Catahoula Mix – Popular Mixes With Catahoula Leopard Dog

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is an American dog breed, famously the state dog of Louisiana. It was named after Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. It is not recognized by The American Kennel Club, but The United Kennel Club recognizes it as Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog. Today, we will talk about some Catahoula mix breeds.

While the AKC doesn’t recognize it, The American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service calls it Catahoula Leopard Dog. Both the AKC and the UKC assign it as part of the herding group.

Get To Know The Breed

The multi-purpose working dog is powerful, muscled, and with high endurance. Catahoula dog is serious while working and playful at home.

Speaking of appearance, it is a medium-large dog with a short coat. There are many variations of the coat color and eye color.

The name of the dog is of Choctaw origin, and it translates into “sacred lake”. It is the only breed that historically originates in the state of Louisiana. They can be independent, territorial, and protective.

Some people call it Catahoula Hog Dog. Some of its roles include being a stock dog, bay dog, tree dog, watchdog, guard dog, and of course, a loyal companion.

History Of The Breed

Now a word or two about its history. Sadly, there is no certain theory. The lineage is unknown, and there are many theories about its history.

According to one, it originated in the mid-1700s when French settlers emigrated to the state of Louisiana with their Bauceron dogs. They crossbred their dogs with the swamp-hunting wolfdogs owned by Native American people. Their goal was to come up with a better working dog.

In July 1979, Governor Edwin Edwards, signed House Bill #75, officially naming the breed as the state dog. The dog was recognized by the UKC in January 1995. Then, in 1996, the AKC added it to their Foundation Stock Service but didn’t officially recognize the breed.

Appearance Of Catahoula

The physical characteristics of the dog breed can vary. Usually, this canine is a muscular dog with a rectangular-shaped body. They usually have a large head and drop ears with a strong tapered muzzle.

They can come in different colors, including blue merle, red merle, brindle, and solid colors. They can have small splashes of color on their face, legs, or chest.

The leopard-like coat of the canine is the result of the merle gene. It doesn’t affect the entire coat but dilutes the color in areas that randomly present the characteristics.

They can have either a single smooth coat or a coarse medium coat. While the short coat looks almost painted, the medium can have feathering on the hind legs, tail, and chest.

The eye colors include blue, brown, green, and amber.

Temperament

You will see later on that the temperament can vary in the different Catahoula mixes. But generally speaking, this puppy was bred to be a working dog. Their job was to catch and pen wild cows and hogs in rural Louisiana.

The job required hardiness and assertiveness. While it is not naturally aggressive toward people, Catahoula dogs can be aloof around strangers and unknown dogs.

They were bred for hunting, so they do have a strong prey drive that can cause them to chase small animals. As herding dogs, they have plenty of energy and need at least an hour of exercise per day.

While they are mistrustful of strangers, Catahoulas are loving and loyal to their own families. These canines are quite protective against outsiders. They are good with children, whether they are in their pack or not. While they accept unknown children, they can bark at unknown adults.

Training And Socialization

As with most herding dog breeds, Catahoulas are intelligent. They fall into the middle between stubbornness and easy to please. In other words, you have a sociable breed that requires patience.

Positive reinforcement works wonderfully with these canines. They do not react well to physical aggression. Besides obedience training, they do enjoy some agility training where they can burn their excess energy.

Socialization is crucial to try and reduce, if not eliminate their protectiveness around unknown people.

Health And Lifespan

The good news is that Catahoulas are healthy dogs. They do suffer from challenges like hip dysplasia, but it is not a big deal.

Those carrying the merle gene have a higher risk of severe eye and ear problems. Double-merle dogs may be born deaf, blind, or both.

Speaking of their lifespan, they can live between 12 and 14 years. Their relatively good health makes the Catahoula mix dog a popular choice for breeders.

Popular Mixed Dogs

Now let’s talk about some popular mixes with the Catahoula dog breed.

Catahoula And Golden Retriever

We start off with one of the most popular breeds in the world, the Golden Retriever. This mix is a large dog, growing between 21 and 26 inches, with an energetic and family-oriented temperament.

The unique crossbreed is best suited for active families who want a dog with a working history. The Golden Retriever mix will do well with children and other pets.

