If you’re having a hard time deciding between getting a German Shepherd or a Catahoula Leopard Dog, now you can have both for the price of one. In recent years, breeders have started breeding the two to produce a designer breed called the Catahoula German Shepherd Mix.
While these two dog breeds may physically appear quite different from one another, they actually have tons in common too. Many also often confused this mixed breed with the Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix due to similar physical features and temperament.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss in detail the similarities and differences between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the German Shepherd and what you can expect of their pups when it comes to their temperament, lifespan, training, dietary needs, grooming requirements, and more.
Let us first begin with a general overview of the Catahoula German Shepherd Mix before diving into the nitty-gritty detail.
Table of Contents
Catahoula German Shepherd Mix: Breed overview
The world of hybrid canines is full of unique and interesting mixtures. One such fascinating mix is the Catahoula Leopard Dog and German Shepherd Mix. This hybrid combines two of the most popular breeds in the US.
The German Shepherd is one of the most recognizable dogs in America. Canine owners everywhere love this dog breed for its intelligence and loyalty.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is especially well-known for his ability to work as a herding dog, an invaluable trait that has helped early North American settlers a great deal.
This mix exhibits many of these traits and can make a well-rounded pet that excels in almost any situation. But before we read about this breed in detail, letâs have a quick overview.
| Catahoula German Shepherd Mix | |
| Other Names | Catahoula Shepherd Dog, Catahoula Shepherd Mix, Catahoula German Shepherd, Germanhoula, Catahoula GSD Mix, German Shepherd Catahoula Leopard Dog Mix |
| Purity | Crossbred |
| Purpose | Companion/herding/guarding |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Size | Medium-large |
| Weight | 50-90 pounds |
| Height | 20-26 inches |
| Colors | Black, brown, white, tan, blue, sable, bicolor, spotted, merle |
| Child friendliness | Moderate |
| Canine friendliness | Low |
| Training difficulty | High |
| Grooming upkeep | Medium-high |
| Exercise needs | High |
| Health | Average |
| Lifespan | 7-15 years |
| Puppy cost | $400-$1,000 |
What is a Catahoula and German Shepherd Mix?
The Catahoula Leopard Dog German Shepherd Mix or Catahoula cur German Shepherd Mix is a cross between a purebred Catahoula Leopard Dog and a purebred German Shepherd.
Like most hybrids, this dog will vary in terms of physical appearance, size, behavior, and temperament depending upon which parent it takes most of its genes.
So, what is a Catahoula German Shepherd Mix? And why did breeders produce this interesting mixed breed?
Hybrid canine enthusiasts are always looking for new and improved versions of preexisting breeds. The purpose of crossbreeding is usually to:
- Mix the best traits of two equally well-behaved canines.
- Negate the bad qualities by partnering two different breeds or;
- Enhance the preexisting qualities by breeding two similar breeds.
The Catahoula German Shepherd Mix falls in the third category. When it comes to hard work, versatility, stamina, intelligence, and vigilance, few can match the German Shepherd and Catahoula Cur.
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Catahoula German Shepherd Mix: Parent breeds
The Catahoula Leopard Dog mixed with German Shepherd is the progeny of two highly intelligent, versatile, and agile canine breeds that have served humans for centuries.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog has been a reliable companion for North American sheep and cattle herders.
In contrast, the GSD has served in various roles, from herding and guarding to therapy and police work.
Letâs go through the parent breeds individually.
Catahoula Leopard Dog history
The Catahoula Leopard Dog, Catahoula Hog Dog, or Catahoula Cur is a dependable, hardworking, loyal canine. The breed originated in Louisiana and is also their state dog.
The French immigrants bred the pets they brought along with native wolf dogs to create the ideal herding pooch. Experimenting with several breeds resulted in the Catahoula Leopard Dog we know today. These pups excel at guard work, herding, and hunting.
People sometimes mistake Catahoula Curs as crossbred canines and ask, âwhat two breeds make a Catahoula?â
While itâs true that Catahoulas are now considered a pure breed, that wasnât always the case. The modern Catahoula Leopard Dog is a mixture of Native American Wolf dogs and French Beaucerons. They also have greyhounds, bloodhounds, and mastiffs in their blood.
