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Do you have your heart set on a Catahoula Australian Shepherd mix?
This guide will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not this mixed breed is right for you.
We’ll cover everything from the dog’s history and physical appearance to its temperament and size. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know everything there is to know about the Catahoula Australian Shepherd mix.
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
What Is A Catahoula Australian Shepherd Mix?
The Catahoula Australian Shepherd mix is a cross between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Australian Shepherd. These two breeds were chosen for each other because they share many of the same qualities, such as an affinity for herding and a strong work ethic.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a Louisiana state dog known for its unique merle coat. The Australian Shepherd, on the other hand, is a popular breed that was developed in the western United States. These dogs are highly intelligent and have a natural instinct for herding.
The Catahoula Australian Shepherd mix combines the best of both worlds. These dogs are intelligent, hardworking, and have beautiful coats.
What Was The Catahoula Australian Shepherd Mix Bred For?
The Catahoula Australian Shepherd mix is a designer breed that was created for people who wanted the best of both dogs. While their purebred parent breeds were bred to be working dogs, this mixed breed is mostly known for its companionship.
While they would be great at herding like their parents are, most people who add these dogs to their family are doing so for companionship.
Where Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs Come From?
Native to North America, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is a versatile and hardworking breed. Used for hunting, herding, and guarding, these dogs are known for their loyalty and intelligence.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog gets its name from Catahoula Parish in Louisiana, where the breed was first developed. It is believed that the Catahoula Leopard Dog is a descendant of mastiffs brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers.
These dogs were then crossbred with local hounds, resulting in a strong and agile breed well-suited to the Louisiana terrain.
Over time, the Catahoula Leopard Dog became an essential part of life in the American South, performing multiple functions on plantations and farms.
Where Do Australian Shepherds Come From?
Though they are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, Australian Shepherds have a relatively brief history.
The breed is thought to have originated in the Basque region of Spain, where they were used as sheepdogs. In the 19th century, some of these dogs were brought to Australia, where they quickly became popular for their herding abilities.
After gaining popularity in Australia, the breed was introduced to the United States in the early 20th century.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Australian Shepherds became increasingly popular as working dogs on farms and ranches. However, their popularity as companion animals began to skyrocket in the 1980s and 1990s.
Catahoula Australian Shepherd Mix Appearance & Traits
Size (Weight & Height)
Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes can range in size from 19 to 25 inches tall and 40 to 80 pounds heavy.
Whichever parent breed they take after more will largely impact how big or small they are. If they inherit more Australian Shepherd, they’ll be smaller. If they inherit more Catahoula Leopard, they’ll be bigger.
Also, as with other breeds, females are typically shorter and weigh less, whereas males tend to be slightly bigger.
Coat Colors & Texture
There are a wide variety of coat colors that a Catahoula Australian Shepherd mix can have.
Some of the most common base coat colors are black, white, brown, red, blue, and grey. They always have other colors or shades in their coat. For example, they could be black with white spots or brown with red markings.
The most common coat patterns are merle, brindle, and ticking. Merle is when there are patches of solid color in their coat, brindle is when there are stripes running through their fur, and ticking is when there are small spots on their coat.
The coat texture can also vary depending on which parent breed they take after more.
If they’re more like their Catahoula Leopard Dog parent, they will likely have a short and dense coat. If they’re more like their Australian Shepherd parent, they’re likely to have a medium-length coat that is thick and slightly wavy.
Shedding & Grooming
Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes are moderate to heavy shedders. They will shed year-round but also have periods of more shedding during the spring and fall when blowing their coat.
To help manage the shedding, you’ll need to brush them a few times a week with a wire slicker brush or de-shedding tool. You should also give them a bath every 2-3 months.
A handy tool that many owners with heavy shedding dogs use is robot vacuums. They help keep the floors relatively clean throughout the week until they have time on the weekend to do a more thorough cleaning.
Something else that can make a big difference is using a dog blow dryer. During the heavy shedding seasons, taking your Aussie Catahoula outside and blowing out their coat can help dramatically in terms of how much fur you find in your home.
In terms of the other aspects of grooming, these dogs are relatively easy to groom. You can brush their teeth two to three times a week, trim their nails every month or so, and clean their ears as needed.
