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Catahoula Pitbull mixes are relatively new designer dogs that are becoming more and more popular. Though their popularity is increasing, there is still much unknown about them. This guide will cover all the basics that you need to know about the Catahoula Pit mix.
The Catahoula Pit mix is a cross between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the American Pitbull Terrier. These two breeds were chosen for their complimentary qualities. If you are looking for a loyal, loving, and protective dog with a lot of energy and who loves to play, this might be the right breed for you.
They are intelligent, loyal, and determined dogs. They are also very affectionate and loving dogs that bond closely with their families.
That just scratches the surface with this designer breed, though. So let’s take a closer look to see if the Pitahoula is right for you and your family.
Table of Contents
What Was The Catahoula Pitbull Mix Bred For?
The Catahoula Pitbull mix was bred for the same reasons that most designer dogs are created. To try and get the best qualities of each parent breed into one dog. In this case, the Catahoula Leopard Dog was chosen for its loyalty, affection, and protectiveness. And the American Pitbull Terrier was chosen for its energy, playfulness, and intelligence.
These two breeds make a great combination for families that want an active and loving dog. The Catahoula Pitbull mix is a great family dog that will bond closely with its family and provide them with years of companionship.
Catahoula Pitbull Mix History
The Catahoula Pitbull mix is a relatively new designer dog. There is not a lot of history to this breed because it has only been around for a few years. However, we can take a look at each parent breed’s history to better understand where the Catahoula Pitbull mix comes from.
Where Does The Catahoula Leopard Dog Come From?
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a Louisiana native and the state’s official dog. The breed is named for Catahoula Parish, where they were initially used for hunting wild hogs. Today, Catahoulas are still prized for their hunting abilities, but they also make excellent family pets. They are intelligent and loyal, and they have an impressive work ethic.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is thought to be a descendant of the mastiff-type dogs brought to the New World by Spanish explorers. These dogs were likely crossed with Native American dogs, resulting in the Catahoula we know today.
The breed became especially popular in the 19th century when it was used extensively for hunting purposes. After the Civil War, many Southerners turned to hunting as a way to put food on the table, and the Catahoula was there to help.
Today, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is still treasured for its hunting abilities, but it has also become a beloved family pet.
Where Does The Pitbull Come From?
The American Pitbull Terrier is a unique breed with a long and complicated history. The American Pitbull Terrier was initially developed in England as a cross between terriers and bulldogs.
These dogs were bred for their strength, agility, and tenacity. They quickly gained popularity as hunting dogs and fighting dogs. When they were first introduced to America, they were used primarily as working dogs on farms and plantations.
However, their reputation as fierce and dangerous animals soon began to grow. In the late 19th century, dog fighting became a popular spectator sport in America, and the APBT became one of the most popular breeds for this purpose.
As a result of their involvement in dog fighting, Pit Bulls developed a reputation as vicious and aggressive animals. This reputation has followed the breed ever since, despite the fact that many Pit Bulls are actually gentle and loving pets.
Today, the APBT is still considered one of the more versatile and popular breeds in America.
The Catahoula Pit Mix Appearance & Traits
Size (Weight & Height)
The Catahoula Pit mix is a medium to large-sized dog. They typically weigh between 45 and 85 pounds and stand anywhere from 18 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder.
Coat Colors & Texture
The coat of a Pitahoula is quite unique.
Because Pitbulls come in many different colors, and Catahoula’s have merle coats, when combined together, they create a unique coat almost every time.
They can be just about any color but are most commonly white and black, white and brown, or white black and grey. The amount of color they have and the size of merle patches are virtually unique to each individual dog.
Their coat is short to medium in length and relatively easy to care for.
Shedding & Grooming
The Catahoula Pit mix is a moderate shedder. They will shed more heavily in the spring and fall, but they will shed year-round to some degree.
Regular brushing will help to reduce the amount of hair that ends up around your home, and it will also help to keep their coat clean and healthy.
