Catahoulas are deffinitely a breed apart in their own right.
I have to lean towards Gempress in her experiences as I'm more familiar with true-to-type working Catahoulas that think for themselves and get bored quite easily when not allowed to do what they were bred to do (sorry about all your furniture, walls, and whatnot ).
Working-bred Smooths are this way as well - I've got years of stories ... I would provide the dog some sort of outlet - I'm not looking for couch potato and would be very disappointed if that's what I got.
Catahoulas are intelligent dogs and tend to have a somewhat dominant personality. They should be drivey as they were bred for hunting purposes, and IMO a Catahoula that cannot hunt and hunt well is not a Catahoula. Sorry if that offends anyone.
I want drivey, and plan on working the dog in some respect. Possibly coon hunts, maybe A-bay or B-bay events, depending upon how it turns out, then of course agility and the ability to run with and keep up with my Collies. The bloodline I'm considering has multi-titled NALC (I think that's the org) dogs.
They are known for their loyalty to their family and their wariness to strangers. They're not likely to welcome strangers with open arms, but will woof their arrival so you can be made aware of what's going on.
My Collies too. My bloodline and those I incorporate into my breedings are very protective dogs and this is one of the traits I like in the Catahoulas. I don't want a dog that will open the door and lick a stranger to death.
Even the most socialized Catahoula may not appreciate strangers rubbing and petting all over it. They may tolerate it, but "liking" and "tolerating" are two different things.
I have some that live for being in the spotlight (conformation, breed expos, walk-a-thons, etc.), and others that don't. I would respect the temperament the dog presents to me and plan its "jobs" accordingly.
Their property is THEIR PROPERTY. They will guard it and protect it if need be. They were bred as and are still used as farm dogs and this comes with the job description.
My Collies are very protective of their home and hearth. No stranger, even with cookies, could come into my home uninvited. Off the property, they aren't as protective of their "areas" (crates, etc.) as some other breeds, but I am prepared and equipped to handle a dog that is this way, so it's not an issue if that's the temperament the dog develops.
Oh, & not all Catahoulas are merle. Not sure if everyone is aware of that, but that is just one of the colors/color patterns. And don't get me started on all the merle to merle to merle breeders out there...........it's disgusting what they are doing the dogs.
This breeder has many colors and from what I've seen, no pups that look to be from merle/merle breedings. Honestly, I want any color but the tan with black saddle (looks like a GSD color). Other than that, whatever comes out with the right personality is THE dog. However, if I can pick and choose, a red or red leopard with yellow or blue eyes will be my *wish*.
Just figured I'd throw these responses out there (yes, it's 3:30am and I can't sleep). I've got experience working with them (and them mixed with Pit) both as a vet tech and the hog dogs my ex used to hunt alongside with his Pitties.
My household is dog-savvy, and the temperament of any dog will be taken into consideration and maintained in such a way as to ensure the safety of the dog and/or my guests. I will be getting a puppy so it can be integrated into the family unit (I don't like the term "pack").
Thanks to everyone for the responses! I just figured I'd give some answers to the statements made in case people were expecting them. No one was asking questions, so maybe you weren't, but regardless, there it is.
And this won't be right away, so please enjoy SmexyPebbles babies in the meantime ...