Pet Wiki

American Leopard Hound

Also called Leopard Cur, American Leopard Cur

Recognised breedShort profile

From United States, from dogs thought to descend from Spanish hounds brought to Mexico and later taken north by settlers.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male20.4 to 34 kg12
Weight, female15.9 to 29.5 kg12
Height, male56 to 69 cm12
Height, female53 to 64 cm12
Sizelarge

UKC: males 45-75 lb, females 35-65 lb.

UKC: males 22-27 in, females 21-25 in.

eager to please and easy to train
excellent tracking nose
devoted and protective of its family
13

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense double coat

A smooth-lying coat with a harsher outer layer over a fine, woolly undercoat. The eye-catching spotted leopard pattern is the breed's signature, and eyes may be yellow, brown or blue.12

Coloursleopard spotted in yellow, black, blue, red or brindlesolid black, brindle, red, yellow or blue (may have tan or white trim)white limited to under a third of the body12

Personality what they are like

A clever, affectionate hunting hound that is keen to work with its handler. It is loyal and watchful around its own family, especially children, and will use its voice to alert.132

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high. Bred as an all-purpose tree dog with great stamina, it thrives with long daily outings, scent work or hunting.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs little more than an occasional brush.1

Home where they are happiest

Suits an active, rural or outdoorsy home with secure fencing; the standard notes it copes with a wide range of temperatures.1

Company who they like around

Forms a close bond with its people and likes having a job to do alongside them.13

The story where it all began

The breed is believed to come from dogs that Spanish conquistadors took to the New World, which mixed with native Mexican dogs. Settlers later brought these spotted hounds into the United States, where they were used to trail and tree game including bear. UKC first registered them as Leopard Curs in 1998.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It was known as the Leopard Cur until UKC changed the name in 2008.1

  2. 2

    The AKC describes it as one of the oldest tree dog breeds in the United States, able to follow a trail for miles.3

  3. 3

    Eyes can be yellow, brown or blue.2

  4. 4

    Its breed standard highlights stamina and the ability to cope with both very hot and very cold weather.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed was originally recognized as the Leopard Cur by the UKC in 1998, and the name was changed to American Leopard Hound on May 1, 2008, to better reflect its hound heritage and American origin.2

Name ideas for your new friend

RangerCedarWillowBanditMossSableTrailJuniperRustyDakotaPiperZeke

A day in the life told by an American Leopard Hound

This morning I woke up before the sun, my nose twitching with the scent of dew and wild mint. I gave my human a gentle nudge, and we were off to the woods. I led the way, my paws tapping a rhythm on the dirt path, every rustle a story to chase. I found a cool stream and splashed in, then circled back to check on my human, who was laughing. At home, I curled at their feet, my tail a happy metronome. Tonight, I'll dream of tomorrow's trails, my human's hand on my head, and the deep, good feeling of a day well spent.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

UKC
Recognised 1 November 1998 as the Leopard Cur; renamed American Leopard Hound on 1 May 2008. Scenthound Group.1
AKC
Recorded in the Foundation Stock Service since 2012 (not yet fully recognised).2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an American Leopard Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my American Leopard Hound, and at what times?

Feed your adult American Leopard Hound at least two meals a day, ideally at consistent times. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a schedule tailored to your dog.4

What should an American Leopard Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.5

How often should I bathe an American Leopard Hound?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an American Leopard Hound need brushing?

The short coat needs only an occasional brush. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing once a week to keep the coat healthy and reduce shedding.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an American Leopard Hound's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every four weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you if you're unsure.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an American Leopard Hound need?

This breed has very high energy and stamina, needing long daily outings, scent work, or hunting. Daily walks and play are essential to keep it happy and healthy.13 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an American Leopard Hound's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check floppy ears weekly for moisture and clean them gently; never push anything into the ear canal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an American Leopard Hound live?

Lifespan varies by individual health and care. Ask your vet for an estimate based on your dog's specific needs and lineage.

Is an American Leopard Hound good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is loyal and watchful with its family, especially children. It forms close bonds and can get along with other pets when properly socialized, but its hunting instincts may affect interactions with smaller animals.132

Can an American Leopard Hound be left alone?

This breed forms a close bond with its people and likes having a job to do, so it may struggle with long periods alone. Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and consult a trainer or vet for advice on separation anxiety.13

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Catahoula Leopard DogMountain CurTreeing Walker Coonhound

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. UKC American Leopard Hound breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, history, size, coat, colours, temperament
  2. American Leopard Hound - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, AKC FSS status, eye colour, history
  3. AKC: American Leopard Hound akc.orgused for temperament, tracking ability
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.