Let’s Get to Know the Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull Mix

Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull Mix dog breed a Good fit for you?

Perhaps you have already adopted a Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix from an animal shelter and you want to know how to take care of him.

Or perhaps you are thinking about adding a one to your family.

Either way, this article will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the traits of the Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix dog breed.

Let’s get started!

What is a Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull Mix?

A Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix is a cross between two popular dog breeds, the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

We can learn a lot about the characteristics of this crossbreed by taking a closer look at its lineage.

Understanding the history of the Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix will help you understand your new dog’s needs and personality traits.

Characteristics of the Catahoula Leopard Dog

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a beautiful and athletic working dog. It is a member of the hound family.

Catahoulas are large, muscular, multi-purpose dogs. Their name comes from a Choctaw word that means “sacred lake.” They are known for their gorgeous coat patterns and their unique eye colorations.

Catahoula Leopard Dogs are one of the only breeds to originate in the state of Louisiana.

They can be used as watch dogs, guard dogs, stock dogs and hunting dogs—particularly for wild hogs.

Catahoula Leopard Dogs are brave, loyal, and intelligent. However, some people say that they can also be stubborn and independent.

They require a lot of time, energy, training, exercise and mental enrichment.

You can discover even more about the Catahoula Leopard Dog temperament by clicking here.

Characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a bit harder to define. There is a great deal of variability within these types of dogs.

In fact, the American Pit Bull Terrier is not technically recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a distinct breed (although it IS recognized by the United Kennel Club).

When people use the term “Pit Bull” or “Pit Bull Terrier” in everyday use they are usually referring to a mix of breeds including the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

All of these dogs are squat, muscular terriers, and all of them can be part of the Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix.

American Pit Bull terriers are active and strong. They need a lot of exercise and mental enrichment.

They are usually extremely loyal and loving to people—including children. Especially when they are trained and socialized properly.

Some Pit Bulls get along well with other animals, but some do not. Like most terriers, Pit Bulls can display a high prey drive towards other animals such as cats, rabbits, and even other dogs.

If you own one (or a mix), you need to be very responsible about their interactions with other animals. Although, of course, this should be true of all dog owners, no matter what breed you own.

If you would like to learn even more about the American Pit Bull Terrier temperament, check out this informative article.

Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull Mix Temperament

Now let’s get into the most common Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix behaviors.

Energetic and Athletic

These dogs are true canine athletes. If you are looking for a couch potato, keep looking!

Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mixes need a lot of daily exercise.

They make great companions for active owners. They enjoy walking, hiking, biking, jogging, and sometimes even swimming.

Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mixes also excel at canine sports such as agility, nosework or rally obedience.

Keep their Brains Busy

Catahoulas and Pit Bull Terriers are both highly intelligent.

Therefore, the Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix is usually smart and trainable!

However, you can occasionally get a stubborn streak from the Catahoula side.

Start training early if possible. Make sure that you find a trainer that uses positive reinforcement methods. Like all dogs, your Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix will respond best to positive training.

These dogs also need a lot of mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored.

Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull Mix Size and Appearance

What does a Catahoula Leopard Pit Bull mix look like?

As with all mixed breed dogs, there can be a lot of variability!

Catahoula Pit Bull mixes are generally medium to large in size.

Weight and Height

The Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix weight range is typically between 50 and 70 lbs., although they can occasionally get larger.

The average Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix height is around 20 to 24 inches.

These dogs are typically stocky and muscular.

They often have different colored eyes—a trait of the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Colors

Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix colors are gorgeous! They can come in a variety of colors and patterns including:

• Blue Merle,
• Red Merle
• White Merle
• Chocolate
• Brindle
• Blue
• Black and Silver.

Their beautiful colors are one of their most appealing traits.

Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull Mix Grooming and Shedding

Grooming

How do you groom the Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix?

Catahoula Pit Bull mix coats are usually short and dense.

They require only minimal grooming.

For example, weekly brushing and occasional grooming will be adequate for this mix.

You will also need to clean their ears and teeth regularly. Do not forget to trim their toenails, too.

Shedding

Both the Catahoula and the Pit Bull shed moderately throughout the year.

You should expect your Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix to shed as well—although it is not excessive.

The shedding is fairly easy to manage with brushing, bathing, and vacuuming.

Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull Mix Hypoallergenic?

If you are highly allergic to dog dander, than the Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix may not be the best choice for you.

Unfortunately, these dogs are not hypoallergenic.

If you must find a hypoallergenic pet, check out this article for a list of other suggestions.

Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull Mix Training

How can you train a Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix?

These dogs are very smart but they definitely need consistent, positive training.

