The Pitahoula is a crossbreed dog that results from a cross between a Catahoula and a Pitbull. This hybrid is relatively new and rare, but it has gained a lot of popularity in the United States. The Pitahoula is characterized by its strong character, its muscular physique, and its short, low-moving coat.
Origin of Pitahoula
It is not known exactly when and where the Pitahoula originated, but it is believed to have been in the United States about 20 years ago. The original purpose of this cross was to recreate the look of an extinct dog called the Catahoula Pitbull Terrier, which was similar in appearance to today’s Pitahoula but with more defined coloration.
Appearance
The Pitahoula is a medium to large-sized dog, standing between 45 and 58 cm in height and weighing between 18 and 38 kg. It has a square head, floppy ears, an athletic body, and slender legs. Their eyes can be colored blue, brown, or a combination of both. Their hair is short, straight, and dense, and can be various colors such as black, white, red, cream, or blue, with or without the merle pattern.
Pitahoula Temperament
The Pitahoula is an intelligent and affectionate dog. He is usually assertive and independent, but can also be a perfect gentle pet for a very active family. In some cases, this hybrid can become boisterous and overly playful. The Pitahoula needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation to avoid boredom and behavior problems. He gets along well with other animals and children if he is socialized as a puppy.
Health
The Pitahoula is a generally healthy dog, but it can inherit some conditions from its parent breeds. Some of the more common diseases that can affect the Pitahoula are hip dysplasia, congenital deafness, skin allergies, demodicosis, and progressive retinal atrophy. To prevent these problems, it is important to choose a responsible breeder who genetically tests their dogs and offers health guarantees.
Pitahoula Care
The Pitahoula is a dog that requires basic care to stay healthy and happy. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Food: The Pitahoula needs a balanced and quality diet that covers its nutritional needs according to its age, weight and activity level. It is recommended to avoid foods with cereals, artificial colors or preservatives that may cause allergies or intolerances.
- Hygiene: Pitahoula hair is easy to care for, it only needs a weekly brushing to remove dead hair and keep it clean and shiny. You also have to check their ears regularly to avoid infections and clean their eyes with a damp gauze if they have secretions. The nails must be cut every month or when necessary.
- Exercise: The Pitahoula is a very active dog that needs to do a lot of daily exercise to expend its energy and avoid stress. It is recommended to provide at least one hour of physical activity a day, which can include long walks, interactive games, dog sports or obedience training.
- Education: The Pitahoula is an intelligent and obedient dog that learns quickly if taught with positive reinforcement and patience.
- The Pitahoula is a medium to large-sized dog that needs regular exercise and mental stimulation. They are energetic and intelligent, so they enjoy activities like running, hiking, agility, and obedience training. They can also be good watchdogs and protectors of their family.
- The Pitahoula has a short to medium-length coat that sheds moderately. They need weekly brushing to remove loose hair and dirt, and occasional bathing to keep their skin and coat healthy. They also need regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care to prevent infections and dental problems.
- The Pitahoula is a loyal and affectionate dog that thrives on human companionship. They are not suitable for being left alone for long periods of time, as they can develop separation anxiety and destructive behaviors. They need socialization and training from an early age to get along with other dogs and people. They are usually friendly and gentle with children, but they can be wary of strangers and dominant with other dogs.
- The Pitahoula is a healthy and hardy dog that can live up to 15 years. However, they can be prone to some health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, deafness, and skin allergies. They need regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations to prevent or treat these conditions. They also need a balanced diet and fresh water to maintain their optimal health.
