The Catahoula Pitbull mix, also known as the Pitahoula, is a pup unlike any other. This relatively new and rare hybrid has gained much-deserved recognition over recent years. But what exactly makes them special?
The Pitahoula is the blend of looks, smarts, and athleticism. This is a pooch for those who want a unique pet and don’t mind an active lifestyle.
Pitahoulas do best in a spacious environment; plus, they get along with other pets and kids just fine!
In this guide, we’ll tackle everything you need to know about the Pitahoula. If you’re interested to learn more about their appearance, temperament, and more, you’re on the right page.
What Is a Catahoula Pitbull Mix?
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The Catahoula Pitbull mix, also known as Pitahoula, is the offspring of the Catahoula Leopard Dog and a Pitbull. This hybrid is known for its powerful character, muscular physique, and low-shedding coat.
If you’ve never heard of the Pitahoula before, it’s because they’re relatively new. According to breeders, this mix was only developed sometime in the last 20 years but has probably existed in the wild many centuries ago.
Needless to say, the Pitbull Catahoula mix is taking the pet industry by storm. For some, these dogs take the best of both worlds from the Catahoula Cur and Pitbull breeds. These hybrid dogs are witty, assertive, and well-built.
Other telltale features of this dog are a squarish face, floppy ears, a short coat, and slender legs.
Blue eyes are also often seen in this mix. Their possible coat colors include white, blue, tan, and any combination of these with the merle gene pattern.
The most common type of Pitahoula is the offspring of a Catahoula crossed with an American Pit Bull Terrier. This combination is the most desirable in terms of appearance, health, and temperament.
As with most hybrids, the Catahoula Pitbull mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United Kennel Club (UKC). That means if you wish to register a Pitahoula, you’d have to find other clubs.
Where Does the Catahoula Pitbull Mix Come From?
As with most hybrids, nobody knows when and where the Catahoula Pitbull mix originated. Sadly, the history of these dogs is not well-documented.
However, many claims point to the United States as the place of origin of these dogs. Experts also believe that they were only developed around 20 years ago.
The original purpose of the Catahoula Pitbull mix is to recreate the look of an extinct dog known as the Catahoula Pitbull Terrier. This dog has a similar build as the present-day Pitahoula but has a more defined coat coloration.
Catahoula Pitbull mixes are born from two ancient breeds. The Catahoula breed is believed to be a breed developed by Spanish people during the 16th century.
Catahoula Cur dogs are the result of combining Bloodhounds, Greyhounds, and Mastiff breeds. These dogs are bred to be hunters but also serve as capable herders.
As for Pitbulls, these dogs have been around since the 1800s. Pitbull breeds were created as war dogs that participated in dog fights and blood sports. They have a reputation for being fierce, strong, and vicious.
However, the Pitbull breed has evolved since then. Throughout the years, these dogs slowly crawled out of the battle ring and into people’s homes.
Catahoula Pitbull Mix Appearance
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The Pitbull Catahoula mix is a medium-sized dog with a substantially muscular build. Its head is squared-off, and its ears are floppy. Moreover, this mix has fairly slender legs and a short coat.
Stunning is an understatement when describing this beautiful crossbreed. Unlike their parent breeds that come in a handful of coat colors, the Pitahoula comes in hundreds of combinations!
The usual coat colors on these dogs are combinations of black, white, tan, red, cream, blue, and many more. They may also inherit their Catahoula parent’s spotted markings and merle patterns.
Interestingly, Pitahoulas from the same litter can even sport different markings and colors. That said, no two Pitahoulas share the exact same coat appearance.
In terms of nose and eye colors, the Pitahoula comes in a wide variety as well.
Some Pitahoulas have dark brown or black noses, while others have pinkish noses. Similarly, some of them will develop hazel eyes while others will have blue eyes.
It is also worth mentioning that the Catahoula carries an eye-coloring gene that allows it to have eyes of various colors.
In some cases, Pitahoula mixes can inherit this gene. This explains why some Pitahoulas have a mix of colors in the same eye.
These are just some of the physical traits of the Pitahoula mix. However, because of their hybrid nature, these dogs don’t have a set of well-defined features. Simply put, Pitahoula mixes may look different from each other.