German Shepherd history
The German Shepherd is a highly versatile and intelligent working breed that originated in Germany during the early 1900s. Captain Max von Stephanitz was the creator of this breed. Originally meant for herding, the GSD has also proved an excellent guard, hunter, soldier, and tracker.
In addition to being a great worker, the GSD also proved its worth as a combatant during World War I, where they served as messengers, guard dogs, and supply carriers. During World War II, the GSD took on the roles of explosive detection units and search and rescue dogs.
Today, the GSD is arguably the most popular working dog in the world. You can see them in various working roles including serving the army, police, search and rescue workers, security personnel, and family pets.
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Catahoula German Shepherd Mix physical appearance
The Catahoula German Shepherd Mix dog has a rectangular body with well-defined musculature, which may be visible under a smooth single coat or hidden under a thick double coat.
They have broad, elongated heads with pointy ears and brown eyes. While their appearance can vary greatly depending on which parent they take after, certain characteristics are more likely to occur depending on dominant genes.
Catahoula German Shepherd Mix size, height, and weight
When you have a Catahoula mixed with German Shepherd, itâs easy to predict their adult size as both his parents are almost equal in terms of heft.
Hereâs how big you can expect them to get.
Full Grown Catahoula German Shepherd Mix size
| Male | Female | |
| Size group | Medium-large | Medium-large |
| Height | 22-26 inches | 20-24 inches |
| Weight | 50-110 pounds | 40-90 pounds |
Catahoula German Shepherd Mix coat colors and types
The Catahoula Leopard German Shepherd mix comes in various combinations of black, brown, white, tan, blue, and sable colors. Possible patterns include bicolor, tricolor, merle.
The coat color depends on the parentsâ color, but some genes like merle are more dominant and likely to affect the offspringâs color.
The coat length and type also depend on which parentâs genes dominate in the pup. The pup will have a smooth, single coat if the Catahoula influence is greater.
On the other hand, your puppy can have a thick, medium-length, double coat akin to a German Shepherd. This can be random, and you can get a mixture of coat types within the same litter.
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Catahoula German Shepherd Mix temperament and personality
Catahoula and GSD hybrids are highly intelligent, loyal, and obedient. They make for attentive and dependable watchdogs.
The Catahoula leopard Shepherd mix will be just as active and hardworking canine as his parents and constantly require a job. These abilities make them excellent service pups, but it also means youâll have to keep them engaged to prevent them from getting bored.
Does Catahoula German Shepherd Mix make great family pets?
To make the Catahoula GSD the ideal family pet, youâll need to iron out a few of their personality kinks. These pups inherit their parentsâ strong work drive, intensity, and herding instincts, and they may try their herding skills on people or children.
Theyâre also wary of strangers and wonât be too welcoming towards guests or neighbors. Getting them along with other pets will be a challenge due to their strong predatory instincts.
A Catahoula GSP mix â a cross between the Catahoula Cur and the German Shorthaired Pointer â would be a better choice for a family pet.
Other German Shepherd Mixes: German Shepherd Poodle Mix (Shepadoodle Complete Guide)
Do Catahoula German Shepherd Mix dogs bark a lot?
Since both the GSD and Catahoula Cur are high-barking breeds, your Catahoula German Shepherd mix will be a barker himself. Their barking can get pretty annoying for your neighbors, but the same habit also makes them effective guard dogs.
Are Catahoula German Shepherd Mixes aggressive dogs?
Unfortunately, the Catahoula German Shepherd Mix isnât the politest canine breed. They inherit their parentsâ no-nonsense attitude and high guarding instinct, and you shouldnât expect them to get along with everyone.
Theyâre brave and donât back away from a conflict whether theyâre up against a person, another canine, or an animal several times their size. This attitude makes the Catahoula German Shepherd Mix good at their job; however, their inherent aggression means they arenât suitable for inexperienced owners.
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Catahoula German Shepherd Mix training
The Catahoula German Shepherd Mix shares their parentsâ high intelligence and the need for an active job. He requires a lot of mental and physical stimulation and would love training sessions.
