The Catahoula Rottweiler is a mix of two working dogs, the Catahoula and the Rottweiler. It has a unique spotted coat, which can come in any color. Since it's a mix of two powerful breeds, this dog is known for being large and muscular.
If you're considering getting a Catahoula Rottweiler mix, prepare yourself for some serious exercise requirements. These dogs need a lot of activity to stay happy and healthy, so if you're not up for a daily jog or game of fetch, this might not be the right breed for you.
Still, the Catahoula Rottweiler is the perfect fit if you're looking for a dog who can do it all.
History
Rottweilers are descendants of the ancient Roman war dog, the molossus. They were originally bred as working dogs and were used to protect cattle, defend their owners, and cart pull.
On the other hand, the Catahoula dog is an American dog named after the Catahoula Parish in Louisiana. The Native Americans called him “wolf dog” because he appeared like a wolf but barked just like a dog.
Americans mixed the Catahoula with other dogs, like French hounds, which resulted in the Catahoula Leopard dogs we see today. However, the Rottweiler Catahoula mix isn't that old. It has become popular lately.
Appearance
Rottweilers are giant dogs. They're also heavy and muscular. Their weight can be anywhere between 80 to 110 pounds, and their height can reach up to 26 inches.
The Catahoula Leopard dogs, on the other hand, are relatively large-sized dogs with an average weight of 67.5 pounds and an average height of 22 inches.
Looking at this, the Rottweiler Catahoula is usually a huge, muscular dog. In addition, it's a reasonably attractive dog, with brown and tan fur. Many of them have striking blue eyes that are characteristic of the Catahoula Dog.
If you're lucky, your mixed dog may have the intimidating appearance of the Rottweiler with the cute, friendly face of the Catahoula. What's not to love?
Since both Rottweilers and Catahoulas need minimal grooming, the Rottweiler Catahoula mix grooming is pretty easy. Bathing once or twice a month is more than enough to keep your furry friend fresh and clean.
Average Life Span
The lifespan of a Rottweiler ranges from 10 to 12 years. However, they can live as long as 14 years with proper care and nutrition. In comparison, the average lifespan of the Catahoula dog is 10 to 14 years.
You can expect your Rottweiler Catahoula mix to live for 10 to 12 years.
Personality Traits
Rottweilers are confident and assertive dogs that need firm training and plenty of exercises. They can be quite territorial, and we don't recommend them for first-time dog owners.
Rottweilers are also known for their intelligence and obedience. With proper training, they can be great companions and trusted family members.
The Catahoula, on the other hand, is a unique breed known for its exceptional hunting and tracking abilities. In addition,they have a sweet and friendly personality. It's also an exceptionally versatile breed, thriving in both rural and urban environments.
Combining the strength and intelligence of a Rottweiler with the high energy and hunting ability of the Catahoula, the Rottweiler Catahoula mix makes an outstanding guarding dog.
The Rottweiler Catahoula mix can also be an excellent family dog, but it needs proper training and socializing.
Still, their behavior toward your friends might be unpredictable. That's because the two breeds react differently to guests. For example, Rottweilers are much more friendly to strangers than Catahoulas.
Moreover, keeping a Rottweiler Catahoula in a small apartment might take a bit of work because this dog is extremely energetic and needs a lot of training. They're prone to separation anxiety as well.
That's why we don't recommend leaving your Catahoula Rottweiler home alone for a long time. However, if you have to, make sure you give him a long tiring walk outside beforehand.
Training and Exercise
Now that we've learned a little about the Rottweiler Catahoula mix dogs' traits, let's talk about how to train them!
We're talking about a mix of two willful breeds requiring a strong and consistent leader.
Training a Rottweiler Catahoula mix is challenging, but with patience and perseverance, you can definitely mold your mixed dog into a well-behaved pet.
Start by establishing yourself as the alpha—the one in charge. This means being consistent with rules and limits as well as making sure your dog knows who's boss. Be firm but fair, and always reward good behavior with praise and treats.
We don't recommend one extended training session. Instead, break it down into multiple shorter training spans. This way, you get the maximum possible attention from your dog.
One more thing to take care of is the high prey drive for this dog. Other dogs and small animals will easily harass a Rottweiler Catahoula mix. That said, your dog will be more sociable with constant training and behavior correction.
Taking your dog for a trip to the park might do the trick. It’s an excellent way to teach him how to deal with distractions. Ensure you do this regularly to familiarize your dog with other pets.
Health Problems
If you decide to get a Rottweiler Catahoula mixed dog, you have to be aware of the health issues your dog might encounter.
Weight Gain
Weight gain is quite common in a Rottweiler Catahoula mix. It can be a problem for your dog, especially if he has any joint problems.
Deafness
Catahoulas have an 80% chance of going deaf in one or both ears. Some Catahoulas are born deaf, too. That's why it's expected that a Rottweiler Catahoula mix will go deaf at some point.
Hip Dysplasia
Mild to severe hip dysplasia is a common problem for Rottweilers. It can be mild or severe. However, it highly affects the dog's movement and can lead to disability.
Hip dysplasia can also get worse with weight gain and make it harder for your dog to move around.
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.