The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a unique purebred dog breed even by purebred standards.
The Catahoula is one of those dog breeds that dog lovers call “lifers.”
They say that once you have welcomed a Catahoula into your family, this will always be the dog for you.
If you are considering adding a Catahoula or Catahoula mix to your family, read on to learn about this singular purebred dog breed and other popular Catahoula mixes being bred today.
The Catahoula
The Catahoula Leopard dog is the only purebred dog breed in the world that can trace its birthplace directly to the state of Louisiana in the United States.
Catahoula Leopard dogs are sometimes called Catahoula Hounds, Catahoula Curs, Catahoula Hog dogs or simply Leopard dogs.
Catahoula History
Today’s Louisiana Catahoula Leopard dog quite likely has genetic influence from Greyhounds, Bloodhounds, Mastiffs and even native red wolves.
It is thought the word “Catahoula” comes from the Choctaw Indian language and translates to mean “sacred lake.”
Catahoula Appearance
The Catahoula dog has an unmistakably distinctive appearance, with piercing eyes; a very short, close coat with mottled patterning; and a gait that is sometimes likened to a horse’s trot.
A Catahoula dog’s coat can include black, blue, brindle, chocolate, red, white, yellow or tan markings.
This dog does carry the merle pattern gene and the piebald pattern gene, each of which is known to be associated with deafness.
While pale glass blue eyes are the best-known eye color for this breed, a Catahoula dog can also have green, amber, brown or what is called “cracked” eye color, where each eye displays two different colors.
Another distinctive feature for Catahoula Leopard dogs is the prominence of the webbing between each toe.
Having specialized toe webbing helps the Catahoula dog easily navigate the soft, swampy areas located throughout Louisiana.
Some Catahoula Leopard dogs have naturally bobbed tails while others have tails that have been docked by breeders.
Most Catahoula dogs are born with a long, natural tail.
Catahoula Size and Weight
The typical adult female Catahoula dog weighs 50 to 65 pounds. The typical adult male Catahoula dog weighs 65 to 90 pounds.
Catahoula Personality and Temperament
The Catahoula Leopard dog has been bred to be a working dog, herding, hunting and guarding livestock as well as their human families.
These dogs are used to being on the job around the clock, which explains why they can be so destructive when they get bored.
The Catahoula dog is naturally reserved around strangers but affectionate with her owners.
Catahoula Training and Socialization
These dogs may look all grown up early on in life, but this is actually a late-maturing breed.
It can take two years or longer for a Catahoula puppy to be full-grown physically and mentally.
This can make puppyhood an extended challenge, since these dogs are smart, high-energy canines with strong guarding instincts.
Early and ongoing socialization and training with plenty of daily activity and exercise is a Catahoula dog owner’s recipe for success.
Catahoula Health and Longevity
The Catahoula Leopard dog can develop certain breed-specific health issues, including
- congenital deafness
- hip and elbow dysplasia
- eye issues
- panosteitis (bone inflammation)
- liver issues
- diabetes
- thyroid dysfunction
- and jaw abnormalities that lead to underbite.
Otherwise, the Catahoula Leopard dog has a typical life expectancy of 10 to 14 years.
Catahoula Mixes
The Catahoula Leopard dog has wonderful qualities and challenging qualities.
One of the biggest hurdles for dog lovers who want to own a Catahoula dog is that these dogs need so much outdoor space and exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Hybrid breeding brings together two purebred dog breeds to promote strengths from each breed while aiming to minimize weaknesses from temperament and appearance to behavior and health.
This strategy is called “hybrid vigor.”
By crossbreeding the Catahoula Leopard dog with other domestic purebred dog breeds, this opens the door to strengthening the genetic line for each purebred dog and breeding puppies with Catahoula traits that may be better suited for life as a traditional pet dog.
But if you have your heart set on finding a puppy with certain traits, be aware that mixed breed dogs are far less predictable than their purebred counterparts.
That’s because mixed breed dogs can inherit their looks, personality and health in any combination from each parent.
You can read more about the ins and outs of mixed breeding here.
But now, let’s look at some of the most o=popular Catahoula dog mixes.
