12 Catahoula Mix Dogs You Simply Have To See 

The Catahoula Leopard dog, sometimes known as the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, is a dog with a mysterious and somewhat mythical history.

Beautiful to behold and with an infectious temperament, it’s easy to see why any canine enthusiast would be interested in learning about the Catahoula Leopard Dog or a Catahoula Mix dog, for that matter.

Unfortunately, Catahoula purebred dogs are rare. Luckily, crossbreed dogs and Catahoula mix dogs are much easier to find!

Are you wondering if a Catahoula mix dog would make the right canine companion for you? Then you’ve come to the right place. In today’s article, we are learning all about different Catahoula mix dogs in an effort to help you discover which type of crossbreed would be right for you.

But First, Let’s Meet The Catahoula Leopard Dog

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is an American-bred dog named for Catahoula, Louisiana.

As we mentioned above, the Catahoula Leopard dog is a dog with a rich history. However, there are many more myths surrounding this dog’s backstory than there are facts. What we do know for certain is that the Catahoula Leopard dog is a beautiful, intelligent, and work-oriented dog worth learning about.

What might you get if you invest in a Catahoula Leopard dog or a Catahoula Mix? Let’s take a look at a brief breed overview!

Type: Purebred

Height: 20 to 26 Inches

Weight: 50 to 90 Pounds

Temperament: Energetic, Work-Oriented, Affectionate, Devoted

Origin: Louisiana

Lifespan: 10 to 14 Years

Health Issues: Dental Disease, Obesity, Hip Dysplasia, Deafness, and Eye Issues

Overview:

If you ever laid eyes on a Catahoula Leopard dog without knowing what you were looking at, you might have thought you were looking at an incredible mix or mutt. While the Catahoula Leopard dog does have a lineage of different dog breeds in his DNA, he is recognized today as a purebred dog by both the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club.

Bred originally to hunt in the harsh swamplands and forests of Louisiana, the Catahoula Leopard dog has since become a Jack of all trades. This hard-working canine also worked as a ranch dog, a cattle droving dog, a guard dog, and simply a canine companion.

Catahoulas are incredibly intelligent, but as work-oriented breeds, they are certainly not for the faint of heart. This is a purebred dog that can be especially energetic, which means he can be prone to some serious behavioral issues if he is not kept mentally stimulated and routinely exercised.

For this reason, we would not recommend the Catahoula Leopard Dog for first-time dog owners or owners looking for a more laid-back family pet.

With that said, if you live an active lifestyle and you have children or other pets, the Catahoula Leopard or a Catahoula Mix could be an excellent addition to your home!

These dogs are known to be gentle with children and social with other dogs. Keep in mind they do have strong hunting instincts, and they could be prone to trying to herd younger children and smaller pets around the home.

These traits can be worked with and become manageable if you use positive reinforcement training, treats, praise and patience.

But while knowing all of this information is great if you plan on investing in a purebred Catahoula Leopard dog, there are a few more things you should consider when it comes to a crossbreed Catahoula mix.

With that in mind, let’s take a moment to discuss the designer dog debate.

What You Should Know About The Crossbreed Controversy

The Catahoula Leopard Dog already has a wide variety of dogs in his DNA.

Designer dogs, crossbreed dogs, mixed breeds, or hybrids are all terms used to describe a dog that is the offspring of two different purebred parents.

For the Catahoula mix dogs case, this could mean your Catahoula mix is a cross between the purebred Catahoula and the purebred Golden Retriever, or the purebred Husky, or the purebred Poodle, etc.

The difference between mixed breeds and mutts is that crossbreed dogs are specifically bred to combine the traits of their two parent breeds. Mutts, on the other hand, are generally born by chance and we often are unaware of their lineage without doing a DNA test.

Although the practice of crossbreeding has been going on for centuries, its recent uptick in popularity has led to some debate amongst enthusiasts and experts.

For some, crossbreeding is a way to reduce potentially deadly genetic health issues in purebred dogs, which have arguably been overbred for generations in an effort to maintain their breed standard.