Are Catahoula Australian Shepherd Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes are not hypoallergenic. They are moderate to heavy shedders and will affect people with allergies.
Ears & Tail
One of the more distinctive features of Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes is their ears.
They have medium-sized to large ears that stand upright and are slightly pointed at the tips. The shape and size of their ears can vary depending on which parent breed they take after more.
If they’re more like their Catahoula Leopard Dog parent, they’re likely to have smaller and more triangular ears. If they’re more like their Australian Shepherd parent, they’re likely to have larger and more oval-shaped ears.
These dogs also have a long, straight tail that is usually the same color as their coat.
Eye Color
Another distinctive feature of Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes is their eyes. They can have any color of eyes, but the most common are blue, green, amber, and brown.
One of the reasons that these dogs have such a wide range of eye colors is because they can inherit the merle gene from their Catahoula Leopard Dog parent.
The merle gene is responsible for the mottled appearance of their coat. It can also affect the pigmentation of their eyes, which is why they can have blue or green eyes.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes is anywhere from 12 to 15 years.
Their actual lifespan is impacted by things like genetics, diet, exercise, and their environment.
The best way to give these dogs the best chance at a long life is to feed them a high-quality diet, make sure they get enough exercise, and take them to the vet for regular check-ups.
Common Health Issues
Because Catahoula Leopard Dogs have few breed-specific health issues, Aussie Catahoula mixes are pretty healthy.
However, Australian Shepherds do have some more health conditions that can transfer over to their puppies that are important to be aware of.
So while Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes are relatively healthy dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions.
Some more common health issues these dogs can experience include hip dysplasia, allergies, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and eye problems.
Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint of dogs. It is caused by a malformation of the joint, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and lameness. Hip dysplasia is most commonly seen in large breeds of dogs, but it can affect any breed. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing the condition and preventing further joint damage. There are several surgical procedures that can be used to treat hip dysplasia. But the most successful results are typically achieved through a combination of surgery and rehabilitation.
Allergies are one of the most common health problems in dogs. Allergies can be caused by environmental factors, such as pollen, dust, or food allergies. The most common symptoms of allergies are itching, redness, and swelling of the skin.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. This can lead to weight gain, hair loss, and lethargy. Hypothyroidism is usually easily managed with daily medication.
Epilepsy is a condition that affects the nervous system and can cause seizures. Seizures can range from mild to severe and can be triggered by things like stress, lack of sleep, or flickering lights. Unfortunately, epilepsy is a lifelong condition, but it can be managed with medication.
Eye problems are relatively common in dogs, and Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes are no exception. Some more common eye problems these dogs can experience include cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), detached retina, and collie eye anomaly (CEA).
While these conditions are more common, not all dogs will experience them. But by being aware of them, you can pay more attention to their more vulnerable areas and proactively care for them.
Trainability & Intelligence
Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes are highly intelligent dogs that can learn new tricks/commands with very few repetitions.
Their intelligence comes from their herding background, as they were bred to be working dogs. This means they have a natural instinct to please their owners and follow commands.
Their trainability is further enhanced by their eagerness to please nature.
Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes are the perfect breed for people who want an intelligent and obedient dog. However, their high intelligence means they need to be given a lot of mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored or frustrated.
The best way to keep their minds active is to give them plenty of puzzle toys to play with, enroll them in obedience classes, and take them on long walks or runs.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes are high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Their parent breeds were bred to be working dogs, so they naturally have a lot of stamina and endurance. They need at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day, but they will appreciate even more if you can give them.
A fun way to keep them exercised is to enroll them in dog sports like agility or flyball. Or, you can take them on long hikes or runs.
Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes are not the best breed for people who live a sedentary lifestyle. They need an active owner who can keep up with their exercise needs.
Temperament & Behavior
Do Catahoula Australian Shepherd Mixes Bark A Lot?
Many people wonder if Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes bark a lot, considering both parent breeds were bred to be working dogs.
The truth is that Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes tend to bark more than the average dog. Of course, they can always be trained to be less vocal, but it’s in their nature to be a little more vocal than other breeds where herding isn’t in their blood.
