Catahoula Pit Bull Mix

Are you interested in finding out more about the elegant crossbreed that won many dog lovers’ hearts – the Catahoula Pit Bull Mix?

The Catahoula Pit Bull Mix is rare, but it is gaining popularity and has become better known outside of the USA recently.

This article will explore some of the most important aspects of owning a Catahoula Pit Bull Mix as a family pet. We will help you to make an informed choice in deciding whether Catahoula Pit Bull Mix is the right dog for you.

In this article, we will discuss the following:

• What Is A Catahoula Pit Bull Mix?
• Physical Appearance and Temperament
• Health and Lifespan
• Exercise & Activity Requirements
• How To Choose A Catahoula Pit Bull Mix Puppy

What Is A Catahoula Pit Bull Mix?

Catahoula Pit Bull Mix dogs are ranch and hunting breeds, more well known and beloved in the southern states of America for the blend of breed traits acquired from this unusual cross.

Still, the Catahoula Pit Bull Cross is pretty much unheard of outside of the USA.

The dog is essentially a cross between the American Pit Bull and the Catahoula Leopard Dog, or the Catahoula Cur.

When developing this crossbreed, the aim was to create a canine that is energetic, lean, smart, and loyal – the perfect combination for a reliable working dog.

Catahoula Pit Bull Mix Physical Appearance

The crossbreed comes in two different colours, often referred to as blue and red pits. The colour variations are seen in the skin, for instance, the nose and the feet.

You can also get some very pale dogs and very black Catahoula Pit Bull cross pups in a litter.

There is even sometimes the emergence of merle patterns, which can lead to some very unusual and attractive markings on these dogs. We have written another article about the Blue Merle Pit Bull, a possible parental breed for the Catahoula Pit Bull Mix.

The coat of this crossbreed is usually short and manageable, and shedding is low. It makes the Catahoula Pit Bull Mix a low maintenance dog when it comes to grooming.

The adult weight of this dog can vary and be anywhere between 35 and 82 pounds (16 to 37 kg).

It may depend on different factors, such as the gender of the dog, or which parental breed it leans more towards.

On average, the Catahoula Pit Bull Mix can reach a height of around 22 inches (56 cm).

Keeping all of this in mind, the overall look and physical appearance of a Catahoula Pit Bull Mix can vary a great deal.

You may end up with a dog that has a stocky build with the face of an American Pitbull, for instance, or a much leaner alternative.

Catahoula Pit Bull Mix Pit Bull Temperament

It is essential to make sure that a Catahoula Pit Bull Mix is handled well from a very young age.

While it is valid for all dog breeds, it is especially vital for muscular, strong-bodied kinds like this one.

Proper training and socialization program will ensure that the resulting adult dog has a balanced temperament and is easy to train and control in any situation.

Due to their massive hunting drive and inbreed instincts, Catahoula Pit Bull Mix dogs tend to be quite strong-willed.

In everyday life, this trait may translate to you having problems battling your dog on a leash, or worrying that it will set off to chase after other dogs and animals.

Training can be a relatively stress-free experience when handled correctly. It is due to high levels of the Cur and Pitbull’s intelligence, and the eagerness to please their owner.

With an early and thorough approach to your pup’s training and socialization, you can minimize any later issues relating to aggression.

Catahoula Pit Bull Mix Lifespan

If you are looking to add a Catahoula Pit Bull Mix to your family, you may be interested to know what lifespan to expect for your four-legged friend.

It is well known that hybrid breeds, as a general rule, live longer than pure breeds.

You will be pleased to know that the expected lifespan of the Catahoula Pit Bull Mix is 10 to 15 years on average.

Catahoula Pit Bull Mix Health

Generally speaking, the Catahoula Pit Bull Cross has robust health, and don’t have any particular hereditary health issues.

If you are concerned about any health problems that may arise in the future; however, it may be worth considering the health conditions that are commonly related to each parental breed. In this case, this is the Catahoula Cur and The American Pit Bull that has gone into making up the crossbreed.

