A Comprehensive Guide to Catahoula Bulldog: Everything You Should Know

Catahoula Bulldog Overview

The Catahoula Bulldog is a hybrid, medium-sized dog and has a mysterious history. The American Kennel Club has not recognized this breed. The physical traits of this breed are somewhat similar to that of the American Bulldog. The personality of the dog, however, matches both the parents. The Catahoula Bulldog is a good family companion, a kid-friendly dog, and a knowledgeable dog. Additionally, you can train this dog breed quite easily.

The Catahoula Bulldog breed came into existence 100 years back. It’s mix-breed was produced to be a ranch-bound working dog that could additionally provide companionship and protection. Ranchers wanted a dog having the qualities of the Catahoula Leopard dog but a solid and powerful physique. That is where the American Bulldog came in. The parents were first bred in the southern United States around 100 years ago. While the history of the Catahoula Bulldog is short, both the parent breeds have a long and rich history.

The adult Catahoula Bulldog has an average size of 24 to 26 inches and weighs 75 to 100 pounds. They have tight and short skin and may form an undercoat in cold climatic conditions.

The Temperament of the Catahoula Bulldog

The Catahoula Bulldog is a hybrid with some of the best qualities from two great dog breeds, the American Bulldog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog. These dogs are calm, loyal, extremely intelligent, and highly attentive. Additionally, the dog breed has excellent hearing ability and perpetual stamina. They also make a great companion. They’re devoted to their owner and will always be eager to please them.

With all these fantastic qualities, the breed has some drawbacks, as well. Training the dog can be a daunting task. While they are devoted to their owners, they have a mind of their own. They can be stubborn, and you might face difficulties in getting them to obey your commands. In addition, female dogs are more dominant than male dogs. In both cases, the Catahoula Bulldogs need to be socialized early. In addition, this breed is very friendly with children but also very protective of them.

Due to their history of working as pack dogs, the Catahoula Bulldogs also get along well with other dogs. However, they are very observant and might get aloof in front of strangers.

The Intelligence of the Catahoula Bulldog

The Catahoula Bulldog has inherited the best features and talents of both breeds, the American Bulldog and the Catahoula Leopard dog. The species has excellent stamina, endurance, speed, and is highly intelligent. They learn things quickly and are eager to please their owners. Although they are quick learners, they might require a consistent and firm leader. It would help if you never let this dog be in charge. They have some dominant qualities which can make training a daunting task.

You must keep your dog engaged. Engaging them in different activities will keep them busy and help stimulate their minds. Additionally, socializing the dog from an early age also allows them to interact better with strangers and other pets. The dog will live happily in an apartment; you can also look out for various indoor activities to keep your dog busy. You can also engage them in different games, play fetch, or take them for a walk every day. This dog breed needs an owner willing to spend time on obedience training and make sure that this active breed gets lots of daily exercise.

Do Catahoula Bulldogs Shed?

Dogs shed in different amounts. Some dogs shed seasonally, while others shed year-round. For the dogs who shed seasonally, they mostly shed during the spring and fall seasons. Your dog may shed less in spring due to the preparation of the warm weather. The Catahoula puppy is known for its minimal shedding. Hence, they are ideal for those who are allergic or just want to avoid hair in their car or residence.

Canines that are non-shedding and hypoallergenic appear to be more popular than ever. In addition, because dog allergies are so common, many pet owners usually prefer hypoallergenic dog breeds.

If you notice excessive shedding in your Catahoula puppy, then it might be an indication of some ongoing problem. Increased shedding might indicate issues such as stress, poor diet, or medical conditions. It is suggested that you visit your veterinarian if you believe your dog is shedding more than usual. The most common causes of severe shedding or patches in dogs includes allergies to food, parasites, fleas, lice invasions, nutritional deficiencies, bacterial invasion, cancers, immune issues, sunburn, and disorders of kidneys, liver, and thyroid. Excess shedding can also be due to the ingestion of certain chemicals or medications.