Do Catahoula Australian Shepherd Mixes Like To Cuddle?
Yes, Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes love to cuddle! They are a very affectionate breed that loves spending time with their families.
They are also very loyal dogs and will form strong bonds with their owners. Unfortunately, this means they do not like being left alone for long periods and can suffer from separation anxiety.
If you are looking for a dog that will be your constant companion, then the Catahoula Australian Shepherd mix is a great dog.
Are Catahoula Australian Shepherd Mixes Good With Kids?
Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes can be great with kids. They are a very friendly and outgoing breed that loves spending time with people.
Their herding instinct can sometimes kick in around small children, but this can be managed with training.
Are Catahoula Australian Shepherd Mixes Good With Other Dogs?
Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes can be good with other dogs, but they may try to herd them.
They get along well with other dogs they live with, but their herding instinct can sometimes cause problems when they are around strange dogs.
They can also be a little overprotective, which is why socialization is very important for these dogs.
When they do get proper socialization from a young age, they can do very well with other dogs.
Are Catahoula Australian Shepherd Mixes Good With Strangers?
Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes can be a little wary of strangers.
They are not naturally aggressive dogs, but because of their parent’s working background, they can sometimes cause them to be a little protective of their families.
This is why socialization is so important for these dogs. If they are properly socialized from a young age, they can learn to trust and be friendly with strangers.
Are Catahoula Australian Shepherd Mixes Good Apartment Dogs?
Unfortunately, Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes are not great for apartment living.
They are high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercise. This means they are not the best breed for people who live in small spaces or don’t have access to a yard.
If you live in an apartment and are looking for a dog, there are much better breeds out there that will fit your lifestyle better.
Food & Diet
Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes are not known for being particularly food-motivated. This means that they usually won’t eat more than they need to.
However, because of their high energy levels, they will need more calories than the average dog. It’s important to make sure they are getting enough food to fuel their activity level.
Of course, this depends on how much exercise they’re getting as opposed to them simply being high-energy dogs. If they don’t move around too much, they won’t need as much food, and vice versa if they do get lots of physical activity.
Puppies need more calories to fuel their rapid growth, whereas adult and senior dogs only need enough calories to maintain a healthy weight based on their activity levels.
Vets recommend a diet high in protein and fat with limited fillers and for Catahoula Australian Shepherds.
Catahoula Australian Shepherd Mix Puppy Price
Catahoula Australian Shepherd mix puppies can cost anywhere from $300 to $700.
The price will depend on the breeder, the parents’ lineage, and whether or not the puppy has any special markings or colors.
If you are looking for a Catahoula Australian Shepherd mix puppy, be sure to do your research and only buy from a reputable breeder.
Always make sure you are getting your puppy from a reputable breeder.
Unfortunately, there are many unethical breeders out there who are looking to make a quick buck by selling sick or unhealthy puppies.
Where Are Catahoula Australian Shepherd Mix For Sale?
Considering Catahoula Australian Shepherd mixes aren’t a highly sought-after mixed breed yet, they can be tricky to find.
The best place to start your search for one of these dogs is a Catahoula Leopard Dog breeder or Australian Shepherd breeder. If they produce mixed breeds, they may breed this mix in the future or know someone who will.
A few good websites to start looking at are Greenfield Puppies, AKC’s Marketplace, and Lancaster Puppies.
These websites allow you to check out and connect with dog breeders nationwide and can help narrow your search.
Local shelters and rescue groups are also a great place to look for dogs of any mix or breed.
Similar Breeds To The Catahoula Australian Shepherd Mix
- The Catahoula Pit mix (AKA Pitahoula)
- The Catahoula Australian Cattle Dog mix (AKA Catahoula Blue Heeler)
- Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix (AKA the Aussie Rottie Mix)
Final Thoughts
The Catahoula Australian Shepherd mix is a beautiful and unique mixed breed that will make a great addition to any family.
These dogs are intelligent, active, and loving, which makes them the perfect companion for someone who enjoys spending time outdoors.
While they may be challenging to find, they are definitely worth the search!
As always, if you do decide to bring one of these dogs into your family, always do your due diligence and only work with reputable breeders.
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