Catahoula Pitbull Mix (Pitahoula): Info, Pictures, Traits & Facts (2024)

The Catahoula Pitbull mix is a unique breed of dog. Recently, this mixed-breed dog has been gaining praise. But what, exactly, sets the Catahoula Pit mix apart from other dogs?

The Pitbull Catahoula mix is the perfect combination of good appearance, intelligence, and agility. This mixed breed is perfect for active families who want something different.

This article covers everything about the Catahoula Leopard Dog and Pit Bull hybrid. Continue reading if you want to learn more!

Breed Overview

What is a Catahoula Pitbull Mix?

The Catahoula Pit Bull mix is an active breed that is famous for being loyal and protective. This dog combines the hunting instincts of the Catahoula breed with the Pitbull’s strength. Pitahoulas are very clever and need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

The Catahoula and American Pitbull Terrier mix is a designer dog not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and United Kennel Club (UKC).

Despite that, Pitahoulas are mixed breeds that can make great family pets. They are friendly and protective and make excellent watchdogs since they always look out.

If you’re thinking about adding a Catahoula mix to your household, give them plenty of training, exercise, and early socialization to help them become well-mannered.

With proper care and attention, the Catahoula Leopard Dog and American Pit Bull Terrier mix can become wonderful and devoted companions for many years.

Catahoula Pitbull Mix Origin and History

Little is known about this cross of the American Pitbull Terrier and Catahoula. Nonetheless, there are reports that these intense dogs were probably produced in the last 20 years.

The objective was to reproduce the appearance of the Catahoula Pitbull Terrier, which was bred to extinction.

This dog is similar to the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the American Pitbull hybrid breed. Meanwhile, the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Pit Bull are the ancestors of modern dog breeds.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog breed is believed to have originated in Spain in the 16th century. The Bloodhound, Greyhound, and Mastiff were all used in producing this affectionate dog.

The Catahoula is also the state dog of Louisiana, and its name came from the state’s largest natural freshwater lake.

Pit Bulls, on the other hand, have been around since the 19th century. They were originally bred for blood sports. However, this loyal dog was also used as a guard dog by farmers in the early days.

There are no exact details about the Catahoula Pit bull mix’s origin. However, experts believe that this hybrid originated in the United States, where both parent breeds are popular.

Catahoula Pitbull Mix Appearance

The Catahoula Leopard Dog Pit mix is a medium-sized pooch with a powerful physique. This dog’s ears are loose and hang down from its square head. In addition, the Pitahoula has short hair and lean legs.

The Catahoula Leopard Pitbull mix has more possible coat colors than the parent breeds. This hybrid can exhibit different hues, including black, white, tan, red, cream, blue, and even the merle pattern.

The Catahoula parent’s spotted markings are caused by a merle gene, which can be passed onto the offspring. Meanwhile, Pitbull genes can cause brindle patterns.

The Pitahoula has a wide range of possible nose and eye colors. The nostrils of some Pitahoulas are brown or black, whereas those of others are pink. Also, some will end up with blue eyes, while the rest will have hazel ones.

It’s also important to note that the Catahoula Leopard Dog may have different colored eyes. This is called heterochromia, a condition where there are several colors in the dog’s iris. This is caused by the merle gene.

Catahoula Pitbull Mix Size and Weight

Depending on the size of each parent breed, a full-grown Catahoula Leopard Dog and Pitbull hybrid might weigh anywhere from 40 to 85 pounds. This hybrid can also grow around 18 to 23 inches tall.

Pitahoulas actively grow between 18 and 24 months. Their rapid development begins around the third month of life and continues through the first year. From that point on, they begin to mature at a slower rate.

Catahoula Pitbull Mix Temperament and Personality

The Catahoula Leopard Dog and American Pit Bull Terrier mix is a highly intelligent and sociable canine. It’s a great pet for a very active family and for dog lovers who enjoy intense dogs.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is known for being good around older children, which is why it was also known as a nanny dog. This trait can be passed on to their litter. However, they should still be supervised during playtime.

Meanwhile, the Catahoula and Pit Bull mix has the potential to be aggressive and headstrong at a young age. Enlisting this hybrid in a puppy obedience class can greatly help in raising a well-mannered dog.

This breed may also have a pack mentality. The pack mentality is where your Pitahoula may try to dominate other dogs in the house or even you! For this reason, this mix is a great fit for an experienced dog owner.

Catahoula Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues

The Pitahoula is a relatively healthy dog breed. The average lifespan for this hybrid is between 10 and 16 years. However, this may vary depending on the breed of the Pitbull parent and hybrid vigor.

Hybrid vigor can cause an extended lifespan and enhanced disease resistance because of the complex genetic pool present among crossbreeds.

However, that doesn’t mean the Catahoula Cur mixed with the Pit Bull is completely healthy. They, too, experience different canine health concerns, especially if they are not well taken care of by irresponsible dog owners.

