Catahoula Bulldog Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Catahoula Bulldog?

The Catahoula Bulldog was initially bred from Catahoula Leopard Dogs and American Bulldogs more than 100 years ago. The Catahoula became a firm favourite in the American South for its herding skills; its, gutsy hunting instincts, and fiercely protective nature.

Considering the age of this mixed breed, there are no known records of any breeding programme. Interestingly, the name Catahoula is from a Native American word meaning "clear water".

Who are Catahoula Bulldog dogs best for?

This popular, all-American dog is the perfect choice for active families with a large backyard and a thirst for adventure.

A Catahoula Bulldog puppy can be a great addition to any family because it is loyal and loves to be around people. These guys love to play, and they love children... Their favourite thing? Playing with children.

If you do have younger children in the family, consider adopting a Catahoula puppy; socialising the pup from a young age will ensure it forms a close, unbreakable bond with your youngest family members.

Catahoula Bulldogs can be a good fit for homes with other pets, too, provided they are well-trained or socialised from a young age, so they do not view small dogs or other animals as prey.

How much grooming does a Catahoula Bulldog need?

These guys are super low-maintenance. The short, dense coat will only require brushing once a week. They are considered low-medium shedders; brushing weekly will remove loose hairs.

Like any other dog, your Catahoula Bulldog will require regular claw trimming (how often depends on how quickly they wear down) and semi-regular tooth brushing to prevent decay. The good news is that these dogs love attention, so most will happily sit and stare... glad of some quality time with you.

Do Catahoula Bulldog bark much?

Yes, they bark... and yes, because they are part American Bulldogs, the bark sounds loud and aggressive.

If you adopt a Catahoula Bulldog puppy, socialise it with other people and dogs, so it is less likely to bark when it sees someone new.

What you should definitely not do is shout at a barking Catahoula. It will think you are engaging in the conversation and just keep barking. Train your dog to understand the word "quiet" said calmly and without raising your voice.

A Catahoula Bulldog puppy, or adult, is an active dog. If they keep barking, the chances are they are not getting enough exercise.

Do Catahoula Bulldog bite?

The Catahoula Bulldog is not known for acts of aggression, and when it does bite, it is most likely trying to protect its family... or it got a little too excited playing.

The best thing you can do is socialise Catahoula Bulldog puppies from a young age. If your Catahoula is used to lots of different places and noises and people, it will be less likely to become anxious or think that it needs to protect you.

Speak to your veterinarian about having your dog spayed or neutered. There is some suggestion that this will reduce irritability, especially in a female Catahoula Bulldog, and therefore the likelihood of a bite.

Whether you adopt a Catahoula Bulldog puppy or an adult dog, consistent training and positive reinforcement are the way to go.

What is the temperament & personality of a Catahoula Bulldog?

The Catahoula Bulldog is loved for its upbeat, fun-loving personality. They are fiercely protective of their human herd, especially children, but they are often misread for their intimidating American Bulldog appearance.

If you are considering adopting a Catahoula Bulldog, decide in advance whether a male or female would be the best fit for your family. While bigger and stronger, the male has a more consistent temperament and is always up for some playtime.

The female Catahoula Bulldog can be a little more prone to moods. They will be affectionate and playful when they feel like it, but they might also want to be left alone. Having said that, a spayed or neutered Catahoula will almost certainly exhibit a more even temperament.

What is the weight & size of a Catahoula Bulldog?

The Catahoula Bulldog is classified as a medium-sized breed of dog.

A healthy weight for an adult Catahoula Bulldog is between 25kg and 45kg. An adult dog will stand just over half a metre in height.

Male Catahoula Bulldogs tend to grow slightly larger than females of the breed.

How much training does a Catahoula Bulldog need?

The Catahoula Bulldog is easy to train if you are prepared to be patient. It is an intelligent dog and eager to please, with over-excitement and too much energy being the only real obstacle in its training.

These guys are seriously energetic and love nothing more than to spend the day playing with their human families. As they are quite large dogs, you must train your Catahoula properly so that it does not get over-excited and cause accidental damage... or hurt someone by mistake.

Adopting a Catahoula Bulldog puppy is a good idea if you have young children. This way, your new family member will learn to be careful indoors and around children from an early age, so it is more controlled when it reaches adulthood.

Often this breed ends up in a shelter because it is big and active and has not been trained properly but if you are willing to put in the effort, consider adopting a rescue Catahoula Bulldog; be consistent with training, and reward good behaviour, and you will have a lifelong friend.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Catahoula Bulldog?

This laid-back dog is generally considered to be a healthy breed. However, Catahoula Bulldog pet parents ought to keep an eye out for some potential genetic problems. This breed can suffer from elbow or hip dysplasia, partial or total deafness, blindness, or entropion.

What is the lifespan of a Catahoula Bulldog?

The average life expectancy for a Catahoula is between 10 and 14 years, though it is not uncommon for healthy members of the breed to live as long as 18 years.

Ask veterinary advice for how best to care for your canine chum to make sure it reaches the upper end of its life expectancy.

How much should you feed a Catahoula Bulldog?

Catahoula Bulldogs are high-energy dogs that burn off a lot of calories every day, so they require more to eat than many other dogs who are less active. Most dogs require just 300 calories a day to maintain a healthy weight... A Catahoula Bulldog needs up to 3000. (That's right, 3000 calories per day!)

Your Catahoula will benefit from a protein-rich diet but beware of feeding it a dry food with too much plant or soy-based protein, which this dog breed struggles to digest. Instead, make sure your chosen dry food contains high-quality meat ingredients.

The Catahoula may eat as much as four or five cups of dry food per day, which should be split into (at least) two mealtimes.

What is the price of a Catahoula Bulldog in Australia?

A Catahoula Bulldog puppy can cost between $500 and $1,000 dollars.

If you consider adopting a Catahoula Bulldog, try visiting a rescue centre, as these energetic dogs often need a good home.