The Catahoula Bulldog is gaining the attention of many dog breeders and owners alike for different reasons and before you get one, there are some essential facts you should know.
What is a Catahoula Bulldog?
Every dog breed is valued for a specific purpose. Considered as man's best friend since time immemorial, many dogs are kept as family companions or pets. However, canines perform a lot of different roles. Canines are developed for herding, for hunting, and for guarding.
Today, they are being trained to serve as guide dogs for handicapped individuals, as narcotics and bomb-sniffing dogs, and as search and rescue canines. It has also become a common practice to breed two completely different breeds to create a type of dog with the desired traits of the two parents.
This kind of crossbreeding resulted to the creation of the Catahoula Bulldog. For those who don't know it yet, the Catahoula Bulldog mix is the hybrid of the American Bulldog and the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog.
This specific breed is a type of old American hybrid. This canine has been in existence in the United States' southern regions for more than one hundred years. There are several hybrids that were developed by accident. Accidental mating of two purebreds can lead to a type of canine that will have the parent dogs' traits and characteristics.
However, the Catahoula Bulldog pups were primarily created by breeders for two main reasons. The first one is to come up with a canine that would have exceptional abilities of being a catch dog. The second purpose that the hybrid was created is to develop a bear dog which will be used for hunting the North American Black Bear.
The Indian word Catahoula means clear water. The Catahoula Leopard Dog earned its name because of the impressive and striking pale blue glass eyes of the breed. The breed which was believed to have developed from Hernando Sotto's war dogs is also called the Catahoula Hog Dog.
These canines were originally used for luring hogs into the pens and herding cattle. The breed was also used for hunting hogs. But, since the Catahoula Leopard Dog is not tough or big enough for catching hogs, hunters still needed to bring along their catch dogs. It was then when the breeders considered introducing the American Bulldog which has the reputation of being an excellent catch dog. Back then, the American Bulldog was already notable for being great bear hunters.
The aggressiveness of the canine combined with its powerful jaws and massive size would produce an excellent breed when combined with the intelligence, endurance, and speed of the Catahoula Leopard Dog.
The breed which was later on developed was called the Catahoula Bulldog. This is a breed that boasts of the intelligence, strength, and exceptional hunting traits of its parent breeds. The produced breed comes in a fantastic array of colors of the coat.
The Catahoula Bulldog has the stamina and speed of the Catahoula Leopard dog yet this also has the American Bulldog's laidback movement. It means that the canine is going to be placid inside the house until it becomes necessary for it to be alert. The resulting breed from the crossbreeding is a very ideal working canine that also makes a great guard and watchdog.
Apart from being outstanding catch dogs, the Catahoula Bulldog also has an affectionate and loyal nature that makes them a good home companion. Mr. Stodghill of American Research Foundation started the registration of the breed in 1951.
Other names of the breed include:- American Mastahoula
- Catahoula Bulldogge
Catahoula Bulldog Appearance
Since the Catahoula Bulldog is a hybrid and not a purebred canine, it is expected that its appearance may greatly vary. First generation Catahoula Bulldogs are 50 percent Catahoula Leopard Dog and also 50 percent American Bulldog. However, the succeeding generations would have a different percentage of the genes of the parents, which means that it is expected that the appearance of the breed will vary a bit.
In general, Catahoula Bulldogs are medium to large sized canines measuring 24 to 26 inches at the shoulders with a weight of 75 to 100 pounds. The breed has inherited the powerful and athletic build of the American Bulldog together with the tight skin which is covered with a notably short and smooth coat.
It is normal for the Catahoula Bulldog to lack any undercoat but canines which are exposed to the colder climates have been noticed to grow undercoats. The Catahoula Leopard Dog's contributed genes gave the breed an array of striking colors of the coat.