Brushing your Catahoula puppy every day for about 10-15 minutes is an excellent way to reduce the amount of Bulldog’s hair in your home. Bathing also helps in reducing shedding around the house, as dogs who shed more will lose fur in the bath instead.

The Health of Catahoula Bulldog

The Catahoula Bulldog has an average lifespan of 10-14 years and can even live two years longer than projected.

Because the Catahoula puppy is prone to gaining weight, a diet rich in physiologically adequate protein, healthy fats, ground bone, vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals is critical for maximum health and performance. Therefore, you should provide four to five cups of high-quality dry dog food, divided into at least two meals each day to your Catahoula puppy.

Common Psychological Health Conditions in Catahoula Bulldog

Stress

The Catahoula puppy is territorial, which is why they bark when they feel threatened. However, the Catahoula puppy is usually calm when it comes to interacting with people. They are wary of strangers but are never frightened by them. The Catahoula puppy is generally kind and protective to their family members.

The innate aggression of the Catahoula puppy helps capture wild pigs or cattle. They use their instincts to hunt and herd their prey, and if they are unable to do so, they must find another way to release their energy, so they bark.

Your dog will ultimately learn to stay calm with proper training as they become older. However, because of their hunting pedigree, you may need to be firm with them on some occasions.

Anxiety

A Catahoula puppy has a distinct personality and is sometimes not easy to nurture and train. The dog breed is stubborn, obstinate, and domineering (they want to be in charge), and they will force you to prove that you can get them to do things. These dogs usually don’t get anxiety but can suffer from separation anxiety.

When dogs are separated from their owners or anybody they are emotionally connected with, separation anxiety develops. Separation anxiety in dogs can manifest itself in various ways, including urinating, defecating, barking, howling, chewing, or digging when their owner departs.

If your dog suffers from minor separation anxiety, counterconditioning may help to decrease or eliminate the problem. Counterconditioning is a behavior modification technique that replaces a scared, nervous, or aggressive response in an animal with a pleasurable, calm one. Counterconditioning in the case of separation anxiety focuses on creating a link between being alone and good things, like tasty snacks or interesting chew toys.

Calming Dog Products

Everything from fireworks to thunderstorms has the potential to affect a dog’s mental and emotional wellbeing. Calming dog products, along with appropriate environmental management, constructive reinforcement training, and counterconditioning, may help your Bulldog calm down.

Additionally, anxiety mattresses, thunder shirts, anxiety vests, and anxiety treats and toys are all over-the-counter products that can help relieve your dog’s anxiety. However, you should use these products with sound environmental management, positive reinforcement training, and counterconditioning techniques.

Common Physical Health Conditions in Catahoula Bulldogs

Deafness in Catahoula Bulldogs

Deafness in one or both ears is common in this breed. They have around 80 percent probability of developing deafness. The breed comes in various colors, but if you’re thinking about getting a white dog, keep in mind that they, like many white dogs, they are prone to deafness.

Deafness affects roughly 5 to 10% of canines in the United States, either in one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral). A Catahoula puppy who is bilaterally deaf from a young age is usually simple to spot. However, they could not respond when you call, be challenging to get up when sleeping, or refuse to acknowledge you when you reach home. Deaf dogs that are unilaterally deaf or develop deafness later in life may be more challenging to diagnose. A dog with only one deaf ear may have trouble finding a sound source and will usually orient itself towards the good ear.

Deaf dogs may enjoy regular lives, but they require a particular owner committed to them. Deaf dogs are not recommended for homes with small children, since they are easily frightened. They should never be left unattended in an open location, and trained.

Hip Dysplasia in Catahoula Bulldogs

Hip Dysplasia is a genetic illness in dogs that causes the hip joints to develop incorrectly, resulting in arthritis. It is a disorder that affects dogs during their growing phase. It causes the hip joint to relax, resulting in discomfort and dysfunction. In addition, the cartilage and bone in the dog’s hip begin to wear away as they develop, leading to arthritis, muscular atrophy, and decreased mobility over time.

