The opposite of the purebred dogs is the crossbreds. One of these is the Catahoula bulldog, which combines an American Bulldog with the Catahoula Cur.
The Animal Research Foundation stated that this crossbred is recognized as the result of a 50%-50% mix between Catahoula Leopard and American Bulldog in the first generation cross–stage, but in order to preserve the characteristics, a maximum 75%-25% mix should be maintained at all time.
Catahoula Bulldogs haven’t been around for a very long time but they are getting more and more popular. This is because they make excellent guard dogs.
This type of bulldog – the Catahoula is considered a dog with medium to large sizes, weighing up to 45 kilos and measuring up to 66 centimeters tall at shoulder level.
Those dogs can grow up to 26 inches tall and weigh up to 100 lbs. They are also a long-term commitment as their life span is anywhere between 10 and 14 years.
Quick – Pros & Cons
Catahoula Bulldogs are some of the most loving, friendly, and loyal dogs. They can also be used as protectors and guardians of young children.
You will also quickly find out that Those dogs are highly intelligent, extremely active, very protective, and excellent companions.
If you are interested in getting one of these loveable dogs, keep in mind that they are a lot of work. However, they are also some of the best dogs around.
Pros
Highly intelligent
Excellent watchdogs
Great with kids
Very loyal
Friendly
Cons
Extremely active and they need a house with a big backyard.
They need a lot of early training and they are not a good choice for first-time dog owners.
Temperament
Although there are specific reasons for breeding Catahoula Bulldogs, such as work, hunting, or guarding, they make excellent companions as well. They are driven by loyalty and devotion towards their human families, also acting in a protective manner towards them.
Despite their rather calm behavior, make no mistake as they are always alert and connected to what’s happening in the surroundings. The herding instincts have been very well passed on to the Catahoula Bulldogs from the Catahoula
Leopards, which use intimidation as the main weapon for carrying out this type of activity. They excel in hog hunting and they are strong opponents for bears as well, as they combine the intelligence, agility, and instinct of the Catahoula Leopard with the aggressiveness and sturdiness of the American bulldog.
Is a Catahoula Bulldog good with children?
The Catahoula Bulldog is surprisingly good with children. Typically, big dogs with lots of energy are not a great pick for families with small children. However, Those dogs are very attentive and carrying with their familys’ children.
It’s very important to introduce them to small children from a very young age. If you don’t have any of your own, you can take them to the park and let children play with the puppy. This will make him love interacting with children.
Those dogs are pretty big, it’s very important to teach your children about boundaries as well. If your kids play too roughly, the Catahoula Bulldog will try to run away and might even knock them down in an attempt to escape them.
Behavior towards strangers
Catahoula Bulldogs are some of the best guard dogs in the world. They thrive in homes with big backyards that they can protect. They will also always let you know when someone is at the door before they get a chance to ring the bell.
They are natural protectors and will not welcome strangers to happily. This makes them extremely easy to train as watchdogs. They are also very fast and have a ferocious bite so be careful when training them.
If you want your Catahoula Bulldog to be friendly with everyone, you’ll have to work a lot on their socializing skills. This means introducing them to lots and lots of strangers every week while they are growing up.
How it does with other pets/dogs
Catahoula Bulldogs have some very strong hunting instincts. This makes them excellent companions to hunters and not the best choice for people with other pets. They are the type of dogs that are jealous and would prefer being the only dog in your house.
However, you can get them used to other dogs if they grow up alongside them. Otherwise, they might often get into fights with other dogs, especially males. Getting a new female dog is the best choice if you already have a male Catahoula Bulldog.
When it comes to smaller pets such as cats, ferrets, bunnies, etc, Those dogs might give in to their natural hunting instinct. If you have a house full of cats, getting a Catahoula Bulldog is a bad idea.
Aggressiveness of a Catahoula Bulldog Mix
The Catahoula Bulldog is a very loyal and laid-back pet and they very rarely have aggressive behavior. They will often try to snuggle next to you on the couch and think of themselves as lap dogs. However, this doesn’t mean that he can’t aggressive if he feels like his home and family are being threatened.
To be sure that your dog won’t have any aggressive behaviors, make sure you get all the information you need from the breeder. If any of their parents have a history of aggressive behavior you might want to think twice before getting the puppy.
Generally, Catahoula Bulldogs are very loyal and will follow your lead as long as you make it clear who the Alpha is. This means that they are not the best choice for people who can’t properly train a big and powerful dog.
Does it bark a lot?
One of the main reasons Catahoula Bulldogs are excellent watchdogs is because they don’t respond to other dogs and only bark when they sense danger. They can have a pretty strong and powerful bark and they will only use it to let you know that someone is approaching your home.
If they weren’t so big and energetic they could have been used as pets for people that live in apartments as well. They might also bark when they are very excited, especially when they are younger. You won’t find your Catahoula Bulldog barking without a purpose.