No. 1 Catahoula Labrador Retriever Mix
The Labahoula, a mix between a Catahoula Leopard dog and a Labrador Retriever, is one of the most popular Catahoula mix dogs being bred today.
The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular pet dog breed in America for more than 26 years straight.
These friendly, affectionate, playful, smart and lovable dogs make friends wherever they go.
How much your Labahoula sheds will depend entirely on which parent dog your puppy favors.
The Lab can shed quite a bit, while the Catahoula dog sheds lightly.
The Lab can weigh 55 to 80 pounds fully grown, which means your Labahoula will likely fall within this weight range as well.
These dogs have a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years.
No. 2 Catahoula Bulldog Mix
The Catahoula Bulldog, as this hybrid dog breed’s name suggests, is the result of breeding a Catahoula Leopard dog with a purebred Bulldog.
The American Bulldog is one of the most popular purebred dog breeds in the world today.
These dogs are heavyset; low to the ground, weighing 40 to 50 pounds; and have a short, smooth coat.
Crossbreeding bulldogs is particularly good for this breed’s long-term health, since the bulldog has the brachycephalic (flat face with a short muzzle) face shape.
This face shape can create structural health issues such as excessive eye tearing, trouble chewing, breathing challenges and difficulty with overexertion.
A Catahoula Bulldog can weigh anywhere from 40 to 90 pounds, although most dogs will probably weigh 40 to 60 pounds.
The life expectancy is eight to 14 years.
No. 3 Catahoula Great Dane Mix
The Catahoula Great Dane mix breed dog is likely to inherit a caring and devoted temperament toward her dog owners but will probably be somewhat reserved around strangers.
One trait you can expect from your Catahoula Great Dane pup is size.
Great Danes can weigh 110 to 175 pounds, so count on a pup that tops out at 100-plus pounds.
Both dogs are great guard dogs and watchdogs, and are powerhouse defenders when the need arises.
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Overall, both come from a working dog background and love to stay active.
The life expectancy for a Catahoula Great Dane mix will be anywhere from seven to 14 years.
No. 4 Catahoula Beagle Mix
A Catahoula Beagle mix dog is one of the most interesting crossbreed dogs with Catahoula influence.
Beagles are famously friendly when not sniffing out a trail.
Unlike Catahoula Leopard dogs, Beagles don’t make very good guard dogs for precisely this reason.
Beagles weigh around 20 to 30 pounds, so a Catahoula Beagle mix will be a smaller crossbreed dog, probably weighing between 30 and 50 pounds.
Both dogs have short, neat, smooth coats that shed lightly but consistently year-round.
The average life expectancy for a Catahoula Beagle dog is 10 to 15 years.
No. 5 Catahoula Husky Mix
The Catahoula Husky mix dog has one Siberian Husky parent and one Catahoula Leopard dog parent.
You can count on this hybrid dog being a tireless, hard worker with an independent spirit and an intelligent mind.
The Siberian Husky weighs 35 to 60 pounds while the Leopard dog can weigh up to 90 pounds.
So the size of your Catahoula Husky puppy will depend on gender as well as which parent a puppy most favors.
These dogs are both somewhat self-cleaning in terms of their coats, but the Husky sheds more than the Catahoula dog and will “blow coat” twice a year.
A Catahoula Husky mix’s life expectancy is around 10 to 14 years.
No. 6 Catahoula Australian Shepherd Mix
A Catahoula Australian Shepherd puppy will have one Australian Shepherd parent and one Catahoula Leopard dog parent.
First-generation puppies may show quite a bit of variation in appearance and coat type because these two dogs have very different coats.
The Australian Shepherd’s coat is long and lush, double-layer and water-repellent.
In contrast, the Catahoula dog’s coat is very short, single-layer and sheds only mildly.
Weight-wise, this hybrid dog may weigh anywhere from 40 to 90 pounds.
Expect females to weigh between 40 and 55 pounds and males to weigh 60 to 80 pounds.
A typical life expectancy will range from 10 to 15 years.
No. 7 Catahoula German Shepherd Mix
With a Catahoula German Shepherd mix, you will find definite temperament similarities.
Both dogs are bred to work and have laser-sharp focus while on the job.
