Scientific name Canis lupus familiaris Higher classification Dog | Mass 34 – 45 kg (Adult) Rank Breed | |
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Foundation stock Catahoula Leopard Dog, American Bulldog Variety status Not recognized as a standardized breed by any major kennel club. Height 55 – 66 cm (Adult, At Shoulder) Temperament Devoted, Protective, Alert, Loyal, Strong, Calm, Companionable, Hunting Instinct, Intelligent Similar Catahoula Cur, Can de Palleiro, Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, Majorca Shepherd Dog, Čierny Šery | ||
Catahoula bulldog dog breed
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 Catahoula bulldogs are 50% Catahoula Leopard Dog and 50% American Bulldog in the first generation cross, while 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. This does not account, however, for breeding Catahoula bulldog to Catahoula bulldog.
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Appearance
The Catahoula bulldog is a medium to large sized 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 Dog 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, Catahoula bulldogs are often companion animals. They are said to be loyal and devoted to their people and to have strong protective instincts; they are generally calm though also alert to their surroundings.
Herding and hunting
The result of combining the two breeds was a large, more rugged, and more intelligent dog, with increased utility in hunting and herding.
In herding, Catahoula bulldogs have the natural abilities of the Catahoula Leopard Dog, using intimidation to herd on ranches and farms. In hog-catching, this crossbreed is strong and intelligent for actual catching of hogs. As an bear-hunting dog, Catahoula bulldogs excel as it, having the size and aggressiveness of the American Bulldog as well as the intelligence and hunting ability of the Catahoula Leopard Dog. From the American Bulldog, the crossbreed acquired the great jaw strength, heavier torso, and more-robust legs.
History
Catahoula bulldogs have 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 bears. While the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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.
In 1951, Tom D. Stodghill, founder of the Animal Research Foundation, began a studbook of Catahoula bulldogs as a pedigreed crossbreed. In 1960, Howard Carnathan contacted 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 crossbreeder of Catahoula bulldogs.
Catahoula bulldogs are one example among many of niche working crossbreeds (as opposed to "designer dogs" crossbred for appearance) that are in development. Others (often with pseudo-archaic names) have been dubbed the Olde English Bulldogge (recognized as a breed by UKC) and Mallorquin Bulldogs ("saved" from extinction by extensive crossbreeding), among more experimental crosses.