Catahoula And Labrador Retriever

Another popular breed, the Lab is actually on the top of the AKC list.

Same as with the Golden Retriever, this Catahoula mix can grow between 21 and 26 inches. The breed is energetic, social, friendly, and intelligent.

You definitely need a home with a yard for this high-energy dog. With the proper exercise and mental stimulation, this hybrid dog will be a joy to have around. Yet, if you do not provide physical and mental exercise, they can become bored and resort to bad behavior like chewing and barking.

Catahoula And German Shepherd

The Catahoula German Shepherd Mix is one that combines brain, beauty, and work ethic. Both are working dogs, and the result is a work-oriented and devoted puppy. This mixed breed is happiest when it has work to do.

Because of its tendency for working, it does best with an experienced dog owner that knows how to provide tasks.

This dog with a tough exterior and teddy-bear soft hurt is a companion you can count on. Just be sure you are ready for the work. In the wrong hands, it will be a destructive puppy.

Catahoula And Jack Russell Terrier

If you want even more energy in your puppy, this Catahoula mix will do it. The Jack Russell terrier is one of the most energetic breeds in the world.

This puppy is a bit smaller compared to other mixes on the list. It grows between 15 and 24 inches. It has an energetic, comedic, curious, and intelligent temperament. If you are not an active dog owner, stay away from it.

Clever as they come, it will be more on the stubborn side compared to other pleasing and working mixes. But you will have a dog with a hilarious temperament that will entertain you 24 x 7.

Catahoula And Poodle

We didn’t talk grooming about Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, but this puppy tends to shed a bit. If you want one that is hypoallergenic and doesn’t shed, a Poodle mix is the way to go.

This incredibly smart and people-oriented canine has the potential to be an amazing family dog. But remember, Poodles can be a bit independent. They want to work but be ready for a canine that can outsmart you.

Another thing to remember, this popular mix is energetic, athletic, and active. You need to spend time on the training course.

Catahoula And Australian Shepherd

Aussies are a herding dog breed quite similar to the Catahoula. The result is a bright, energetic shepherd that will do amazing work.

Aussies also carry the merle gene. Basically, you have the same dog from different continents, one in the US and one in Australia, crossing between each other.

Thanks to the Catahoula gene, Aussies can live a bit longer. Australian Shepherd is known to have a few health issues. Luckily, they are reduced if not eliminated by crossing.

Both dog breeds are hard workers, so the hybrid breed will be the same.

Catahoula And Beagle

We said in the beginning that Catahoulas were bred to be hunting dogs, right? Well, here is a cross with a true hound-hunting breed.

The result is a scent Catahoula hound that can also be a companion dog. Yet, this puppy retains its strong and sensitive nose. They can sniff out some of the best-hidden treats.

Beagles are the ultimate social canine. That is a great counter to the natural wariness of strangers displayed by the Catahoula dog.

Just do not leave them alone for a long period. They can become loud and destructive.

Catahoula And Australian Cattle Dog

Here is another cross between two herding breeds. The Australian Cattle Dog is also a bit stubborn and protective.

You can expect a bit more protective mix when you cross these two. But you also get a tireless and intense worker.

If you want a dog you can work with from morning to evening, this is the Catahoula mix you want and need.

Just be ready for some stubbornness. Make sure to socialize them early on. Otherwise, they can become overly protective.

Catahoula And Rottweiler

The Rottweiler Catahoula mix is one that will look scary and big. It is not a purebred dog. You can hardly predict the temperament, but we can guess a few things.

Rottweilers are also protective guard dogs, so if you want someone to protect your property and family, this mix will do the trick.

They can grow quite large, maybe larger than all Catahoula mixes.

Catahoula And Siberian Husky

We can safely say the last canine on our list is a dog for people who want challenges. Huskies are among the most stubborn breeds. They are a working breed that rarely wants to work and train.

This is why you combine it with a Catahoula, a dog breed that is more willing to train and work. This canine can grow between 20 and 20 inches. It is people-oriented, yet mischievous.

The beautiful looks are the selling point for sure. And if you have other pets and children in the home, this mix will fit right in. They love energetic pets and children to romp with.