French Mastahoula -- French Bulldog X Catahoula Leopard Dog

		French Mastahoula
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			France <> U.S.A. -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the French Mastahoula

The French Mastahoula is a cross between the French Bulldog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog. The French Mastahoula has a single short coat that requires little extra care. Due to the difference in size of the parent breeds, the French Mastahoula can be medium or large. Personality characteristics that this specific crossbreed dog can inherit are the tendency to be protective and energetic. Its Catahoula Leopard Dog side can make it territorial and aggressive towards other dogs. This hybrid is happiest living in a home that has a fenced-in yard in which to play and explore. The French Mastahoula is generally good with children, but should be supervised when around toddlers.

History of the French Mastahoula

The French Mastahoula is a modern breed with a troubled history. To understand the history of the French Mastahoula, we need to look at the story of its parents.

	A little of the French Bulldog
	The English Industrial Revolution replaced many workers with machines. By the 1850s and 1860s, lacemakers were out of work. English lacemakers began moving to France to find work. They brought their dogs, which were small, miniature Bulldogs. Eventually bred with the native French Bulldog, today's French Bulldog was born. In 1885, a breeding program for American French Bulldogs was launched. Once in America, the breed became popular with society women. The breed was shown at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in 1896. The only winners in the French Bulldog group were those with "pink ears", not breed members with "erect bat ears". The ladies of the society disagreed with the judge's decision. They formed the French Bulldog Club of America, which went on to create the breed standard. The "erect bat ear" was the correct type. In the early 20th century, the breed was owned by the Rockefeller family and the J.P. Morgan family. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1898. By 1906, the French Bulldog was the 5th most popular dog breed in America.

	Standard of the French Bulldog
	A little of the Catahoula Leopard Dog
	The Catahoula Leopard Dog originated in northern Louisiana, near Lake Catahoula. It was named after a Choctaw Indian word meaning "sacred lake". They are thought to be the result of breeding Native American dogs with the Spanish Mastiff, Blood Hound and Greyhound. The Catahoula Leopard Dog was bred to follow and drive pigs and cattle. The Louisiana Catahoula Cur Association was founded in 1976. In 1979, Governor Edwin Edwards named the Catahoula Leopard Dog the official state dog of Louisiana. The United Kennel Club was the first national dog registry to recognize the Catahoula in 1995. It has not yet qualified for recognition by the American Kennel Club.

	Presentation of the Catahoula Leopard Dog

Appearance of the French Mastahoula

Mixing two pure breeds can produce a litter with similarities in appearance to both. The French Mastahoula will have a single short coat, which may be smooth or coarse. Its coat may have a leopard pattern, a brindle pattern or be solid in color. The breed can be medium to large. It will be smaller than the Catahoula Leopard Dog, with a robust, muscular body. The tail may be short or medium. The French Mastahoula may have floppy or pricked ears, and their eyes may be brown, light blue, golden or bright green. The French Mastahoula's eyes can sometimes be two different colors (one blue, the other brown). Their face may have wrinkles and folds, just like the French Bulldog parent. Their head may be square with a short muzzle.

Temperament of the French Mastahoula

The French Mastahoula will have the temperament and personality traits of both parents. Even within the same litter, puppies may have different temperaments, one puppy being assertive and bold while the other is shy. The French Mastahoula will be highly intelligent, energetic and loyal. It's important that your French Mastahoula puppy is socialized from an early age. Exposure to different sounds, environments, strangers, children and other dogs will make him a well-adapted adult dog. Obedience training is also recommended at an early age. Because the breed can be a little stubborn, constant daily training and patience will be required. The Catahoula Leopard Dog can be territorial and aggressive towards dogs. It will be protective and an excellent watchdog. Your hybrid's French Bulldog side can make him charming, playful and silly. He'll love spending time with you and being your companion. Both the French Bulldog and the Catahoula are prone to separation anxiety. This breed cannot be left outside for long periods. Separation anxiety can lead to destructive behavior. Some dogs have such severe separation anxiety that they have diarrhea. Crate training can help relieve this anxiety. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, your vet can refer you to a professional canine behaviorist.

Needs and activities of the French Mastahoula

Your French Mastahoula will have moderate to high energy levels. It's important to take him for long daily walks. Because he is a wanderer and can be aggressive towards dogs, he should not be walked off-leash. He'll love to play and run in a fenced-in yard. Your French Mastahoula should not be left unattended in the yard as he may dig his way out. Your French Mastahoula might like to visit a dog park, which would also help him socialize with other dogs. The French Bulldog parent doesn't do well in hot weather. Therefore, your French Mastahoula should not be exposed to extreme temperatures.

Maintenance of the French Mastahoula

The French Mastahoula has a short, unique coat, requiring combing and brushing once a week to remove loose hairs and keep the coat clean and shiny. Bathing can be done every few months with a mild dog shampoo. The folds and wrinkles on his face should be cleaned daily and kept dry. If your French Mastahoula has floppy ears, he may need weekly ear cleaning. To prevent tartar build-up, his teeth should be brushed with a dog-safe toothpaste twice a week. Nails should be trimmed every month or more if you find that your active French Mastahoula has a tendency to break or tear them. Your hybrid should be equipped with powerful, interactive chew toys to keep its mind busy and stimulated. Because the Catahoula Leopard Dog can be a wanderer, it may be a good idea to have him microchipped. That way, if he gets lost, he can be scanned by a shelter or veterinary practice and traced back to you.

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French Mastahoula -- French Bulldog X Catahoula Leopard Dog