying feral hogs, and for managing livestock. Their striking coats may be blue merle, red merle, brindle, or solid-colored, while their eyes can be blue, brown, green, amber, or mismatched. The leopard-like pattern comes from the merle gene, not from a separate breed.

The name can cause confusion because “Catahoula” identifies both the breed and the Louisiana parish. Registry names also vary: the United Kennel Club uses Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, while the American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service uses Catahoula Leopard Dog. Those names refer to the same state breed.