Hybrid vigor, the idea that crossbreeds could be healthier than purebreds, is a promising theory. However, there are those that point out that genetics are genetics, and crossbreed dogs may be just as prone to suffering from genetic health issues as their purebred parent breeds. In fact, many point out that crossbreed dogs could also have a longer list of health issues to deal with as they have two different lineages in their DNA.

Another controversy surrounding crossbreed dogs like the Catahoula mix revolves around the predictability of designer dogs. Many crossbreed dogs are often bred and sold for as much or even more than their purebred counterparts, without all of the benefits.

Because the Catahoula Leopard dog mix is a newer crossbreed to the scene, he is less likely to be predictable when it comes to traits like temperament, health, and appearance.

Furthermore, since a Catahoula mix dog is not purebred, he will not be recognized by most major breed clubs and will therefore not be eligible for show.

While many hybrid dogs are bred and sold for top dollar in spite of not being purebred dogs, the Catahoula mix dog is still relatively rare and not very well known.

This could play to your favor if you are looking to invest in one of these stunning crossbreeds. On average, a Catahoula mix dog will cost you between $250 to $500. This price could be even less if you go through a reputable shelter and find a Catahoula mix dog that is available for adoption.

So, are you ready to take the plunge and learn about 12 Catahoula mix dogs worth falling for? Then keep reading!

12 Catahoula Mix Dogs You’ll Totally Fall For

Catahoula dogs are already unique looking, but imagine what their mixes might look like!

The Catahoula Leopard dog is already a stunning looking purebred. He is capable of having different colored eyes, unique spotting along his coat, and he can grow to be up to 90 pounds.

However, we also know that the Catahoula Leopard dog is a very high-energy dog. This dog is also a shedding breed that may not be ideal for some dog owners who suffer from allergies.

If you’re head over heels in love with the Catahoula Leopard Dog but are hoping to tone down some of his more intense characteristics and traits, you might want to consider a crossbreed.

Here are 12 Catahoula Mix dogs we think you should know about:

1. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Golden Retriever
2. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Labrador Retriever
3. Catahoula Leopard Dog x German Shepherd
4. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Jack Russell Terrier
5. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Poodle
6. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Dalmation
7. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Australian Cattle Dog
8. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Australian Shepherd
9. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Boxer
10. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Siberian Husky
11. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Akita
12. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Corgi

Ready to learn more? Let’s start with the Catahoula Leopard x Golden Retriever Mix!

1. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Golden Retriever

The Catahoula Golden Retriever mix is a good dog for more novice dog owners.

Height: 21 to 26 Inches

Weight: 55 to 90 Pounds

Temperament: Intelligent, Energetic, Family-Oriented, Playful

Best Suited For: Active Families, Active Owners, Owners With An Understanding Of Dogs With A Working History

Overview:

The Golden Retriever Catahoula mix is a unique crossbreed indeed. The Golden Retriever is famously known as one of the world’s most intelligent and family-friendly dogs. In fact, Goldens are often some of the top choices for therapy dogs and working breeds throughout the United States and even the world.

Mixed with a Catahoula Leopard Dog, the Catahoula Golden will likely be an intelligent, family-oriented, and fun-loving canine companion.

This is a mixed breed that will do well with children and other pets when well trained and socialized, although the Catahoula Golden could also be quite energetic.

The ideal owner for a Catahoula Golden Retriever Mix is going to be an owner with plenty of time to dedicate to their dog when it comes to exercise, mental stimulation, and affection. This dog will also do best in a home with a large, securely fenced yard where he can run and play.

2. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Labrador Retriever

The Lab Catahoula mix is incredibly intelligent.

Height: 21.5 to 26 Inches

Weight: 55 to 90 Pounds

Temperament: Energetic, Intelligent, Social, Friendly

Best Suited For: Active Families, Active Owners, Homes With A Yard

Overview:

The Labrador Retriever is considered the top most popular dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club. This is likely attributed to his winning disposition, gentle nature with children and other pets, and eagerness to please his family.

The Catahoula Leopard dog also has many of these winning qualities, which could make a Catahoula mix crossed with a Labrador Retriever an excellent addition to the right home or family.