The ideal age for training your Catahoula GSD is when they turn 3 to 5 months old. Itâs best to start them right away with housebreaking since it can be challenging with these pups.
Also, make sure to work on their socialization skills to prevent them from becoming troublemakers later on.
Catahoula German Shepherd Mix exercise requirement
Your Catahoula German Shepherd mix will likely inherit the high energy level from both parents. This makes him an active and hardworking canine whoâd constantly need a job, so youâll have to keep him engaged by making him work for you.
You should take your Catahoula German Shepherd Mix out for an hour of walks or runs, along with daily play sessions. They were bred for herding and hunting, so they need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to be happy in everyday life.
If you canât give them enough playtime, they may develop destructive behaviors like chewing, digging, or excessive barking.
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Catahoula German Shepherd Mix living conditions
This pupâs size and energy levels make him unfit for apartments or condos. He needs a large yard to play around and run and would appreciate having access to long walks around the neighborhood.
Catahoula German Shepherd Mix grooming and cleaning
The Catahoula GSD isnât very high-maintenance, but youâll still have to brush and wash his coat for good hygiene. The ideal time for this is after he has spent an hour romping around the backyard or neighborhood.
Hereâs how often youâd need to perform his grooming:
Hair brushing
- 2 to 3 times a week during shedding season, otherwise once a week.
Bathing
- Monthly or as needed.
Handy Hint: When it’s time to bathe your canine companion, be sure to use a shampoo that is specifically designed for your dog’s skin and coat. Check out some of the Best Dog Shampoos for your furry friend that will leave their skin and coat clean, moisturized, and smelling fresh!
Ear cleaning
- Every two weeks.
Tooth cleaning
- Every other day.
Handy Hint: With the right doggy toothpaste, it can help to reduce plaque, control tartar formation, freshen your dog’s breath, and leave them with clean teeth. Check out the Best Dog Toothpaste for your four-legged friends.
Haircutting
- Not necessary.
Nail trimming
- Monthly.
Handy Hint: If your dogs hate the loud sound of the nail clipper or are easily startled by the clipping noise, it’s a good idea to switch over to dog nail grinders. They feature whisper-quiet motors and prevent bleeding during the nail trimming process.
Is a Catahoula German Shepherd Mix hypoallergenic?
No, the Catahoula GSD does not have hypoallergenic qualities. Neither of their parents is hypoallergenic, and the mix isnât suitable for allergy sufferers.
Catahoula German Shepherd Mix food and diet
Since both their parents are working dogs, the Catahoula German Shepherd mix will also need a diet rich in proteins. Thus, youâll want to stick to high-quality kibble or plain boiled meat for your pupâs meals.
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You should feed your Catahoula GSD two or three times a day; just make sure he doesnât eat a lot.
Also, keep a close watch on your pupâs eating habits to prevent bloat from developing. Bloat is common in large and deep-chested breeds, so youâll have to be extra careful about feeding him during or just before playtime.
Catahoula German Shepherd Mix common health issues
Hybrid pups usually enjoy a healthy life. However, we canât rule out the possibility of health risks in the Catahoula German Shepherd mix.
Below are eight health issues that the Catahoula German Shepherd Mix could inherit from either of his parent breeds.
It’s always a good idea to identify and confirm your dog’s breed information through your reputable breeder, veterinarian, or through a dog DNA test. This will give you a better idea of what health issues your mixed dog breed is susceptible to.
1. Degenerative Myelopathy
Also known as Canine Degenerative Myelopathy, this neurological disease usually develops in older canines. Your fur buddy may end up experiencing partial or total paralysis, which will make him lose control of his limbs.
2. Bloat
Pet parents of large canines should prevent eating habits that can lead to bloat. If your pup has a deep chest, he may be at risk for this condition. Bloat is dangerous because it causes the stomach to twist after eating too fast or too much.
3. Ear Infections
A deep ear canal makes your pup more prone to ear issues like infections, which may lead to more severe problems. If the infection spreads to the inner ear, it can lead to balance issues for your pooch. If you notice your pup walking in circles or shaking his head too often, take him to the vet for treatment.
