The Catahoula Pit Mix is a fairly new designer dog breed that has become quite popular in recent years. So if you’ve never heard of the Catahoula Pit Mix or the Catahoula Pitbull Mix, you’re not alone.
The Pitbull Catahoula Mix is the new mixed dog breed in town with its distinct physical features and loyal yet strong-will temperament. Similar to the Catahoula German Shepherd Mix, the Catahoula Pit Mix is a medium to large dog that is hard-working, intelligent, loyal, and affectionate.
In this comprehensive guide, we will help you discover the wonderful world of the Catahoula Pit Mix. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a better idea of whether the Catahoula Pitbull is the right canine companion for you. So keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
Catahoula Pit Mix: Breed overview
Canine breeders are always trying to develop new and unique mixtures to create a new breed that will be in great demand. These mixes are called designer breeds and are carefully curated to carry the perfect blend of both their parents.
We get one such designer mix when we get a Pitbull Mixed with Catahoula Leopard Dog.
The Catahoula and Pit Mix is made by partnering the Catahoula Leopard Dog to the American Pit Bull Terrier. This is a relatively new designer dog, but it has quickly become popular.
The Catahoula Pit goes by several other names like Catahoula Cur Pit Mix, Catahoula Pitbull Mix, Pitbull Catahoula Mix, Pithoula, and Catahoula Leopard Dog Pitbull Mix.
Hereâs a table that gives a quick intro to the breed.
| Catahoula Pit Mix | |
| Purity | Crossbred |
| Origin | USA |
| Purpose | Companion dogs |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Size group | Medium-large |
| Weight | 35-85 pounds |
| Height | 18-23 inches |
| Colors | Red, blue, white, black, yellow |
| Patterns | Brindle, bicolor, tricolor, merle |
| Child friendliness | Friendly with ownerâs family, children, strangers |
| Canine friendliness | Average to low |
| Training difficulty | Easy |
| Grooming | Easy |
| Exercise needs | High |
| Health | Excellent |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Puppy cost | $500-$1,000 |
Catahoula Pit Mix: Parent breeds
The Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Mix combines two energetic, athletic, loyal, and strong canines. They get intelligence, independence, stamina, and vigilance from their Catahoula Leopard Dog parent, whereas their Pitbull parent gives them tenacity, loyalty, affection, and obedience.
Letâs read about their parent breeds in detail.
Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog, Catahoula Cur, or Catahoula Hog Dog, is an energetic herding canine developed for cattle herding in Louisiana.
Their different names refer to their qualitiesâtheyâre called Leopard Dogs because of their striking spotted coats, Cur Dogs because they belong to the North American herding hound group, and Hog Dogs because they helped farmers hunt wild boars.
Catahoula refers to the Catahoula Parish in Louisiana.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog came to be when early French immigrants mated the Native American wolfdog with the hounds that they had brought along.
The result was a hardworking, energetic, and versatile cattle herding canine that also excelled at hunting. Theyâre famous for their beautiful coat patterns and colorful eyes.
The Catahoula is an athletic, strong, loyal dog whoâs not only great with people but with other animals as well. They are relatively easy to train and are naturally protective of their family. Their intelligence makes them quick learners who love to please their owners.
Their breeders also taught them to be independent and make decisions themselves, a trait they carry today.
American Pitbull Terrier
The Pitbull is a strong, athletic, and muscular pooch. Theyâre known for their stamina and courage. thanks to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), these pups are now used as family pets and therapy dogs, the Pitbull has affectionate and playful nature.
Many people donât know that Pitbulls are famous for their affection towards children and have long served as nanny dogs. Theyâre very loyal to their family and do anything their owner wants.
Many countries have banned the Pitbull due to his reputation. However, those who know the true nature of the canine know the Pitbull as a caring, loyal, sensitive, and affectionate pup.
Many breeders have tried to get around the stigma surrounding Pitbulls by crossing them with other breeds. One such cross is the Catahoula Pit or Catahoula Terrier Mix.
Catahoula vs Pitbull
The Catahoula Cur and Pitbull are both athletic, energetic, and muscular canines with short coats and square bodies.
However, their temperamental characteristics are quite different. The striking merle coats of the Catahoula Leopard Dogs also set them apart as no Pitbull comes in that pattern.
Hereâs a table comparing the two breeds.