Of course, like many of the Catahoula mix dogs on this list, the Catahoula Labrador cross is going to be an energetic dog that is going to need plenty of time dedicated to exercise and mental stimulation.

Without the proper exercise and mental stimulation, a Catahoula Labrador mix dog could become bored and destructive. He could develop unwanted behaviors like chewing, marking or barking, and he could even become depressed and anxious.

The best home type for a Catahoula Leopard dog will be one with a large, securely fenced yard and a committed owner or family who will spend plenty of time with their canine family member.

3. Catahoula Leopard Dog x German Shepherd

The German Shepherd Catahoula mix combines brains, beauty, and work ethic.

Height: 24 to 26 Inches

Weight: 50 to 90 Pounds

Temperament: Work-Oriented, Devoted, Happiest With A Job to Do

Best Suited For: Experienced Dog Owners, Active Dog owners

Overview:

If you are looking for a Catahoula mix with a tough exterior but a teddy-bear soft heart, look no further than the incredible Catahoula x German Shepherd mix. This crossbreed combines the incredible traits of one of America’s second most favorite dogs, the German Shepherd, with the winning qualities of the Catahoula Leopard Mix.

A working dog through and through, the Catahoula German Shepherd mix is going to be happiest in a home where he has a job to do. He is energetic and needs plenty of exercises, and will be best suited for owners who have an understanding of dogs with a working history.

This Catahoula mix is a companion you can count on when he is properly raised, trained, and socialized. However, in the wrong hands, he could become difficult and destructive.

4. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Jack Russell Terrier

Catahoula Jack Russels are intelligent, active companions.

Height: 15 to 24 Inches

Weight: 17 to 65 Pounds

Temperament: Intelligent, Energetic, Comedic, Curious

Best Suited For: Active Dog Owners, Families, Owners With Yards

Overview:

The Jack Russell Terrier Catahoula mix dog is as clever as they come, though he does have some unique quirks. Because the Catahoula and the Jack Russell Terrier vary so greatly in size, you could wind up with a dog that is either smaller than most Catahoula mix dogs on our list, or a dog that is just as large as his purebred Catahoula parent breed.

Remember, it is difficult to predict genetics and the role they will play in an earlier generation crossbred dog.

With that being said, you’ll always win when it comes to temperament. The Catahoula Jack Russell mix is a crosst that combines brains, beauty, and a hilarious personality.

Jack Russell Terriers in particular are feisty little things, and their terrier temperament is not one to be ignored. This could carry over to the Catahoula mix, so it’s important that the Catahoula Jack Russell Terrier has training and proper socialization at an early age.

5. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Poodle

The Poodle and Catahoula mix means you could have a potentially hypoallergenic dog perfect for those who struggle with allergies.

Height: 22 to 24 Inches

Weight: 45 to 90 Pounds

Temperament: Incredibly Smart, People-Oriented, Work-Oriented, Athletic

Best Suited For: Active Owners, Devoted Owners, Active Families, Experienced Dog Owners

Overview:

The Catahoula Poodle mix is one of the more popular Catahoula mix dogs on our list, and this is likely due to the potential for this dog to have a hypoallergenic coat. Like most doodle hybrids, the Catahoula Doodle is friendly, outgoing, intelligent, and athletic.

However, it could be difficult to predict if he will certainly have a hypoallergenic coat. This is a crossbreed that could inherit any number of traits from his different parents, especially if he is an earlier generation crossbreed.

If you are someone who is looking for a Catahoula mix crossed with a Poodle due to allergies, we recommend going through a breeder with a history of breeding these types of dogs, and a breeder who can provide you with a later generation crossbreed with a more distinguished coat.

On the other hand, if you prefer to rescue your Catahoula Doodle dog, we suggest looking for a dog that is over two years of age, as this dog will likely have its coat already established.

With all that said, remember that you are investing in much more than a dog’s coat type. The Catahoula Poodle mix is an athletic, intelligent dog that requires an owner who is going to be devoted, active, and committed to spending time with training and exercise.

6. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Dalmation

Both spotted dogs, the Catahoula and Dalmatian make a stunning combination.

