How long does a German Shepherd Catahoula Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 8–12 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Catahoula Leopard Dog (10–14 years).

Is a German 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.

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German Shepherd Catahoula Mix

A German Shepherd Catahoula mix is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Catahoula Leopard Dog. Most grow into large dogs of 50–90 lb and live 8–12 years.

German Shepherd, a purebred dog — German ShepherdPhoto: Erick Drumss Hernández, CC BY-SA 4.0, 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.

Weight50–90 lbcan be 50–95 lb

Height22–25 inat the shoulder

Lifespan8–12 years

SizeLarge

How big does a German Shepherd Catahoula Mix get?

German Shepherd50–90 lb

The mix50–90 lb

Catahoula Leopard Dog50–95 lb

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

Height runs 22–25 inches at the shoulder, against 22–26 in for the German Shepherd and 22–24 in for the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

High

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

Energy

Moderate to 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 German 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 German Shepherd is usually described as confident, courageous, smart. 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.

German Shepherd vs Catahoula vs the mix

Trait	German Shepherd	German Shepherd Catahoula Mix	Catahoula Leopard Dog
Weight	50–90 lb	50–90 lb	50–95 lb
Height	22–26 in	22–25 in	22–24 in
Lifespan	7–10 yr	8–12 yr	10–14 yr
Shedding	high	high	not rated
Energy	moderate	moderate to very high	very high
Group	Herding	mixed	Foundation Stock Service

Questions about the German Shepherd Catahoula Mix

How big does a German Shepherd Catahoula Mix get?: Most grow to 50–90 pounds and 22–25 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 50–95 pounds.
How long does a German Shepherd Catahoula Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 8–12 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Catahoula Leopard Dog (10–14 years).
Does a German Shepherd Catahoula Mix shed?: Shedding is high. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a German 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 German Shepherd mixes

Other Catahoula mixes

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