Last Updated on February 22, 2024

Catahoula Leopard Dog, also known as Catahoula Hog Dog, Catahoula Cur, Louisiana Catahoula Cur, and Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, is the official State Dog of Louisiana.

Leopard Dogs are beautiful, hard-working, and good with kids. A Catahoula Mix also has these traits, combined with features from the other parent breed. 

In this article, we will cover some of the most popular Catahoula Mixes.

All about the Catahoula Leopard Dog, Pups and Breed

Catahoula Leopard Dog is a breed that originated in the 16th century in Louisiana, near Catahoula Lake. Catahoula is the Choctaw word for “sacred lake.”

The breed’s ancestry is a bit speculative. Still, the breed certainly hails from wolf-like dogs of Native Americans that mixed with dogs of Spanish settlers in the United States.

The Catahoula’s lineage has traces of Bloodhounds, Greyhounds, Mastiffs, and the Beauceron.

The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the Catahoula Leopard Dog in 1995, but the breed is still not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

However, Catahoulas are included in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service as a rare breed.

Catahoulas are medium-to-large dogs with a sturdy, muscular built. They can either have a short or a medium coat that comes in different colors and patterns, including brindle and merle.

Catahoula Curs are famous for their blue eyes, but their eye color can also be green, brown, amber, etc.

Catahoulas were bred primarily as hunting dogs to track and hunt wild boars and wild hogs.

Today, Catahoulas are known as versatile working dogs used for herding, as watchdogs, guard dogs, stock dogs, and tree dogs.

You can see their impressive climbing ability in the video below:

Catahoulas have high energy and require a lot of exercises and mental stimulation.

Having plenty of space to run around is very important, so it’s not recommended to keep them in apartments or they may drive you crazy.

Socialization and training at an early age are necessary since Catahoulas can be aggressive towards other dogs and animals without it.

Purebred Catahoula Leopards are healthy dogs with a life expectancy of 10-14 years, but they are still prone to some health concerns:

• Deafness
• Hip dysplasia
• Bloat
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Eye problems such as abnormal pupil dilation and tunnel vision
• Cancer in old age

A Catahoula mix is any crossbreed in which the Catahoula Leopard Dog is one of the parents.

Like other mixed breed dogs and designer dogs, Catahoula mixes can have physical and mental characteristics from both parent breeds.

Catahoula mixes are highly energetic working dogs. They can also be great family dogs. There are other benefits to owning a Catahoula mix, so let’s take a closer look at popular Catahoula mixes.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog, often simply referred to as the Catahoula, is a unique and versatile dog breed that originates from Louisiana, USA. Recognized for its striking appearance and exceptional abilities as a working dog, the Catahoula Leopard Dog stands out among various dog breeds for its historical significance and multifaceted skills. This breed exhibits a remarkable blend of characteristics that make it a beloved pet and a diligent working dog, reflecting its rich heritage and the diverse needs it was bred to fulfill.

As the only breed known to have originated in Louisiana, the Catahoula Leopard Dog carries the spirit of its homeland in its genes. The breed’s name itself pays homage to its place of origin, with “Catahoula” deriving from a Choctaw Indian word meaning “sacred lake.” Catahoulas have been employed in a variety of roles, from herding livestock to serving as loyal companions. Their versatility is a testament to the breed’s intelligence and adaptability, traits that have made them indispensable to the farmers and hunters of Louisiana.

Health and socialization are crucial aspects of Catahoula Leopard Dog care. Like all dog breeds, Catahoulas require regular veterinary check-ups to ensure they maintain good health. Additionally, early socialization is key to developing a well-rounded pet. These dogs are known for their strong work ethic and protective nature, qualities that make them excellent watchdogs and family pets when properly socialized.

Catahoulas are distinct from other breeds such as the Doberman, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, and Bulldog in both appearance and temperament. While they share the canine trait of loyalty and the potential for excellent health with proper care, Catahoulas are particularly notable for their striking coat patterns and colors, which can include blue leopard, red leopard, and even patches of solid color.