This breed is also notable for the aesthetic good looks thanks to their rainbow coat colors. The canine can have a merle or pure white coat. The impressive appearance of the coat is made even better by the small and large blotches and patches of black, tan, and gray. A Catahoula Bulldog puppy that has a predominantly white coat patched with black, yellow, red, and chocolate will be a very attractive and impressive canine especially if its cracked glass eyes also have different colors.
The cracked glass or marbled eyes is the trademark of the breed. Colors of the eyes vary from ice blue, emerald green, brown, and gold. Heterochromia is also common for the breed. They can have eyes of different colors. This breed can have button type or rose ears. Some specimens have been cropped to give the canine a more regal appearance. The breed can have a natural bob or long tail.
Catahoula Bulldogge Pictures
The Catahoula Bulldogs are known for being protective of their family, impossibly strong, calm unless needed, and incredibly loyal. This is the combination of the strengths acquired from the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the American Bulldog which makes this breed different from the rest.
From every breed, these canines can retain a varying set of amazing traits. Thanks to the American Bulldog, this breed earned its chill demeanor, uniquely wide skull, and strong jaw. On the other hand, the Catahoula Leopard Dog has granted the breed intelligence, fierce strength, endurance, and an exceptional ability to herd and hunt. Together, it creates an incredibly sweet dog with the skills and passion for doing great work while being the reliable four-legged companion you can always count on.
Just like other mixed breeds, a canine can also be a different percentage of every breed, which means that all of the traits and characteristics of the two breeds should be considered. You will never know which natural characteristics a puppy will not or will be born with.
This specific breed is also very attentive and they don't easily give in to distractions. These canines make amazing members of the family. They can get along with other pets, children, and pretty much anyone or anything that will also love them in return. With a loving home and good training, your Catahoula Bulldog puppies will surely become your number one friend.
Just make sure that you don't expect these cute dogs to be total angels because, without the right training, they can also be smart enough to be somewhat a handful.
Even though the Catahoula Bulldog is generally considered as a healthy breed, it is still prone to some genetic effects that stem from its lineage. Deafness, blindness, and hip issues are problems that can be commonly seen in older Catahoulas. Once deafness takes places, this can be in just one ear or both ears, and the same thing applies to blind Catahoulas.
Once deafness happens, it can be in one ear or both, and the same is true with blind Catahoulas. Some health concerns that affect this breed include hip dysplasia, ACL tearing, cherry eye, thyroid and kidney disease, nervous system illnesses, eye condition, and bone cancer. When issues with this dog happen, it is frequently due to genes that were passed down to it instead of falling sick suddenly.
This dog breed has a long lifespan of 13-15 years. It's uncommon when searching at bigger dogs and in the majority of Bulldog breeds in general. Part of it is because of the dog's Catahoula leopard dog ancestry, which is known for longevity. It can also be due to the fact that the breed has been around for many years that breeders had an opportunity to eliminate the illness and disease that might be common in early development stages.
Where Can I Find Catahoula Bulldog
- A good thing about this bulldog is that it comes with a cheap price tag. You can get one of Catahoula bulldog puppies for only $500-$700. The low price is due to the fact that it isn't recognized as purebred by AKC.
- More often than not, you will find reputable Catahoula Bulldog breeders. But, you must always be wary of the puppy mills that are glorified factories to push out the puppies without regard to their health and well-being.
- Before you purchase from a breeder, you must take time doing your own homework on the breeder and read reviews to ensure that they have a good reputation.
- Since Catahoula Bulldog is a cross breed between Catahoula leopard dog, it is also referred to as Catahoula hound dog or Catahoula Cur and American bulldog. It isn't a pure breed and not recognized by AKC.
- To know that you have a real Catahoula bulldog on your hands, the best factor to assess is temperament.
Catahoula Bulldogs are an intelligent breed, which will learn quickly and eager to please. They need a firm pack leader, which exhibits the consistency. It's necessary when walking Catahoula Bulldog that it heels either beside or behind you. Dogs enabled to lead are dogs who believe they are in charge. Catahoula Bulldogs are a big breed and so it'd be potentially harmful for the breed to believe he is running the show.
