Pet parents looking for a loyal, loving, and intelligent hybrid breed should look no further than this mix between Catahoula dogs and Border Collie dogs. This hard-working dog will happily take up jobs on the farm, having incomparable instincts for herding and caring for small animals. They’re also known to be among the friendliest dogs around and are perfectly suited to look after young children, making them great family dogs.
In this in-depth article, we take a detailed look at the Catahoula Border Collie Mix and whether it will be a good fit for you and your home.
What is the Catahoula Border Collie Mix?
Dog enthusiasts looking for a smart pooch who is willing to do anything for their owners but is also resilient enough to work on various tasks, then the Border Collie Catahoula mix might just be the right breed for you. This hybrid can be bred by mixing the Catahoula dog breed with the Border Collie breed — unlike this relatively new hybrid, both parent breeds are pretty old breeds. Thanks to their gorgeous short coats, protective instincts, and infectious personalities, they have become a popular American dog breed.
A potential owner will need to keep in mind that these dogs have protective instincts and strong prey drives that should be considered before bringing them into new homes. While some people will keep these dogs as pets, most will breed them for work such as protecting cattle or herding cattle from carnivores like coyotes. However, the Catahoula Border Collie Mix can also be trained and serve as a service animal.
History of Catahoula Border Collie Mix
The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard dog is the only dog in existence that has roots that lead directly to the state of Louisiana located in the southern United States. Also called the Louisiana Catahoula Cur, Leopard dogs, Catahoula Hounds, and Catahoula Hog dog, the word “Catahoula” was taken from the name of Catahoula Lake and Catahoula Parish. These dogs most likely descended from Mastiffs, Greyhounds, Bloodhounds, and even red wolves in the area.
First developed in the 1700s, a time when registries or breed standards for these dogs didn’t exist were instead produced based on function and appearance. They were primarily used as protective guard dogs and hunting dogs on various plantations found across Louisiana and the southern US.
The friendly Border Collie, on the other hand, is a canine that hails from the United Kingdom used as a great herding dog that’s known for its high intelligence. First introduced by farmers in need of dogs to protect their farm animals, so they started looking into different breeds of dogs that might be able to get the job done. This resulted in dogs of medium size with an athletic body and smooth hair.
Catahoula Border Collie Mix Appearance
Catahoula Border Collie mixes are medium-sized dogs with blue eyes and a smooth coat in most cases except for a few pups which instead have amber or brown eyes. In general, these dogs will reach a height between 19 to 24 inches and will weigh around 30 to 80 pounds once they reach adulthood. While there aren’t specific standards for this breed since it’s still a relatively new breed, many of these dogs will fall under the sizes stated above.
Known as a designer dog, the mixes of Catahoula Border Collies come in a wide range of different colors, such as white, black, and red. Some dogs may also come in brown that may come with or without tan markings, as well as a coat color of blue merle. Their short, thick coat will shed during warm months but will remain dense during colder months.
They will often inherit the spotted or Leopard markings from their Catahoula parent. Below are just some of the color combinations that their coat may come in:
- Red and white
- Black and white
- Red merle
- Blue merle
- Lilac merle
- White coat with red merle
- Slate merle
Just remember that the breed’s standard will continue to develop as more of these puppies are bred, and the day may come when standard colors are recommended or new colors may even come out.
Catahoula Border Collie Mix Temperament
These dogs are highly intelligent and will make for loyal companions; they won’t do well when they’re alone for long periods, and won’t be a good fit for homebodies. Luckily, they will take well with training, so they can be great companions for first-time dog parents. While these dogs can be stubborn every now and then, they are also known to be affectionate dogs that are gentle, sensitive, and loving whenever playtime or cuddling is involved.
The Catahoula Border Collie mix is highly active so it should be given a lot of exercise. Just keep in mind that this dog has a strong prey drive and shouldn’t be left alone with small dogs and small animals because your dog may chase after them. If you’re after a dog that needs plenty of exercise and loves spending time outside with you, then this could be the best dog for you.
Catahoula Border Collie Mix Training and Exercise
Early socialization and proper training are both vital to raising a well-mannered Catahoula Border Collie mix. In general, training is important for all kinds of dogs since this will teach them to stay safe and obey commands around other animals and new people. On the other hand, socialization will help your puppy become more comfortable with the world around it, so it can become a happy and adjusted dog that’s not afraid of any experience or situation.
Among the most essential parts of owning this dog is to provide them with a lot of exercises. They need regular exercise to help them burn away their high energy levels and will allow them to stay physically and mentally healthy. Moreover, exercise will help these dogs keep lean and fit, so they can live a healthy and long life with their humans.