If you adopt a Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix puppy, sign up for a puppy obedience class right away—ideally before your puppy hits 6-months-old.

Puppy socialization classes are the best way for Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix puppies to learn social skills with other dogs.

This is extremely important for learning vital skills such canine communication and bite inhibition.

If you adopt you dog as an adult, it is still a great idea to sign up for a group obedience class. You can also work one-on-one with a trainer. Private training is ideal if you are struggling with any behavior issues such as separation anxiety.

Just make sure that you find a trainer that uses positive reinforcement training methods. Avoid trainers that use punishment, fear or pain. Steer clear of training tools such as pinch collars, choke chains and shock collars.

Positive, reward based training, will be more effective and enjoyable for you and your dog.

If you would like to take your training even further, you can get involved in activities such as canine sports, therapy work, or search and rescue.

Staying Healthy: What are the Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull Mix Health Issues?

All dogs have the potential to develop medical issues during their lifetime.

The good news is that mixed breed dogs are generally healthier than purebred dogs.

Mixed Breeds vs. Purebreds

Of course, there can be exceptions to this rule, but in general, purebred dogs are more likely to inherit genetic conditions because they come from a smaller gene pool.

In addition, some unethical breeders exacerbate this problem further by utilizing poor breeding practices such as inbreeding.

Purebred dogs also tend to have more extreme physical characteristics (think about the sloping back of the German Shepherd or the squished face of the English Bulldog).

Such extreme morphological traits frequently come with associated health issues such as hip dysplasia, knee problems, dry eye, or collapsing trachea.

By opting for a mixed breed dog, you have a better chance of avoiding heritable health issues.

Catahoula and Pit Bull Health Issues

In this section, we will list some of the medical problems associated with the Catahoula Leopard Dog and with the Pit Bull Terrier.

However, keep in mind that if their genes are mixed, they will have a smaller chance of inheriting these diseases.

Talk with your vet about the following health concerns so you can be on the watch for early warning signs:

Catahoula Leopard Dog Health Issues

• Hip Dysplasia
• Deafness
• Eye Issues

Pit Bull Terrier Health Issues

• Hip Dysplasia
• Torn ACLs
• Skin Issues/ Allergies

Preventative Health Care for your Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull Mix

There are some things you can do to help your dog stay healthy as long as possible.

Take your Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix to a veterinarian at least once per year for an annual checkup and yearly vaccines such as rabies, distemper, parvo and kennel cough.

Also make sure to give your Catahoula Pit Bull mix flea prevention, tick prevention and heartworm prevention for its whole life.

You can talk with your vet about the best brands for your Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix.

As your dog gets older, you may also need to do annual bloodwork and dental cleanings.

With good care, the Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix lifespan will hopefully be around 11 or 12 years—maybe even longer!

As you can see, adopting a Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix is a big commitment! Make sure you are ready to provide a lifetime of love and care before you take the plunge and bring one home.

Finding a Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull Mix for Adoption

In this section, we will discuss how you can start the process of adding a Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix to your household.

Rescue and Adoption

Since this is a mixed-breed dog, you will probably have the best luck finding a Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix through a rescue group, animal shelter or humane society.

You can start your search by visiting your local animal shelter. Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mixes are fairly prevalent in shelters, so there is a good chance that you will find one on your first visit.

If not, you can ask the staff to fill out an application and keep it on file in case a Catahoula Leopard Pit Bull mix becomes available in the future.

Note: If you are open to adopting an adult Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix, you probably will not have to wait too long for a phone call.

If, however, you have your heart set on adopting a Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix puppy, you will have to be more patient.

The staff at the animal shelter may be able to direct you to local rescue groups that specialize in either Catahoulas or Pit Bull mixes.

You can also search online by using tools such as Facebook, Petfinder.com, and Adoptapet.com.

Working with a Breeder

Dog breeders do not usually intentionally breed mixed breed dogs such as a Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix.

It is unlikely that you will find a Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix for sale through a breeder.

With a mixed breed like a Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix, adoption is probably going to be your best option.

How Much Does a Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull Mix Cost?

The adoption fee for a Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix will vary depending on the organization.

However, standard adoption fees are generally between $75 and $300 depending on the group. The adoption fee almost always covers basic veterinary services such as spay or neuter, initial vaccinations, microchipping and a heartworm test.

We hope that this article has been helpful and we wish you all the best with your Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit Bull mix!

Allie M.

Allie has worked in the field of animal welfare for over ten years and as a freelance writer the space for many years. She has had many different kinds of dogs (and cats) throughout her life—all adopted. She currently shares her home with a lovable pit bull mix named Huckleberry.