I recently bought a Martingale collar from ClassicHound.com to use on Riley’s walks.  (The full product review will be coming soon!)

I’ve been using the very pretty collar for a couple of weeks now on our walks.  Basically a martingale collar slightly tightens when your dog pulls on their leash.  It is NOT a choke collar–so it does not tighten all the way a choke collar does.

A martingale collar is essential for people who own dogs with necks bigger than their head (like Greyhounds).  Greyhounds can slip right out of a regular collar anytime they feel like it because…well, they’ve got freakishly skinny heads.  Today I learned that the Martingale collar must also be essential for dogs named Riley the Catahoula.

Today we were out just for a quick minute–Riley had rung her potty bell, and needed to go pee.  I was a little frustrated about this because I was in the middle of work.  Instead of putting on the Martingale collar I just took her out quickly with her regular collar and leash.

We crossed the street to pee in her favorite spot.  Before we could even begin to sniff, an old blue van passed by.  Riley, being a crazy herding dog, looked as if she wanted to chase the van.  So I pulled her aside, told her “leave it” and made her sit until it passed.

I did not see, however, that just behind the van was the UPS TRUCK.  Good god, no!  Not a UPS truck!  Riley dreams of chasing UPS trucks every single night.

Riley, of course, knew all along that the UPS truck was within her sights.  She struggled and struggled.  I pulled her back from the road onto a neighbor’s yard.  She struggled and struggled.

Finally (for the first time ever) she managed to slip out of her regular collar!  To keep her from attacking and/or herding the UPS truck, I had to hang onto her with all my might.

I did all of this in a long skirt and a pair of boots with very high heals (2 inches).  Needless to say I had to resort to body-slamming Riley onto the ground to keep her contained.  (I may have tripped on top of her.)

Did I mention we were in a neighbor’s yard?

Once the UPS TRUCK had passed, Riley sat and stayed like the most obedient dog ever.  I put her collar back on, tightened it, stood up and shook myself off.

Just as I did this, the old blue van drove back up to us, pulled over and the man driving asked, “Are you alright Miss?”

I said, with as much self-respect as possible given the circumstances, “Yes, of course, I am fine.”

The guy explained, “I saw you in my rear view mirror and it looked like that dog was attacking you.”

“No.  She just likes to chase UPS Trucks,” I said, as if it somehow explained why I had been lying flat on the ground.

He looked curiously at Riley and then said, before driving away, “Better than firetrucks!”

I think UPS Trucks are much worse.  They come by every day.

Needless to say, I am no longer taking her out without the Martingale collar.

Riley’s Comment:

Riley wearing her Martingale collar

Today has been very fun and exciting as usual.  My mommy and I went outside and we saw a wonderful, big brown animal that makes a roaring noise.  A man wearing an ugly brown suit rides on top of the animal.  At least once a week he comes to our door.  When he does this I scare him as best as I can.  I might look handsome and friendly but I can be a frightening dog when I want to.  This man does not belong at our doorstep! Anyway, today I saw him riding the big brown animal and I almost caught them!  But then my mommy wanted to wrestle with me.  That was very fun too.

Every night I dream about the big brown animal and the man in the brown suit who rides him.  It is like a nightmare.  I just run and run but never catch up to them. Oh well, I guess I am not supposed to ever catch him.

photos by Justin at Doglirious, zyphbear, and Classic Hounds.

America Ferrera and her Golden, Buddy

Just as important as identifying your own personality is a proper understanding of your lifestyle.  How much time do you have for a dog?  Do you have kids? How would a pooch fit into your daily schedule? When will you be able to walk, feed, and play with her? We covered these lifestyle issues extensively in another article, so be sure to read it before deciding on the pup of your dreams.

Like Owner, Like Dog?

Some believe dogs match their owners in look and personality. Is this true, or do opposites attract?  Around here, we don’t subscribe so much to the “opposites attract” theory (not for dogs anyway), but feel that owners and dogs actually have a lot in common, physically and emotionally. For example, a stubborn owner works best with the stubborn pooch, and a caring parent loves to spend time with the gentler breeds.

How to Discover Your Personality

There are many ways to determine your personality type. For an accurate personality profile, you would actually need to visit a psychologist and subject yourself to an extensive battery of tests.  But if you already have a sense of what type of person you are (or you really want a dog and just don’t have the time or patience right now), then this guide is for you! So, join us as we provide a fun way to discover your doggy soul mate.

The following personality types are actually derived from the Myers-Briggs assessment and the Keirsey model of four temperate types. Myers-Briggs is a test often used to gauge your interests and abilities. Read each type carefully, and decide which one describes you best.  We had a wonderful time debating which dog breeds match which personalities, but remember, these are just our opinions—not hard fact—and should be viewed as a basic guide for fun.