A thorough look at your pup’s parents’ health history can also help to indicate any health issues that have the potential to crop up later on down the line.

Below is a list of concerns relating to the health of both of the parental breeds that you may want to know.

Hip Displasia

Hip Dysplasia is caused by the abnormal formation of hip joints, hip dysplasia, is a common condition in many canine breeds.

Needless to say, you want to give your pup the best chance of avoiding relating symptoms such as painful arthritis. Therefore, you should consider introducing them a well-balanced size and age-appropriate diet.

Nutrient-balanced diet will ensure that your dog has the correct levels of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone development.

Deafness

Did you know that the merle gene is sometimes linked to deafness? The risk of deafness for Catahoula is higher than for most other dogs. Hence, your mixed breed is also at risk of congenital deafness. It doesn’t matter if your dog has the merle coat, or he is just a gene carrier.

Skin Allergies

Pit Bulls are known for being susceptible to skin problems. Therefore it is likely that your mixed breed may experience some skin issues during its life too as it may be more prone to it.

Watch out for the common irritants like grass allergens, mites, as well as food allergens like chicken or grains. They are often the non-apparent cause of many itchy skin problems in dogs.

Exercise & Activity Requirements

The best kind of lifestyle for a Catahoula Pit Bull Cross is an energetic one! They are happiest when placed in active families where there is plenty of activity happening to keep their sharp minds occupied.

Compared to other breeds, your dog is going to need a lot of exercise.

The Catahoula Pit Bull Mix needs at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every single day.

By that, we mean a proper walk – not just a stroll in the park or some time in the back yard.

The Catahoula Pit Bull Cross needs vigorous exercise and plenty of directed mental stimulation.

The problem arises if f you are not able to provide this particular dog with a high level of physical and mental activity. As a result, you are going to end up with a “problem dog” which is restless and destructive in the house.

Your mix may also develop behaviour problems and become too difficult to handle without professional help.

On the other side, if you are worried that you don’t have the experience or knowledge to provide all of the exercises for your mix, don’t worry. It is not as complicated or daunting as it sounds.

You can give your Catahoula Pit Bull Mix with all the exercise it needs simply by playing games and doing training exercises during your walks.

This way, your pup will be kept engaged and will also practice restraint, keeping within boundaries, and listening to commands. All of this can be fun and, at the same time, help to develop a stronger bond with your dog.

How To Choose A Catahoula Pit Bull Mix Puppy

When deciding where to get your Catahoula Pit Bull Mix Puppy from, you should always go for a reputable breeder. The breeder should understand well both parental breeds, and have plenty of experience with the breeding practices of this particular crossbreed.

This way, you will be able to receive the professional support you need throughout the buying process and, hopefully, beyond as well.

It is vital to avoid backyard breeders, puppy farms, or accidental litters. Purchasing your puppy from these places means that you most probably won’t have access to the information you need regarding your pup’s parents’ health and breeding history.

In other words, you will be making a blind purchase and will have to hope for the best.

Besides, when you buy a Catahoula Pit Bull Mix puppy from a puppy farm, you are also supporting a horrible business, which is essentially dog abuse.

Puppy farms is an intense dog breeding, where puppies have been born into appalling environments.

Firstly, when you go to view a litter, take some time to observe all the puppies and how they interact with each other. It will give you an idea of each one’s personality and where they rank in their little pack.

Next, you should allow the puppies to come and say hello, noting which puppies are shy and which ones are more energetic and boisterous.

Ideally, you should be looking for a puppy that is somewhere in between- with a moderate-energy temperament. When you think you have made a decision, you should check the puppy all over for any signs of potential health problems. They can include runny eyes, nose, any discharge, dirty bum, rashes, etc.

To Summarise

Are you a dedicated owner, and willing to put the initial time and effort in to train your puppy well? Then, A Catahoula Pit Bull Mix may well be a great breed choice for you and your family!

However, don’t underestimate the amount of exercise and mental stimulation your mix will need. This crossbreed needs to be active to drain the energy and stay calm and relaxed!

Written by: Zara M.