If you’re looking for a unique and loyal canine companion, the Catahoula Blue Heeler mix may be the breed for you. This hybrid is a cross between two popular herding breeds.
Like its parents, the Catahoula Blue Heeler mix is known for its fierce loyalty to its owners and ability to protect its families and home.
So, if you’re searching for a new canine companion that is both loyal and diligent, consider checking out this mixed breed!
Breed Overview
| Height: | 18 – 24 inches |
| Weight: | 30 – 90 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | Blue, black, red, brindle, bicolor, speckled, merle |
| Temperament: | Energetic, loyal, affectionate, intelligent |
| Suitable for: | Families with older children, being a watchdog |
What Is a Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix?
A Catahoula Blue Heeler mix is a hybrid dog breed that results from the crossbreeding of a Catahoula Leopard Dog and an Australian Cattle Dog, also known as a Blue Heeler. This mix is a highly intelligent, loyal, and energetic dog.
Both parent breeds of the Catahoula Blue Heeler mix are dogs with solid work ethics.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a hunting and herding dog originally bred in Louisiana. On the other hand, the Australian Cattle Dog was developed in Australia for herding cattle.
The Catahoula Blue Heeler mix may have physical traits and temperaments from both parent breeds. They could have a muscular build, a short coat that may be mottled or speckled in color, and an energetic and alert personality.
The hybrid is often used for herding, hunting, and various tasks, such as search and rescue and police work.
As with any mixed breed, it is important to research and understand both parent breeds’ characteristics to determine if a Catahoula Blue Heeler mix is the right dog for you.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Origin and History
The Catahoula Heeler mix is a new designer dog breed. Because of this, there is no clear record of their origin. However, its parent breeds have a long history, both bred for herding.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is also known as the Catahoula Cur, Louisiana Hog Dog, and Catahoula Hound. Its name comes from the word “Choctaw,” which means “sacred lake.”
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a medium- to large-sized dog with a short coat. It is bred for hunting and herding cattle and hogs. They are good service dogs and suitable for agility training, frisbee, and flyball activities.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has yet to officially recognize this breed, but it is registered as a rare breed in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service. Nonetheless, it is acknowledged by the United Kennel Club (UKC).
Meanwhile, the Blue Heeler, or Australian Cattle Dog, was Australia’s first successful dog breed. This breed was specifically developed to withstand heat and rough terrain.
Also known as the Red Heeler or Queensland Heeler, this canine is related to Australia’s famous wild dog, the dingo.
The Blue Heeler is a strong and agile herding dog with well-developed muscles. They are born with a white coat that turns blue-gray or red. Both coat colors may have unique patterns of mottling or speckling.
The Catahoula Blue Heeler combines both parent breeds’ high energy and work drive, making them excellent working dogs on farms and ranches.
They are also known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature, making them great family pets.
Watch this video to learn more about the Catahoula Blue Heeler mix’s parent breeds:
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Appearance
Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Blue Heelers have different colors and patterns, but both typically have a merle pattern with many spots. They also have short, low-maintenance coats.
A Catahoula Blue Heeler mix can have floppy or pricked ears or a combination of both. This results from the Catahoula’s floppy ears and the Blue Heeler’s pricked ears.
Most of them are medium-sized and have a strong, muscular build. In addition, they have short single-layered coats that can be blue, red, white, or black. The coat has patterns that may be spotted, brindle, or round leopard patches.
Catahoula Blue Heeler mixes can also have eyes of different colors, a condition called heterochromia. Their eyes can be blue, green, brown, or amber.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Size and Weight
A full-grown Catahoula Blue Heeler mix can reach a height of 18 to 24 inches and weigh 30 to 90 pounds when fully grown. It’s worth noting that males are generally bigger and heavier than females.
But regardless of its gender, this hybrid needs to have a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition to achieve its expected height and weight.
Like its parents, the Catahoula Blue Heeler mix stops growing at 12 months old. The puppy is expected to be close to it’s full-weight by its first birthday.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Temperament and Personality
The Catahoula Blue Heeler mix is expected to have high energy and toughness since both parents are working dogs with similar traits.
Catahoulas and Blue Heelers have a closer connection to their wild ancestry than other purebred dog breeds. So, this mix may have some wilder instincts that make them difficult to manage for some dog owners.
But while this breed is not recommended for first-time dog owners, they make great pets because they are intelligent, protective, loyal, loving, and alert.
However, Catahoula Blue Heeler mixes could develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Thus, they need plenty of exercise and activities to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
Catahoula Blue Heeler mixes are generally healthy as both parents are relatively healthy breeds. They can live up to 10 to 15 years if they stay healthy.
But like other crossbreed dogs, they can still develop certain health problems at some point. Some of which are inherited from their purebred parents.