Both have strong territorial and guarding instincts, especially with the owners.
And both dogs tend to need early and ongoing training and socialization to learn how to behave appropriately in a family and community setting.
If a puppy takes more after the GSD parent, expect the coat to be thicker, water-resistant and to shed seasonally.
For Catahoula-influenced puppies, the coat will be shorter, thinner and shed more lightly.
The typical life expectancy for a Catahoula GSD is seven to 14 years.
No. 8 Catahoula Pit Bull Terrier Mix
The Catahoula Pit Bull Terrier hybrid dog will be a strong, well-muscled and powerful dog.
There are some complementary temperament traits between the two purebred parent dogs.
Both dogs are fiercely loyal and protective of their owners while being somewhat reserved around strangers.
Both parent dogs have short, clean-cut, wash-and-wear coats that shed lightly.
Pit Bulls are smaller than Catahoulas, so your hybrid puppy may grow up to weigh between 35 and 90 pounds depending on gender and parent influence.
You can expect the Catahoula Pit Bull Terrier mix dog to live between eight and 15 years.
No. 9 Catahoula Australian Cattle Dog Mix
Catahoula Australian Cattle dog (Blue Heeler) puppies are likely to be some of the most energetic of all the Catahoula hybrid mixes on this list.
Both purebred dog breeds are unstoppable, and nearly tireless in work and play.
The Catahoula dog has a short, single-layer coat while the Australian Cattle dog has a short, double-layer, water-resistant coat.
Both shed somewhat year-round, and Blue Heelers will have seasonal sheds as well.
The typical weight for this mix breed dog is 40 to 70 pounds, and the life expectancy can range from 10 to 16 years.
No. 10 Catahoula Basset Hound Mix
A Catahoula Basset Hound hybrid dog may be one of the most visually appealing of the Catahoula mixes.
Who can resist the Basset Hound’s endearing droopy face, long ears and big liquid eyes?
Basset Hounds have a form of congenital dwarfism that causes shorter legs, and this will likely influence all of the puppies to some degree.
Expect a Catahoula Basset hound to weigh between 40 and 70 pounds and live 10 to 14 years.
Is a Catahoula Mix Right for Me?
We hope you have enjoyed learning more about the singular Louisiana Catahoula Leopard dog and some of the most popular Catahoula mix dogs bred today.
Are you already head over heels for a Catahoula mix pup?
Tell us all about them in the comments box!
References and Further Reading:
Abney, D., “Catahoula Info/Facts & Issues,” Abney Catahoulas Kennel
“Breed History/Breed Standard,” Catahoula Owners, Breeders & Research Association
“Catahoula Leopard Dog,” State Symbols USA
“Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog,” United Kennel Club
Westfall, S., 2011, “The Creature Formerly Known as ‘The Red Wolf,’” Natural History
White, C., 2014, “Catahoula Leopard Dog: Not Your Average Stock Dog,” The Fence Post
Ami Deatherage says
We have a 7 month catahoula pyrenees mix. She is gorgeous and super smart. We are working on her high prey drive since she likes to pluck the chickens, but with patient training, she is coming along.
Bill O says
We just said good bye 3 weeks ago to our Catahoula – Beagle mix. He was a young thin stray 14 years ago when he suddenly appeared out of nowhere and joined me as I was doing a marathon training run here on the Navajo Reservation. He followed me 19 miles home and was my constant companion ever since. The best dog I’ve ever had, and I’m an old guy who has had dogs his entire life. We must have hiked 10,000 miles or more here in the desert southwest. He always wanted to lead, but would always glance back over his shoulder to check that I was still with him, and occasionally he would sprint back to me for a pat on the head before going ahead again. He had a bit of a mischievous, naughty streak that made him all the more endearing – He was a master at climbing our chain link fence, and a master thief – he would raid neighboring yards and bring back other dogs’ rawhide bones on a regular basis, and one time even showed up with a sheep head – no idea where he found it. He slept loyally on his pad at the foot of our bed every night. At 3 pm every day, he would wait at the front door to be let out, and would then spend the next two hours staring at the adjacent hospital where I work, waiting for me to walk home. He never missed a day until his last few weeks, when cancer weakened him to the point where it was difficult for him to walk. I dearly miss him. A wonderful friend and companion.