A Pitahoula born from a Catahoula Leopard dog and American Pit Bull Terrier will look different from one that has a Staffordshire Bull Terrier parent.
The same goes for one with an American Bully or American Staffordshire Terrier parent. Fortunately, all of them are equally beautiful dogs!
Catahoula Pitbull Mix Size and Weight
On average, a full-grown Catahoula Pitbull mix weighs 40 to 85 pounds, depending on the size of its parent breed. In terms of height, this hybrid usually measures between 18 and 23 inches.
Pitahoulas grow up until 18 to 24 months old. Their growth spurt occurs during their early puppy months, starting from 3 months up until 1 year old. From there, their growth slows down gradually.
For reference, the Catahoula Pit Bull mix is about a bit shorter than the Catahoula Leopard Dog but weighs around the same.
On the other hand, it is usually taller than its Pitbull parent and weighs a few pounds more.
Catahoula Pitbull Mix Temperament and Personality
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The Pitahoula is a smart and affectionate dog. It is often assertive and independent, but it can also be a gentle pet perfect for a very active family.
In some cases, this hybrid breed can become boisterous and overly playful. They can also be forceful and stubborn, especially in their younger years.
Because of all these, the Pitahoula is not recommended for first-time dog owners. Similarly, this dog is also not a good fit for seniors or very young pet enthusiasts.
In terms of living conditions, this hybrid does not do well in apartment dwellings. This is a pooch that needs to roam around and play to expend its excess physical and mental energy.
The Pitahoula do best in a spacious home with lots of people around. These dogs love spending time with their owners and playing with them. They also love being given a task.
Pitahoulas get along with other pets and kids just fine, but they should not be left alone with them.
Unlike Pitbulls, the Catahoula Pit mix is not exactly known as a nanny dog. Sure these dogs are gentle, but they can do a lot of damage if they snap.
All things considered, Catahoula Pitbull mixes can be fantastic family dogs, provided that they are in the right household. This is a loyal dog that has the potential to become well-behaved if trained correctly.
If you’re curious to see what a well-trained Pitahoula mix looks like, watch this video:
Luna | 1 year old Pitbull Catahoula Mix | Best Pitbull Transformation<a href="https://youtu.be/BpM1Cif178A" 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%2FBpM1Cif178A%2F0.jpg" alt="Luna | 1 year old Pitbull Catahoula Mix | Best Pitbull Transformation" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Catahoula Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
For the most part, the Pitahoula is a relatively healthy dog. This mix has a life expectancy of anywhere between 10 and 16 years. This may vary by a few years, depending on the breed of the Pitbull parent.
Their above-average lifespan is thanks to their healthy parents and the concept known as hybrid vigor. Hybrid vigor, put simply, is the extra boost in health that mixed breeds get due to their diverse genetics.
However, this is not to say that the Catahoula Pitbull mix has perfect health. In fact, they also have their fair share of canine health concerns.
Here are some of the common health problems of the Catahoula Pitbull mix:
Hip or Elbow Dysplasia: Dysplasia is a condition in which the ball-and-socket joint of a dog becomes misaligned. Hip dysplasia affects the hip joints, while elbow dysplasia affects the area near the forequarters. A Pitahoula with either hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia will experience pain when moving, similar to painful arthritis.
Cataracts: Cataracts are common in both the Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Pitbulls. This eye condition targets the eyes and impedes vision. Cataracts usually begin with hazy eyesight and worsen over time, potentially leading to total blindness. Adult dogs are more likely to get cataracts than puppies.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism occurs when a dog’s thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormones, causing its metabolism to slow down. This condition is common in Pitbull breeds and usually gets passed to Pitahoulas. Fortunately, hypothyroidism is manageable through medication.
Bloat: Gastric dilation-volvulus, commonly known as bloat, is a deadly illness in dogs. This health issue needs to be addressed right away because it can kill a dog in a matter of hours. Bloat is caused by a build-up of stomach pressure. Overeating and eating too quickly are two common causes.
In general, the overall health of a Catahoula Pitbull mix will be determined by how healthy its parents are. If your pooch has healthy parents, it is unlikely to run into most of these health issues.
One way to make sure you’d get a healthy pup is by sourcing one from reputable breeders or reputable rescues. Doing otherwise will just set you up for trouble in the long run!