Those dogs can also be trained not to bark if you live somewhere that doesn’t allow much noise. They are a bit stubborn at first but they are a pleasure to train.
Appearance and Grooming
A crossbreed always takes something from both parents and Catahoula Bulldog is not different. It strongly resembles the American Bulldog, which means they have a strong and built body shape. Their chest is very well shaped and his whole body is covered in muscles.
At the same time, he also has an athletic body that allows him to reach incredible speeds, similar to the Catahoula parent. They can look pretty intimidating to strangers as both males and females can grow up to be anywhere between 24-26 inches tall.
Grooming a Catahoula Bulldog is a very straightforward and easy process. You won’t have to deal with a lot of hair and you only need to pay attention to typical grooming procedures.
How big does it get?
Unlike many other dogs, the Catahoula Bulldog females and males look pretty much the same. Typically the male dog is more built, strong, and generally bigger, while the female is a bit smaller, thinner, and not as strong.
But both Catahoula Bulldog females and males can grow up to be anywhere between 24 to 26 inches tall. And when it comes to their weight, they can be anywhere between 75 to 100lbs.
This means that you should never even consider having this crossbreed as a pet if you live in an apartment. They are very active and can get very destructive when bored.
What does a Catahoula Bulldog look like?
The build of the Catahoula Bulldog is inherited from the American bulldog – it is muscular, sturdy skin and a smooth, but a very short coat. It is not usual for them to develop an undercoat unless they live in colder areas.
Those dogs look a lot like the American Bulldog, you might not even be able to tell them apart from the American Bulldog parent if they also get their coat and color. Typically they take the body of an American Bulldog parent but they have the coat and colorful hair of the Catahoula parent.
Appearance and color
Their ears are sometimes cropped and can be either button over or a rose type. The ears help the Catahoula to increase expressiveness.
When it comes to colors, the Catahoulas come in quite a variety, with black, white, brown, or a combination of these. Almost any of these colors can be dominant for their coat and only have spots or patches of the other colors in the range.
Furthermore, even their eyes come in a variety of colors, from different shades of brown to emerald green, amber, gold, or ice blue. Sometimes Those dogs present heterochromia.
Type of coat
Catahoula Bulldogs have tight skin and short coats. They are also very smooth and the coat is water-repellent. You can get puppies with a coat that is brown, white, black, black and white, black and brown, brown and white, or black with tan patches.
You should also keep in mind that this dog should only be kept in a hot climate. They don’t appreciate areas that have colder winters and definitely hate snow. If you do take them to a colder climate they may develop an undercoat. But is not enough to protect them from extreme weather.
How easy it is to groom?
Catahoula Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic, which means you should take extra precautions if you have a family member with dog allergies. When it comes to shedding you won’t have a lot of work as those dogs shed only when they experience a stressful situation. You also won’t have to deal with drooling.
It’s also surprising that they don’t have any odors despite being very active. Tangling is also not a problem and you can leave brushing for once a week. Unlike any other dog, you’ll need to check his ears from time to time and brush his teeth.
One thing that you should keep in mind about this dog is that is more prone to feet injuries. This is because of how active they are. Check their footpads every day for cuts or torn nails.
Catahoula Bulldog Care Guide – Diet, Exercise & Health Issues
Catahoula Bulldogs are relatively healthy dogs and don’t have any special diets. When it comes to their exercise, don’t even think about getting such a dog if you can’t keep up with several hours of exercise a day. This is why it’s best to have a large backyard.
But since every single dog is different and your puppy might have a special health condition it’s always best to ask your vet. Every time you want to make a change in their diet or exercising schedule, always check-up with your vet before doing so.
Diet Tips: What does it eat?
As mentioned before, Catahoula Bulldogs don’t have any special dietary needs. Their diet should be formulated for a medium or large breed with a lot of energy. This depends on how big your dog can get as it’s never 100% predictable with crossbreeds.
It’s always important to understand that dogs need special kinds of foods while they are puppies, adults, and when they get older. This is why your vet is the best way to get a proper diet for your dog.
Exercise Requirements: Keeping the dog in shape
Those dogs are extremely active and keeping up with them is no easy thing to do. This is why going to a dog park where you can leave them without the leash is ideal. You will have to ensure that your dog walks at least 15 miles per week.
Your Catahoula Bulldog will have to walk around 60 minutes a day to get the minimum exercise he needs. If you can give him a lot more to do he will be a lot happier. Those dogs make excellent companions to people that travel and hike a lot.
Common Health Issues for a Catahoula Bulldog
Catahoula Bulldogs are generally very healthy dogs and you won’t have to spend a lot of money on endless vet visits. You should always be careful about bloating. This a very serious condition that causes your dog’s stomach to turn on itself and it causes extreme pain. This can also lead to death.
You can prevent bloating by feeding your dog with a slow feeder if you notice that he eats too fast. Other occasional concerns are dry nose and allergies. They are some of the healthiest dogs around.