The breed’s athleticism and intelligence make it comparable to other working dogs like the Australian Cattle Dog, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. However, Catahoulas have a unique herding technique, known as “Catahoula hog dogging,” where they can herd wild pigs or cattle by encircling and guiding them with minimal guidance from their handler.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog embodies a blend of beauty, brains, and versatility. Its origins in Louisiana have not only given this breed its name but have also shaped its development into a dog that is as capable in the field as it is cherished in the home. Whether working on a farm, participating in dog sports, or serving as a loyal companion, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is a testament to the diversity and adaptability of canine breeds.

Catahoula Mix – 15 of the Most Popular Catahoula Leopard Mixes

There are many Catahoula Mixes out there, but some mixes are more popular than others with dog owners:

1. Labrador Retriever & Catahoula mix (AKA Labahoula)

The Labrador Retriever is consistently the most popular dog breed in the world. The Labahoula can be as affectionate and friendly as Labradors, which is not the case with purebred Catahoulas.

This mix is also intelligent, hard-working, and has a lot of energy to spend.

This crossbreed can shed a lot of it takes after the Labrador parent or shed lightly if it takes after the Catahoula. Their coat is usually short and dense, and it retains water-repelling properties in most cases.

The Catahoula Lab mix can weigh between 55 and 95 pounds (25-43 kilograms) and grow up to 21 to 26 inches (53-66 centimeters).

The Labahoula is a healthy mix with few health problems such as hip dysplasia and deafness and an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years.

2. Pit Bull Terrier & Catahoula mix (AKA Pitahoula)

The cross between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Pit Bull Terrier is a powerful, muscular dog that is protective and loyal.

Often referred to as Pitahoula, the Catahoula Pit mix has a short coat of any color and doesn’t shed much.

Since Pit Bulls are smaller than Catahoula Curs, the mix between the two can vary in height and weight, depending on parental influence and gender.

They can reach heights between 18 and 23 inches (45-58 cm) and weigh between 35 and 85 pounds (16-38 kg).

Pitahoulas are healthy dogs that can live between 8 and 16 years. In addition to hip dysplasia and deafness, they can also have problems with skin allergies.

This crossbreed needs a lot of exercises – between 60 and 90 minutes of vigorous activity.

3. German Shepherd Catahoula mix

Another popular Catahoula mix, the cross with the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and great at many jobs. The Catahoula-GSD crosses are very successful as herding, guard, and service dogs.

Both parent breeds are similar in size, so their offspring can be 20 to 26 inches (50 to 66 cm) high and weigh between 50 and 90 pounds (22-40 kg), depending on the gender.

In any case, this mix is powerful, imposing, and agile, with a lifespan of 7 to 14 years.

The coat of the mix can be short and thin if the dog takes after the Catahoula parent.

On the other hand, it can be thick and water-resistant after the German Shepherd. Whether the dog will shed lightly or not also depends on the parent.

4. Boxer Catahoula mix

The cross between the Boxer and the Catahoula is a big and strong dog with powerful protective instincts.

Catahoula owners know that they can sometimes be aggressive toward strangers or other animals if not trained properly.

So, the Catahoula Boxer mix also needs to be socialized and trained early.

The Boxer Catahoula mix can be high between 20 and 25 inches (50-63 cm) and weigh between 40 and 80 pounds (18-36 kg). This mixed breed has a short coat that doesn’t require much grooming.

These dogs have an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Boxers are brachycephalic, like Bulldogs, Pugs, and a few other breeds.

This can cause breathing problems and other health issues if the mix inherits the flat snout, which isn’t expected.

5. Australian Cattle Dog Catahoula mix

The Australian Cattle Dog is also known as the Australian or Queensland Heeler. Depending on the coat color, people also call it the Blue Heeler or the Red Heeler.

The Catahoula Heeler mix typically weighs between 40 and 70 pounds (18-32 kg) and has an average height between 18 and 22 inches (46-56 cm).

The coat of the Catahoula Heeler mix will be short and most likely retain water-resistant properties from the Heeler parent.

