Catahoula Bulldog

The Catahoula Bulldog is an intelligent and loyal dog, bred by crossing the American Bulldog with the Catahoula Leopard Dog. It has a strong, muscular structure with tight skin. Buttoned, cropped, or rose type ears are usually seen while its eyes often come in different colors including brown, emerald green, amber, ice blue, or gold. Like its American Bulldog parent, the Catahoula Bulldog exhibits heavy torso, robust legs, and great jaw strength.

Catahoula Bulldog Pictures

History

The Catahoula Bulldogs are believed to have originated more than 100 years ago in the southern US. Back then the ranchers needed a multi-purpose dog that would have the size, strength, and weight of American Bulldogs along with the endurance and agility of Catahoula Leopard Dogs so that it could be used for herding, catching hogs, and hunting bears. As a result, the Catahoula Bulldogs were developed.

In 1951, a breed registry was started by Tom Stodghill, the founder of the ARF (Animal Research Foundation). In 1968, a Midlothian-based breeder, Bart Perry, received the first official recognition from the ARF for crossbreeding the Catahoula Bulldogs.

Temperament and Behavior

The Catahoula Bulldog though works aggressively in rounding up hogs or cattle, is quite gentle towards humans. Being devoted, loving, and protective with family members, it makes a great companion animal that is always eager to please its people.

Even though it is calm and laid-back, it keeps a watchful eye on its surroundings. It is always suspicious of strangers and will warn its owner when it senses danger.

The dog is typically at ease with kids and can get along well with other dogs when raised with them.

Care

• Exercise

• Grooming

• Health Problems

Give your Catahoula Bulldog a minimum of 40-60 minutes of daily exercise. Aside from taking it on daily walks, engage its mind with fun activities such as play and training sessions in a solidly fenced yard. Do not tie it out and leave your pet dog on its own in the yard.

Bathing it 2-3 times a year and brushing its coat once a week will take care of its minimal grooming needs. Make sure that its nails be trimmed, and the teeth are kept clean.

Although no breed-specific diseases have been reported, the Catahoula Bulldog can get affected by any of the health issues commonly seen in its parent breeds. These include canine hip dysplasia, deafness, cherry eye, ectropion, entropion, bone cancer, problems of the kidney, and thyroid disorders.

Training

Catahoula Bulldogs respond well to training because of their inherent smartness and devotion to their owners.

• Socialization: To make it friendly towards other animals, especially dogs, early socialization is needed. You can enroll your puppy in socialization classes, but make sure that you take your pet to parks, dog-friendly stores, and events where you can introduce it to other people and their pets.
• Leash Training:  In order to control its hunting instincts, begin leash training and let it wear the harness and leash for short durations. If your dog pulls in the opposite direction, stand still and do not jerk the leash. Start moving once your dog settles down and comes to you. Do not drag your Catahoula Bulldog along with you.

Feeding

Ensure that your Catahoula and Bulldog mix is on a nutritious diet. You can give it four to five cups dry dog food on a daily basis.

Interesting Facts

• Catahoula Bulldogs shed more when they are stressed or excited.
• They can use their ears in such an expressive way that it is believed that they can communicate with them.