Catahoula Bulldog Puppies for Sale

Activity Level: high
Shedding Level: low
Grooming Level: low
Trainability: moderate
Good for Novice Owners: low
Adaptability: low
Kid/Pet Friendly: often
Prey Drive: high
Watchdog: very alert
Average Size: Large
Average Lifespan: 13-15 years
Registered?: other

Catahoula Bulldog Dog Breed Information

Overview

The Catahoula Bulldog is a cross between a Catahoula Leopard Dog and an American Bulldog. Although a mixed-breed dog can take on any combination of traits from one or both parent breeds, a Catahoula Bulldog tends to be a loyal, loving, and hard-working dog that can take on a variety of jobs and still fit right in at home with their family.

The American Kennel Club does not currently recognize the Catahoula Bulldog, but other notable dog organizations do. There is a National Catahoula Bulldog Registry and they are also recognized by the Designer Breed Registry.

Catahoula Bulldogs tend to have a calm demeanor and sweet disposition when they are at home with the family and are focused and determined while working a job.

They tend to get along well with children and other dogs in the family. They also have a high prey drive, which means they need extra socialization and training when it comes to smaller pets in the household.

They are fiercely loyal to their families and are protective of them, which makes them naturally suspicious and wary of strangers. Socialization and training early and often are even more important with this dog breed because of their protective instinct.

A Catahoula Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Their larger size and high energy level make them a better fit for homes with a fenced-in yard where they can run. But, they can adapt to apartment living as long as their exercise needs are met.

As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Their thin coat can also make them sensitive to cold. So, they may need to dress up with some winter dog products to stay warm when the temperatures drop. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.

Also, because they tend to have a high prey drive, they also have an urge to chase and follow interesting smells. Because of this, it’s generally best to only let them off-leash in securely fenced areas. Even if they are well-trained off-leash, they may still ignore your recall commands when faced with an interesting smell or chase.

Although a mixed-breed dog can sometimes be healthier than a purebred dog, it’s not a guarantee. They can inherit none of the health conditions common to their parent breeds or they could inherit a combination of them or even all of them.

With a Catahoula Bulldog, potential health concerns to be aware of include hip dysplasia, eye conditions, thyroid issues, and kidney disease. Deafness in one or both ears and blindness can also be common in older dogs of this breed.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing on issues, so don’t be afraid to ask about the health history of both of the parents. You can also ask to see the results or clearances from any health tests that have been done.

The Catahoula Bulldog is highly intelligent and eager to please. This means they are generally obedient and pick up on things quickly. But, they can be stubborn at times and are intelligent enough to get away with things if you let them.

This can be a challenge for first-time dog owners, so it’s a good idea to be prepared to enroll in puppy training classes. These classes offer a bunch of benefits, including opportunities to socialize a puppy, so they tend to be a good idea regardless of your experience with dogs.

Catahoula Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat that can come in a myriad of colors and color combinations. They shed a little year-round. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath as needed is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and looking great.

In addition to coat care, you also need to care for your Catahoula Bulldog’s nails, ears, and teeth. Cutting your dog’s nails once or twice a month is usually sufficient to keep them from growing too long.

Weekly ear checks and carefully cleaning your dog’s ears as needed can help prevent ear infections. Plus, if anything is happening, you can catch it early and get to the vet. You also want to practice good dental care for dogs to help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste daily is ideal.

Catahoula Bulldogs are high-energy dogs. They are also working dogs, so they need a job to do to be happy. Daily walks plus plenty of playtime, time to run, and other activities will keep this dog happy and healthy.

They are a powerful and athletic dog breed, so once puppies finish growing, you can try a bunch of different activities with your Catahoula Bulldog. Playing frisbee, hiking, swimming, training for dog sports, and more can all be fun things to try with your dog. You could end up finding a new favorite activity!