A Detailed Comparison of the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Last Updated: Mar 21, 2022

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Chihuahua Versus Catahoula Leopard Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Chihuahua and for the Catahoula Leopard Dog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Chihuahua or the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Read on.

Chihuahua versus Catahoula Leopard Dog

Chihuahua versus Catahoula Leopard Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chihuahua is a tiny-sized dog while the Catahoula Leopard Dog is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Chihuahua belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

On the other hand, the Catahoula Leopard Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Chihuahua versus Catahoula Leopard Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chihuahua to the Catahoula Leopard Dog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog

FactorChihuahuaCatahoula Leopard Dog
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather1/53/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Minimal Exercise Needs5/51/5
Life Span10 to 18 years10 to 14 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Dog Friendly2/51/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/51/5
Does NOT Shed4/53/5
General Health2/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/53/5
Low Prey Drive3/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/53/5
NOT Rambunctious3/52/5
Weight3 to 6 pounds50 to 90 pounds
Good For Novice Owners4/51/5
Easy To Train4/52/5
Intelligence4/53/5
Potential For Playfulness4/52/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/51/5
Easygoing1/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/53/5
Easy To Groom5/55/5
Height6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan14.0 years12.0 years
Average Price$1820$650
Price Range$850 – $2500$400 – $800
Temperament Score69.6 percent78.6 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 70 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Chihuahua is a better pet than the Catahoula Leopard Dog. So, you should get a Chihuahua!

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Below is a list of where the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are most different:

  • Chihuahuas have low exercise needs. However, Catahoula Leopard Dogs require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Chihuahuas are good for new dog owners. However, Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Chihuahuas adapt well to apartment living. However, Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Chihuahuas are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone. However, Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog

    The Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are most similar:

  • Both the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are very easy to groom.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

    Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Catahoula Leopard Dogs weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Catahoula Leopard Dog

    The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is 12.0 years.

    Chihuahuas live longer than Catahoula Leopard Dogs.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.

    Temperament of the Chihuahua Versus the Catahoula Leopard Dog

    The Catahoula Leopard Dog has a better temperament than the Chihuahua.

    This is because the temperament score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 78.6 percent while the temperament score for the Chihuahua is 69.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 69.6 percent, the Chihuahua has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 78.6 percent, the Catahoula Leopard Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog by measuring the temperaments of 46 Chihuahuas and 14 Catahoula Leopard Dogs.

    Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Catahoula Leopard Dog

    The average price of the Chihuahua puppy is $1820. The price of the Chihuahua typically ranges from $850 – $2500. However, the price of a Chihuahua can be as low as $100 and as high as $15500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1980 Chihuahua puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy is $650. The price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog typically ranges from $400 – $800. However, the price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog can be as low as $100 and as high as $1650. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 247 Catahoula Leopard Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Chihuahua is more expensive than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

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    Chihuahua Catahoula Leopard Dog
    Average Price $1820 $650
    Price Range $850 to $2500 $400 to $800

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Chihuahua and Catahoula Leopard Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Chihuahua puppies or how many Catahoula Leopard Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Catahoula Leopard Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Catahoula Leopard Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Chihuahua puppy or the Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua cost and price.

    Check out our list of best Chihuahua breeders here

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chihuahuas shed more than Catahoula Leopard Dogs?

    Chihuahuas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chihuahua or the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chihuahua or the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

    Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Catahoula Leopard Dogs?

    Chihuahuas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to train.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Catahoula Leopard Dogs?

    Chihuahuas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Does the Chihuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

    Chihuahuas have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Catahoula Leopard Dogs?

    Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Chihuahuas do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Chihuahua Better for Apartment Owners than the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

    Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chihuahua or the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

    Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Chihuahua versus Catahoula Leopard Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Chihuahua and the Catahoula Leopard Dog better suits you and your family.