Catahoula Bulldog Puppies For Sale

A Hybrid Cross between the Catahoula Leopard Dog
and the American Bulldog

The Catahoula Bulldog is a crossbreed, not a purebred dog. Also known as a hybrid or “designer” dog, it is a cross between the American Bulldog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog. Its parents must be 50% each American Bulldog and Catahoula Leopard Dog as a first generation cross. Although subsequent generations may be configured as a 75% / 25% mix of either breed, standards prohibit exceeding that formula in order to maintain the desired characteristics of the Catahoula Bulldog.

History
The Catahoula Bulldog was first bred over a century ago and has mostly originated in the southern United States. Its purpose at that point was to give ranchers a dog that could catch hogs, herd cattle, and hunt the American black bear. The Catahoula Leopard Dog had the skill to entice hogs to go into their pens and the speed and endurance as well as intelligence to hunt and herd, but it wasn't large enough to catch hogs. Crossbreeding it with the powerful American Bulldog gave it the size, weight, and strength of jaw to make it a good catch dog as well. The result of the interbreeding was a dog that was intelligent, rugged, and large enough to perform the tasks desired, with newly established hunting and herding skills.

Some enthusiasts believe that the Catahoula Bulldog may have been around for as many as 200 years, although this has not been proven.

In 1951, the Catahoula Bulldog was first formally registered by a Mr. Stodghill of the Animal Research Foundation. In 1962, Midlothian, Texas resident Bart Perry was actively raising the American Bulldog and in 1968 became the first breeder certified by the Animal Research Foundation to breed Catahoula Bulldogs. The Catahoula Bulldog is considered an excellent guard dog, in addition to being a great hunter and working dog. Today, the breed is also treasured as an ideal companion dog. Extremely devoted and loyal, this breed is very protective of its immediate family.

Appearance
Like a powerful, medium-sized Bulldog, the Catahoula Bulldog weighs between 60 to 100 pounds and stands 24 to 26 inches at the shoulders. The Catahoula Bulldog has the muscular build and tight skin of the American Bulldog, with a smooth, short coat. There is usually no undercoat for most climates, but if you live in a colder or seasonal climate, your pet will likely develop one. This dog can be white; black and white; brown and white; brown; or black and brown. The Catahoula Bulldog can also have a mottled coat, with white and gray, and can have large areas of color and smaller areas of spots or "tips." The eyes are expressive and are generally a soft or dark brown, but they can also be gold, emerald green, amber, ice blue, or heterochromatic.

Perhaps most notable about this dog’s appearance is its ears. Catahoula Bulldogs use their ears very expressively, as if they are talking with them. The ears are very mobile, pricking and moving with every sound, every expression.

Temperament
The Catahoula Bulldog has become a favorite pet today because of its character. Protective and loving, this breed is also beautiful, with its sleek coat and expressive ears and eyes. Generally it behaves in a mellow and relaxed manner – although it will react in an instant if it feels that you are threatened. Very trainable and obviously anxious to please you, it is exceedingly patient with children, and serves as an excellent "nanny" dog. A wonderfully intelligent creature, this dog will learn anything you want to teach it, and loves to work. Although somewhat placid in nature, your pet can also be funloving, outgoing, and lively. With just a little socialization and firm but gentle guidance, you'll find no better pet.

Proper Environment
Large and active, the Catahoula Bulldog must get a lot of exercise on a daily basis. As working dogs, Catahoula Bulldogs need jobs to do and are superb as workers on ranches, farms, or anywhere they can be kept busy. Equally good with large families or a single devoted owner, the Catahoula Bulldog is also tolerant of other pets as long as they are raised together. Unless leery of danger, this dog will readily accept strangers as well.

The Catahoula Bulldog depends on your presence to feel secure and to behave the way you prefer. In your absence, it may become destructive by chewing, barking, forgetting house-training skills, and otherwise raising a disturbance if repeatedly left alone. This is a devoted pet who wants to be with you, and if you are someone who needs to be gone a lot, it's wisest to get another breed.

Because the Catahoula Bulldog is a hunter and herder at heart, chasing is instinctive. It's important to have your dog on leash at all times when you are not in a safe environment.

Finally, this dog may assume other small pets like birds, gerbils, rabbits or other small creatures are valid hunting prey. Therefore, it’s best to not have these pets around if you choose to have a Catahoula Bulldog as a pet.

Health
The Catahoula Bulldog is typically very healthy and hardy, and has few problems. Like many dogs, it can suffer from congenital heart defects, cataracts, glaucoma, hip dysplasia, and entropion, a problematic folding of the eyelid which causes major eye irritation and can require surgical correction.

Finally, common among all deep-chested, large dogs, bloat is an extremely dangerous condition which happens suddenly when the stomach twists upon itself. Gas builds up and death can occur within an hour. Symptoms include dry vomiting, the appearance of pain, a distended (hard) stomach, or possible depression which is rather unusual for the sweet, jovial and energetic Catahoula Bulldog. Surgery can correct the condition, without which recurrence is almost guaranteed. Although unconfirmed, it is said that Catahoula Bulldogs live between 10 and 12 years on average.

Grooming
This dog’s short fur requires little maintenance. Regular brushing and bathing only as necessary should suffice.

References
All About the Breed: Catahoula Bulldog.
http://voices.yahoo.com/all-breed-catahoula-bulldog- 2539406.html
Retrieved February 2, 2014.

Catahoula Bulldog.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catahoula_Bulldog
Retrieved February 2, 2014.

Catahoula Bulldog.
http://www.dogbreedslist.info/all-dog-breeds/Catahoula-Bulldog.html
Retrieved February 2, 2014.

Catahoula Bull Dog.
http://www.petdig.com/info/pet/catahoula-bulldog/370/
Retrieved February 2, 2014.

Catahoula Bulldog Information.
http://www.greatdogsite.com/breeds/details/Catahoula_Bulldog/
Retrieved February 2, 2014.

Catch dog.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catch_dog
Retrieved February 2, 2014.

Colors
APRI, ABA, ARF, UKC, NKC, NABA, ARBA, JDJB, ABCC, AABC, NKC, CKC, ACR, DRA, BBC

Living Area
The American Bulldog will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised.