Recently, an unusual and unique crossbreed called Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix has caught the eyes of many. It’s quite easy to confuse the Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix breed with the Catahoula Australian Shepherd Mix breed simply because many might assume the Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle dog is the same as the Australian Shepherd.
However, the two are quite different. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix, including basic care practices, temperament, training needs, health issues, and more.
Let us first start with an overview of this mixed breed.
Table of Contents
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix: Breed overview
| Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix | |
| Other Names | Catahoula Heeler Mix, Australian Cattle Dog Catahoula Mix, Catahoula Blue Heeler, Catahoula Leopard Dog Blue Heeler Mix, Catahoula Leopard Cattle Dog Mix, Catahoula Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler Cur Mix, Blue Heeler Catahoula Mix |
| Purity | Crossbred |
| Purpose | Companion/herding |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Size | Medium-large |
| Weight | 50-90 pounds |
| Height | 20-26 inches |
| Colors | Blue, black, red, brindle, chocolate, bicolor, mottled, speckled, merle |
| Child friendliness | Moderate |
| Canine friendliness | Moderate |
| Training difficulty | Low |
| Grooming upkeep | Easy |
| Exercise needs | Very high |
| Health | Very good |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Puppy cost | $600-$900 |
What is a Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix?
A Catahoula and Blue Heeler Mix is a crossbreed between a Catahoula Leopard Dog and an Australian Cattle Dog, also called the Blue Heeler.
Blue Heelers go by many names. Theyâre also called Queensland Heelers (after their home state), Hallâs Heelers (after their original breeder), ACD (short for Australian Cattle Dog), and just Heelers. Blue is the more popular of their two colors; they also have a red version called the Red Heeler.
Now you probably understand that whether anyone calls them Catahoula Leopard Dog Mix with Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog Catahoula Leopard Mix, they mean the same thing – Catahoula Mix with Blue Heeler.
Related Article: Catahoula German Shepherd Mix (Complete Guide)
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix: Parent breeds
The Catahoula Heeler Mix is the progeny of two high-energy herding canine breeds created under identical conditions for similar uses. A Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix may take after either parent, and you wonât feel much difference in his personality.
Letâs take a look at the history of his parent breeds.
Catahoula Leopard Dog history
The Catahoula Leopard Dog was developed by French settlers in North America who needed reliable herding, guarding, and hunting canines. They bred the hounds they brought along with local Wolf Dogs to produce the Catahoula Leopard Dog.
The name refers to their spotted coat, but they also go by Catahoula Cur and Catahoula Hog Dog. Cur means hound, whereas hog dog alludes to their proficiency over hunting wild pigs.
Blue Heeler history (Australian Cattle Dog)
The Australian Cattle Dog is a high-energy, courageous, and sturdy breed from Australia. These pups come in blue and red colors. The blue color is more popular and is the reason for the pupâs alternate name: the Blue Heeler.
The Blue Heeler has a lot in common with the Catahoula Cur. These pups were produced by early Australian settlers who needed sturdy, energetic, and intelligent herding canines. The breeds they originally brought along found the living conditions of the Australian outback inhospitable.
Therefore, Aussie drovers crossed some of the most robust herding breeds with local wild canines to produce the ideal herding dog.
More about Blue Heeler: Mini Blue Heeler: Complete Guide
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix physical appearance
Since the Catahoula Leopard Blue Heeler Mix can take after either of his purebred parents, his physical appearance can differ slightly. His fur may be short or long, and he could have spots like his Catahoula Leopard Dog parent or be predominantly blue like his Australian Cattle Dog parent.
Blue Heeler Catahoula Mix size, height, and weight
Hereâs a table to show how big a Blue Heeler Catahoula Leopard Dog can get.
How big will a Blue Heeler Catahoula Mix get?
| Male | Female | |
| Size group | Medium-large | Medium-large |
| Height | 22-26 inches | 20-24 inches |
| Weight | 65-90 pounds | 50-65 pounds |
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix coat colors and types
Since the Catahoula Leopard Dog Heeler Mix can take after either of his purebred parents, his coat colors and types could be anywhere in between. His fur could have spots like his Catahoula Leopard Dog parent or be speckled or mottled with blue like his Australian Cattle Dog parent.
Your pupâs fur will be short and smooth, but the density and shedding may vary. Catahoula Curs have a single coat, whereas Heelers have a double coat. Your pupâs shedding will be higher if he takes after the Heeler parent.
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Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix temperament and personality
Since the Catahoula Cur and Blue Heelers are pretty similar in their temperaments and personalities, a Catahoula Heeler Mixâs temperament and nature will be pretty predictable.
Letâs go through each breedâs temperament.
Catahoula Leopard temperament
The Catahoula is a curious, independent, and sharp canine that doesnât like strange faces around his property. They treat their family like their own and would lay down their lives to protect them. They do best as the only pet, but early socialization can help them get along with other canines.
Blue Heeler temperament
The Blue Heeler is a vigilant, courageous, and protective canine, making him an excellent guard dog. These pups love having a job, and they may get frustrated if they have nothing to do. They need supervision around young children and smaller pets.
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Do Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix make great family pets?
The Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix isnât a pet that stays indoors and looks after your children like a nanny. They can treat kids as livestock and snap at their ankles. They may get along with other canines if you raise them in a social environment, but smaller pets may not fare well with the Catahoula Leopard Cattle Dog Mix around.
