How long does a Australian Shepherd Catahoula Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 11–14 years, the midpoint of the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years) and the Catahoula Leopard Dog (10–14 years).

Is a Australian Shepherd Catahoula Mix easy to train?

Trainability is low to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Home › Australian Shepherd › Australian Shepherd Catahoula Mix

Australian Shepherd Catahoula Mix

A Australian Shepherd Catahoula mix is a cross between a Australian Shepherd and a Catahoula Leopard Dog. Most grow into large dogs of 45–80 lb and live 11–14 years.

Australian Shepherd, a purebred dog — Australian ShepherdPhoto: Christoph Aeschlimann, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Catahoula Leopard Dog, a purebred dog — Catahoula Leopard DogPhoto: Bugaflee, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight45–80 lbcan be 40–95 lb

Height20–24 inat the shoulder

Lifespan11–14 years

SizeLarge

How big does a Australian Shepherd Catahoula Mix get?

Australian Shepherd40–65 lb

The mix45–80 lb

Catahoula Leopard Dog50–95 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Australian Shepherd Catahoula Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 20–24 inches at the shoulder, against 18–23 in for the Australian Shepherd and 22–24 in for the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Moderate

Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.

Energy

Very high

Plan on long daily walks plus real exercise, such as running, fetch or a sport. A yard alone will not tire this dog out.

Trainability

Low to very high

The Australian Shepherd rates very high and the Catahoula Leopard Dog low; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low

A weekly brush and the odd bath keep the coat in shape.

Temperament

The Australian Shepherd is usually described as smart, work-oriented, exuberant. The Catahoula Leopard Dog as loyal, independent, watchful. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Australian Shepherd vs Catahoula vs the mix

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Australian Shepherd Catahoula Mix	Catahoula Leopard Dog
Weight	40–65 lb	45–80 lb	50–95 lb
Height	18–23 in	20–24 in	22–24 in
Lifespan	12–15 yr	11–14 yr	10–14 yr
Shedding	moderate	moderate	not rated
Energy	high	very high	very high
Group	Herding	mixed	Foundation Stock Service

Questions about the Australian Shepherd Catahoula Mix

How big does a Australian Shepherd Catahoula Mix get?: Most grow to 45–80 pounds and 20–24 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 40–95 pounds.
How long does a Australian Shepherd Catahoula Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 11–14 years, the midpoint of the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years) and the Catahoula Leopard Dog (10–14 years).
Does a Australian Shepherd Catahoula Mix shed?: Shedding is moderate. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a Australian Shepherd Catahoula Mix easy to train?: Trainability is low to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Australian Shepherd mixes

Other Catahoula mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.