The Catahoula Border Collie mix should get a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise each day to keep healthy — give them more if you have an overweight or older dog. Going for a walk or playing fetch together are wonderful ways for you and your pet to stay fit together. Other ways to stay healthy include going for runs outside or playing with their toys together for an hour or two.
This great dog can also be a companion for you to take with you on hikes and adventures. Because they need to spend a lot of time exercising, they will thrive in homes with a lot of room for them to move and run around. They also love playing, so be sure to give them interactive and puzzle toys to give them mental stimulation.
Catahoula Border Collie Mix Grooming
Depending on the kind of activities that you do with your Catahoula Border Collie mix and what it does around your property, grooming can become an important part of your dog’s daily or weekly routine. If you have ranch dogs playing with your pup out in the country or at a farm, where it gets quite dirty then it may need a bath every week. But if your pup usually stays indoors, then be sure to give it a monthly bath and regular brushing.
Catahoula Border Collie Mix Health
While the Catahoula Border Collie mix can be a relatively healthy breed, it will still face a few health issues like any other dog, so you should familiarize yourself with these possible conditions:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Cancer
The Catahoula parent may also develop health problems specific to its breed, which includes the following:
- Eye issues
- Congenital deafness
- Panosteitis (inflammation of the bone)
- Diabetes
- Liver issues
- Jaw abnormalities that result in underbite
- Thyroid dysfunction
In many of these conditions, your pup may suffer from more severe illness if they aren’t treated by a veterinarian. Luckily, you can reduce the risk of your pet developing these by making sure they are regularly checked for symptoms by your vet. When provided with a healthy diet and regular exercise, you can expect your Catahoula Border Collie mix to have a life span of 10 to 17 years.
Other Catahoula Mixes for You to Consider
Below we take a closer look at other Catahoula mixes worth looking into if you want to see other combinations with this beautiful dog.
Labrador Catahoula Mix
Up until last year, the Labrador has held the title of America’s most popular dog breed for the past 26 years. When you mix a Labrador Retriever with a Catahoula Leopard dog, you get one of the most popular Catahoula mixes around the world today. These affectionate, friendly, smart, and playful dogs will be friends with everyone they meet and will have a life expectancy between 10 to 14 years.
Blue Heeler Catahoula Mix
Also called the Australian Cattle Dog, the Blue Heeler is among the most energetic breed dogs and is likely to have the most lively hybrid mixes with the Catahoula in this list. Because both dogs are pure breeds, they are full of energy, unstoppable, and will tirelessly play and work. Depending on the more dominant genes, these dogs can come with a single or double layer of coat that’s short and could be water-resistant from the Heeler parent.
German Shepherd Catahoula Mix
When you have a German Shepherd Catahoula mix breed, you’ll find that it has a temperament similar to its parents; both have been bred to work and stay focused on the job at hand. Both dogs also have strong guarding and territorial instincts with their owners; as such, their offspring will need early socialization and training to learn how to behave appropriately in various settings. Depending on their genes, they will either get the thicker and water-resistant coat of the GSD parent or the thinner and shorter coat of the Catahoula.
Great Dane Catahoula Mix
Puppies of this breed will likely inherit a devoted and caring temperament towards their owners but will also be reserved when it comes to strangers. One trait they can get from their Great Dane parents is its size — you can expect to get puppies that weigh over 100 pounds. Both parents are great watchdogs and guard dogs, and both come from a working background, so be sure to keep them active.
Husky Catahoula Mix
When you breed the Siberian Husky with the Catahoula Leopard dog, you will get the Catahoula Husky mix, a tireless and hard-working dog that comes with intelligence and independence. The size of your puppy will depend on its gender as well as which parent it will favor. Thankfully, these dogs will know how to clean their own coats, but if it gets its coat from the Husky parent, it will experience a “blow coat” twice each year.
Basset Catahoula Mix
The Basset Catahoula hybrid is probably the most gorgeous and visually pleasing Catahoula mix available today. With the Basset’s long ears, droopy face, and big eyes, no one will be able to resist its charms. The Basset Hound also comes with congenital dwarfism that may cause its puppies to have shorter legs, but this only adds more to its appeal.
Beagle Catahoula Mix
This is among the most interesting dogs that you can crossbreed with the Catahoula Leopard Dog. Beagles are known for their prowess in sniffing out particular smells, which is why they aren’t a particularly good breed for guard work. However, the Catahoula breed can fix this and both breeds will come with neat, short, and smooth coats that will consistently shed lightly throughout the year.
Conclusion
The Catahoula Border Collie mix will be a wonderful dog that has plenty of energy to share with the family and will make for a great guard dog. Before purchasing one of these dogs, it’s a good idea to do research on a reputable breeder who will give you all the information you need, including the dog’s diet, parents, potential health risks, and certifications. When you want to add a loyal and energetic dog to the family, this dog might just be what you’re looking for!
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