How to Take Care of Your Catahoula Pitbull Mix
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For the most part, Pitahoulas require the same care as their Pitbull and Catahoula Cur parents.
That means nutritious food, moderate grooming, and frequent and vigorous exercise. But what exactly do you need to know to properly care for your Pitahoula?
In this section, we’ll tackle feeding and diet, cleaning and grooming, and training and exercise. Let’s talk about each one in a little bit more detail.
Food and Diet
The diet of a Catahoula Pitbull mix is what you would expect for an active and muscular pooch. Food requirements are high for this high-energy hybrid, especially during their puppy years.
It is recommended to feed your Pitahoula with the kibble that is the right kind for its age and activity level.
Choose ones that are high in protein and low in fat. You might need to try out a couple of brands and see what works best for your pup.
Preparing homemade meals for your pet is also a great idea. White meat, vegetables, and fruit slices are some ingredients you can’t go wrong with. Just be wary of toxic foods for dogs as they may cause food allergies to your pet.
Cleaning and Grooming
The Catahoula Pit has a double coat that is short and silky. This hybrid sheds considerably less compared to other breeds. In fact, some people even consider them hypoallergenic dogs!
Pitahoulas do not need frequent grooming. Brushing its hair once a week is enough to keep it healthy.
In terms of bathing, you should only bathe your pup once it gets smelly. Bathing too often will dry out its coat and may result in skin diseases.
Bathing once to twice every eight weeks is a good rule of thumb to follow for the Pitahoula.
Training and Exercise
Catahoula Pitbull mixes are not the easiest dogs to train, but they certainly love exercising.
When training this hybrid, it is recommended to utilize positive reinforcement. This is the most effective training scheme for Pitahoulas.
Moreover, you should establish early on that you are your pup’s leader and not the other way around. Remember that these dogs are assertive!
Socializing your pup will also help in the training process as this gets them accustomed to interactions. This also gets them mentally stimulated, which is ideal.
When it comes to physical activities, Pitahoulas are quite intense dogs. These pups need at least two hours of exercise a day.
Swimming, playing fetch, jogging, or just a simple trip to the dog park is good enough for the Pitahoula.
How Much Does a Catahoula Pitbull Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
A Catahoula Pitbull mix puppy from reputable breeders costs between $500 and $1,000. Surprisingly, this pup is a few hundred bucks more affordable than other Pitbull mixes.
You should also consider other things you will need to spend on for your Catahoula Pitbull mix. These include a dog carrier, dog bed, collar and leash, and other essentials.
Here’s a list of all the initial expenses for a Pitahoula puppy:
As seen in the table, you’ll need to prepare $605 to $2,445 for the initial necessities of a Catahoula Pit Bull mix puppy.
However, availing of pet insurance, daycare services, puppy obedience class, and other things will escalate costs quickly.
Places to Find Catahoula Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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The Catahoula Pitbull mix is not an easy pooch to find. Right now, there are still not a lot of breeders dedicated to raising and selling this unique designer dog. However, there are a handful of sources where you can find them.
Here are some sources where you can find Catahoula Pit Bull mix puppies for sale:
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is run by a family whose main intent is to connect families to their new pets. Catahoula Pit mixes from this advertising site are vaccinated, dewormed, and come with a 30-day guarantee.
PuppyFinder – PuppyFinder is a search engine for finding and advertising dogs in the United States, including mixes. Their website is user-friendly and easy to use, so you’ll be able to find a reputable breeder in no time.
Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is a website where you can find dogs for sale in Ohio, Indiana, New York, Pennsylvania, and other states. It connects pet lovers to local and out-of-state breeders who offer a variety of breeds and mixes, including Pitbull Catahoula mixes.
If you aren’t keen on the price of a Pitahoula from a breeder, adoption is also a viable option. By adopting, you’re not only saving money but also a dog’s life.
To learn more about how adoption works, check out our ultimate adoption guide. You may also want to read our blog on finding free puppies in your area.
Below are some sources where you can find a Catahoula Pitbull mix for adoption:
Hello Bully – Hello Bully began in 2005 as a small rescue committed to rescuing American Pit Bull Terriers used in dogfights. Over time, this organization grew to become one of the most trusted bully breed rescues. Hello Bully also aids bully mixes, such as the Catahoula Pit Bull mix.
Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-Pet is a pet adoption website that works with thousands of rescues and shelters all over the country. They aim to make pet adoption more accessible to anyone. Make sure to check out their site from time to time to see if there are any Pitahoulas!
Petfinder – Another website where you can find Pitahoula puppies for adoption is Petfinder. Like Adopt-a-Pet, this site features listings from thousands of rescues and shelters. This is an excellent place to look for mixed-breed dogs such as the Pitahoula.
If you haven’t found luck using the sources listed above, check out our guides on the best Pitbull rescues and best Pitbull breeders. Some of the sources listed there also raise and sell hybrids, such as the Catahoula Pit Bull mix.
Alternatively, you can join online communities for Catahoula and Pitbull owners or designer dogs in general. Surely, there are plenty of Facebook groups and Reddit communities out there that will ease your search.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Catahoula Pitbull Mix
As with any dog breed, there are certain advantages and disadvantages to owning a Catahoula Pit Bull mix. Sure, these dogs are adorable and athletic, but they can also be stubborn at times.
Learning all about the perks and downsides of owning a Pitahoula will help you decide if this hybrid is right for you.
Here are the advantages of owning a Catahoula Pitbull mix:
Highly athletic: The Catahoula Pit mix is an active pooch that thrives in various physical activities. This puppy is ideal for active families or folks that lead an active lifestyle. This pup is a superb choice if you’d like a dog that can breeze through a tough obstacle course!
Not a picky eater: When it comes to feeding, the Catahoula Pit mix is a godsend! Unlike most dogs who are finicky eaters, this hybrid eats almost any meal that is offered to it. They love all kinds of dog food.
Low-shedding coat: One of the best things about the Catahoula Pit mix is its low-shedding coat. Unlike most Pitbull Terrier breeds, this dog sheds minimally. As a result, they are fantastic pets for people with allergies.
Meanwhile, here are the disadvantages of owning a Catahoula Pitbull mix:
Can be stubborn: Catahoula Pit Bull mixes are dogs that love asserting dominance. Add this attitude to the fact that they have very high energy levels, and you’d get a dog that can get challenging to tame. You should be an experienced dog owner to handle them.
Hard to find: If you want to own a Catahoula Pitbull mix, you should be prepared for a tough hunt. Because of the rarity of these dogs, they are pretty hard to get a hold of. Your best chance of finding them is by contacting breeders of their parents.
Demanding exercise needs: Pitahoulas require a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation throughout the day. These dogs can be destructive if they don’t get enough activities. This means you may have to bring them to a daycare or personally provide them with tasks and games. If you enjoy intense dogs, then this is the pet for you.
These are just a few of the many advantages and disadvantages of having a Catahoula Pitbull hybrid.
If you believe the pros exceed the cons, this hybrid is probably a good fit for you. Otherwise, you should probably look for other dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do Catahoulas Have Pitbull in Them?
The Catahoula is believed to be related to Pitbulls. However, their roots date far back in the breed family tree.
One of the main intentions of mixing the Catahoula with Pitbulls is to develop a hybrid that looks like the Catahoula Pitbull Terrier dog.
Are Catahoula Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?
Catahoulas are assertive dogs that are very dominant. They can get aggressive at times, especially if they weren’t socialized at an early age.
Luckily, there are many effective ways to deal with a Pitahoula with behavioral problems.
Do Catahoula Pitbull Mixes Shed a Lot?
No, Catahoula Pitbull mixes don’t shed a lot, just like other dogs. The Catahoula Pitbull mixed breed is praised for being one of the most low-shedding dog breeds. In fact, this dog is a recommended choice for dog lovers with severe allergies!
Final Thoughts: Is the Catahoula Pitbull Mix the Right Dog for You?
The Pitbull Catahoula mix is a wonderful family dog for many; however, it is best suited to people with an active lifestyle.
Due to their high energy levels and slight stubbornness, this hybrid is not ideal for first-time pet owners.
This is a dog geared towards experienced trainers looking for a bit of a challenge. If that sounds like you, then this dog is probably your next best friend.
That said, keep in mind that this mix is rare, so you’ll need patience in finding one!
Excited to get this mix as a family pet? Leave a comment below to share what you love best about the Catahoula Pit mix!
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