The Catahoula Pitbull mix is prone to the following health issues:

• Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a condition among hybrids like Pitahoulas where the ball and hip joints are malformed. This condition is comparable to painful arthritis.
• Cataracts: Cataracts are common in both Pitbulls and Catahoula Leopard Dogs. Cataracts cause blurred vision and may eventually lead to complete blindness. This eye problem affects canines more frequently as they age.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is when a Pitahoula’s thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones. When this happens, the dog’s metabolism slows down. This disorder is prevalent in Pitbulls and is often transmitted to Pitahoulas. Meanwhile, medications can help control hypothyroidism.
• Gastric dilation-volvulus: This is also known as bloating. It is a fatal condition affecting Pitahoulas, and they can die from this illness within a few hours if nothing is done. Both excessive eating and eating too soon contribute to this problem.

The condition of both parents typically determines a Catahoula Pit mix’s overall health. One way to guarantee a healthy dog is to buy from a reputable breeder instead of a backyard breeder.

How to Take Care of Your Leopard Dog Pitbull Mix

Pitahoulas require the right nutrition, care, exercise, and training in order to live longer and more healthily. In the next section, we will dive deeper into how to take care of your Pit Catahoula mix.

Food and Diet

A Catahoula Leopard Dog and Pit Bull Terrier mix eats like any other high-energy, muscle-building dog. These intense dogs have particular nutritional needs throughout their formative puppy years.

You should give your Catahoula and Pitbull mix 2 ½ to 3 ½ cups of dog food per day. You should also know if your pooch has food allergies and be mindful of feeding your Pit Catahoula mix any potentially poisonous foods.

Consult with a trusted veterinarian if you’re not sure whether your dog has food allergies. Lastly, a bowl of fresh water must also always be accessible to keep your Catahoula Pitbull mix hydrated.

Cleaning and Grooming

The short, silky coat of the Catahoula Pit mix is one of this breed’s distinguishing features. When compared to other breeds, this hybrid has significantly reduced shedding.

Grooming is optional for a Catahoula Pitbull mix. It is advised to brush your dog’s hair once a week to keep it healthy and shiny. You may also bathe these dogs once a month or when they accidentally roll on dirt.

Keep in mind that overwashing can cause skin allergies or dry out the animal’s coat. Meanwhile, you must clean your dog’s ears once a month, while daily toothbrushing is needed for your Pitahoula’s oral hygiene.

On the other hand, you must cut your dog’s nails once they start touching the ground. Make sure that you know how to do this because you don’t want to make your furry friend’s nails bleed.

Training and Exercise

Catahoula and Pit Bull mixes need a lot of physical and mental stimulation. An hour of vigorous exercise and quality playtime daily is necessary to stimulate your dog’s physical and mental energy.

Also, you may start with puppy obedience classes and leash training as early as eight weeks. Leash training will allow you to bring your dog to malls, parks, supermarkets, and other places without you having to worry.

Here’s a video of a one-year-old Catahoula Pitbull mix undergoing training:

Many dog owners also agree that early socialization and positive reinforcement can help this mix get along well with other members of the household.

“Same litter syndrome” is a problem that can happen to puppies who grow up together but don’t get to meet other dogs or people. They can become too attached and have trouble learning how to be friendly.

How Much Does a Catahoula Pitbull Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

Reputable breeders charge between $500 and $1,000 for a Catahoula-Pitbull mix puppy. This puppy is surprisingly a few hundred dollars cheaper than similar Pitbull mixes.

Meanwhile, other costs associated with your Catahoula Pit mix should be taken into account. The table below shows an estimate of the costs associated with buying a new Pitahoula puppy:

These costs may be lessened if you are an experienced dog owner and already have some of these supplies, like food bowls, toys, leashes, beds, crates, and carriers.

You also need to have emergency funds for unexpected events. Getting pet insurance can give you peace of mind knowing that your Pitahoula can get quality healthcare services in times of sickness.

Places to Find Catahoula Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption

The Catahoula-Pit Bull mix is a rare breed of dog. At the moment, there aren’t a ton of breeders actively working to provide the market with this particular designer dog.

However, they are available in a select few places. Catahoula and Pit Bull mix puppies can be found for sale in the following places:

• Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a family-run business whose primary goal is to help dog lovers find the right pooch for them. Their dogs are guaranteed for 30 days and come with vaccinations and deworming. You may check their page from time to time to see if they have available Catahoula Pitbull mixes.
• PuppyFinder – This website is based in the United States. It is a canine advertising and location-based search engine. They closely monitor the breeders that advertise on their page. They ban breeders who are confirmed to be backyard breeders.
• Lancaster Puppies – This website links people looking for pets with breeders who specialize in various canine species, including Pit Bull and Catahoula mixes. It is best to get in touch directly with the breeder using the details advertised on their website to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable breeder.

Adopting a Catahoula Leopard Dog and Pit Bull mix is a good alternative if you can’t afford to buy one from a breeder. This option will not only save you money, but you can also save a life.