1. Idealist
2. Rational
3. Artisan
4. Guardian

1. Idealist (“Fancy Talker”)

Idealists are visionaries.  Your lofty talk and captivating writing style inspires the rest of us to do our best.  You are compassionate and have a keen talent for understanding what others are feeling. You want to make this world a better place, and this mission will drive you until the final breath.  At home, you are encouraging parents and will do anything for loved ones. You’re often called imaginative, caring, passionate, values-oriented and creative. Your favorite activities include spending time with the family, volunteering, talking with friends, solving problems, and writing.

Oprah and her Spaniel, Sophie

Typical Careers for Idealists
Community Organizer, Psychologist, Social Worker, Writer, Nurse, Motivational Speaker

Famous Idealists
Martin Luther King Jr., Princess Diana, Oprah Winfrey, President Obama

The Idealist Paw-sonality
You’ll be a loving and caring dog owner. However, you probably won’t discipline your pooch very harshly, so it’s best if you stay clear of the more stubborn breeds. Actually, your focus should be on the caring and easy going pups. You are an ideal candidate for adopting a dog from the local shelter, and your compassionate nature dictates that you need a dog who can tag along to volunteering, grocery shopping, or the hospital therapy group that you assist.

Breeds You Should Consider

• Animal Shelter Dogs (Humane Society, ASPCA, Breed Rescue Groups)
• Golden Retriever
• Great Dane
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Greyhound
• Pug
• Cocker Spaniel

2. Rational (“Smarty-Pants”)

Rationals are constantly searching for mental stimulation. You are an excellent problem solver and attack challenges in a very deliberate manner. You thrive on creating inventive solutions to complex problems. Technology is in your blood, and you love working in the theoretical abstract.  You’re described by others as intellectual, inventive, and driven. People are drawn to your presence since leadership comes naturally to you. This is probably because you possess the ability to take control of situations. And even though people who don’t know you very well may think you’re arrogant, that’s really just your self confidence shining from within. You enjoy debates with friends, solving puzzles, writing, and learning new languages. Oh, and you certainly don’t make major life decisions (like getting a dog) on a whim without proper planning.

Jake and his German Shepherd, Atticus

Typical Careers for Rationals
Professor, Entrepreneur, IT Analyst, Accountant, Lawyer, Doctor

Famous Rationals
Al Gore, Thomas Edison, Jake Gyllenhaal, Colin Powell, Katie Couric

The Rational Paw-sonality
If you can actually make time for a dog in your life, then you’ll be a great owner. But you’ll have to commit to it because you have a busy life full of side projects and half-written American novels to complete.  When you do ultimately decide to get a dog, it will only be after you’ve thoroughly researched the topic, breeder, or adoption facility very carefully. You are a free thinker, and you want your dog to be the same.  You’ll both have a blast playing mental games. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll be able to  maintain leadership with the stubborn breeds due to your natural self-confidence and “alpha” energy. Now, even though your mind is racing 24/7, your body may not be doing the same. So depending upon your level of activity, select a breed from either the “Sporty” or “Non-Sporty” category below.

Sporty Rationals: In addition to your intellectual pursuits, you enjoy running, biking, and spending time at the park.  With this lifestyle, your hard-working dog will get plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation.

• Border Collie
• Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Australian Cattle dogs
• Poodle
• German Shepherd
• Boxer

Non-Sporty Rationals: You love nothing more than hanging out in the library, coffee shop or at the nearest Whole Foods cafe.  So you should look into a lower energy doggy genius. But remember, your pup still needs daily walks and mental stimulation. Be sure to play IQ games with your dog to drain her energy. Your canine Einstein might actually enjoy her mental exercises more than the walks!

• Pug
• Toy or Miniature Poodle
• Bichon Frise
• Shetland Sheepdog

Matthew and Ms. Hud

3. Artisan (“Center of Attention”)

Artisans live for excitement and sensation.  You’re very artistic and crave the spot light of a stage and the lens of a camera.  Oftentimes, you’re also athletic and love the attention of a cheering sports crowd.  You seize every moment and wear emotions on your sleeve like a badge of honor. Even in the presence of strangers, you don’t hesitate to dive into conversation, always meeting and greeting new people.  Your free spirit leads you to new experiences.

Your days revolve around social events.  You rarely miss an opportunity for a thrill, and your friends don’t remember the last time you said “no”.  Loved ones describe you as energetic, free-spirited, exciting, fun-loving, and spontaneous. Your favorite activities include acting, dancing, playing sports, telling jokes.

Typical Careers for Artisans
Athlete, Artist, Actor, Entertainer, Politician, Salesperson, Construction Worker

Famous Artisans
Bill Clinton, Paris Hilton, Ronald Reagan, Katharine Hepburn, Matthew McConaughey, Serena Williams

The Artisan Paw-sonality
You need a dog with a personality just as big as yours. And that pooch had better carry her own weight by directing gobs of attention towards you! Also, be sure to get a pup that is relatively self-sufficient who won’t require excessive training.  More than any other personality type, your dog must be ready to travel at the drop of the hat (small is better for that), so avoid the herding breeds who often display a chasing reflex for passing cars while riding shotgun. As with the Rationals (see above), Artisans are split into “Sporty” and “Non-Sporty” categories.