Hip dysplasia can be caused by excess weight, vigorous or extended exercise before reaching maturity, rapid development, and high-calorie or supplemented meals.

You can help your Catahoula puppy’s hip dysplasia by adding veterinary-approved glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplements to their diet. If your dog has arthritis, your veterinarian will most likely prescribe glucosamine as part of a thorough therapy strategy. In addition, they’ll probably name a chewable glucosamine and chondroitin supplement with a veterinarian-grade dosage. Other preventive measures of hip dysplasia include weight loss to relieve tension on the hips, restriction of exercise- especially on hard surfaces- and physical therapy.

Joint Health Options We Love

Bloating in Catahoula Bulldogs

The Catahoula puppy can also develop bloat. Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) complex, often known as bloat, is a medical and surgical emergency.

As the stomach fills with air, pressure increases, preventing blood from returning to the heart from the hind legs and abdomen. Blood pools in the dog’s rear end, limiting functioning blood volume and putting them into shock. The spleen and pancreas are dragged along with the stomach as it flips, shutting off the blood supply.

Common symptoms of bloat in the Catahoula puppy include dry heaving (also known as retching), pale gums, pacing heart, panting, collapse, pacing, nervousness, and looking back at the stomach. In addition, when a dog tries to vomit, it may spit forth white foam, generally mucus, from the esophagus or stomach.

Soybean meal and diets with oils or fats raise the risk of bloat in dogs. Dogs who are only fed once a day are twice as prone to bloat as those provided a meal twice a day. Additionally, dogs who eat quickly are five times more likely to get bloat than dogs who eat slowly. Slow feeder bowls with fingers (or center posts) or giant pebbles in the bowl calm dogs down, but it’s also crucial to address the fear that comes with eating in the presence of other dogs since this can be a risk factor. Dogs who are stressed are more susceptible to bloat.

Oral Health of Catahoula Bulldogs

These Bulldogs are considered to be healthy dogs in general. However, it is essential to know what is going on in their mouths in order to maintain good oral health.

Dental Diets

Dental diets are more extensive kibbles that require more chewing and do not break easily. In addition, the kibble texture provides a brushing action against the tooth as the pet bites down on it, which helps clean it.

Rawhide Chews

Rawhide chews are dog treats given to dogs to clean their teeth and provide them with something to chew on. Rawhide is manufactured from an animal’s “hide,” which is the animal’s skin that has been processed to become a commodity for people to buy- mainly leather, but also rawhide chews.

Edible Chews

Edible chews are tasty treats for your dog to chew on before swallowing. They keep your dog’s teeth clean and satisfy their chewing urge.

Other products include water additives, oral gel spray, toothpaste, toothbrushes and wipes, and professional teeth sealants. 

 Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews Based On Size

VOHC-approved Products and Recommendations

Dental diets include Veterinary Care Nutrition™, Royal Canin®Canine Dental, Royal Canin®, Veterinary Care Nutrition™, Canine Dental Small Dog.

Raw ride chews include Purina Busy HeartyHide Chew Treats.

C.E.T.® VEGGIEDENT® Flex Chews for Dogs, all sizes, and Improved Milk-Bone Brushing Chews for Dogs, VetIQ Minties Medium Dog Dental Treat are the options available for edible chews.

VOHC-approved Products We Love

 

Needs of Catahoula Bulldogs

Exercise

The Catahoula puppy needs exercise daily. The dogs will require a lot of exercise due to their high energy levels since they are prone to obesity due to their laid-back attitude. To keep them active, take them for walks or runs. You may even take them out for a run with you to get some exercise for both of you. In addition, chasing, swimming, and other high-energy play activities are excellent workouts for the Catahoula puppy.

This breed was raised to hunt in Louisiana’s wetlands and woodlands. This history makes them quick and good cross-country runners. Long, leisurely runs are ideal for the dog. They have incredible stamina.