4. Heart Diseases
Certain heart diseases are common in German Shepherds, so youâll have to keep an eye out for these risks. Make sure to go over health risks with a veterinarian and discuss the pupâs family history with the breeder before getting a new pet.
5. Heartworm Disease
The Heartworm parasite is carried by mosquitoes and can affect your pooch. The disease causes worms to fill your petâs heart, lungs, and blood vessels, disrupting their function. Itâs a major concern because it can be lethal if it doesnât get timely treatment.
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6. Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common condition among large and heavy breeds. It occurs when the hip sockets donât form fully or become loose, resulting in arthritis and pain. Many pedigree German Shepherds suffer from hip dysplasia due to their history of inbreeding.
7. Deafness
The merle gene in the Catahoula Leopard Dog also has strong links with deafness. The property of merle that causes discoloration on the skin also affects the internal lining of the ear canal, changing its properties and messing with its normal function. If your pup inherits this gene, he may be deaf in one or both ears.
8. Blindness
Blindness is a possible risk in Catahoula GSDs with the merle gene. He may be partially or completely blind since birth or may develop vision issues later in his life. Some merle pups are born with missing eyes, while some have beautiful bright eyes that lose functionality over time.
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Catahoula German Shepherd Mix lifespan
The Catahoula German Shepherd Mix generally enjoys a long life despite his propensity for health issues. The usual lifespan for this mixed breed is 7 to 15 years.
Catahoula German Shepherd Mix breeder
Finding a Catahoula German Shepherd breeder with a good track record can be difficult, given that this is a rare breed. If youâre keen on owning this hybrid, we suggest you check out GSD and Catahoula Leopard Dog breeders in your area and online.
Reputable breeders should provide you with all the necessary information about their petsâ health and vet records. They should also be willing to answer all your questions about the pupâs origins, their parentâs health status, and the environment in which they raise their pets.
Catahoula German Shepherd Mix puppy
Puppyhood is the best time to train your pet; this is when he is most open to learning new things and listening to their owners. Youâll want to socialize your Catahoula GSD at an early age, which means acclimating him to other animals, pups, and humans.
Itâs also crucial to be up to date on the pupâs vaccination schedule. Catahoula Shepherd mix puppies need vaccines for canine distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, coronavirus, and rabies.
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How much does a Catahoula German Shepherd Mix cost?
Mix breed canines usually donât cost a lot, so you should be able to get an adult Catahoula GSD for $400 to $1,000.
Catahoula German Shepherd Mix puppies for sale
If youâre looking for Catahoula GSD puppies, youâll need to prepare around $450 to $1,000 for a pet. The price usually depends on the breederâs location and the pupâs color and size. You may also check out puppy sites like PuppyFind.com, which has a list of available pets in your area.
Finding a healthy Catahoula German Shepherd Mix for sale
Finding reputable places with German Shepherd Catahoula mix for sale can be difficult, so we suggest you contact local GSD and Catahoula Leopard Dog breeders.
You can also take the adoption route if youâre keen on rescuing a pup. Look for shelters and rescues in your area; this is where you can find ready-to-adopt pets that got abandoned when their owners couldnât handle them.
Is the Catahoula German Shepherd Mix right for me?
Is your household a busy one? Does everyone in the family like running and exercising? Do you have a large home with a big yard? Do you want a fur buddy that doubles as a brave protector? If the answer to all these questions is yes, this high-energy breed should fit right in.
The Catahoula GSD is an affectionate pup that loves spending time with his family. He can be wary of strangers and other animals, but heâll warm up once he gets to know them. He loves romping around the house and playing fetch with his favorite toy.
This hybrid is ideal for well-experienced owners who are familiar with breeds of challenging temperaments. If you donât mind the extra training and need an excellent guard, hunter, or protector, then the Catahoula German Shepherd Mix is the perfect pet for you.
Related Questions
Catahoulas are best suited to the outdoors. Theyâre herders who are used to long walks under the open sky.
Catahoulas bark when they need to alert you of something or when they have to round up their herd. They donât bark needlessly.
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Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7384636/
https://www.instituteofcaninebiology.org/bloat-purdue-study.html
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.