Rhianna and DJ

Sporty Artisans: Your dog is thrilled to accompany you on a hike, mountain bike ride, or to the lake with friends.  And when back in the city, your pooch turns just as many heads as you do.

• Jack Russell Terrier
• Beagle
• Weimaraner
• German Short-haired Pointer
• Australian Cattle Dog

Non-Sporty Artisans: These lap pups have doggy dreams of new hair styles, adorable clothes, collars, and jewelry. When you grab the car keys, these dogs leap into your luxurious handbag in anticipation of the upcoming adventure. In short, just like you, they loved to be spoiled.

• Pomeranian
• Maltese
• Bichon Frise
• Poodle
• Yorkshire Terrier

4. Guardian (“Hero”)

Guardians are the people we all want as parents; you’re stable, loyal and dependable. Aside from immaculate organizational habits, you are a realist who spends time focusing intently on the task at hand. When leading, you ensure everyone involved is respected, listened to, and properly cared for. When loved ones are in need, yours is the first call they receive with plenty of reassuring words. Friends describe you as nurturing, kind, patient, selfless, responsible, and loyal.

Victoria Stilwell and her Golden

Typical Careers for Guardians
Fireman, Teacher, Police Officer, Animal Trainer, Manager, Administrator, Accountant

Famous Guardians
Warren Buffet, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Stewart

The Guardian Paw-sonality
Let’s face it…you’d be an excellent owner for any type of dog. Easy-going “family” breeds seem like the obvious choice here, but your nurturing spirit attracts you to troubled pups from the local animal shelter. With their fate in question, you feel compelled to save a distressed life by rescuing one of those adorable faces staring back at you through the cage.

But remember, your positive outlook on life constantly draws others toward you, so be sure to select a dog that loves being around other people.

Breeds You Should Consider

• Animal Shelter Dogs (Humane Society, ASPCA, Breed Rescue Groups)
• Labrador Retriever
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Bulldog
• Dachshund
• Collie
• Dalmatian
• Australian Shepherd

Riley with her Kong Tennis Stick

A Brief History

In the Southeastern U.S., Native Americans used the Red Wolf to hunt. Among the various tribes that lived in the Mississippi Valley in the 18th-century were Creek, Avoyelle, Tunica, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Caddoes.

When the Spanish first attempted to colonize the Americas and search for gold, they brought with them “war dogs” to help in their looting. Those dogs included Greyhounds and Mastiffs. Through explorations and complex trade networks with Native Americans, these “war dogs” reached the lower Mississippi Valley. The dogs were then bred with the Red Wolf, and the new hybrid was called Wolf Dog. When the French came to colonize lower Louisiana, they brought with them the Beauceron. Wolf Dogs and Beaucerons mixed to form our modern day Catahoula. Throughout the 1700s, Choctaw, Avoyelle and Tunica Indians were experienced herders and traders of livestock, using the Catahoula as a working dog.

Appearance

Catahoulas are fairly large dogs. Females are 50-65 lbs and males are between 65-90 lbs. They come in many colors and shades and are most famous for the merle coloring which can be blue (like Riley), black, gray, liver or red merle. As with their coats, the Catahoula’s eyes vary in color. They can be brown, blue, or even two different colors. Or, like Riley, they might have “cracked” eyes which mean one eye exhibits two different colors at the same time.

Temperament

Catahoulas are not aggressive but they are very assertive. You must be serious to own one of these, and understand how to lead your pack. Otherwise, a Catahoula will do it for you! Catahoulas are working dogs, so they have a lot of energy. The key then for a Catahoula owner is to keep your dog active both physically and mentally. Long walks and runs are important. We vary our long walks with intense “ball playing” sessions—using a racquetball racket and bouncy ball — and with days at doggy day care where Riley is happy to herd and play chase with the other dogs. For mental exercise we rely on IQ games and teaching Riley tricks.

Because of their strength, enthusiasm, protectiveness and high intelligence, it is crucial to train the Catahoula. Riley learns very easily and quickly because she is smart and food motivated. We think this is the hound trait in Riley.

Catahoulas are very good with children and make expert babysitters. Riley loves children because she thinks their sticky hands taste great!

Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog Puppies

Working Dogs

Catahoulas can be used in a wide variety of situations and are one of the most versatile working dogs. They are hunters, herders, search & rescue dogs, and narcotics-sniffing dogs among other things.

Breeding

The genetic flaws in Catahoulas are deafness and blindness. These problems are often intensified with irresponsible breeding. Therefore, it is especially important with Catahoulas that you find the best breeder possible.  Before you begin looking, read our article on how to choose a breeder.

People often ask us if we are breeding Riley. That answer is no; she’s spayed.

But if you are interested in Catahoula Leopard Dogs I urge you to visit Abney Catahoula…tell them Doglirious sent you. Or contact COBRA for a list of breeders near you.

At the end of the day, realize that a Catahoula is not for everyone. I promise that they will drive you crazy, but once you get to know one, you might very well go Doglirious.