Save our k-9 says
So sorry for your loss !
gone from your side never from your heart!
I wonder if you would have a picture of your baby!
I am a behavioral trainer in Green Bay Wisconsin and presently working with what was told to be a shepherd mix but from past dealings with the mix Calahoula breed .I believe that’s what this high energy sweet girl is!
She is supposed to be six months old I believe she’s a bit older they have had no luck in potty training and in just three days we’ve addressed that issue and she’s doing great!
The existing problem I believe that Morgan will have in this home is A disciplined exercise program
She is presently cooped most of the day although the owner works from home.
Phil says
I rescued a Catahoula/staffy mix who was abandoned behind a Walmart. The shelter had Sokka for 4 days and put his age at about 8 weeks. I’ve had him since and he’s been great. Outside of some mild food aggression he has been amazing. LOVES the dog park. When we first get there he makes his rounds saying hi to all dogs and people. Super friendly to everyone, especially kids. If there’s a kid at the park no one else matters. He’s incredibly intelligent and mastered sit and stay within days. His recall is iffy unless I have a treat. All in all I couldn’t ask for a better dog
Lori says
I have a Houla/Red Bone Coonhound/Pointer mix. WOW!
Love him to bits! He’s only 6 months old and still learning. Patience and Time.
Lisa says
6 weeks ago we got a Catahoula/Jack Russell Terrier mix. She is 3/4 Terrier & 1/4 Catahoula. I’ve had a mini-pin before so I wasn’t too worried abt having a Terrier. She’s still pretty young & think she was taken from her mother too early. Vet thinks she’s abt 3 months. However, she’s so smart! OMGosh-she already does well on a leash. She’s learning sit, stay, get down already. She’s probably brown, but I say she’s gray/silver. She show some of her mom’s Leopard spots on her. She has a brown nose (so cute) & can’t tell if her eyes are blue or gray. I’m just excited to have her 😃
Gray Wolf says
We made a pure Houla and she’s a rescue to us at 1 yr 4 mths because her previous owner didn’t do the research on Houlas. It’s ok bad because she’s the most amazing dog ever! Sasha is how 4 and she’s athletic, energetic, protective, loving and the boss of our house. We have 4 dogs and 3 indoor cats and they all love each other. Sasha is a great addition to our rescue family and one of the best decisions we made! We love her to pieces and she would die for us.
Gray Wolf says
Not “made” – but rather we “have” a Catahoula. HaHa!
YabYah says
What do you know about Catahoula Bulldog mixed with wolf hybrid? I can’t find any info on this breed.
John Davis says
I definitely want to purchase either a Catahoula Beagle or Catahoula Bassett cross puppy. I live in the DFW metroplex but will be glad to drive farther.
Please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
Blessings!
John Davis.
Roberta Capello says
We have 2 Catahoula/Chocolate Lab sisters. Molly looks like the chocolate lab and Cookie looks like the Catahoula Leopard. We have had them since they were 8 weeks. They are little clowns, acrobats and totally non stop runners. We love them. Molly collects ROCKS.
Amber says
Have a Catahuila brown/ white on chest. loves to play ball. Butt will not mind when on leash he pulls, he is about 2years, the vet says
Amber Hensley says
Have hard time with him pulling, and minding.
Dan Bowerman says
I have a catahoula Dane which I rescued when he was one at that point he was close to 90 lb if you put a harness on him he thinks he’s working I’ve been through several harnesses and leashes where she’s ripped through ultimately I settled on a regular seatbelt type collar and a prong collar for most purposes the regular collar slows him down but when he lunges for pigeons or squirrels the prong collar keeps him from jumping into traffic. One of the best things I ever heard which I found to be true is that the catahoula does not discipline well they run through the invisible fences and their mischievous is all get out It’s not uncommon for him to go through my back pocket run off of my gloves and handkerchief or my hat and tear it apart earlier this week he ate my wallet He’s now 6 years old and should have known better he loves people and gets annoyed at overly frisky dogs and when he snaps at them it’s absolutely terrifying All in all it’s the best dog I’ve had and I’m so glad to have been rescued by him
Carl Esposito says
My wife and rescued a Catahoula Terrier mix. Chester is 2 years old and I was very surprised from day one! He is perfectly house trained and will romp when we want to and stops on command. Someone spent a lot of time on him. When we rescued him he was heart worm positive, but is recovering very nicely! He is very affectionate and has/ is on our schedule in just 3 weeks! Fantastic mix!