You can expect light shedding year-round and minimal grooming. These are healthy dogs that live 10 to 16 years.

This crossbreed is probably the most energetic Catahoula mix on our list. Both breeds are infamous as great working dogs, so you better have a job ready for their offspring or they will quickly get bored.

6. Husky Catahoula mix

Both breeds are similar in size, so their offspring should be 21 to 24 inches tall (53 to 60 cm). However, the Catahoula is much heavier than the Husky.

Catahoulas can weigh up to 90 pounds (40 kg), while Huskies usually don’t go over 60 pounds (27 kilograms).

The Siberian Husky Catahoula mix is right up there with any other breed when it comes to being active and hard-working. They tend to be quite independent and have high intelligence.

The Catahoula and Husky mix might have a short or medium coat, but it will most likely be very thick.

Huskies shed more than Catahoulas, but their offspring is usually low-maintenance in terms of grooming. This crossbreed can live between 10 and 14 years.

7. Beagle Catahoula mix

Like most Catahoula mixes, the Beagle and Catahoula cross is also a great working dog with a lot of energy.

Both parent breeds have a short coat that sheds year-round but not much, so you won’t need more than a weekly brush to keep their coat in check.

Beagles are small dogs that weigh up to 30 pounds, so a mix between the Beagle and the Catahoula will most likely weigh between 30 and 50 pounds (14 to 23 kg).

Their height will also be in the middle of the two breeds, most likely between 16 and 20 inches (40-50 cm)

While both parent breeds share some characteristics, they differ greatly when it comes to friendliness toward strangers and other animals.

So, unlike Catahoulas, the Beagle Catahoula mix will not be a great guard dog. The average lifespan for this crossbreed is 10 to 15 years.

8. Aussie Catahoula mix

It is impossible to tell how the mix between the Australian Shepherd and the Catahoula will look like since parent breeds have completely different coat types.

Aussies have a long, double-layer coat that is water-repellent, while Catahoulas have a short, single-layer coat that sheds lightly.

The Catahoula Aussie mix can also vary in size and weight. For example, females may weigh from 40 to 55 pounds (18 to 25 kg), males from 40 to 90 (18 to 40 kg).

When it comes to height, both genders can grow up to 18-24 inches at the shoulder (45-60 cm).

This crossbreed can live 10 to 15 years. They are extremely active and agile, and they need a job to do for both physical and mental stimulation.

The Catahoula Aussie mix is loyal but not a very friendly dog, so early socialization is necessary to prevent hostility against strangers and other animals.

9. Border Collie Catahoula mix

A mix between the Border Collie and the Catahoula will be a medium-sized dog. This cross can weigh between 35 and 80 pounds (16-36 kg) and be 20 to 24 inches tall (50 to 60 cm).

The average lifespan for the Catahoula Collie mix is 10 to 15 years.

The Catahoula Collie mix is likely to be low to moderate shedder – Collies shed a bit more than Catahoulas.

Depending on the coat that the mix inherits, a nice brush once or twice per week will keep their coat in check.

Border Collies are usually wary of strangers and have strong protective instincts, just like the Catahoula.

Their youngsters are unlikely to be different, so it’s important to have them socialized and trained in puppyhood.

10. Great Dane Catahoula mix

Any breed mixed with the Great Dane is bound to be big – exactly how large it will get depends on each individual.

However, you can certainly expect your Catahoula Dane mix to weigh more than 100 pounds (45 kg) and be tall anywhere from 24 to 32 inches (60 to 80 cm).

Both parent breeds have a short and smooth coat, but Danes tend to shed a bit more than Catahoulas. Still, a weekly brush should be enough when it comes to grooming.

Combining these two breeds makes devoted, protective pets that are very active, so be prepared to exercise them for at least 30 minutes every day.

The Great Dane Catahoula mix can live 7 to 14 years and have a few health issues, particularly hip dysplasia and bloat.

11. Bulldog Catahoula mix

Mixing the Catahoula with the English Bulldog or the American Bulldog will certainly result in a strong and muscular dog.

