The Catahoula Heeler mix is a stand-out pup resulting from the combination of Catahoula and Blue Heeler. If you are looking to get a new pooch that is both adorable and hardworking, check out this hybrid!
In this guide, I will guide you on what you need to know about this mix. We’ll touch on interesting facts, origin, health, temperament, and more.
You’ll also learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this hybrid.
Does this excite you more? If yes, then without further ado, let’s start learning more about the Catahoula Heeler!
What Is a Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix?
Photo by @ashercatahoula (IG)
The Catahoula Blue Heeler mix is a designer dog developed by crossing the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog. Born from herding breeds, the Catahoula Heeler exhibits a high work drive.
An interesting thing about this hybrid is its coat appearance composed of brindle, spots, and blotched patterns.
The only difference between Catahoula Heelers nowadays is that they are preferred as watchdogs for youngsters instead of farm animals. They are loyal and cannot be easily swayed by strangers; thus, they are really fit for this job.
Despite the fact that its parent breeds, the Catahoula and the Blue Heeler, are already recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Kennel Club (AKC), this breed has not earned its own recognition like most hybrids.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Catahoula Heeler Come From?
The Catahoula Heeler mix is a modern designer dog that is relatively new in the eyes of pet lovers. Unfortunately, there is no detailed documentary about where exactly Catahoula Heelers came from.
Alternatively, we can take a look at the history of its parent breed to help us understand this mix better.
As for its parent’s history, the Catahoula and Blue Heeler were both bred for herding.
The Catahoula is a medium to large-sized dog from the United States whose trademark is its coat which comes with eye-catching colors and patterns.
Meanwhile, the Blue Heeler is a medium-sized, wolf-like dog developed in Australia to herd cattle during the 19th century.
They are also known as “shadow dogs” because they are extremely devoted to their owners and dislike being separated.
With the combination of the outstanding appearance of Catahoulas and the appealing personality of Blue Heelers, there’s no doubt that this Catahoula Heeler mix is a perfect combination.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Appearance: What Does a Catahoula Heeler Look Like?
Photo by @ashercatahoula (IG)
The Catahoula Heeler is a hybrid breed that does not have a breed standard. Having said that, these dogs do not have a standardized appearance.
However, there are some common physical features in almost all Catahoula Heeler mixes.
For starters, most fully developed Catahoula Heelers are medium-sized dogs with a robust muscular build. These dogs are covered with a single, short coat which varies in color from blue, red, white, and black.
These coat colors form a pattern on the body of Catahoula Heeler. It can be spotted, brindle, or rounded leopard patches.
Not only that, but they also have heterochromia, which means their two eyes can have different colors. Some possible eye colors for the Catahoula heeler are blue, green, brown, and amber.
Also, some of them have multi-colored eyes or “cracked” eyes, which are two different colors within the same eye.
Watch this clip to see what a Catahoula Blue Heeler mix looks like:
Blue Heeler/Catahoula mix<a href="https://youtu.be/RmIxsVNvq-o" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FRmIxsVNvq-o%2F0.jpg" alt="Blue Heeler/Catahoula mix" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Catahoula Heelers Get?
Catahoula Heelers, when fully matured, can grow with an average height of 20 to 26 inches and weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. Usually, male Catahoula Heelers are much bigger and heavier than females.
However, regardless of gender, for this breed to achieve the expected height and weight, a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition are necessary.
This can be achieved by proper feeding and exercise. Stick around to learn more about these.
All in all, Catahoula Heelers are medium-sized dogs with a robust muscular build. If you want a bubbly canine that is tough but not too big, then this may be the ideal dog for you.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Temperament: Do Catahoula Heelers Make Good Family Dogs?
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Since the Catahoulas and the Blue Heelers have pretty similar temperaments, a Catahoula Heeler Mix should display similar traits. This mixed breed is intelligent, protective, loyal, loving, and extremely alert.
Catahoula Heelers are very aggressive in nature. It is also possible for a Catahoula Heeler to harm someone, especially if they seem unusual. They also do best when they are the only pet in the household.
Thus, Catahoula Heelers need to be raised in a sociable setting to prevent the development of negative behaviors.
Furthermore, as a working dog, a Catahoula Heeler enjoys accomplishing tasks and may become frustrated if they are unable to fulfill one.
If they are left alone for a long time, they may develop separation anxiety which can lead them to become a destructive nuisance.
Therefore, a Catahoula Heeler requires a lot of mental and physical stimulation for them to keep occupied and engaged all the time.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Catahoula Heelers Healthy Dogs?
Both of the parent breeds tend to be relatively healthy dogs, so it is reasonably expected that your Blue Heeler Catahoula mix will be in good health condition. The lifespan of a healthy Catahoula Blue Heeler mix is 10 to 15 years.
Most breeders believe that crossbreeding reduces the likelihood of health problems. However, some dogs are still likely to inherit one or both of their parent breed’s genetic health problems.
Here are some of the common health problems that a Catahoula Heeler may encounter:
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common condition of medium- to large-sized dogs in which the thigh bone does not fit snugly into the hip joint. Since Catahoula Heelers can grow within this size range, they are prone to having hip dysplasia.