Below are the possible health conditions a Catahoula Blue Heeler may acquire:
- Deafness: The Catahoula Blue Heeler mix’s parent breeds are prone to deafness, ranging from deafness in one ear to total deafness. This issue usually occurs when the dog is three or four weeks old.
- Diabetes Mellitus: Catahoula Blue Heeler mix can develop diabetes mellitus, which disrupts the regulation of glucose levels. While it can’t be cured, daily insulin shots can help manage it well.
- Hip Dysplasia: Since Catahoula Blue Heelers are medium- to large-sized dogs, they can suffer from hip dysplasia. This is a common condition where the thigh bone doesn’t fit well into the hip joint.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Progressive retinal atrophy is a genetic disorder that can cause blindness in Catahoula Blue Heeler mixes. This health condition affects both parent breeds.
It’s important to know the health issues that your dog might have, as they can affect your life and $budget. Taking your dog for regular vet checkups is recommended to prevent potential problems.
How to Take Care of Your Catahoula Heeler
As a responsible pet owner, you should know how to take care of your dog. Knowing your new pet is crucial to giving them the proper love and care.
To fully enjoy the experience of owning a pet, it is important to understand its needs, including feeding, grooming, and training.
To help you out, let’s begin by discussing how to take care of your Catahoula Blue Heeler mix.
Food and Diet
The Catahoula Blue Heeler mix needs a high-protein diet to keep up with its active lifestyle. You can feed them raw or high-quality kibble, but avoid wet food to prevent weight gain.
They should be fed three to five cups of food daily, divided into two meals. However, the amount of food may vary depending on factors like age, weight, lifestyle, metabolism, and food quality.
It’s essential to monitor your Catahoula Heeler’s weight and physical appearance when changing its diet. This will help you see if the new diet is working well or causing problems.
Cleaning and Grooming
Catahoula Blue Heeler dogs are relatively easy to groom. They usually don’t shed much, but they may shed twice a year if they take after their Australian Cattle Dog parent.
In addition, bathing your dog, cleaning their ears, and trimming their nails regularly or as needed can help prevent dirt from triggering allergies.
But remember that bathing your Catahoula Heeler too much can dry out its skin, causing more shedding and dander. Regularly brushing them is the best way to keep them clean and well-groomed.
Training and Exercise
The Catahoula Blue Heeler mix is a very active breed that requires a lot of exercise. They need at least one hour of intense playtime daily to keep them physically and mentally excited.
Meanwhile, to bond well with your Catahoula Blue Heeler, begin training them at home or in professional classes once they are eight weeks old.
If you train them at home, be ready for their stubbornness. You should gradually establish your authority and use rewards to encourage cooperation.
How Much Does a Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
A Catahoula Blue Heeler mix puppy usually costs between $700 and $1,200. The main factor that affects the price is the breeder’s reputation and quality.
A less experienced breeder may offer a lower price, but they may not be the best option to choose from.
Besides the cost of buying a puppy, you should be financially prepared for additional expenses when bringing home your Catahoula Blue Heeler mix.
Here is a table of initial expenses you might incur when owning a Catahoula Blue Heeler mix puppy:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $110 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $30 – $60 |
| Beds | $40 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $370 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $160 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $2,710 |
These estimates may change depending on factors such as the brand and product quality. Moreover, everything on the list is optional. You can choose based on your budget and preferences.
Places to Find Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Searching for reputable Catahoula Blue Heeler mix breeders is challenging. Unlike its parent breeds, you can only find a few listings of this hybrid. Additionally, puppy mills are rampant, so be cautious at all times.
Below are some reliable breeders and websites that can assist you in finding Blue Heeler Catahoula mix puppies for sale:
- AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace provides a list of registered breeders where you can find puppies. The site only posts purebred breeders. So, if you are looking for a Catahoula Blue Heeler mix, you can contact either Catahoula or Blue Heeler breeders and inquire if they have a mixed breed for sale.
- Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies connects pet owners with reliable dog breeders who follow strict guidelines to ensure the health and soundness of each puppy. They have been in the business for over a decade.
- Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies advertises various dogs for sale, including Catahoula Blue Heeler. They aim to make it easy for buyers and sellers to find and sell puppies. They also have an accessible search option, which allows users to filter search results based on breed, age, and size.
You can also find rescues and shelters if you prefer adopting rather than buying a Catahoula Blue Heeler mix puppy.
Here are some rescues or shelters to find a Catahoula Blue Heeler:
- Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-pet can help you find adoptable pets, including Catahoula Heelers, in the United States and Canada. You can find the “Ask About Me” button on every Adopt-a-Pet pet profile to help you connect with over 15,000 animal shelters, rescues, and private owners.
