The Catahoula Border Collie mix blends two hardworking, intelligent herding breeds into one high-energy hybrid dog ideal for active owners. Often called Border Catahoulas or Borderhoulas, these medium-sized pups combine the Catahoula Leopard Dog’s striking appearance with the Border Collie’s agility and trainability. Read on to discover more about this bold yet friendly canine created for life on the go.
What is a Catahoula Border Collie Mix?
A cross between a purebred Catahoula Leopard Dog and a purebred Border Collie. These purposefully bred designer dogs exhibit the finest qualities of both parent breeds. Intelligent, athletic, and eager to please when provided proper leadership.
What Does a Catahoula Border Collie Mix Look Like?
- A medium-sized dog, 18-23 inches tall, 35-60 lbs
- Muscular and leanly built
- They can resemble either parent in color with black, white, tan, red, brown, brindle, or merle coat colors seen.
- Often, a patchwork or speckled pattern
- Perky, semi-erect ears and oval eyes ranging from brown to blue
- Long, feathered tail
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Temperament
As a blend of two working dog breeds bred to herd livestock independently, the Catahoula and Border Collie mix showcases tremendous intelligence paired with high energy levels and great problem-solving capacity. They bond intensely with “their” chosen person while remaining reserved towards strangers unless taught otherwise through extensive early socialization.
Alert, curious, and quick to learn, these hybrids need plenty of mental stimulation and thought-provoking activities. Without sufficient outlets for their enthusiasm and athleticism, unwanted destructive or neurotic behaviors may emerge. But provided abundant exercise, training reinforcement, affection, and family involvement, Border Catahoulas make wonderful companions.
Their loyal protective instincts translate into making conscientious watchdogs who restrain their barking for real threats. With early exposure to other animals, most coexist amiably with other pets.
Health Concerns
Because cross-breeding widens the gene pool, Catahoula Border Collie mix dogs enjoy relatively good health compared to their purebred parents. However, some concerns to remain aware of include:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Eye issues like progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and collie eye anomaly
- Deafness
- Epilepsy
- Bloat
Reputable breeders screen for breed-associated genetic issues. Routine veterinary care helps minimize risks as well. The average lifespan is 12-15 years.
Care & Grooming
The Catahoula Border Collie mix has modest grooming requirements. Their short- to medium-length double coat sheds moderately year-round. Brush once or twice weekly to control loose hair and distribute skin oils. Bathe only when dirty or smelly using a mild dog shampoo. Don’t forget to check and trim its nails monthly, clean inside the ears weekly, and brush its teeth routinely.
These energetic hybrids require at least 60-90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise via jogging, hiking, swimming, playing games of fetch, and focused obedience or agility training sessions. Additionally, they greatly enjoy having a job to do around your home or farm, whether through competitive dog sports, search and rescue work, or other challenging “work.”
Mental enrichment is essential for preventing boredom and feelings of restlessness that prompt destructive mischief – think interactive puzzle toys, hide-and-seek games using kibble or treats, trick training classes, etc.
How Much Does a Catahoula Border Collie Mix Puppy Cost?
Expect to spend $500-1,000 USD or more for a Catahoula Border Collie Mix puppy, depending on the breeder’s location, demand, parental lineage quality, overall appearance, and breeder reputation. Adopted rescue mixes range from $75-300 USD, including medical clearances and spay/neuter services.
Conclusion
The Catahoula Border Collie mix beautifully blends the striking Leopard Dog looks with the Border Collie’s intellect and trainability. While not ideal for novice or sedentary pet owners, these hybrids thrive when their needs for rigorous activity, mental stimulation, and affection are amply fulfilled by active families or individuals able to provide clear structure, patience, and positive outlets.
RELATED: Do Border Collies Like Water?
FAQs
Is the Catahoula and Border Collie mix easy to train?
Yes! As a highly intelligent breed inclined to bond closely with their owner, the Catahoula and Border Collie mix responds extremely well to positive reinforcement training that respects their sensitive natures. They are very eager to please. Proper socialization is also key.
How much space/yard do I need for a Catahoula Border Collie mix?
A securely fenced acreage provides the ideal outlet for their high-energy instincts to roam and investigate intriguing scents. Unsupervised roaming poses risks.
What is the ideal home situation for a Catahoula and Border Collie Mix?
Catahoula Border Collie mix dogs need engaged owners who can provide plenty of affection, training reinforcement, and outlets for mental and physical exercise to prevent boredom-based stress and unwanted behaviors. Families, farms, cottages, or rural areas suit them well.
Is the Catahoula Border Collie Mix a good family dog?
The Catahoula Border Collie mix can make a good family dog, but they do have some considerations related to their activity needs and temperament, including exercise, mental stimulation, and early socialization.