Here are several places you can look to adopt a Catahoula Pitbull mix:

• Hello Bully – In 2005, a small group of people formed Hello Bully with the goal of saving American Pit Bull Terriers from being used in dogfights. This group gained a reputation as a leading bully breed rescue over time. Mixes of bullies, such as the Catahoula Pit Bull mix, also benefit from Hello Bully.
• Adopt-a-Pet – This is a nationwide network of animal shelters and rescue groups that helps people find new furry friends. Their mission is to remove barriers to pet adoption. Be sure to periodically visit their site to see if any Catahoula Pit Bull mix has been added.
• Petfinder – Another place to look for adoptable Catahoula Pit Bull mix puppies is Petfinder. Similar to Adopt-a-Pet, this site provides access to listings from thousands of animal shelters across the country. You may find several wonderful Pitahoulas and other designer dogs here.

Pitahoulas are mixed-breed dogs, which is why they are not recognized by the AKC or the UKC. For this reason, these dogs are often discriminated against.

As a person who has real compassion for animals, one must always remember that all dogs must be treated with love and care, regardless if they are purebred or not.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Pitahoula

The pros and cons of owning a Catahoula Pit Bull mix may be similar to those of other dog breeds. These canines may be cute and agile, but they also have a stubborn streak.

The benefits of owning a Catahoula and Pitbull mix are as follows:

• Highly energetic: The Catahoula Pit mix is a highly athletic dog that loves to run, play fetch, and do other physical activities. This pup is perfect for dynamic households or energetic individuals. If you’re looking for a dog who can breeze through an advanced obstacle course, this is your best bet!
• No dietary pickiness: The Catahoula Pit mix is a blessing when it comes to food. This crossbreed, in contrast to most dogs, isn’t picky about what to eat. They’ll eat everything that’s meant for dogs.
• Low-shedding: One of the best features of the Catahoula Pit mix is that it has a coat that sheds very little. This dog sheds much less than other Pitbull Terrier breeds. This makes them a great option for households with allergy sufferers.

Meanwhile, here are some of the drawbacks of having a Catahoula and Pitbull mix as a family pet:

• Dominant: Catahoula Pit Bull mixes are dominant dogs that can be stubborn. Combined with their high levels of activity, this attitude can make them difficult to train. To properly care for them, you should have prior dog-owning expertise.
• Rare mixed breeds: if you’re looking for a Catahoula Pitbull mix, you’ll have to do some legwork to find one. The scarcity of these dogs makes them difficult to acquire. The best bet for tracking them down is to get in touch with the breeders of their parents.
• High exercise needs: Pitahoulas have high exercise requirements, both in terms of physical activity and mental stimulation. If these dogs don’t receive enough exercise, they can become destructive.

Given the information above, it is best to weigh your options and assess your lifestyle, financial capabilities, and physical status to determine if this is the right breed for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Catahoulas Have Wolf in Them?

No, there is no evidence that Catahoulas have wolves in them. They were developed through a mix of different breeds and are known for their unique appearance and working ability.

While they may look like wolves, their distinct characteristics are the result of careful breeding and selection, and they do not have any direct genetic lineage with wolves.

The benefits and drawbacks listed above are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to owning a Catahoula Pitbull mix. If you think you can handle the cons, this hybrid could be ideal for you.

Are Pitahoulas Rare?

It’s not easy to find a Catahoula Leopard Dog and Pit Bull mix. While the Catahoula parent is common in the Louisiana and Gulf Coast regions, they are much harder to find elsewhere in the United States.

Are Catahoula Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?

The Catahoula Pit Bull mix is a confident and powerful canine breed. If they aren’t properly socialized, they may exhibit aggressive behavior.

Fortunately, there are a number of proven methods for dealing with a Pitahoula’s behavioral issues. Hiring a professional dog trainer can also do wonders for molding a loving and loyal Pitahoula.

Do Catahoula Pitbull Mixes Shed?

Catahoula Pitbull mixes don’t shed excessively. This hybrid is known for having little shedding. In fact, experienced dog lovers who are also allergy sufferers are encouraged to consider this breed.

Are Catahoula Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?

Catahoula Pitbull mixes are not hypoallergenic. Both the Catahoula and Pitbull breeds have short, dense coats that shed regularly, which can cause allergies in some people.

While this breed does not shed a lot, it is important for people with allergies to spend time with a Pitbull-Catahoula mix before adopting one to ensure that there are no adverse allergic reactions.

Final Thoughts

Many people find the Catahoula Pit mix to be an excellent family dog, although it does best in an active household. This mix is not recommended for first-time pet owners due to its high energy levels and confidence.

If you’re an experienced dog trainer seeking a new challenge, this is your dog. However, bear in mind that this mixed breed is uncommon, so locating one will take some time.

It is also important that you have the emotional, physical, and financial capabilities to take care of this breed. While grooming should not be a problem, the right amount of nutrition, training, and exercise are necessary.

Are you eager to welcome the Catahoula Pit mix into your home? Tell us what you like best about the Pit Catahoula mix in the comments section below.