Catahoula Bulldog

The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a medium to medium-large breed that presents as a well-muscled, powerful working dog without appearing bulky or overdone. Males and females typically stand between 22 and 24 inches at the withers, with weight ranging from 50 to 95 pounds depending on the individual's build and gender. The body is slightly longer than tall, with the distance from elbow to ground comprising approximately 50 to 60 percent of the total height from withers to ground. This breed displays the impression of great agility and endurance, never resembling either a sighthound or a bulldog in overall appearance. The breed's coat is one of its most distinctive features, occurring in a remarkable variety of colors and patterns that contribute to its exotic appearance. The short to medium-length single coat may display the famous leopard pattern featuring blue or red merle coloring, often with patches of solid color interspersed with lighter speckled areas. Brindle patterns, solid colors, and various combinations are equally acceptable within breed standards. Perhaps the most striking feature is the Catahoula's eyes, which can be any color or combination of colors including the distinctive glass blue eyes that many associate with the breed. Heterochromia, where each eye is a different color, and cracked or marbled eyes with multiple colors in a single eye are common and prized characteristics. The head is broad and wedge-shaped with a well-defined stop, complemented by small to medium drop ears that are set moderately high. The muzzle is strong and deep with well-developed jaws housing a complete set of teeth meeting in a scissors or level bite. The tail is set as a natural extension of the topline and remains undocked, carried in various positions depending on the dog's activity level and mood. Overall, the Catahoula projects power and athleticism while maintaining the agility necessary for its demanding work as a versatile hunting and herding dog.

The American Bulldog is a powerful, athletic breed that presents as a stocky and muscular dog with a large, square-shaped head and strong, well-defined jaws. Males typically stand between 22 and 28 inches at the withers and weigh from 70 to 120 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 20 to 26 inches tall and 60 to 100 pounds. The breed displays substantial bone and muscle development throughout the body, projecting an image of strength and capability while maintaining the agility necessary for its historical role as a working farm dog capable of catching and holding livestock. Two distinct types exist within the breed, reflecting different breeding priorities over the years. The Johnson type, also called the bully type, tends toward a larger, heavier build with a more pronounced underbite and shorter muzzle, resembling English Bulldog ancestry more closely. The Scott type, known as the standard or performance type, displays a leaner, more athletic build with a longer muzzle and generally more agile appearance suited to extended physical work. Many modern American Bulldogs represent a combination of both types, blending characteristics from each line to produce versatile dogs that maintain breed type while excelling in various activities. The coat is short, close-lying, and requires minimal grooming, typically appearing in white or white with patches of brindle, red, tan, fawn, or black. The head features a broad skull with prominent cheek muscles, medium-sized ears that may be rose, half-pricked, or pendant in carriage, and dark to light brown eyes set wide apart with an alert, intelligent expression. The muzzle is wide and square with well-developed flews, and the powerful jaws house a complete set of large teeth meeting in a reverse scissors, even, or moderate underbite depending on the type. The tail is thick at the base, tapering to a point, and carried in various positions from low to high depending on the dog's mood and activity level.