Husky Catahoula Mix: When Siberia Meets Louisiana

The Husky Catahoula Mix is a cross between a Siberian Husky and a Catahoula Leopard.

Some social and personality traits differ between the parents, but both can be quite frisky. This makes the breed an energy powerhouse.

The dog will fit right in with owners who love to hit the trails and go on adventures. With early socialization and tons of exercise, it can earn a place in your home as an affectionate companion.

Husky Catahoula Mix’s Appearance

Husky Catahoulas are athletic dogs that sport the most striking physical features of their parents.

Looks

With piercing blue eyes, pointed ears, and a tapered muzzle, the Husky Catahoula takes after the better-looking parent.

It's rare to find a mix with a distinct Catahoula face; the husky gene is strong in the looks department.

Size

Husky Catahoulas can grow 20–26 inches tall. They’re mid-sized dogs like both parents, weighing 40–80 pounds.

Coat

The breed inherits the unmistakable Catahoula Leopard’s mottled pattern. With blue merle and tan markings, its coat is typically short as well. 

Husky Catahoula Mix’s Personality and Temperament

Catahoulas have personality traits that balance out some of the Huskies’ quirks.

They have a more laid-back personality, despite their natural herding instinct. This is likely to tone down the husky’s high stamina, destructive streak, and constant need for attention.

As a result, the mix is calmer than a Husky and more energetic than a Catahoula, especially around kids and other pets. 

Intelligent and Inquisitive

Both parents are highly intelligent; no wonder Husky Catahoulas are natural at problem-solving. Given a task, they’ll display an incredible focus to get the job done.

They perform well in obedience training, learning tricks pretty fast. However, their stubbornness can sometimes get the better of them outside classes.

Husky Catahoulas can pick up patterns by just watching you, and then they’ll ignore you in the same breath.

Adding to that, they can have a lot of spunk. Their curiosity can get them into trouble, so you better watch out for this behavior.

Early training can bring out the obedient Catahoula gene and make them easier to manage.

Loyal and Affectionate

Huskies are super friendly, while Catahoulas can be a tad bit suspicious. Together, they create a breed that you can expect to love and protect your family.

Both Huskies and Catahoulas are pack hounds, so the mix is likely to behave like one as well. You’ll earn their respect once you’ve shown them who’s the boss.

Proper socialization can make them loyal companions. They’ll appreciate lots of attention from you and show off just to please you.

Gets Bored Easily

Both parents can exhibit destructive behavior if you leave them alone for too long. Naturally, the mix doesn't do well in solitude either.

Husky Catahoulas can get sick with boredom and turn your house into a post-hurricane scene in a flash.

They'll chew things to spend all that pent-up energy. Long jogs down a nearby footpath will let them blow off steam. Other tricks to keep them busy include:

• Giving them puzzles or interactive toys
• Playing tug-of-war or hide-and-seek with them
• Making a digging box for them
• Entertaining them with a flirt pole

How to Care for a Husky Catahoula Mix

With a life span of 10–14 years, Husky Catahoulas can live a full life, with the best care you can give them.

Food

Husky Catahoulas are muscular dogs that need a diet of lean meat and simple carbs. This will help them get ripped without putting on extra fat.

A great option is high-quality raw food, packed with protein and micronutrients. You may want to steer clear of wheat, gluten, and artificial additives that can trigger allergies.

If you have the time and patience for preparing a BARF diet, then we highly recommend it. BARF is shorthand for biologically appropriate raw food—ironically!

Don’t shy away from giving your pup raw meat, organs, and bones; it’s what dogs eat in the wild. Then, pluck a handful of whatever greens you usually put in your meals for added nutrients.

At half the cost of commercial raw options, we bet that’s a price you'll be happy to part with. You can also have a stash of store-bought pre-made patties for traveling, or if you’re just pressed for time.  

Supplements

Husky Catahoulas are prone to joint problems. Early supplementation of glucosamine and chondroitin can keep their bones in top shape.

Omega fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, are essential for your pup’s healthy skin, heart, joints, and kidneys. They also help maintain the sheen of his coat. 

Remember to talk with your vet for information about the right dosage to give your dog.

Grooming

Husky Catahoulas have smooth short coats, which makes them pretty low-maintenance. Here are a few grooming tips:

• Brush them once a week to keep their coat soft and shiny.
• Professional grooming is unnecessary, so give them occasional baths at home.
• Clean their ears weekly.
• Trim their nails as needed.
• Brush their teeth at least twice a week.

They’ll shed moderately, so be ready to grab the vacuum cleaner during shedding season.

Exercise and Training

Husky Catahoulas are a spirited bunch with sky-high stamina. They need at least an hour and a half of exercise every day.

1. Start obedience training at an early age to prepare them for their role at home.
2. Opt for shorter daily training sessions to boost the dog’s attention span.
3. Introduce puppies to different noises, places, people, and experiences.
4. Provide plenty of mental stimulation to ward off any urges to attack random household stuff.
5. Keep them in fenced areas at all times or leash them when you take them for walks.
6. Always stick to positive reinforcement.

Common Health Problems of a Husky Catahoula Mix

Huskies and Catahoulas have some common health issues they can pass on to their litter. These are:

• Hip dysplasia
• Eye problems
• Diabetes
• Deafness in mostly white Husky Catahoulas
• Cataracts
• Thyroid problems
• Certain cancers

Keep in mind to buy your pup from a trusted breeder who has completed breed-specific health tests for both parents. This will limit the chances of your dog developing these diseases and save you from future heartaches.

Calvin L.

Calvin is the co-founder and one of the main contributors to dogtemperament.com. He has been an avid dog lover all his life. He enjoys researching and sharing great ideas on how you can avoid common pitfalls of dog ownership and build the most loving and enjoyable relationship with your dog.