
-
Activity Level:
high
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Shedding Level:
moderate
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Grooming Level:
low
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Trainability:
high
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Good for Novice Owners:
moderate
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Adaptability:
moderate
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Kid/Pet Friendly:
often
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Prey Drive:
high
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Watchdog:
very alert
- Average Size: Large
- Average Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Registered?: other
Catahoula Bulldog Dog Breed Information
Overview
Temperament
Adaptability
Health
Owner Experience
Grooming
Activity Level
Size
Life Span
Did You Know?
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, and socialization makes a big difference, 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 these dogs are also recognized by the Designer Breed Registry, the American Canine Association, the International Designer Canine Registry, and the Dog Registry of America.
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 also tend to have a goofy, playful streak and are known to use their ears expressively, as if they were “talking” with them. Well-socialized, they tend to get along well with children and other dogs in the family.
They also tend to have a high prey drive, which means they need extra socialization and training when it comes to smaller pets in the household. They may also be prone to escaping and climbing things. After all, it’s not uncommon for Catahoula Leopard Dogs to be able to get up into trees.
Catahoula Bulldogs 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.
They will bark to alert you to strangers, and can be prone to barking a lot if they are not socialized enough or if they have been trained into it. It’s not a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking or respond to a redirection to stop barking early on to keep this behavior from developing into a nuisance.
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 daily 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 the excitement of a 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 can include hip dysplasia, eye conditions, thyroid issues, and kidney disease. They can also be prone to allergies and dry nose. Deafness in one or both ears and blindness can also be common in older dogs of this breed.
Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in Catahoula Bulldog puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies, so don’t be afraid to ask about the health history of both 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, are 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, in addition to cleanings at the vet when needed.
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!
A fully-grown Catahoula Bulldog tends to stand 24-26 inches tall and weigh 75-100 pounds.
Catahoula Bulldogs generally live for 10-15 years on average.
The Catahoula Bulldog is also sometimes referred to as a Catahoula Bulldogge or American Mastahoula.