You will only need to take into consideration some occasional tests. This includes physical examination, skin evaluation, and allergy testing.
Training a Catahoula Bulldog
Training those dogs it’s a pleasure as they are very smart and devoted to their owners. They will do everything you ask them to do just to please you. But as they get older they will start to test your authority. This is normal behavior and you only have to show them again and again who the Alpha is.
Those dogs are very big, powerful, and energetic. They can create a lot of havoc if you don’t train them properly. And you definitely don’t want to deal with a big dog that thinks he is in charge. If you need help with training it’s highly recommended to get a professional.
Obedience Training
Obedience training needs to start as soon as you bring your Catahoula Bulldog home. They can get overly excited and can turn your house upside down just after an hour of playing. Obedience training is also extremely important in keeping them from harming themselves while they play.
You need to be firm but not too harsh on them. Otherwise, they will grow up hating you and being scared of your simple presence. If they are too playful to pay attention be patient and use lots and lots of treats.
Start with basic commands such as sit, come, go, down, fetch, etc. They are very smart dogs and you will be able to teach them lots and lots of tricks. They also need brain stimulation to remain healthy and lead a happy life.
Socialization
Socialization is extremely important if you want a playful dog that loves everyone. This will help him learn how to act around other animals and people. You should start from a very young age as dogs have a good memory and will remain aggressive towards humans and animals if he had a bad experience.
If you don’t have the time to do it yourself, you should find lots and lots of socialization dog classes around you. Besides dog classes, it’s also very important to introduce your dog to new people and new pets as often as you can.
Exercise requirements
As mentioned before, Catahoula Bulldogs are extremely active dogs. They need a lot of running, swimming, games, and anything that can help them consume that energy. You should provide lots and lots of both physical and psychical stimulation.
If you have a backyard, you can play fetch and other dog games with your puppy. Investing in a small kiddie pool is also recommended, especially if you live in a very hot climate. Your dog will often find itself playing around in the pool.
Breeding & Puppies
Be very careful where you get your Catahoula Bulldog as the breeding should be only done by responsible people. If you want to try it yourself, make sure you have space and money to keep both parents and the litter healthy and happy.
A litter of Catahoula Bulldog will be anywhere between 5 and 10 puppies. They are very adorable and playful from the very first weeks. Since those dogs are very athletic make sure they don’t run too much before they reach adulthood.
If you take them hiking or jogging while they are too small, an accident might lead them to problems for life.
Finding an American Bulldog and Catahoula Leopard Mix – Kennels & Pedigree
The Catahoula Leopard and the American Bulldog are both recognized as pure breeds. However, the crossbreed between those two is not, despite being around for about 100 years. And sadly, you can find Catahoula Bulldogs even in shelters.
Avoid breeders that refuse to show you where the parents and the rest of the litter lives. This is because they more likely have a terrible life and you’ll just support the breeder to keep doing this over and over again. Puppy mills are cruel and you should only get puppies from breeders that care and love their dogs.
How much does a mixed Catahoula Leopard/American Bulldog cost?
The Catahoula Bulldogs can cost anywhere between $400 and $600. You can also find much more expensive puppies depending on who their parents are and their breeder. If you find puppies that are way too affordable, they might not be actual Catahoula Bulldogs.
History & Origins of the mixed breed
The roots of the Catahoula Bulldogs date with more than one century ago and are located somewhere in the southern areas of the United States.
It was the needs of the ranchers to herd and hunt (including the American Black Bear) that triggered the birth of this bulldog. They did very well against hogs, which they lured in pens, while they were able to escape over the backs of the pens.
Due to the exquisite combination between power, strength, agility and intelligence, along the strong hunting and herding instincts, the Catahoula Bulldog was very popular even from the beginning.
The cross between the two parent breeds enhanced their initial skills and passed them on to the Catahoula Bulldogs.
The first efforts to register this breed of dogs were made in 1951, when people at the Animal Research Foundation began documenting this registration.
Almost a decade later, people came to admit that the Catahoula Bulldogs were an excellent solution as protectors and good companions for children, but also dependable in farming activities.
While more and more breeders started to breed the Catahoula Bulldogs, it was in 1968 that they became a registered breed and a ARF certified breeder was also recognized.
There are several breeds similar to Catahoula Bulldogs, which are niche breeds which are constantly in development, including the Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge, the Olde English Bulldogge, the Mallorquin Bulldog, the Boston Bulldogge and the Buldogue Campiero.
Conclusion
Catahoula Bulldogs are very intelligent, sweet, friendly, loyal, and everything you need from a dog. They are also excellent watchdogs and can make great companions for traveling and hunting.
You should keep in mind that they are not made to resist in apartments all alone all day. Those are very interactive and active dogs. They need you to be around most of the time as they can get lonely very fast.
If you have the time, space, and the energy to keep up with those big creatures they can make wonderful pets for both single people and families with children.
How much are they worth ( Australia)