- Janeen’s Catahoula Leopard Dog Rescue (JCLDR) – JCLDR is a non-profit rescue group run by volunteers. Their goal is to rescue, rehabilitate and find loving homes for Catahoulas and Catahoula mixes. If your application is approved, they’ll set you up for a “meet and greet” with the Catahoula or Catahoula mix you want to adopt.
- Petfinder – Petfinder lists over 375,000 adoptable pets from more than 13,900 adoption groups across North America. You can find a complete list of available Catahoula Heelers on their website. To adopt, click the “Ask About” button on the pet’s profile, and you will be provided with the group’s contact information. If the group has an email available, you can use Petfinder’s form to email them directly.
When looking for breeders, always remember to find the most reliable and reputable one. A good breeder will provide everything you need to know about your new furry companion, giving you peace of mind.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Catahoula Heeler
If you’re considering getting a Catahoula Blue Heeler, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of owning this crossbreed. This will help you become prepared for what kind of companion to expect.
Just like with other pets, owning this hybrid comes with both pros and cons.
Here are some of the advantages of owning a Catahoula Blue Heeler mix:
- Catahoula Blue Heelers are loving, loyal, and dedicated companions. Catahoula Heeler mixes are known for their protective and loving nature toward their owners. They express their love by keeping their family safe from any potential harm.
- They have a unique appearance. This mixed-breed dog has a striking appearance due to the combination of Catahoula and Blue Heeler genes. They are easily recognizable and may resemble one or both of their parents.
- These hybrids are more affordable than most breeds. This breed is less costly to maintain than other breeds since they naturally shed their coat. Thus, you won’t have to spend much money on grooming.
Meanwhile, here are the disadvantages associated with the hybrid:
- Catahoula Blue Heeelers can’t be left alone. Since this mix can form strong bonds with its owners, it may become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods.
- These hybrids must have constant activities. These dogs have much energy, which comes from their parent breeds. So, they need regular exercise to use their energy and avoid destructive behavior.
- They may not be friendly with others. Catahoula Blue Heelers love attention and may become aggressive if someone takes their spot. However, early socialization and proper training can help prevent this behavior.
A Catahoula Blue Heeler mix can make a fantastic companion for anyone willing to invest the time and effort required to meet its needs.
However, note that this hybrid breed demands much attention and time from its owners.
If you have a busy schedule and cannot devote much time to your furry friend, this may not be the right breed for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between a Catahoula and a Blue Heeler?
Catahoula and Blue Heeler are two distinct dog breeds that share some similarities but also have some significant differences. The primary difference between the two is their origin and breeding history.
While Catahoulas were bred in Louisiana for hunting wild hogs and cattle driving, Blue Heelers were bred in Australia for herding cattle over long distances.
Catahoulas are larger dogs with a wider range of coat colors, while Blue Heelers are medium-sized dogs with blue or red-speckled patterns.
Are Catahoula Blue Heeler Mixes Good Dogs?
Catahoula Blue Heeler mixes are intelligent dogs that like to please their owners. In addition, they are good at keeping their family safe and make excellent guard dogs.
However, these dogs might not be suitable for all individuals. Those who want to own one should consider this hybrid’s lifestyle, energy level, and whether they can offer the required care and training.
If the Catahoula Blue Heeler mix is socialized well from an early age and grows up around children, it will likely be a good fit for a family.
Do Catahoula Blue Heeler Mixes Shed?
Catahoula Blue Heeler mixes shed, but the amount can differ for each dog. They have a double coat: a soft and thick undercoat that insulates and a protective outer layer.
The amount of shedding in a Catahoula Blue Heeler mix can be influenced by age, gender, diet, and time of year. To keep shedding under control, it’s best to brush their coat once or twice a week.
Brushing your dog’s fur helps remove dirt and loose hair and keeps its skin and coat healthy.
Are Catahoula Blue Heeler Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Catahoula Blue Heeler mixes are not hypoallergenic dogs, given that both its parent breeds are not hypoallergenic. Hence, they can produce allergens that can trigger allergies in susceptible individuals.
If you have allergies, spend time with a Catahoula Blue Heeler mix before adopting one to see if their dander or saliva affects you. You can also talk to an allergist before getting this dog.
In addition, you can manage the allergens in your house by regularly grooming and taking care of your dog.
Final Thoughts
Before getting a Catahoula Blue Heeler mix, consider first whether this breed matches your lifestyle and home.
Remember that this hybrid needs plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation to remain healthy and happy.
They also have a strong herding instinct and may attempt to herd other pets or family members in the house. And although they are devoted and defensive of their family, they may be cautious of unfamiliar people.
But if you’re looking for a loyal and active companion that requires consistent training and exercise, this hybrid may be the perfect addition to your household.
Are you planning to take home this hybrid? Share your thoughts about the Catahoula Blue Heeler mix in the comments below!
