Would you like to have an all-purpose working dog that’s physically powerful, but also affectionate and loyal in personality? Then, we introduce you to the American Bulldog Catahoula Mix—a crossbreed between a Catahoula Leopard dog and an American Bulldog.
Widely known as the Catahoula Bulldog, they have the distinct feature of being large with high stamina and endurance. Energetic, devoted, and hard-workers, the Catahoula Bulldogs are excellent for a family with an active lifestyle.
However, there might be more than meets the eye with this unique crossbreed.
So, let’s begin reading to discover everything there is to know about a Catahoula Bulldog and its inherited attributes.
An Overview of a Catahoula Bulldog
With all designer dog breeds, temperaments and appearances may vastly differ. Meaning, your dog may not have the same genetic makeup as its parent breed.
For example, your Catahoula Bulldog may look and behave more like a Bulldog and less like a Catahoula. It’s always interesting to discover which characteristics will shine in your four-legged friend, and that's where the fun lies.
Thankfully, both parent dog breeds of a Catahoula Bulldog have characteristics that are sure to delight and impress. Here’s a quick list of what you can expect from this two-in-one dog breed.
Appearance
Their appearance may vary depending on which parent gene is more dominant. You can distinguish a Catahoula Bulldog based on three major characteristics:
1. Coats
The coat of a Catahoula Bulldog is tight-skinned, has minimal fur, and is smooth to the point of being glossy. It doesn’t have an undercoat but may develop one if it’s living in a colder climate.
They’ve also inherited a gorgeous genetic pattern called the merle gene. This gene causes the unique combination of color patches, such as white, black, brown, and gray.
2. Ears
The ears may have a patch of color on one side or both. Plus, they come in a variety of shapes and types, such as:
- Button-over type
- Rose type
- Cropped type
3. Eyes
The stunning eyes can be a mix of brown, emerald green, ice blue, gold, and stormy gray. They can also be heterochromatic, which is a combination of two colors in one set of eyes.
Temperament
- Has natural protective instincts
- Unsurpassed hunting skills with good work ethics
- Courageous and fierce
- Loyal and affectionate, and likes being part of a family
- Fast learners capable of adapting to their surroundings
- Energetic goofballs that can be attentive to children
Purpose
- An all-purpose working dog that excels at hunting and herding
- The definition of a guard dog with fierce protective instincts
- Serves well as companion dogs, showing unconditional love to your family
Health
- Life expectancy is about 10 to 14 years
- Males and females can grow 24 to 26 inches and weigh between 75 and 100 pounds
- This large and muscular dog will grow well on a diet that contains high-protein foods
Exercise
- Requires a consistent 45–60 minutes of daily activities like walking and playtime
- Mental exercises help keep them engaged and maintain their mental health
Grooming
- Low maintenance, requiring a good brushing only once a week.
- With thin fur, bathing once a month should do the trick and keep the coat glossy and healthy.
- Catahoula Bulldogs are light shedders but shed heavily when anxious or stressed.
Why You Should Adopt a Catahoula Bulldog
With an overview of what you can expect from a Catahoula Bulldog in mind, it’s time to consider some pros and cons. Take a look.
1. Fierce Protectors and Loyal Companions
With natural protective instincts, your Catahoula Bulldog won’t be aggressive towards strangers unless provoked. Once they sense danger, you can trust your guardian dog to safeguard your family against any threat.
Not only will your Catahoula Bulldog be your watchdog, but it’ll also be your noble companion. This canine will protect your family out of instinct and unconditional love.
2. Fit for an Outgoing Family
If you’re an experienced dog owner with an active daily routine, then a Catahoula Bulldog is the perfect companion. He’ll be more than eager to accompany you on your morning walks.
3. Communicative and Eager to Please
Did you know that a Catahoula Bulldog uses its ears in a very expressive manner? With that in mind, you can detect your pet’s mood and wants simply by paying attention to his ears.
You’ll find that a Catahoula Bulldog is a highly communicative pet that enjoys pleasing its owners. So, you won’t have a hard time bonding with it once you learn its ‘ear language.’
4. All-Around Working Dogs
If you have a farm in need of assistance, you’ll find a Catahoula Bulldog perfect for the job. With the strength of a Bulldog and the endurance of a Catahoula, this breed can go all day with few rest breaks.
You can even teach your intellectual pet a fun new stage trick or two. Being a fast learner, a Catahoula Bulldog will prove an invaluable addition to your household.
Why You Shouldn't Adopt a Catahoula Bulldog
It’s just as important to consider the bad as it is to consider the good. Below are three possible reasons why you shouldn't adopt a Catahoula Bulldog.
1. Not a Dog for First-Time Dog Owners
A Catahoula Bulldog may not be for everyone, despite being a reliable family companion. It requires someone with an active lifestyle to keep up with their high-energy temperament.
You also need consistent training for this intellectual breed and it may prove challenging at first. Keep in mind that the smarter the dog, the harder it is to train because their independent streak makes them think they can make decisions on their own.
2. They Need a Spacious Area for Exercise
A spacious home or a big yard is better suited for a large dog such as a Catahoula Bulldog. Having the high endurance and energy of a Catahoula Leopard, they need a spacious area to run around and play.
If they’re kept in closed quarters for a long time, they may become unruly and start to misbehave. So, providing them with an area where they can stretch their legs will help keep tension and anxiety at bay.
3. They May Chase Down Smaller Animals
With an instinct to hunt, they tend to chase down small animals like cats and squirrels. You’ll need a firm hand with a pack leader's attitude to discipline your Catahoula Bulldog.
Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament.com readers with the best answers to their questions.