Within 12 hours of ber being home, we learned that Shiloh was deaf. That is when I started learrning about Double Merle and the white splashes in her coat.
We were told that she was an Australian Shepherd mix.. WRONG.. After looking into some breeds and talking to several other people who suggested she may be otherwise, I got in contact with 6 breeders.. the 4 which contacted me back after viewing the photos I had taken feel that she is full blooded Catahoula. (And if she isn't she must be at least half, with Catahoula being the dominant gene)
The only thing this shelter told me that was right about this dog was that she was dumped in the shelter at 2 months old and she had been there for nearly 4 months before we came long. So this little girl has had nearly NO socialization.
Being from Louisiana, The Catahoula is our State Dog (So I fell very EXTRA special to have found her)
But I've never owned a Catahoula before (Or a deaf dog for that matter) So here are my questions and concerns about her breed if anyone can shed some light for me.
For the most part I know that 'houlas are herding, hunting, and working dogs. But is it normal that a Catahoula tries to 'herd' her people? When we go for walks, she will walk infront of us. Not like, she takes the lead ahead and there's not slack on the leash, bbut she will walk stightly INFRONT of me as tho to keep me from going any further. Is this a Catahoula thing or a deaf dog thing?
I also notice she is my velcro dog. Any where I go, she is right beside me. I've been told that this is something all deaf dogs do. because she cannot hear where I am, she tries to keep me in her sights 24/7.
and finally, She loves other dogs but has no interrest in meeting new people.. She doesnt act shy and try to hide but just ignores them outright.......
And here is my lovely Shiloh, my absolute bundle of joy!
