Aussie Leopard Dog Breed

The Australian Shepherd and Catahoula Leopard Dog mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about the specific origin of the Aussie-Catahoula mix; while a Catahoula Leopard Dog mixed with Australian Shepherd has probably existed naturally for a long time (particularly among American farmers and ranchers), no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. These energetic, loyal, intelligent hybrids will make terrific working farm dogs, and they can also be good pets for families willing to give them the training and socialization they need.

A few Catahoula-Aussie mix facts: they're medium- to large-sized, averaging 22 inches at the shoulders in height and 65 pounds in weight; they have short- to medium-length. dense coats that may or may not shed seasonally (and they shed moderately overall); and they're very energetic and will need a lot of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning an Australian Shepherd/Catahoula Leopard Dog mix:

The Aussie Leopard is the offspring of two breeds with tons of confidence and energy. The Australian Shepherd is an excellent herder, and the Catahoula Leopard Dog has a history of hunting wild hogs--so an Aussie-Catahoula mix won't be the least bit shy about trying to control animals, people, and situations.

Physically, these hybrids are pretty big: they're typically 19-24 inches at the shoulders in height and 50-80 pounds in weight. Their coats are short to medium in length and can be single- or double-layered; their coat colors include a wide variety of light and dark shades, usually in multi-colored patterns.

Aussie Leopard mixes will do best in homes with large, fenced yards that give them plenty of room to run. And despite their independent, sometimes dominant personalities, they'll need a lot of companionship too. These hybrids are highly devoted to their people, and will become upset if they're left alone for any length of time. Aussie Leopards need to live inside with human family members rather than out in the yard.

A Catahoula-Aussie mix is also very strong and energetic. These hybrids need a lot of outdoor exercise on a daily basis, from walks or jogs, fetch, or general playtime. They also like having a job to do, so activities like hunting, obstacle courses, or obedience/agility trials are great.

Active, intelligent, loyal, affectionate with family members, and at times dominant, the Catahoula-Aussie mix temperament is one of confidence and liveliness. These hybrids will be affectionate with their loved ones, and will be very protective of them. Owners say Aussie-CLD mixes are often more like the Catahoula personality-wise--which means the dog will naturally be suspicious of strange people and animals. Plenty of training and socialization (starting during puppyhood if possible), according to breed owners, will be great. These hybrids can get along well with kids and most other pets, though they may instinctively try to challenge other dogs; it's best if your Aussie Leopard grows up alongside any children or household pets, so they learn to be accustomed to one another.

Aussie-Catahoula mixes are also smart and resourceful, and can respond well to training. They'll typically learn commands, tasks, and tricks without too many repetitions. As with any dog, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And the Auusie-Catahoula mix has excellent watchdog skills. These hybrids are alert, protective, and vocal when needed, so they're sure to bark at and investigate unknown sights and sounds. They probably have the physical capabilities to neutralize potential threats like intruders, too.

The Aussie Leopard, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is pretty healthy. Even so, these hybrids can suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip dysplasia and inherent deafness, among others. Both parent breeds can also be prone to numerous eye issues, among them Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA), cataracts, and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)--so it's a good idea for potential owners to make sure the parent dogs have been examined for any underlying eye conditions. Overall, it's best if breeders have the dog and/or its parents receive health screenings before new owners take a pup home.

Life expectancy for the Aussie Leopard is 11-14 years.