Deafness: Deafness is the worst genetic flaw associated with the Catahoula Blue Heeler mix’s parent breeds. This disorder usually doesn’t become apparent until three or four weeks of age, but when it does, it can range from deafness in one ear to total deafness.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Progressive retinal atrophy is a genetic disorder that causes blindness in dogs like the Catahoula Heeler mix. Unfortunately, both parent breeds are susceptible to this health condition.
Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common condition in dogs, including the Catahoula Heeler. This condition causes the regulation of glucose levels to be disrupted. Although diabetes can’t be cured, daily insulin shots can help manage it very well.
It is critical to understand what types of health issues your dog is prone to. Health problems can have an impact on your lifestyle and your budget.
To avoid potential problems, it is recommended to take your dog to the vet on a regular basis. Getting pet insurance coverage for your pooch is also a good step.
How to Take Care of Your Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix
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As a dog owner, you want to know that you are providing the best possible care for your pet. Hence, reading and learning about this breed is crucial in ensuring that your dog is in a safe and happy place.
To begin, you must have a clear understanding of how to properly care for your dog. Dog ownership should be viewed as an enriching experience for you and your dog rather than a chore.
The next thing you should do is to effectively execute these methods. So to give you an idea, let’s start dissecting how to take care of your Catahoula Heeler.
Food and Diet
Every dog should always be fed high-quality food. However, the main concern here is how these foods will keep your dog at a healthy weight.
To support the busy lifestyle of Catahoula Heelers, giving them a high-protein diet is recommended. The daily amount of serving recommended for a Catahoula Heeler is estimated to be three to five cups divided into two meals.
However, this estimate may vary depending on several factors, including their metabolism, food quality, lifestyle, weight, and age.
As with any diet change, you should keep a close eye on your Catahoula Heeler’s overall weight and physical appearance.
This way, you’ll be able to tell if the change is effective or if it causes some unwanted side effects and complications.
Cleaning and Grooming
Grooming will not only improve your Catahoula Heeler’s appearance but will also keep them free from skin infections and diseases.
Bathing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming on a regular or as-needed basis will boost their confidence and protect them from dirt that may trigger their allergies.
However, taking too many baths causes their skin to dry out, which results in more shedding and dander. Thus, brushing them on a regular basis is the best option for grooming and cleaning your Catahoula Heeler.
For best results, brush their coat in the direction of their hair growth to distribute natural oils in their skin.
Since they can be heavy shedders, it is also essential to invest in a quality de-shedding tool to remove the undercoat furs before it sheds.
Because they can gnaw whatever they see without you knowing, brushing their teeth at least once a day can help prevent tartars, poor breath, and gum diseases.
Training and Exercise
Dogs are trained to form connections between you, your pup, and its surroundings.
So, if you wish to connect with your Catahoula Heelers, start training them at home or in professional classes as soon as they reach the age of eight weeks.
When you opt for home training, you should be prepared for their stubborn streak. You need to gradually establish your authority and use rewards to ensure cooperation.
For new owners, they may be difficult to deal with so bring plenty of extra patience with you.
Aside from training, they should have at least one hour per day of rigorous play that both physically and mentally excites them.
By keeping this routine, they can improve their flexibility, strengthen their muscles, and help them stay happy.
How Much Does a Catahoula Heeler Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
If you’re seeking Catahoula Blue Heeler mix puppies, you don’t have to worry much about your bank account. The cost of a Catahoula Heeler puppy from a reputable breeder starts from $600 to $900.
Catahoula Heelers are also available in some rescues or shelters for $300 to $450.
Although these puppies are less expensive, they are unlikely to have papers and vaccinations, and what’s worse is that they may have a history of medical issues.
Aside from the cost of your puppy, you will need to be financially prepared because there will be additional initial expenditures once you bring your Catahoula Heeler home.
To help you with budgeting, here’s a table of initial expenses associated with owning a Catahoula Heeler mix:
Looking at these numbers might change your mind about getting Catahoula Heeler as your next pet. But don’t worry, all of the items on the list are optional, and you can also make your own preferences based on your budget.
Places to Find Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Photo by @milo.thecatahoula (IG)
If you think that the Catahoula Heeler is the right puppy for you, then you have to take the next step: find places where you can get them.
Unfortunately, there are only a few listings for this puppy because, unlike its parent breeds, it has not earned its popularity. Moreover, there are puppy mills that are using other breeds to produce this hybrid and sell it at a lower price.
Because of this, you should always be cautious and don’t fall for prices that seem too good to be true. You can read our puppy buying guide to know how to find healthy puppies and transact with reputable breeders online.
To help you on your search, here are some reputable breeders and websites where you might find Catahoula Heeler puppies for sale:
AKC Marketplace – AKC Marketplace is an exclusive list of AKC registered breeders where you can search for puppies of your desired breed. Despite the fact that there are only a few Catahoula Heelers for sale, they also included contact information for breeders who may intend to cross a Catahoula and a Blue Heeler.
Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is an advertising website that provides a long list of dogs for sale, including Catahoula Heeler and other varieties. Their goal is to make puppy finding as easy as possible for consumers and sellers.
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a website that connects pet owners with trustworthy dog breeders. They’ve had tight guidelines for the breeders for over ten years so that each soon-to-be owner may welcome a happy, healthy puppy into their home.
If you haven’t found your next companion on the list above, don’t give up just yet. There’s always another option you can take. With a little more patience and effort, you’ll undoubtedly find the one.
Here are some lists of rescues or shelters where you can try your luck:
Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-pet is a search engine for adoptable pets from animal shelters, rescues, and private owners across the United States and Canada. You can save time and effort by using their website as they will help you to find the nearest Catahoula Heeler available near you.
Petfinder – Petfinder is the largest online, searchable database of adoptable pets in North America, with over 375,000 adoptable pets from over 13,900 adoption groups. You can see a full list of available Catahoula Heelers on their website.
Janeen’s Catahoula Leopard Dog Rescue (JCLDR) – JCLDR has been an all-volunteer, 501c3 non-profit rescue group since 2014. They are dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and placing Catahoulas and Catahoula mixes in loving, forever homes.
If you haven’t found your next furry friend yet, that’s totally normal since they are relatively new on the hybrid list. You can check out our ultimate guide to adoption to increase your chance of finding your next pup.
Sometimes, you don’t have to go to breeders or rescues. You might even get them from other sources, so better read our article on how to find free puppies in your area.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix
In the dog world, the practice of crossbreeding is subject to numerous controversies. Some purebred breeders regard these practices as unessential and nothing more than their parent breeds.
On the other hand, the proponents of crossbred dogs argue that they add vigor to the genetics of their parent breeds.
As a potential dog owner of a crossbreed dog, you should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a Catahoula Heeler so that you already have an idea of what kind of companion you should expect.
Here are some of the benefits of owning a Catahoula Heeler:
Loyal, loving, and dedicated companion: This hybrid is not just for display. One of the notable temperaments of Catahoula Heelers is being protective and sweet to their owners. They show their affection by protecting your family from harm.
Unique appearance: This hybrid dog is stunning from its eyes down to its coat as a result of the combination of the Catahoula and Blue Heeler genes. They can be easily distinguished from other dogs but they normally have a resemblance to one or both parents.
Affordable than most breeds: Unlike other breeds, this one is less expensive and requires lower upkeep costs. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on their coat because they shed naturally.
Here are some of the drawbacks of owning a Catahoula Heeler:
Can’t be left alone: Like other affectionate dogs, this hybrid can be easily attached to its owners. Leaving them for a long time is not a good idea because they might be destructive and harmful.
Need constant activity: Since these dogs have high energy levels inherited from their parent breed, they need to have constant physical activity to burn off all of their energy. Also, this reduces the likelihood of them developing destructive habits.
Not too friendly: This hybrid enjoys being the center of attention. If someone takes their spot, Catahoula Heelers are likely to start a fight. However, this can be remedied through early socialization and proper training.
Overall, the Catahoula Blue Heeler mix is a great companion but is very demanding of your time and attention. If you can provide them with a lot of quality time, then you are the perfect fur parent for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo by @milo.thecatahoula (IG)
Are Catahoula Blue Heeler Mixes Aggressive?
Historically, Catahoulas are herding canines that are assertive and protective of their herd. This personality trait may be inherited by the Catahoula Heeler.
They may also treat people, children, or other animals like livestock and try to round them up. Thus, it is a good idea to watch them carefully while they are surrounded by other people or pets.
Are Catahoula Blue Heeler Mixes High Maintenance?
The Catahoula Heeler requires very little maintenance. They are not known to be an excessive shedder, so you won’t have to worry about the loose fur around the house.
With just weekly brushing, you’ll be amazed at how bright and clean their coat can be. While they may need to be washed, it is recommended that a Catahoula Heeler be bathed less often or only as needed.
Do Catahoula Blue Heeler Mixes Shed a Lot?
The shedding of Catahoula Heelers will depend on which parent breed is more dominant. Catahoulas have a single coat, whereas Blue Heelers have a double coat which is more prone to shedding.
During shedding season, regardless of which parent breed is dominant, Catahoula Heelers may shed from moderate to excessive amounts. To keep dead fur to a minimum, you must use de-shedding tools.
Final Thoughts: Is a Catahoula Heeler the Right Dog for You?
The Catahoula Heeler is a one-of-a-kind dog with a fascinating heritage and strong working ability. This cross is not suitable for new owners or those who live sedentary lives.
There is no such thing as a “right” or “wrong” puppy for each dog enthusiast. However, you need to consider some factors to see if your desired dog suits your lifestyle and personality.
Mismatching may result in your puppies being placed in shelters and not receiving the love they deserve.
Thus, you must thoroughly research, read, learn, and reconsider your decision if it’s the best for you and your chosen pup.
If you are ready to commit to one and form a bond with a Catahoula Heeler, then be ready to have a steadfast protector and companion for life. Let us know your thoughts about this mix in the comments below!
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