Originally recognized by the United Kennel Club as the Leopard Cur in 1998 the breed's name was changed to the present American Leopard Hound in 2008. While the history of the American Leopard Hound is hazy it is believed that they owe their ancestry to hound type dogs originally brought to Central America by Spanish conquistadors. These Spanish dogs were crossed with the native stock of Mexico and, when the American South was settled, these hybrid animals were brought north to hunt bears. By the early 18th century the American Leopard Hound was well established in North Carolina where it would remain a popular dog of woodsmen for the next hundred years.
American Leopard Hound
Details
Height: 21-27 inches
Weight: 35-75 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Kennel Clubs
AKC - FSS - September 19, 2012
UKC - Scent Hound - November 1, 1998
For unknown reasons, possibly the lack of large game, by the mid 20th century the American Leopard Hound was in serious decline and cross breeding to other hounds became common. By the 1950’s it became nearly impossible to find a purebred Leopard Hound, fortunately three men J. Richard McDuffie, Leroy E. Smith, and A.W. Carter saw this decline and took it upon themselves to preserve the United States oldest hound. Independently these men scoured the American south east searching for any remaining examples of the breed, in 1960 they established the American Leopard Cur Breeders Association.
Unique among treeing hounds, the American Leopard Hound is remarkably biddable and easy to train. They are highly acclaimed among hunters for their ease of handling and can be kept under voice control even while trailing. Intelligence is highly praised and they are known for being smart when baying game having an uncanny ability to duck and dodge they are rarely injured. This intelligence and desire to please also makes the American Leopard Hound an exceptional pet dog, they are known to be gentle and protective of children.
