CATTLE HERDING DOGS BEING BRED IN JACKSON

The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard is a rare breed of dog that is gaining in popularity.

Research claims the dogs were first brought to the Louisiana area by Spanish explorer DeSoto in the 1540s.

The early breed was believed to be fierce war dogs that were used to fight against the Indians.

The breed today is a mix of the original dogs DeSoto brought over and the red and blue wolves that roamed the Louisiana area.

It is believed the dogs received their name because some of them have blue "clear" eyes. Catahoula is an Indiana word meaning clear eyes.

Catahoulas are a versatile breed. In Louisiana they are used in search and rescue work. Other uses include herding cattle, hunting hogs or just being family pets.

Jason Stroup of Jackson is raising the Catahoulas and will soon have pups for sale. Stroup and Kim Glasco, another owner of Catahoulas, have been called on many times to help round up stray cattle in the area.

"They go to the head, begin barking and stop the cows until we can get to them," said Stroup.

Stroup and Glasco recently used their dogs to rescue a horse from the interstate for the Highway Patrol.

Due to the mixed breeding, the dogs appear in a variety of colors. The color of the coat varies from solid red, white, liver or black. Some are spotted with shades of blue, gray or brown. The most prized Catahoula is one that is spotted to resemble a leopard.

All are slick, short-haired dogs which add to their quickness in both water and brush. The dogs also have webbing between the toes making swampy brush areas easier to navigate.

Although they are good working dogs, Stroup said they also make great pets and are very gentle around children.