Many parents of dogs that shed quite a bit opt to get a robot vacuum to help them stay on top of all their pup’s shedding.
It’s also a good idea to blow out their coat during their heavy shedding seasons. While not totally necessary, it can make your job of cleaning up after them a lot easier.
All you’d need to do is take them outside and, while using a dog blow dryer, blow out their coat. You’d be shocked at how much fur comes out when you do this.
When it comes to the other areas of grooming, Pitahoulas require roughly the same amount of attention as other dogs.
A bath every 2-3 months, nail trimming and ear cleaning roughly once a month, and teeth cleaning a few times per week.
Are Catahoula Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, the Catahoula Pit mix is not a hypoallergenic dog. They are moderate shedders and will produce dander that can trigger allergies in some people.
If you have severe allergies or live with someone who does, this is probably not the breed for you.
Ears & Tail
One of the most distinguishing features of the Catahoula Pitbull mix is their ears.
Many have more traditional-looking floppy ears. But some of them have what’s called “bat ears,” which means they stand up straight and tall on the top of their head.
Their tails are usually medium to long in length, and they may or may not have a curl to them.
Some Pitahoulas will have their tails docked, but this is not always the case.
Eye Color
Another distinguishing feature of the Catahoula Pit mix is their eyes. They can have eyes that are green, blue, brown, or even hazel.
But the most unique and striking feature of their eyes is that they are often mismatched. One eye may be blue while the other is brown, for example.
This is because both the Catahoula and the Pitbull can carry the gene for this condition. So when these two breeds are mixed together, it’s not uncommon for the puppies to inherit this trait.
Lifespan
The Catahoula Pit mix has a lifespan of 11-15 years.
This is about average for a dog of their size, but it’s largely impacted by their overall health and whether or not they inherit any genetic health conditions from their parents.
Common Health Issues
The Catahoula Pitbull mix is generally a healthy breed. But like all dogs, there are certain health conditions that they are more prone to than others.
Some of this breed’s most common health issues include hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and allergies.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, resulting in a number of problems such as weight gain, hair loss, and lethargy. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. The good news is that hypothyroidism is relatively easy to treat with medication.
Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, resulting in pain and arthritis.
Allergies are also relatively common in this breed and can be caused by anything from environmental allergies to food allergies. The good news is that there are many different ways to manage allergies, and most dogs with allergies can still lead happy and healthy lives.
Though they have a short list of genetic health issues, it’s still important that they live a healthy lifestyle to ensure they stay happy and healthy.
Trainability & Intelligence
The Catahoula Pitbull mix is a relatively smart dog that can be easy to train.
This is largely due to the fact that they are extremely food motivated. So as long as you have some tasty treats on hand, they will be more than happy to learn whatever it is you want to teach them.
In addition to being food motivated, they are also very eager to please their owners. This means they are usually quick to catch on to new commands and tricks.
The one thing to keep in mind when training this breed is that they can sometimes be a bit stubborn. They may try to test your authority, especially if they think they can get away with it.
But as long as you are consistent with your training and use positive reinforcement techniques, they will eventually learn what you expect from them.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
The Catahoula Pitbull mix is a high-energy dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Ideally, they should get at least 45-60 minutes of exercise every day. This can be in the form of a couple of walks, runs, or even playing fetch in the backyard.
If they don’t get enough exercise, they may start to become destructive. Which can show up by them destroying items in your home, becoming overly vocal, or even developing anxiety.
So it’s important that their owners ensure they get plenty of physical and mental stimulation daily.
A few fun ways to ensure they get mental stimulation are by teaching them new tricks, playing interactive games like hide and seek, puzzle toys, or even enrolling them in a dog sport such as agility.
Temperament & Behavior
Do Catahoula Pitbull Mixes Bark A Lot?
The Catahoula Pitbull mix is not a particularly vocal breed. They may bark when they are playing or excited, but they are not known for being yappy dogs.