Are Catahoula Blue Heeler Mixes aggressive dogs?
Herding canines like the Catahoula Australian Cattle Dog Mix are assertive and protective of their herd, so they may be more aggressive than other breeds. They may also treat people, children, or other animals like livestock and try to round them up.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix training
The Blue Heeler Cur Mix is independent and intelligent, so youâll need to establish your authority gently and use reward treats to ensure compliance. New owners may find them difficult, but the right training method will make things much easier.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix exercise requirement
The Blue Heeler and Catahoula Mix is a high-energy breed that needs plenty of exercise. They should have at least an hour a day of vigorous playtime that stimulates them physically and mentally.
Check Out: Blue Heeler Rat Terrier Mix (Complete Guide)
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix living conditions
The Catahoula Blue Heeler cross is a versatile breed that can adapt to most living conditions as long as they have plenty of room to run and play. They do well in both hot and cold climates but wonât do so well in apartments.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix grooming and cleaning
The Catahoula Blue Heeler Dog is easy to groom. He typically wouldnât shed a lot, but his coat may âblow outâ twice a year if he takes after the Australian Cattle Dog parent.
He only needs a brush once a week to remove any loose fur.
Is a Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix hypoallergenic?
No, the Catahoula Cattle Dog mix is not a hypoallergenic breed. They shed more than some other breeds, especially during shedding season.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix food and diet
The Catahoula Heeler Mix dog should eat a high protein diet to supplement their hardworking lifestyle. They do well on a raw diet or a high-quality kibble. Wet food is not the best choice as it can lead to weight gain.
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Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix common health issues
The Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix can inherit certain health issues from either of his parent breeds. However, this mixed dog breed is generally healthy.
Below are eight health issues you may encounter with your Catahoula Heeler. If you want to know which specific health issue your dog is susceptible to, we highly recommend that you reach out to your dog’s breeder or veterinarian. Your dog’s breeder knows your dog best.
Alternatively, you can also use a dog DNA test. We used the Embark health detection and breed identification kit on our two dogs. The results came back within two weeks and they were shockingly accurate when we confirmed it with our dog’s breeder. The result also gave me a good idea of what health problems my dogs were prone to and what I can do to help.
1. Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the thighbone does not fit snugly into the hip joint.
2. Elbow dysplasia
A condition in which the elbow joint is not properly formed, leading to arthritis and lameness.
3. Blindness
Your pup may be born partially or completely blind. He may also become blind over time.
4. Deafness
Your Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix may inherit the issues associated with the merle gene, including congenital deafness.
5. Glaucoma
Itâs a condition in which the pressure inside the eye becomes too high, leading to blindness.
Check out: How To Soften Dog Eye Boogers?
6. Patellar luxation
Itâs a condition in which the kneecap pops out of place, causing pain and lameness.
7. Bloat
In this condition, the stomach twists, cutting off the blood supply and can become dangerous if not treated.
8. Cancer
Cancer can happen to any breed. Although the chances of that happening to your Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix are low, theyâre not zero.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix lifespan
A healthy Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix will live 10 to 15 years.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix: Pros & Cons
There are positives and negatives about owning a Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix as with any pet. Letâs discuss some of the obvious ones.
| Pros | Cons |
| Theyâre independent and not very clingy. | Even though theyâre full of affection, they may appear aloof. |
| They enjoy a healthier life than their parents. | The merle gene may cause congenital disabilities. |
| Theyâre active and playful. | Theyâre not suitable for elderly owners or those with an inactive lifestyle. |
| Theyâre highly protective of their family. | They may seem hostile to new people. |
| They are excellent working dogs. | They may try their herding skills on people and children. |
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix breeder
When looking for a Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix breeder, be sure to ask for references and visit their facilities to ensure that they are reputable and have healthy fur babies. Puppy mills are unfortunately common, so donât fall for prices that seem too good to be true.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix price
This mix doesnât cost a fortune, and you may snag one for $600 to $900.
Blue Heeler Catahoula Mix puppies
Puppyhood is a time of great learning and exploration for both Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix puppy and his owner. Be patient and consistent with your training, and give your Catahoula Heeler puppies plenty of exercise, socialization, and love. Catahoula Heeler Mix puppies are sure to return the favor tenfold.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix puppies for sale
If youâre looking for Blue Heeler Catahoula Mix puppies for sale, you should be prepared to take care of their needs. Many puppies end up in shelters because their owners didnât realize how much work they were signing up for.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix for sale
This hybrid canine is rare, and there arenât many dedicated breeders who have the Blue Heeler Catahoula Mix for sale. Try checking out local shelters or breeders that sell Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Blue Heelers.
Is the Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix right for me?
The Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix combines two high-energy, intelligent, and independent working breeds. This cross isnât suitable for first-time owners or people with sedentary lifestyles.
If you can give this pup the freedom of movement and the physical and mental stimulation he needs, you will find Blue Heeler Catahoula Mix dogs to be happy and healthy pets.
Similar mixed dog breed: Blue Heeler Australian Shepherd Mix (Complete Guide)
Related Questions
The Catahoula Heeler is a cross of the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Australian Blue Heeler.
The Catahoula is a purebred canine that French American settlers developed using Beaucerons and native wolf dogs.
Blue Heeler mixes are high-energy working pups that stay happy when they have a job. Theyâre not the perfect breeds for families with children or inexperienced owners.
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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catahoula_Leopard_Dog
https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1746-6148-8-202
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