This breed isn’t designed for apartment living, but with the proper training, they can adapt. They don’t do well alone since it makes them bored or anxious, which makes them destructive and leads to destroying stuff at home. Games like fetch and tug of war can help you keep your Catahoula puppy happy, active, and healthy.

 Exercise Toys We Love

Nutrition

The optimal diet of this dog requires high-quality, dry dog food that is mainly intended for hunting or high-energy canines. Dry food will aid in the health of the dog’s teeth and gums and reduce dental difficulties and foul breath. In addition, it is recommended to feed the dog twice daily since they are prone to bloating. However, because the Bulldog is such a distinctive breed, just a few standardized feeding instructions have been created specifically for it. For this reason and others, it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian before deciding on or adjusting your dog’s food.

If you notice that your Catahoula puppy has lost its appetite, then it could be an indication of medical or behavioral reasons. Medical reasons include worm infestations, GI problems, bacterial or viral infections, and urinary tract infections. Behavioral reasons include change of environment, separation anxiety, depression or stress, and disliking the food presented.

Grooming

The dog has a short, silky coat that is easy to groom. They only need to be bathed a few times a year (more if they’ve gotten themselves into anything like dirt), and their coats don’t need to be brushed regularly. Instead, brush the dog once or twice a week, depending on how much the dog sheds, using a curry comb, bristle brush, or horsehair mitt. Brushing will give the dog a lustrous coat while preventing fur from accumulating about the house.

To avoid overgrowth, you should brush your Catahoula’s coat once a week and trim their nails once a week. This is a simple procedure that requires a set of animal nail clippers, which can be obtained in most pet stores. Make sure to trim only the top section of the nail and not the quick, which is the red part of the nail found closer to the skin. Cutting this can cause bleeding and hurt your dog.

Cleaning your dog’s ears may be required as well, particularly if they have allergies, a bacterial infection, a cut, or another form of damage. You can clean your dog’s ears by using a cotton ball or baby oil, but make sure that you consult your vet before trying anything. If you go too deep into the ear, you can damage the ear canal. Use a soft cloth to gently clean around the outer ear.

If you observe your Catahoula puppy scratching their ears or shaking their head excessively, you should take them to the veterinarian because it indicates infection. You will always have a happy, well-adjusted Catahoula puppy who looks gorgeous at all times if you groom them properly.

Dog Grooming Supplies We Love

Top Product Picks for Catahoula Bulldogs

Following are some of the most popular product categories for your Catahoula puppy to ensure its wellbeing.

Dog Food

This dog breed is energetic and full of life, making them ideal companions for those who lead an active lifestyle and thus require good quality dog food. 3 3/8 to 5 1/8 cups of high-quality dog food, split into two meals, is the recommended daily quantity of dog food for dogs. As the Catahoula puppy starts to grow into an adult, it requires a lot of healthy nutrients. Therefore, when transitioning from puppy to adult food, you should do so gradually over a few days.

 Dog Food We Love Based On Age

Crate

Crate training aids in-house training by preventing your Catahoula puppy from chewing on things they shouldn’t or generally getting into mischief when you aren’t around. When they feel overwhelmed or tired, your Catahoula puppy may go to their crate for a safe refuge. Never use a crate as a punishment location.

Crates We Love

Bed

Your Catahoula puppy must eat well, exercise well, play well, and sleep well. Sleep is a necessity for your puppy for it to restore its form. They will sleep for 10 to 12 hours every day on average. Choose your Catahoula puppy a good dog bed. A good dog bed will provide them a separate space where they can relax and also stay when they are stressed.

Beds We Love

Harness

The experience of walking your Catahoula puppy should be enjoyable for both the dog and the handler. Because of the comfort they offer, body harnesses are ideal for this. Many different harnesses can be used depending on the dog and the location.

Harnesses We Love

Other resources:

1. Catahoula Club EU
2. United Catahoula
3. Bulldog Club of America
4. PetMD
5. American Kennel Club