Height: 22 to 26 Inches

Weight: 45 to 90 Pounds

Temperament: Energetic, Playful, Sensitive, Intelligent

Best Suited For: Experienced Dog Owners, Affectionate Dog Owners, Active Dog Owners

Overview:

The Catahoula and the Dalmation make an incredibly unique combination as both of these dogs are famous for their spotted coats. However, the pattern types and the color variations of the Catahoula make for a wide variety of options when it comes to what your Catahoula Dalmatian mix might look like.

While we can predict that your Dalmatian Catahoula mix will be spotted and that he will also be a lightly shedding dog, we cannot predict much else.

The Dalmatian in particular is an intelligent dog built for athleticism and work. A Catahoula Dal mix is going to be energetic and needs at least an hour or more of exercise devoted to him a day.

Like most Catahoula mix dogs on our list, the Catahoula Dal mix is also going to require early training and socialization, and he will thrive in a home with a large, securely fenced yard where he can run and play.

7. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is a highly intelligent and work-oriented dog, as is the Catahoula Leopard dog.

Height: 17 to 24 Inches

Weight: 40 to 80 Pounds

Temperament: Intelligent, Work Oriented, Focused

Best Suited For: Experienced and Active Dog Owners

Overview:

The Australian Cattle Dog has long been considered one of the world’s most intelligent purebreds, so it’s no wonder we would recommend this Catahoula mix dog to the more experienced dog owner.

While many may think that the smarter a dog is the less maintenance it will be, the opposite actually tends to be true. In fact, the Australian Cattle dog is a herding dog, just like his Catahoula counterpart. As such, the Catahoula Cattle Dog mix is going to have a strong desire to work and will likely not be pleased if he is left without a job to do.

With a deep need to feel purpose, the ideal owner for a Catahoula Australian Cattle Dog Mix is going to be an owner with an understanding of working breeds. This is also a dog that would thrive in homes with plenty of land, or with owners who are able to ensure they are providing their dog with routine exercise each and every day.

Along with exercise, this Catahoula Mix is also going to need daily mental stimulation, training, and socialization.

8. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Australian Shepherd

The Aussie is one of the smartest dogs in the world, and mixed with the Catahoula this hybrid is incredibly brainy.

Height: 20 to 26 Inches

Weight: 40 to 80 Pounds

Temperament: Highly Intelligent, Work Oriented, Athletic

Best Suited For: Experienced Dog Owners, Active Dog Owners

Overview:

Another Catahoula mix dog that might easily be defined as one of the most intelligent is the Catahoula and Australian Shepherd mix.

In spite of his name, the Aussie is a dog that is actually considered an American breed. He was once considered a cowboy’s best friend, and his original purpose was to serve as a versatile working dog on farms and ranches.

He often worked alongside cowboys, helping to wrangle cattle, sheep, and other livestock.

Since the Catahoula Leopard Dog is also a bred herding and working dog, you can expect your Catahoula Aussie to be a work-oriented dog that requires at least an hour or more of daily exercise, consistent training and socialization, and plenty of time and devotion.

Like the Catahoula mix crossed with the Cattle Dog above, the Catahoula Aussie is a dog that is best suited for active dog owners with a flexible schedule and owners who live on a large piece of land where their dog can run and play freely.

9. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Boxer

The Catahoula Boxer mix is a clever, funny, and devoted companion.

Height: 23 to 26 Inches

Weight: 70 to 90 Pounds

Temperament: Friendly, Bright, Cheerful, Playful, Fearless, Athletic

Best Suited For: Active Dog Owners, Active Families, Owners With A Yard

Overview:

The Boxer is a family favorite thanks to his adorable face and unique temperament. This is a purebred dog who does well with children and other pets, and his comedic personality provides for countless hours of entertainment.

When you cross a Catahoula with a Boxer, you get a unique Catahoula mix that could have a variety of traits and physical qualities all his own.

This is a Catahoula mix that is going to be a large dog, and though he may inherit his Catahoula parent breed’s longer snout, he could also have the more shortened face of a Boxer.

If this should occur, you should know that the Catahoula Boxer mix could be prone to some unique health issues as a result of brachycephalic airway syndrome.