Gray Wolf says
Wow! Very nice recovery for the heart worm. Sadly who ever gave him up probably didn’t protect him and couldn’t afford the meds. Good job rescuing. Our Sasha is a rescue and just like your boy, someone had taught her all that early stuff that is so important.
Mary A alber says
I have a pit catahoula mix. She is 9 mos old and about 65-70 lbs. She is white with just a little black around one eye. Yes she has one bad eye and she is deaf but acts like she’s the boss. She is the most lovable dog equal to the pure pit I also have. The kids cuddle them, lay on them, squeeze their faces between there littles hands and get the kisses they laugh at. She was the best decision I ever made.
Lea says
We have a Catahola blue heeler mix. She is a double merle and was born deaf.. But don’t tell her that… She is sweet and sassy and loving and playful. She just turned 1 year old. Best addition to our family
LeeAnn says
We just brought home our Mastahoula today. George has the nicest laid back temperament and I have fallen in love with him. They told me he will be a big boy and I can imagine by the size of his paws at three months. He is already 15 kgs. We will see how easy the potty training goes.
Melissa O'Neil says
My daughter adopted a catahoula mix. So yes, I am nana to Bart. We were curious, so we got the doggie DNA test from petco. So it said that Bart, was a catahoula and min pin mix. So imagine a catahoula running in the yard with a high step. Lol. Bart also adopts every sick or hurt animal we bring home. Bart is a great dog, well, he’s actually a great grand-dog. Lol. I’m proud of him. ❤.
Lisa says
I’m nosy – how much was the DNA test at Petco? How long did it take for results? We have a Cathoula/Terrier mix. She’s super smart. We had a mini-pin for 12 years, he was so great!
Pej Morgan says
Hands down the best dog ever. I just lost my 13.5 year old Houla/Aussie/Border. I got her at 10 weeks old. She was my soul girl, 13.5 years of pure love, adventure and loyalty. She was loved by many children, dogs, cats and adults. My heart hurts still it has been 98 days.
Lisa says
We had our mini-pin for 12 years. He died 10 years ago. It has taken us all those years to get a dog again. I never had a dog & didn’t know the grief would be so profound.
We just got a Catahoula/Terrier mix puppy. We already love her greatly. Best to you.
Peggy Hill says
Price for Catahoula/Boxer puppies
Susan Whitworth says
I have a catahoula/German shepherd cross and he is fantastic! Wonderful with kids and adults but also protects his family. Good natured, goofy and loves other animals big and small. My only issue with him is if he gets off leash, he is “on a mission “ and won’t stop running until he’s finished.
Ken L says
Thanks…just got a two yr old Houla/ G Shep rescue delited with him but off leash he comes when his nose let’s him…we are working on this …hope his devotion to us will win out. We live in the N Idaho mountains and have wild canines so I worry for him. Any advise .
.
Thanks
Meg Austwick says
Hi Ken, you might find our article on emergency recall useful. Or, alternatively, we have a guide with 11 top recall training tips.
Karen Joshua says
I have a Norwegian elkhound Catahoula cross, very energetic but a little rough on other pets at 3 months old.I hope she adjusts. Very beautiful with Catahoula coloring and Elkhound looking body,ears,and curly tail. She already argues with me but is being raised with a older very quiet springer spaniel so no excessive barking. Just the occasional mouthy opinion. Medium length hair that seems half of each parent. Anybody else have any like her to compare?
Sonia Rhodes says
I have had 3 catahoula mix dogs in my life___so for. #1 was a brindle pitt bull mix that was the world’s greatest dog! Great with all kinds of other animals, children, & was very protective. He once saved my 3 year old when a neighbor’s doberman attempted to attack her. He died & was sorely missed at 11 years old. #2 was white with black spots lab mix. At age 2 he had to be rehomed due to a relocation. To high energy for apartment living. Luckily I was able to place him with a cattle farmer which was a perfect match for both. Currently I live with another pit mix who is 8. He is wonderful. Gets on well with children, cats, dogs & other assorted house pets. Protective but mellow & affectionate. Low energy but can move like lightning when necessary. They are fabulous dogs!!
