Misplaced Pages

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Sagaciousphil (talk | contribs) at 20:47, 18 March 2015 (Undid revision 651976444 by 66.87.81.185 (talk)). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Catahoula bulldog
A fawn Catahoula Bulldog displaying "ice blue" eye and amber eye
Foundation stock	Catahoula Leopard Dog, American Bulldog
Dog (domestic dog)

The Catahoula bulldog is a crossbred (not a purebred dog); it is a cross between the Catahoula Cur and the American Bulldog for a specific purpose. Al Walker of Animal Research Foundation has stated that the Catahoula Bulldog is recognized as 50% Catahoula Leopard and 50% American Bulldog in the first generation cross. In succeeding generations, it may be 75%-25% mix in either direction. The 75%-25% cross should not be exceeded to maintain the desirable characteristics of each breed.

Appearance

The Catahoula bulldog is a medium to large size dog weighing in at 34-45.3 kg (60-100 lb). The height is 55–66 cm (20-26 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 climates. Catahoula Bulldogs come in a wide variety of colors. They can be white, black and white, black, brown, brown and white and sometimes even black and brown and 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 tips or 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.

The tail can be long or a natural bobtail.

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.

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.

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 for hunting American 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.

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.

The Catahoula Bulldog is but one of a number of niche breeds in development, which also include the Olde English Bulldogge, the Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge, the Olde Boston Bulldogge, the Mallorquin Bulldog, and the Buldogue Campiero.

Gallery

• Blue Merle 50/50-type Catahoula Bulldog male, excellent wounded-deer tracker and family companion
• 50/50-type Catahoula Bulldog male, excellent help on the ranch and family companion
• 75/25-type Catahoula Bulldog male, excellent at baying hogs and companion
• 25/75-type Catahoula Bulldog male, white with red leopard patches and double glass eyes shown during his bird herd guardian duties
• 50/50-type Catahoula Bulldog male, red leopard

References

1. "All About the Breed: Catahoula Bulldog," Mallory Collier, Yahoo! Voices, January 28, 2009, webpage: : states the Catahoula Bulldog was created by crossing the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the American Bulldog.
2. Bulldog Information
3. ^ Animal Research Foundation
4. Dog World: And the Humans Who Live There, Alfred Gingold, 2005, 228 pages, p. 174, Google Books webpage: BGoogle-IL.

• Bulldog breeds
• Molossers
• Herding dogs
• Hunting dogs
• Catch dog breeds
• Dog breeds originating in the United States