Similarities between Catahoula Leopard Dog and American Pit Bull Terrier
| Purity | Purebred |
| Origin | USA |
| Size | Medium-to-large |
| Coat | Smooth, short |
| Grooming | Effortless |
| Shedding | Low-to-moderate |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Drooling | Low |
| Apartment friendly | No |
| Energy level | High |
| Health | Good |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
Differences between Catahoula Leopard Dog and American Pit Bull Terrier
| Catahoula Leopard Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | |
| Purpose | Working dog | Utility dog |
| AKC Recognition | Yes | No |
| Child friendliness | Average | High |
| Canine friendliness | Average | Low |
| Watchdog ability | Very high | Low |
| Weather preference | Warm to moderate | Warm |
| Price | $300-$500 | $500-$700 |
Catahoula Pit Mix physical appearance
When breeders produce the Catahoula Leopard Pitbull Mix, they often try to recreate the gorgeous leopard coat of the Catahoula Cur. The Catahoula Pit Mix may inherit any physical qualities from his parents. But regardless of that, they still have an athletic build, short coats, small floppy ears, and blocky heads.
The interbreeding of two different breeds can produce many wonderful variations. But no matter the background of these pets, theyâre still sure to inherit some unique qualities from both parents.
Catahoula Pitbull Mix size, height, and weight
Since both the parent breeds of the Catahoula Pit Mix are medium to large in size, their cross falls in the same size range. As with their parents, the male Catahoula Pit Mix is taller by a few inches and heavier by a few pounds than females.
Hereâs a table to explain better.
| Catahoula and Pitbull Mix size | |
| Size group | Medium-large |
| Height | 18-23 inches |
| Weight | 35-85 pounds |
Catahoula Leopard Dog Pitbull Mix coat colors
Pitbulls come in all colors that you can imagine in canines. They commonly come in bi-color coats but also carry brindle and solid coats. Some Pitbulls are also tricolored, but thatâs very rare coat color.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is famous for its spotted merle coat that sets them apart from other canines. They come in red, blue, yellow, or white merle coats, but solid colors also exist.
The only way to give a Pitbull leopard spots is to mate them with a Catahoula Leopard Dog. But this process requires careful selection of mates. Merle canines often carry several genetic disorders that may pass on to their offspring.
If both parents are healthy and free from congenital issues, the resultant pup can have a variety of coat colors and patterns. Some even have a lovely mix of solid and blotted coats. Letâs discuss some of their coat colors.
White Catahoula Pit Mix
Itâs rare to have an all-white Catahoula Pit Mix as the color is uncommon for both the parent breeds. A white Catahoula Pit Mix usually has the merle pattern or spots of another color on his coat.
RELATED: White Pitbulls – Complete Guide
Black Catahoula Pitbull Mix
The Black Catahoula Pit mix may be solid, bicolor, or have diluted black or grey patches on his coat. A black merle pattern would set your pet apart from all other canines.
Brindle Catahoula Pit Mix
A Brindle Catahoula Leopard Dog Pitbull Mix has tiger-like black stripes on its body. The base color on a Catahoula Pitbull Mix brindle is usually fawn or brown.
Catahoula Pitbull temperament and personality
Your Catahoula Cur Pit mix will likely inherit a blend of his parentâs temperamental qualities. You can expect them to be intelligent and curious, but they can be too confident and independent. Theyâre loyal and affectionate but may be wary of strangers.
Catahoula Pitbull needs daily mental and physical activity as they are very energetic. If they take after their Catahoula parent, expect them to be stubborn and strong-willed, whereas those that take after their Pitbull parent are usually obedient and eager to please.
Unlike Pitbulls, the Catahoula Pit Mix makes excellent watchdogs. Make sure to teach them the difference between a friend and a foe.
Without adequate training, your Catahoula Pit Mix may become a neighborhood nuisance. Thankfully, they donât bark too much, so you wonât have too many noise complaints.
Never use harsh words or physical reprimands when training your Catahoula Pit Mix. You wonât get anything from it other than creating an aggressive, fearful pup who will not trust you.
Instead, use a reward system consisting of yummy dog treats, praise, and affection to make them understand what you want from them.
Does Catahoula Pit Mix make great family pets?
Yes, a Catahoula Pit Mix can be a great addition to your family. Their high energy means they can play with your kids for hours on end, but their size and strong-willed personalities may not suit a household with small children.
Although Pitbulls are highly tolerant of children, a Catahoula Cur may defend himself if someone bothers him too much. The annoying antics of your kids may get on the nerves of your Catahoula Pit mix.
Your Catahoula Pit may display aggression towards other pets. Therefore, early socialization is crucial, and youâd need to monitor your pupâs interaction with fellow pooches.
Never leave your Catahoula Pit Mix alone with another canine. Their parent breeds were known for pest control and hunting, so they may not get along well with smaller pets.
Catahoula Leopard Dog Pitbull Mix training
Training a Catahoula Leopard Pit mix can be a challenge as they are strong-willed and stubborn at times. They become dominant if they donât receive proper training early in their lives.
As a result, you wonât be able to effectively control them because they wouldnât acknowledge your authority.
The key to training the Catahoula Pit Mix is to be patient, firm, and consistent to make him obedient and controllable. Enrolling your pup in obedience classes may have better results if training at home is proving difficult, but you must also play your role to ensure your pet knows the hierarchy of your household.
Catahoula Pit Mix exercise requirement
The high energy level of your Catahoula Leopard and Pitbull Mix means that they need exercise every day. A long walk with the leash is not enough. They will want to run, jump, and play. Youâd need to give them 60 to 90 minutes of playtime, or theyâll become unruly.
The Catahoula Pit Mix inherits high stamina from both his parents. Exercising your Catahoula Pit ensures he spends all his excess energy. Unspent energy comes out through barking, howling, and destructive behavior.
Exercise also ensures your pup stays healthy and doesnât become overweight. Obesity can lead to a whole host of health issues.
Catahoula Pitbull Mix living conditions
A Catahoula Leopard Pit needs large open spaces to run around. If you have a large backyard, your pet will stay happy. They are not the best choice for small homes, as they can become destructive if they donât have enough room to run around.
The Catahoula Pit Mix is a free-spirited pet and doesnât like being locked up. A backyard will ensure your pooch gets plenty of fresh air without leaving your home.
Itâs also important that your yard doesnât have any weak fence or open space from where they can escape. If your county’s zoning laws don’t allow tall fences, you can try Wireless Dog Fences to prevent your dog from escaping and getting lost. This is crucial because the Catahoula Pit Mix is a vigilant and protective canine and may chase after someone if they detect a threat.
Catahoula Pitbull grooming and cleaning
These pups are very easy to care for and donât have high grooming needs. However, itâs important to keep your Catahoula Pit Mix Dog clean and tidy. You can brush him with a gentle brush at least once every week to get rid of dead fur, dirt, and grime.
Avoid bathing them too often, or their coat would lose its natural oils. When you do bathe them, it’s best to use dog-friendly shampoo to keep their skin and coat clean, moisturized, and healthy.
Brush their teeth daily and clean their ears every two weeks. These pups like to run around a lot, so their nails would stay filed-down automatically. Still, check their paws once a month.
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Is a Catahoula Pitbull Mix hypoallergenic?
To consider a pet hypoallergenic, being a low-shedder isnât enough. Along with fur, canine dander, saliva, and urine are the main causes of allergies among humans. For a pup to be hypoallergenic, they shouldnât produce any of these allergens excessively.
The Catahoula Pit Dog is a low-to-moderate shedder. They also produce dander and may drool quite a bit. You may potty train him so they donât pee all over your house, but the other factors remain. For those reasons, Catahoula Pit Mix are not hypoallergenic dogs.
You may be interested in: Are Pitbulls Hypoallergenic?
Catahoula Pit Mix food and diet
A Catahoula Cur Pit Mix is likely to have a healthy appetite, so be prepared to feed your pet 2 to 3.5 cups of high-quality dry kibble daily. You can also go with boiled beef or poultry, but make sure itâs not excessively fatty. A protein-rich diet will nourish your pupâs big muscles, whereas keeping fats minimum will ensure their bodies stay lean and in top form.
On occasion, they may also enjoy some meaty bones and table scraps; however, meat with sharp bones can injure your pup, and table scraps may contain ingredients unfit for canine consumption.
Most wet dog foods are full of filler carbs, making them largely non-nutritious. Itâs not like the Catahoula Pit Mix shouldnât eat carbs â fiber and slow-acting carbohydrates should be a regular part of a canineâs diet.
You can fulfill your poochâs carb quota by feeding them fruits and vegetables; however, make sure that theyâre safe for canine consumption and your pup isnât allergic to them.
RELATED: How Long After Eating Do Dogs Poop?
Catahoula Pit Mix common health issues
The Catahoula Pit Mix inherits his excellent health from his parents. Their mixed parentage also gives them more genetic diversity, which minimizes the chances of hereditary issues.
However, here are some ailments Catahoula Pit owners should be aware of.
1. Joint dysplasia
Elbow and hip dysplasia is a common problem for canines their size. They are at high risk of developing joint issues, especially if theyâre overweight.
Joint dysplasia leads to limping or lameness for your pet. Health screening of parents is crucial if you want your pet to be free from this issue. Keeping your Catahoula Pitâs weight under control will also keep joint problems at bay.
