Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Curly-Coated Retriever. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Curly-Coated Retriever: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and for the Curly-Coated Retriever. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Curly-Coated Retriever

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Curly-Coated Retriever: Overview

A very important difference between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a large-sized dog while the Curly-Coated Retriever is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Catahoula Leopard Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Curly-Coated Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Curly-Coated Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Catahoula Leopard Dog to the Curly-Coated Retriever based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Factor Catahoula Leopard Dog Curly-Coated Retriever
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 9 to 12 years
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Height 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Weight 50 to 90 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 10.5 years
Average Price $650 No Data
Price Range $400 – $800 No Data
Temperament Score 78.6 percent 91.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cord-1 PRA
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • GSD IIIa
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Catahoula Leopard Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Curly-Coated Retriever. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for a Catahoula Leopard Dog is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Curly-Coated Retriever is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Curly-Coated Retriever is a better pet than the Catahoula Leopard Dog. So, you should get the Curly-Coated Retriever!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever

    Below is a list of where the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever are most different:

  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Curly-Coated Retrievers get along well with other dogs.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Curly-Coated Retrievers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs not very playful. However, Curly-Coated Retrievers are very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever

    The Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever are most similar:

  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Curly-Coated Retriever

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Curly-Coated Retrievers weigh 65 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Curly-Coated Retrievers are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Curly-Coated Retriever Versus the Catahoula Leopard Dog

    The Curly-Coated Retriever has a better temperament than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Curly-Coated Retriever is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 78.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and they are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 78.6 percent, the Catahoula Leopard Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 91.7 percent, the Curly-Coated Retriever has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever by measuring the temperaments of 14 Catahoula Leopard Dogs and 181 Curly-Coated Retrievers.

    Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Curly-Coated Retriever?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Curly-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Curly-Coated Retriever?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Curly-Coated Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Curly-Coated Retriever?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Curly-Coated Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Which one drools more, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Curly-Coated Retriever

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Curly-Coated Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Does the Catahoula Leopard Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Curly-Coated Retriever?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Curly-Coated Retrievers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Curly-Coated Retriever

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Curly-Coated Retrievers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Easier to Train than the Curly-Coated Retriever?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not easy to train.

    Curly-Coated Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Curly-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Curly-Coated Retrievers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Curly-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Curly-Coated Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Curly-Coated Retrievers?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Curly-Coated Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed more than Curly-Coated Retrievers?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed moderately.

    Curly-Coated Retrievers shed moderately.

    Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Curly-Coated Retrievers?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Curly-Coated Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Wanderlust Potential: Catahoula Leopard Dog vs. Curly-Coated Retriever

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Curly-Coated Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs good family dogs? What about Curly-Coated Retrievers?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Curly-Coated Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Curly-Coated Retriever?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Curly-Coated Retrievers are moderately easy to groom.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Catahoula Leopard Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Catahoula Leopard Dog:

  • Chesapeake Bay Retriever (73 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Curly-Coated Retriever vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
  • Hovawart (78 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Curly-Coated Retriever vs Hovawart.
  • Boerboel (72 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Curly-Coated Retriever vs Boerboel.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Curly-Coated Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Curly-Coated Retriever that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Curly-Coated Retriever:

  • Airedale Terrier (82 percent match with Curly-Coated Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Airedale Terrier.
  • English Springer Spaniel (79 percent match with Curly-Coated Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs English Springer Spaniel.
  • Irish Setter (82 percent match with Curly-Coated Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Irish Setter.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Catahoula Leopard Dog and how the Curly-Coated Retriever compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog and of the Curly-Coated Retriever to other breeds:

    Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Patterdale Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Great Dane     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Spinone Italiano     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Maltipoo     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Tibetan Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Gordon Setter     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Japanese Spitz     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Labradoodle     

    Curly-Coated Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Curly-Coated Retriever versus Welsh Terrier     Curly-Coated Retriever versus Shih Tzu     Curly-Coated Retriever versus Dutch Shepherd     Curly-Coated Retriever versus Chow Chow     Curly-Coated Retriever versus Pomsky     Curly-Coated Retriever versus Aussiedoodle     Curly-Coated Retriever versus Irish Water Spaniel     Curly-Coated Retriever versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Curly-Coated Retriever versus Welsh Terrier     Curly-Coated Retriever versus Yorkshire Terrier     

    Conclusion: Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Curly-Coated Retriever. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Curly-Coated Retriever better suits you and your family.