Catahoula Bulldog
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| Catahoula Bulldog | ||||
 A red/tan female Catahoula Bulldog showing the desired 75% Catahoula Leopard and 25% American Bulldog |
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| Country of origin | United States | |||
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The Catahoula Bulldog is a dog hybrid (not a purebred dog); it is a cross between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the American Bulldog for a specific purpose. (Al Walker of Animal Research Foundation states: The Catahoula Bulldog is recognized as 50% Catahoula Leopard and 50% American Bulldog in the first generation cross. In succeeding generations it should be 75% Catahoula Leopard and 25% American Bulldog cross. Walker also says, "It is desirable to keep the cross within the 75-25 limit in order not to lose the basic characteristics of these two fine breeds.")
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[edit] Description
[edit] Appearance
The Catahoula Bulldog is a medium to large size dog weighing in at 34-45.3 Kg (75-100 lbs). The height is 55-66 cm (24-26 inches) at the shoulders.
The dog has the American Bulldog's muscular build with tight skin and a very short smooth coat. Normally it does not have an undercoat but usually develops one when living in seasonal or colder climate. Catahoula Bulldogs come in a wide variety of colors due to the Catahoula Leopard genes. Both pure white and merled coats white with grey, black and tan patches and blotches; some have very large areas of color and smaller patches and spots are common.
The eyes can be a soft to dark brown, amber, ice blue, emerald green, gold or any combination of all of these including heterochromia. Ears can be a rose type to button over and are sometimes cropped. The Catahoula Bulldog tends to use the ears in a very expressive manner.
[edit] Temperament
Though utilized as a hunting, working, and guard dog. The Catahoula Bulldog makes an excellent companion. They are loyal and devoted to their people and have strong protective instincts. They are generally calm though also alert to its surroundings. Firm, patient training is needed.
[edit] Herding and hunting
In herding the Catahoula Bulldog has the natural abilities of the Catahoula Leopard using intimidation to herd on ranches and farms. In hog hunting, this hybrid is strong and intelligent for actual catching of hogs. As a bear dog, the Catahoula Bulldog excels as it has the size and aggressiveness of the American Bulldog as well as the aggressiveness, intelligence and hunting ability of the Catahoula Leopard. From the American Bulldog it acquired the great jaw strength, heavier torso, and more robust legs.
[edit] History
The Catahoula Bulldog has been around for over 100 years, for the most part in the southern United States. It is reported that ranchers wanted a dual purpose dog for herding and catching hogs as well as hunting Black bear. While the Catahoula Leopard was very skilled at luring a hog to a pen then escaping over the back of the pen, it was not large or rugged enough by itself to catch a hog. The American Bulldog had the extra size, weight, and strong jaw as well as being an excellent catch dog while the Catahoula Leopard had the intelligence, speed, endurance and the instincts of hunting and herding. [1]
The result in combining the two breeds was a large, more rugged, and more intelligent dog with increased skills in hunting and herding.
In 1951, Mr. Stodghill of the Animal Research Foundation began registration of Catahoula Bulldogs. In 1960, Howard Carnathan contacted Mr. Stodghill writing, "I needed a dog that would be a companion and protector to my children and home yet also was in need of a dog that would help with the farming duties. The mixture of the Catahoula Bulldog fit my purpose exactly." In 1962 Bart Perry of Midlothian, Texas had been active in raising the American Bulldog. In 1968 he became the first ARF Certified Breeder of Catahoula Bulldogs.