However, if they don’t get enough exercise, they may start to bark more than usual as a way to release all their built-up energy.
Do Catahoula Pitbull Mixes Like To Cuddle?
This is a breed that loves to be close to their owners. They are very affectionate dogs that enjoy cuddling, snuggling, and even sleeping in bed with their humans.
Are Catahoula Pitbull Mixes Good With Kids?
Catahoula Pitbull mixes can be great for families with kids. They are very patient and tolerant, and they love to play.
Just make sure that any children in your home are taught how to interact with dogs properly so everyone can have a good time and play nice.
Are Catahoula Pitbull Mixes Good With Other Dogs?
The Pitahoula can do well with other dogs as long as they are properly socialized.
Socialization is key for this breed, as it helps them learn how to interact with other dogs in a respectful and friendly way.
They have protective instincts and get attached to their owner, so it’s important they learn that other dogs aren’t a threat. Whether that’s a threat to their loved one’s safety or to their relationship with you.
The more well-behaved dogs you can introduce them to while young, the better.
Are Catahoula Pitbull Mixes Good With Strangers?
The Catahoula Pitbull mix can be a bit suspicious of strangers.
This is another reason why socialization is so important for this breed. It helps them learn that unfamiliar people can be potential friends and not potential threats.
Mostly, this breed loves to interact with people and should have no problems. But it’s still important to supervise their early interactions with new people.
Are Catahoula Pitbull Mixes Good Apartment Dogs?
The Catahoula Pitbull mix is not the best fit for apartment living.
This breed needs a good amount of space. They also need a lot of exercise, which can be challenging to provide in a small living space.
They’re not incapable of living a good life in an apartment, but it will likely require more effort on your end than a smaller breed.
Food & Diet
The Catahoula Pitbull mix is a medium to large-sized breed. Feeding them dog food that is high in protein and healthy fats is best.
A good quality dry dog food should be sufficient for their needs. Just make sure to choose one that is geared towards their size, age, and activity level.
When in doubt, you can always speak with your local veterinarian to find brands they recommend.
What Is The Price Of A Catahoula Pitbull Mix?
The price of a Catahoula Pitbull mix will vary depending on the breeder, the lineage of the dog, and where you live.
Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of information around pricing for these dogs as they’re a newer designer breed that hasn’t become popular quite yet. But, in general, based on Pitbull and Catahoula prices, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1500 for one of these dogs.
Make sure you do your research before you buy a Catahoula Pitbull mix to ensure you are getting a healthy dog from a reputable breeder.
Where Can You Buy A Catahoula Pitbull Mix?
Unfortunately, you might have difficulty finding a Catahoula Pitbull mix for sale as they are not a popular breed yet.
The best place to start your search would be online through websites like Greenfield Puppies or Lancaster Puppies. They may not have any Pitahoulas available when you look, but the next best thing to do would be to contact Pitbull and Catahoula mixed breeders.
They may have plans to breed a Catahoula Pitbull mix in the future or know someone who is.
Another option would be to contact a local Catahoula or Pitbull rescue and see if they have any upcoming litters or adoptable dogs.
Rescues are always a great option as they typically have lower adoption fees, and all of the dogs have usually been spayed/neutered and vaccinated.
Similar Breeds To The Catahoula Pitbull Mix
- The Catahoula Australian Cattle Dog mix (AKA Catahoula Blue Heeler)
- Weimaraner Pitbull mix (AKA Pitmaraner)
- Cane Corso Pitbull mix (AKA the Pit Corso)
- Coonhound Pitbull mix
Final Thoughts
The Catahoula Pitbull mix is a loyal, loving, and protective dog that makes a great family pet. They are relatively easy to train and love spending time with their families.
They need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy and do their best in a home with a backyard. They do best with an experienced owner who can be consistent with them.
If you’re looking for a dog that will be your best friend and protect your family, the Catahoula Pitbull mix may be the perfect breed for you.
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