That being said, there are certain differences between the two Bulldog breeds that will affect their offspring with the Catahoula:

• Size – American Bulldogs are taller and heavier than their English counterparts, so the American Bulldog and Catahoula mix will be larger than the Catahoula and English Bulldog mix.
• Temperament – English Bulldogs are calm and docile. They don’t have as much energy as American Bulldogs but they are not lazy either. Both breeds are friendly and loyal.
• Appearance – The English Bulldog has the infamous low-hanging body and loose skin, while the American doesn’t. And while both breeds are brachycephalic (have a short snout), the English breed has a much shorter nose.
• Health – The American Bulldog has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, compared to 8 to 10 years for the English Bulldog. Also, they are a healthier breed overall but both can suffer from breathing problems.

12. Bloodhound Catahoula mix (AKA Bloodahouli)

The Bloodhound Catahoula mix, or Bloodahouli, is an intelligent dog with a sensitive nose.

This mix is full of energy and affectionate with the family but shy with strangers. If you have a job for them, they will cherish the opportunity.

Both parent breeds are rather similar in size, so their offspring should be between 25 and 28 inches high (63-71 cm) and weigh from 70 to 110 pounds (30-50 kg). The Bloodahouli has an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years.

When it comes to maintenance, the two breeds are not that similar. Bloodhounds tend to shed often, while the Catahoula is a light shedder. With that in mind, brushing their coat 2-3 times per week is a good idea.

13. Black Mouth Cur Catahoula mix

Named after its black snout, the Black Mouth Cur is a dog of similar size and weight as the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Their mix will likely weigh between 35 and 90 pounds (16-40 kg) and reach 16 to 24 inches in height (40-60 cm). This crossbreed can live 10 to 16 years.

Both breeds also have short coats that shed lightly year-round, so you won’t need more than a weekly brush to maintain their coat health.

The temperament of these breeds is quite similar as well. They are both loyal, protective, and wary of strangers.

The Catahoula Black Mouth Cur mix is an energetic and hard-working dog, great at different jobs. However, they are best at hunting and when used as tree dogs.

14. Poodle & Catahoula Mix (AKA Pooahoula)

Known as Pooahoula or Pooda Houla, the mix between the Poodle and the Catahoula Leopard Dog is great with kids, loyal, affectionate, and highly active.

They need to spend at least an hour outside, free to run and play. The average lifespan for the Poodle Catahoula cross is 10-16 years.

The Poodla Houla is likely to grow up to 14-18 inches (35-46 cm) and weigh from 60 to 80 pounds (27-36 kg).

Of course, the Poodle can also be a Miniature Poodle or a Toy Poodle, in which case the Pooahoula will be significantly smaller.

Whether the offspring inherits the Catahoula or the Poodle coat, the grooming will be minimal since both breeds shed lightly.

The only problem may be potentially longer hair around the ears, which may need further attention.

More importantly, the Pooahoula may have a hypoallergenic coat if it takes after the Poodle parent.

15. Rottweiler Catahoula mix

The cross between the Catahoula and the Rottweiler is destined to be a good hunting dog. Both breeds have a high prey drive and can be extremely protective.

Proper socialization is necessary to prevent incidents with strangers and other animals.

The Rottweiler Catahoula mix is an energetic dog that needs plenty of exercises to be content.

This crossbreed will be large – it can weigh between 70 and 120 pounds (32-55 kg) and reach 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder (56-66 cm).

Both breeds shed lightly year-round, but Rottweilers also shed profusely twice a year. The coat of the mix will be short or medium in length.

Catahoula Mix Favorites?

Before you decide to get a Catahoula mix, make sure they are right for you.

All Catahoula mixes have a lot of energy. They require vigorous, regular exercise and, if possible, an interesting job to do. Avoid Catahoula mixes if you live in an apartment and don’t have a lot of time or energy for them.

Do you have a favorite Catahoula mix? Share your experience in the comment section.

Further reading: Popular Crosses from other Dog Breeds

• Blue Heeler Mixes
• Basenji Mixes
• Greyhound Mixes
• Schnauzer Mixes
• Weimaraner Mixes