The Catahoula Bulldog is a more recent breed that has resulted in crossing the Catahoula Leopard Dog, American Pit Bull Terrier, and other bulldog beeds of similar lineage. This is a breed considered to still be in development, much like that of the American Bully. Due to the breed's current developing nature, a more formal standard has not been derived as the breed is still undergoing a stabilization in its looks and traits.
Since 2005 when the UKC and ADBA stopped registering purebred Merle Pit Bulls, many of the Merle Pit Bulls have been falsely registered as Catahoula Bulldogs. For the Merle Pit Bull owner that found themselves alienated by the recent changes in the Pit Bull conformation standard by the ADBA and UKC, many felt they had no alternative but to give in to the pressure and propaganda and thus register their Merle Pit Bulls as such.
Unfortunately, while this did not really affect the Catahoula Bulldog as a breed since it is still in development and was founded on the Pit Bull anyway, this did affect the historical nature of the purebred Merle Pit Bull as it gave a false err in belief to those that made the claim that the Merle Pit Bull was not pure to the breed. Without historical context or honest knowledge, many have used statements in ignorance or bias that the Catahoula Bulldog was evidence the Merle Pit Bull was not pure. Most such statements came from hearsay without any true research on the part of those making the claims. Because the UKC and ADBA would not show older published versions of their original standards for the American Pit Bull Terrier standards, which did include the acceptance of Merle, this seemed to back up such erroneous claims. This was an attempt to whitewash and change the Pit Bull breeds documented history, much to the delight of those that wished Merle removed simply due to their own bias.
Deafness has been reported in the Catahoula Bulldog and other breeds that contain the Merle gene. In most cases, this can be attributed to primarily white specimens, as this indicates a lack of melanin that also contributes to the auditory development of a dog. Other significant factors that lead to deafness are the lack of genetic diversity perpetuated by irresponsible inbreeding. It is essential to understand the effects genetics have when breeding, especially when it comes to Merle genetics. While the Merle genetic trait has been reported to have been discovered, such claims were later proven to be false. As of yet there still remains no test that can accurately identify Merle genetically. Because of the known links to deafness, high levels of white and inbreeding have proven that those who do choose to breed Merle should take precautions and breed in such a way that limits the inbreeding effect and breed darker specimens to ensure higher levels of melanin. When properly bred, this and other breeds affected by Merle genetics have not proven to have any higher risk of deafness or negative health impacts than any other breed.
It is also often theorized that breeding Merle to Merle can cause an increased risk of negative health impact. Specimens that have been bred this way and do show negative health effects have not been properly researched enough to determine if it has been the Merle to Merle breeding or if other factors such as high degrees of inbreeding or high levels of white are more directly attributed to the negative health impacts.
In our own research, when inbreeding has been limited and primary whites excluded in breeding programs, there has been no increase in deafness or other negative health effects often theorized about Merle breedings. Some believe it is unethical to breed in such a manner, but others claim that they have great success in such breeding when they did control other factors such as ensuring proper genetic diversity and only breeding to darker colors.
While no conclusive well-reviewed evidence has been developed against Merle to Merle breedings, anyone considering such should take great care and first take their time to understand the Merle trait in greater detail. If one does decide to move forward with such breeding, they should seek to eliminate or reduce other risk factors as much as possible. In the end, this is a breeder beware scenario as a bad litter can lead to the need to cull pups in order for them not to add to an unwanted pet population.
Other breeds that have and continue to influence the development of the Catahoula Bulldog's development are the American Bulldog, which is also a cross of the American Pit Bull Terrier and Boxer and American Bully, which is also a breed in development.
This breed finds its greatest acceptance in Texas and Louisiana due to its great wild boar hunting prowess and the need in these areas to use such working dogs to limit the population of wild hogs.
Because the breed shares much of the same history as other molosser breeds, it is not a surprise that it bears a strong resemblance to the American Pit Bull Terrier. Because of such shared lineage, the Catahoula Bulldog breed can be considered a good candidate as part of the now developing American Bully foundation.
Yes, as long as your dog meets one of our accepted breed standards we can register it through the American Bully Association ( ABA ).
No, providing genealogy / pedigree information (such as your dog’s parents) is not required. However, if such genealogy / pedigree information is known it should be submitted for inclusion and research. The level of pedigree that you receive with registration is based on a combination of what you submit and what our research reveals based on your initial input.