Catahoula Bulldogs basically respond well in terms of training due to their devotion and inherent smartness to their owners.
To make it friendly to some animals, particularly dogs, socialization at an early age is required. You may enroll your dog in a socialization class, yet ensure that you take your dog to dog-friendly stores, parks, and events where you could introduce it to some people with their pets.
To control its hunting instincts, start leash training and allow it to wear the harness as well as leash for the short durations. If the dog pulls in an opposite direction, never jerk the leash and stand still. Begin moving when your dog settles down and comes near you. Never drag your Catahoula Bulldog.
Such Catahoula Bulldogs require lots of exercises. They're explicitly bred as a working and outdoor hunting dog. They are made to withstand running miles daily and have endurance. They make a good outside pet and a lot prefer to sleep, live, and eat outside. But, if you do not think that it's the best idea, then see to it that they can get outside for forty-five minutes to 1 hour daily to play and run around.
Always give your dog a minimum of forty to sixty minutes of exerciser daily. Other than taking it on everyday walks, engage its mind with activities like training and play sessions in solidifying fenced yard. Never tie it out and leave the pet dog in the yard. Catahoula Cur's intelligence helps adding smarts to this dog and makes it good for working requirements.
It is eager and smart. You will require a strong training routine right from the beginning to ensure that such animals know precisely what's expected of them and could find their role. Do not forget about the significance of leash training due to their hunting drive.
You have let your dog work on the socialization training for a good relationship with some animals and people. If you do not, your dog might try and be a bit controlling around some dogs and might be too fond of your other pets.
It can be hard to start with new training regimens, regardless of what kind of dog you're working with. That is the reason why all new dog owners must take time learning along with several training guides online.
You have to take note that Catahoula Bulldogs are active dogs and have fast metabolism rate. If you combine such factors in with their heavyweight, you will have to feed your dog with around four cups of foods daily. You must split it into 3 or 4 feeding sessions daily, starting early in the morning and before bedtime.
Grooming requirements of a Catahoula Bulldog are minimal. It should be bath for several times of the year and must be brushed once a week. Your dog's nails must be trimmed on a regular basis and the teeth should stay clean always. This breed is an average to constant light shedder. When stressed or nervous, this dog has a tendency to shed more, particularly when you're petting him.
This dog is not considered as a hypoallergenic breed and additional precaution must be taken if you're allergic to dogs. Catahoula Bulldog is renowned to have few to no shedding because of its short and smooth coat. Shedding is seen mostly if dogs experience some stressful situations. Drooling isn't known to occur in this dog breed.
Catahoula Bulldog doesn't have any lingering or significant odors in spite of his constant activity. Brushing can be an event weekly. Matting and tangling are not a problem. You might like to check your dog's feet frequently because active dogs can be prone to the cuts on footpads or nail tearing. Consistent care for foot must be a part of your dog's grooming routine. It will ensure that your bulldog will cooperate when there's an injury or a problem.
Are Catahoulas Bulldogs Aggressive?
Catahoula Bulldog's personality is appealing and a bit easy going. It only means that they do make good companion dogs and working dogs due to their devotion and loyalty to their family and master. They have a gentle temperament, which works well in families with children.
Nevertheless, there are several cases of slight dominance and independent nature that might be a problem once not controlled as early as possible. It's good when dogs are used to herd some animals, yet not so good if it isn't controlled in a family environment.
Are Catahoulas Bulldog Good as Guard Dogs?
The combination of smart senses, loyalty, and alertness mean they can be the best watchdog or a guard dog.
Conclusion
All in all, the temperament of Catahoula Bulldog is appealing to both ranch owners and families. It's a dog bred to be smart, loyal, and capable on ranches, yet it also translates over family life as well. However, it is important to note that this dog has some health problems that you should be aware of and there could be challenges during the process of training. But, with the right care and attitude towards Catahoula Bulldogs, you can be assured that they can be a good addition to any home or ranch.