Naomi says
We have a 10-month old catahoula-beagle mix. We love him to death. It was tough for the first couple of months, but he is really the most protective, loyal, and smart dog. He is such a joker, but will drop anything and everything if he thinks his pack is in danger. He is very gentle to young kids and is very protective of our 10-week old kitten. We love our Buppy!
Marky Mark says
My wife and I have a Catahoula/Dachshund mix. Looks like a mini version of the pure bred dog with a longer nose and slightly shorter legs. About 15″ tall and 25lbs. Gets most of his personality from the Catahoula breed. He is very affectionate, playful and likes to wrestle or cuddle. Very intelligent and eager to please. Does pretty well as an indoor dog as long as he has a companion to hang out with.
AJ Harris says
I have a catahoula border collie mix and she became a member of the family about 6 months ago and she is loyal playful and instantly took and protected my 2 year old daughter and the priceless part is a great judge of character. My pup instantly disliked the ex wife it almost felt like she could sense the dislike for the ex on the first time they met it was awesome my pup seems to smart for her own good
Sandy says
We have a Catahoula Lab mix. Rescued him at 11 months from South Carolina. He was at the rescue with his litter mate from about 7 weeks. He is the best! Very smart, protective but loves when the grandkids come to visit. Loves to run & go for walks❤️
Keri says
I just found out my 1year old puppy is a 50/50 Catahoula/Pyrenees. She has every characteristic listed here that’s for sure. She likes to move everyone around with her back end. Destructive when left alone. Pee’s every time I walk in the door. please tell me she will grow out of this phase!!!
Anne Marie Brandt says
I too have this awesome mix. Yes she will grow out of it. Mine used to pee everytime one of my son’s visited. She grew out if this. Also if I leave her alone in the yard too long she’ll try to dig out, but other than that, if you give them exercise everyday they are wonderful mixes!
Mom says
Is this breed aggressive?? I adopted a 11 month old pup Catahoula/Great Pyrenees 6 weeks ago and have noticed he’s very territorial with my boxer at times and charges toward the kids when playing with their friends (jumping on the trampoline, playing Xbox or nerf wars)… this scares me bc I’m not sure if he’s going to check on the kids or protect them… Should I be so worried with him?? I don’t want to re-home him unless I have to bc I’ve already fallen in love with him….
Jackelynn Hall says
I have purchased a fantastic dog. His mother is a Purebred Merle pit bull, his father a champion German Shorthair Pointer. Hemingway has all the traits for a Catahoula. Would he be considered a mix Catahoula? He is medium in size, unnaturally powerful and fast. Beautiful blue merle markings with striking Amber eyes.
Lyle says
Doesn’t sound like he has any Catahoula in him, sounds like a cool dog but not a Catahoula.
Katy says
Just adopted a catahoula mix I think beagle, he is so smart easy to potty train. Loves to play I work from home so neither of us get bored. He loves his realistic animal toys, especially the ducks. You do have to tire them out before you sleep, or they will literally bounce/ parkour of your walls and doors.
Diane Ragan says
I have a Catahoula/Lab mix. I’ve had him since he was a wee pup and now my big boy is turning 5. We moved to Ohio so we could buy a large property for him to run. He LOVES the woods (40 acres). I can’t imaging having any other dog. He’s a highly intelligent, loving mush ball that makes us all laugh every day with his puppy antics.
Best dog ever says
Border collie Catahoula… Smartest, fastest learning pup, our 3rd Catahoula leopard. Great family dog, perfect around livestock/human communication, wanted to earn her keep at 6 months… Full brother heck of a super star in the agility ring. Both endless endurance and desire to please. At 9 months she’s 22 inches 52 lbs. Our full 3 year old Houla male is 96lbs 26 inches tall.
Montana Ray Brownell says
I actually have a cane corso catahoula mix