This is a genetic health issue that is caused by the shape of the skull in flatter-faced breeds. It can lead to respiratory issues and heat intolerance, so your Catahoula Boxer mix should be monitored during very warm weather.

Outside of potential health risks, the Catahoula Boxer dog is a great family companion for active owners. He prefers a yard to play in and will make a fun and hardy playmate for youngsters.

10. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Siberian Husky

The Catahoula Husky mix combines two energetic dogs in one.

Height: 20 to 26 Inches

Weight: 40 to 80 Pounds

Temperament: Energetic, Social, People Oriented, Mischievous

Best Suited For: Active Dog Owners, Experienced Dog Owners, Patient Dog Owners

Overview:

The Siberian Husky is a gorgeous purebred with an origin that is perhaps just as intriguing as that of his Catahoula dog counterpart. A dog of the nomadic Chukchi people of Siberia, the Siberian Husky was not just a sled pulling dog, but he served as a guard dog, hunting dog, and infallible canine companion.

Spending most of his early history out in the open and bred to have endless stamina, it’s no wonder the Husky is considered one of the more high-energy dogs on our list of Catahoula mix breeds.

All this energy has made the Catahoula Husky mix somewhat high maintenance, and he will do his best in homes with dedicated owners who live an active lifestyle and are able to bring their Catahoula Husky mix with them often on adventures.

If you have other pets or children in the home, the Catahoula Husky mix could fit right in. He will love having energetic little ones to romp within the yard and he is a social mix, so he will get along well with other dogs when well trained and socialized.

We should note here that the Catahoula Husky mix is going to be a heavily shedding dog, so he may not be the ideal dog for those with allergies.

11. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Akita

The Akita Catahoula mix is a rare combination.

Height: 24 to 28 Inches

Weight: 65 to 110 Pounds

Temperament: Devoted, Alert, Intelligent, Fearless

Best Suited For: Experienced Dog Owners

Overview:

The Catahoula Akita mix is a rare and unique mix for a number of reasons. This is also perhaps one of the largest of the Catahoula mix dogs we have on our list.

Incredibly devoted and highly intelligent, the Catahoula Akita mix is best suited for dog owners who have experience with working breeds and for owners who are prepared for this dog’s potentially willful disposition.

The Catahoula Akita dog should be well trained and socialized at an early age to help reduce the chances of behavioral issues, and owners should note that these dogs may be naturally wary of strangers.

12. Catahoula Leopard Dog x Corgi

Catahoula Corgi mix dogs may be difficult to come by, but they’re worth looking for.

Height: 12 to 20 Inches

Weight: 30 to 70 Pounds

Temperament: Intelligent, Work Oriented, Curious, Friendly

Best Suited For: Active Families

Overview:

Last but of course never least, we have the ever-illusive Catahoula mix crossed with a Corgi. This is a hybrid you may not find easily, but if you do you are sure to fall head over heels. Like the Catahoula, the Corgi is a herding dog at heart.

Though smaller, the Corgi is an energetic and intelligent purebred that has won the hearts of many, including the queen of England herself!

When crossed with the Catahoula, the Catahoula Corgi mix is an intelligent, affectionate, curious, and work-oriented companion. He can do well with children and other pets, though it’s likely he’ll have strong herding instincts that will need to be worked with.

Is A Catahoula Mix Dog The Right Dog For You?

Deciding whether or not one of the Catahoula Mix dogs on our list is right for you can be tricky.

Picking the right dog for you can be tricky, regardless of if it is a Catahoula mix or any other kind of purebred, mutt, or hybrid.

While no two dogs are the same, it is important to consider which type of dog you are interested in and do a deeper dive into that dog’s breed history. For the most part, a Catahoula mix dog is an energetic, affectionate dog that can do well with active families.

If you are planning on looking for a Catahoula mix dog, we recommend looking into trusted shelters or reaching out to reputable breeders who have a history of breeding this unique mix.

We hope this has been a helpful guide on the Catahoula mix! Did you find the dog of your dreams on our list above? Tell us which Catahoula mix stole your heart in the comment section below.