Catahoula Bulldog

75-100 lbs
24-26"
United States (Southern States)
Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
American Bulldog
American Mastahoula

Protective and loyal, the Catahoula Bulldog is a medium-to-large hybrid breed that was developed from the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog and the American Bulldog. It is believed that the breed has been in existence for over 100 years. While its origins are not widely known, the Catahoula Bulldog was said to be popular in the South due to its protective nature and ability to catch bears. It is known for its alert disposition and ability to scan for suspicious intruders. It is skilled in agility tasks. This gorgeous breed is able to live in either rural or urban environments with a varied climate but a warm climate is preferable. Its energy levels are high and it must be engaged in activity constantly.

purpose Purpose
Guarding, Herding
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, American Bulldog

Catahoula Bulldog Health

Average Size
Male Catahoula Bulldog size stats
Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 75-100 lbs
Female Catahoula Bulldog size stats
Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 75-100 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Usually Very Healthy
Minor Concerns
  • None
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Allergies
  • Dry Nose
Occasional Tests
  • Physical Examination
  • Skin Evaluation
  • Allergy Testing

Catahoula Bulldog Breed History

It is reported that the Catahoula Bulldog has been in existence for at least 100 years. While it is an old American dog mostly used in the South, there are no well-documented reports regarding the breed. The name Catahoula is derived from a Native American word meaning “clear water”. This breed has been known to be a favored dog in the Southern states and continues to be a preferred breed due to its effectiveness in protection. In the past, ranchers used the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog to help herd cattle and catch hogs. Its intelligence and strong work ethic convinced ranchers to continue using the breed for tasks. There was initially an issue with the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog being able to bring catch home due to how small and weak they were. The Catahoula also lacked the necessary aggression needed to hunt more aggressive prey like bears. Because of this, the American Bulldog was bred to the Catahoula in order to increase aggression, strength, and bulk up its body. The Catahoula Bulldog became known for the endurance and agility that ranchers and hunters loved. It became talented at catching hogs and hunting bears successfully. In 1951, Tom Stodghill, the founder of the Animal Research Foundation, started the breed registry. In 1968, Bart Perry, a Midlothian, Texas-based breeder, received the first official recognition from the Animal Research Foundation for crossbreeding the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog to the American Bulldog. Its strong hunting instincts were not overlooked. With time, the breed became popular with local ranchers and its popularity soared. The Catahoula Bulldog is not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club due to its hybrid status.

Catahoula Bulldog Breed Appearance

The Catahoula Bulldog strongly resembles the American Bulldog in build. It has tight skin and a short, smooth coat. Its water-repellent coat can come in a variety of color combinations such as black, brown, white, black and brown, black and white, brown and white, black with tan blotches and patches, and white with gray. If this breed lives in a seasonal climate, it may also develop an undercoat to help protect against the extreme weather. Ears are slightly floppy while the eyes vary between brown, ice blue, gold, emerald green, or a combination. Its stance is strong and muscular and the face may carry an intimidating expression.

Eye Color Possibilities
blue Catahoula Bulldog eyes
Blue
brown Catahoula Bulldog eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Catahoula Bulldog nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Catahoula Bulldog coat
Black
brown Catahoula Bulldog coat
Brown
white Catahoula Bulldog coat
White
gray Catahoula Bulldog coat
Gray
pied Catahoula Bulldog coat
Pied
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Catahoula Bulldog straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Catahoula Bulldog Breed Maintenance

The Catahoula Bulldog is not considered a hypoallergenic breed and extra precaution should be taken if you are allergic to dogs. This breed is known to have little to no shedding due to its smooth, short coat. Shedding is mostly seen if the dog experiences stressful situations. Drooling is not known to occur in this breed. The Catahoula Bulldog does not have any significant or lingering odors despite his constant activity. Brushing can be a weekly event; tangling or matting are not issues. You may want to check the feet often as an active dog can be prone to cuts on the footpads or tearing of the nails. Consistent foot care should be a part of the grooming routine from day one; this will ensure that your Catahoula Bulldog cooperates when there is a problem or injury.

Brushes for Catahoula Bulldog
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Catahoula Bulldog requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Catahoula Bulldog Temperament

The Catahoula Bulldog tends to be a relaxed, laid-back breed that comes alive at the sound of a suspicious noise. It is described as a loyal, intelligent, protective breed that loves to be with its family. This loving breed enjoys being able to please others and is incredibly expressive with its ears. This protective canine makes an outstanding watchdog that is used to hunting and treeing game. Its strong build allows it to continuously be on the move but also alert to guarding its family. This breed is fierce and fearless which can make it seem intimidating to families at first. Early training should be provided in order to ensure children are in a safe environment and know how to interact with the Catahoula Bulldog. Extra precaution should be taken when it comes to strangers. Your dog may require early intervention in order to distinguish the difference between a friendly stranger and an unwelcome intruder. Your loyal canine may take it upon itself to chase after other animals or dogs in the home if this behavior is not dealt with early on. Its original purpose of hunting will kick into gear if intervention is not provided. The energy levels of this hybrid are high and constant stimulation and interaction must be part of the day to day goings on so the Catahoula Bulldog will remain engaged with others. The Catahoula Bulldog may be stubborn to train just because of its independent nature, and is not recommended for first time dog owners.

Catahoula Bulldog Activity Requirements

The Catahoula Bulldog requires intense play and exercise to remain engaged and content. At least two long, brisk walks per day should be provided for your lively canine. Swimming, chasing, running, and other intense play activities can be included in the mix. An ideal environment for your hybrid would be a large urban or rural home with access to a yard or field. Apartment living can be managed but is discouraged. If left to its own devices, your Catahoula Bulldog will engage in property destruction which can be costly. Establish yourself as pack leader yet enjoy the company of this impressive dog and you will have a happy partnership.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Catahoula Bulldog Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00
food bag monthly cost

Catahoula Bulldog Owner Experiences

BuckShot
11 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
The best dog I ever had!
6 years ago
Adonis
2 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is wonderful! Was easily trainable (please keep in mind that I have been training dogs since I was a kid), works well with hand signals as well as voice commands. Weirdly likes to move my one of my shoes from one room to another. Not chewing on them...just moving them. He does well with my cat and with children. A little bit clingy but that comes with the herding dogs. They don't like to have their pack not all around. He has a wonderful sense of smell. I found him track an ant one day. All in all, I agree with the article when it says this is not a first time type dog. He is a bit strong minded and as he was a stray originally, there were issues with him running off occasionally. Now he's completely loyal and does not leave when he is not on leash and the house door is open. Hoping to soon let him have the run of the house while I am away at work as he is a great guard dog.
5 years, 5 months ago
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