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The way you take care of your dog and the kind of food you give them varies depending on their breed.
Just because a specific dog breed is active or eats a lot does not mean that all dogs are as enthusiastic and have an appetite as massive as the others.
Take, for instance, a Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Dog.
Since this dog is composed of two different breeds, it has a combination of the characteristics of both its parents. You should know many things about a Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Dog, like their temperament, diet, and the environment they live in.
In today’s article, we will share five essential things you must know about the Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix!
The Parent Breeds
A Catahoula Blue Heeler dog comes from the Catahoula Leopard and Australian Cattle (Blue Heeler) parents.
The Catahoula Leopard often ranges from medium to large builds and has a short coat.
Their coats and eyes have carried patterns and colors, and here is a fun fact – Catahoulas are the only dogs that are believed to originate from Louisiana.
On the other hand, the Blue Heeler, which is more commonly known as the Australian Cattle, is smaller than the Catahoulas.
They usually stand up to 20 inches tall from the shoulder, but their coats are short and quite speckled like Catahoulas.
Although both of their coats are short, the Blue Heeler’s coat is thicker since they have a double coat.
The Appearance of a Catahoula Blue Heeler
Since both the parent dog breeds have short coats, the Catahoula Blue Heeler would most likely have a short coat as well.
They may get the double coat of their Blue Heeler parent or the single, thinner coat of their Catahoula parent.
However, what is excellent with this mix is that their coat and eye colors may be unique and stunning.
Some mixes may have two-toned masks with a speckled body. Others may have speckles all over, including their faces and ears.
Some Catahoula Blue Heelers may also have heterochromia, which means that their eyes may have different colors.
Their sizes may also range from small to large, depending on their parent dogs.
If the Blue Heeler parent is minor and the Catahoula parent is medium-sized, their pups may range from small to medium-sized.
Most dogs of this mix get the sturdy build of their Blue Heeler parent, giving them great agility and strength.
Catahoula Blue Heeler Temperament
Both the Catahoulas and Blue Heeler are highly active breeds. Put them together, and you will undoubtedly get an energetic and playful dog!
Catahoula Blue Heelers would need a lot of physical activities so make sure that there is a vast space available for them to run around on.
You can also take them out for walks or even jogs regularly to help them release that extra energy.
This mix may also inherit the stubbornness of the Blue Heeler, so they should undergo proper pet training as pups.
Training them is also less of a hassle since this breed is well-known to be smart.
Their loyalty cannot be unmatched, too. Well, at least for the person they consider their pack leader or master.
If you build a strong relationship with your Catahoula Blue Heeler, you can be sure that it will always have your back when you need it.
You can try to train your dog by yourself, but it is better to hire a professional dog trainer who has a better understanding of your dog’s breed.
Make sure to be hands-on with the training and know what you should do once your dog graduates from the training.
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Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix Breed Diet
Since this mix is active dogs, you will need to give them the right amount of protein in their diet.
They love to run, so that some homemade dog food will be beneficial for their muscle growth.
However, be sure not to overfeed them as they can quickly get bloated.
After a vigorous activity, make sure to take a break on water and food for at least an hour.
Always measure the dog food you are giving your Catahoula Blue Heeler.
The amount of food will depend on its height and weight.
It is also a better idea to give their portions at two separate times of the day.
If you have extra time, prepare protein-rich dog food by yourself instead of buying commercially produced dog food.
It is to make sure that your dog will get enough nutrients while eating lesser chemicals and preservatives.
Try to avoid the typical foods harmful to dogs like chocolates and avocado when preparing their meals.
Best Environment for Your Catahoula Blue Heeler
The best environment for a Catahoula Blue Heeler is a wide-open space.
Having a big backyard would undoubtedly help them burn their energy.
If you can housetrain your dog, make sure that they have a comfortable kennel or dog bed for sleeping.
If you want to let your dog loose in your backyard, make sure your fence is at least 5 feet high.
As Catahoula Blue heelers are active dogs, they can quickly jump over low fences.
Make sure to provide them with enough activities and toys too so they will not get bored quickly.
Having a pool may help them keep cool during hot days as well.
Key Takeaway
One thing is for sure – the Catahoula Blue Heeler is not a breed for a timid or new dog owner.
You need to have experience in taking care of other easy-to-manage dogs, so you will at least know the basics of dog care.
This mixed breed is the perfect dog for active people who have a lot of time exercising or going out.
Also, you must remember that any dog, including your Catahoula Blue Heeler, needs regular vet visits to make sure that they are happy and healthy!