The single dog registration fess is $37.
The following discounts are available when registration of more than one dog is needed.
* 2 Dogs’ Registration=$67
* 3 Dogs’ registration=$87
* 4=$97
* 5=$105
+ Litter registration is based on litter size.
+ Each individual pup for the first 10 pups=$10 per pup.
+ For litters larger than 10 pups each pup after the 10th is free.
+ No. It is only required that one parent is either currently registered or simultaneously registered with the litter. However, in order to register a litter, both parents must meet one of our recognized breed class standards.
+ While it is not required both parents be ABA registered during litter registration it is highly encouraged.
+ Only having one parent registered can significantly impact how well the dog Family is tracked over time.
+ This link will take you to the single dog registration options.Single Registration
+ On the provided link you will have the option to submit from 1-5 single dog registrations at a time.
+ All forms have the option of convenient online submission or if preferred print and mailable forms.
+ All forms come with complete, easy to follow instructions.
+ This link will take you to the litter registration option. Litter Registration
+ All forms have the option of convenient online submission or if preferred print and mailable forms.
+ All forms come with complete, easy to follow instructions.
+ This link will take you to the family registration options Family Registration
+ All forms have the option of convenient online submission or if preferred print and mailable forms.
+ All forms come with complete, easy to follow instructions.
+ This link will take you to the litter plus 1 parent registration option. Litter Plus 1 Parent
+ All forms have the option of convenient online submission or if preferred print and mailable forms.
+ All forms come with complete, easy to follow instructions.
+ If a pup is pre-registered by your breeder through litter registration that breeder will receive an individual certificate per pup.
+ Each pre-registered litter pup certificate comes with the proper transfer completion form listed on the back of the certificate.
+The transfer certificate can only be found on the back of a pre-registered litter pup’s certificate and IS NOT available directly to the public via the website.
+ The transfer form instructions reveal how you can properly finalize your pup’s registration to include ownership information, any desired name change, listing and access to your dogs’ LIVE Family tracking profile, upgraded access to member benefits and creation of an enhanced dedicated account through our social network ImSocialBull.com.
+The transfer process including postage is FREE for all ABA transfers.
+ Litter related registrations receive the highest priority and are typically processed in 2-4 weeks.
+ The standard registration process including transfers for an individual dog registration is typically 6-8 weeks.
+ At the ABA we provide FREE print quality pedigrees up to 7 generations.
+ If qualified Platinum Pedigrees are available of 8-11 Generations.
+ If a dog qualifies for Platinum Pedigree status the owner will be notified and provided upgrade options.
+ The Platinum Pedigree is the world’s largest print quality pedigree with up to 2,047 relationships.
+ The Platinum Pedigree is based on proprietary technology and exclusive to the American Bully Association
+ Comparisons are:
*ADBA 7 generation showing a maximum of 255 relationships
*UKC 6 generation showing a maximum of 127 relationships
*AKC and ABKC’s 5 generation pedigrees showing a maximum of 31 relationships.
+ When submitting a pedigree or genealogy for inclusion and research the following are the best options:
* When an official pedigree from another registry is available it should be submitted either by taking and providing high quality digital pictures or if mailing by photocopy. The largest ones available should be submitted as the more you provide the more we can research on your behalf.
* When official pedigrees are not available but genealogy is known it can be provided to us in the form of a link to your online resource if available or by printing and completing our free available template located here: MS Word Print And Editable Template or PDF Print Template
+ Yes, as a registered member you are encouraged to provide additional information as learned and available.
+ All added information will be made available both online in your dogs Family tracking profile as well as print quality options available.
+ All information will be researched for additional relationships used to further enhance your dogs’ Family knowledge absolutely FREE.
+ Nothing, anytime reasonable replacements of material is needed this is provided as a FREE member benefit.
+ All we need is you to request which specific material needs to be replaced and to verify you current mailing and email addresses to ensure proper receipt.
+ Pride of registration
+ Access to unprecedented genealogy and Family tracking
+ Added and Improved value in breed stock
+ Greater profits in breeding arrangements
+ FREE Kennel Certification for breeders
+ Exclusive access to unique promotional opportunities
+ Access to thousands of members world wide
+ Social media account with free enhancements
+ Access to place unlimited FREE marketing/classified adds including with pictures
+ Extended benefits only available through the American Bully Association
+ MUCH, MUCH, more...
Members can login to their account through our social network HERE.
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