2. Deafness
Deafness is a risk with canines with the merle gene. Your merle Catahoula Pit Mix puppy may be partially or completely deaf. Deafness isnât something thatâs easily noticeable, and one of your pupâs parents might have this issue.
Make sure to get complete health screenings of the parents when purchasing a puppy.
3. Eye problems
Malformed and non-functional eyes are frequent genetic disorders in Catahoula dogs. Again, these problems arise due to the merle gene. Cataracts and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) are also common eye disorders in the breed. You should get a vet to test your petâs eyes every year.
You may be interested in: How To Soften Dog Eye Boogers?
4. Demodectic mange
Allergies and skin infections are common in the Catahoula and Pitbull breeds. These issues may be due to environmental factors, unclean coats, or food allergies.
Demodectic mange is a skin problem caused by Demodex mites. These mites occur naturally on the skin of all dogs, but problems arise when there is an overpopulation of them.
An immune imbalance in the dogâs body is responsible for Demodex mange. Demodectic Mange medications are available to treat this problem.
5. Thyroid issues
Thyroid issues include hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesnât produce enough thyroxine.
Symptoms include weight gain, hair loss, and decreased activity levels.
On the other hand, hyperthyroidism occurs when there is an overproduction of thyroxine hormones. Pets with this problem experience weight loss, high heart rates, and seizures. These problems are treatable through medication and supplements.
Catahoula Pit Mix lifespan
The average lifespan of a Catahoula Pit Mix is 10 to 15 years.
Catahoula Pitbull breeders
Finding Catahoula Pitbull Mix breeders is not an easy task. There are no dedicated breeders that produce these canines, which makes finding a good breeder even more difficult.
You can contact local Pitbull or Catahoula Breeders and ask about their breeding plans and if they have this mix available.
Catahoula Pit Mix puppy
As weâve mentioned, you wonât frequently come across Catahoula and Pitbull Mix puppies. The breed is fairly new, and not many breeders have Catahoula Pitbull puppies available.
Furthermore, kennels that produce purebred parents arenât always enthusiastic about creating mix-breeds â especially designer breeds that are relatively unknown.
Catahoula Pit Mix price
The price of a purebred Catahoula Leopard Dog is $300 to $500, while the cost of an American Pitbull Terrier is around $500 to $700. Mixed breed pups are usually more affordable than purebreds; however, a breedâs rarity can also inflate its price.
You can expect the Leopard Pitbull price to be around $500 to $1,000.
Pitbull Catahoula Mix for adoption
You likely wonât find Pitbull-Catahoula Mixes on the internet. However, many dog adoption websites and facilities list Pitbull hybrids and Catahoula mixes.
Adoption is a noble cause, and you should definitely consider it. Local shelters are overflowing with pets looking for a loving home. Adoption also costs significantly less than purchasing from a breeder.
Catahoula Pit Mix rescues & shelters
If youâre looking for a Catahoula Leopard Pit Mix in your area, check your local shelters and rescues. You may find one or two of them there.
However, keep in mind that designer breeds are much harder to find than purebred pups. Thereâs also the risk of adopting a dog from these places that have tons of health issues, so be thorough about the puppy if you want to take this route.
Catahoula Pitbull Mix puppies for sale
There are hardly any sites featuring Catahoula Pit Mix puppies for sale. You can find this mix of dogs on websites like Petfinder, Adoptapet, or Puppyfind.
However, it may be difficult to find a trustworthy breeder. Online scams are also not uncommon, so only spend your money after reading online reviews and visiting the breeder in person.
Pitbull Catahoula Mix for sale
If youâre looking for an adult Catahoula Pit mix for sale, your chances are very limited.
However, there are dedicated breeders who sell purebred Catahoula Leopard Dogs and purebred Pitbulls. If you want to find a Catahoula Pitbull for sale, check the internet for breeders in your area.
Is the Catahoula Pit Mix right for me?
If youâre thinking of getting a Catahoula Pit Mix, keep in mind that they can be aggressive towards smaller animals and other canines. They also need strong and patient owners and need to understand and acknowledge their role in the household.
The Catahoula Pit Mix also needs plenty of living space and lots of exercises. If you have an active lifestyle and a house with a yard, you can provide the physical and mental stimulation that this breed needs.
The Catahoula Pit Mix is a good option for experienced owners who are willing to put in the required effort to train and exercise their pets. Keep your expectations realistic, and you will surely form a loving bond with this beautiful breed.
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Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catahoula_Leopard_Dog
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.
