River Bottom Catahoula

River Bottom Catahoula is a dog breeding and training operation based in Bryan, Texas, focused on producing and training working dogs for ranching and livestock handling. The business specializes in Louisiana Catahoulas, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Boerboels, bred for innate working ability, endurance, and versatility with cattle, hogs, and goats. Dogs are trained through real-world ranch work rather than competitive shows, emphasizing practical skills like calm control around calves, assertiveness with bulls, and strong prey drive. Training is integrated into daily ranch activities, with puppies socialized early and evaluated in live livestock environments. The trainers prioritize dogs with strong instincts and adaptability, often placing puppies with ranchers and farmers who need reliable working partners. While formal training programs are not advertised, the breeding and early socialization process serves as foundational training for working roles.

The business does not offer general pet obedience training for household dogs but focuses exclusively on developing working dogs for agricultural and livestock environments. Clients are typically ranchers, farmers, or individuals seeking dogs with proven herding and guarding instincts rather than companion pets.

No formal dog training services such as private lessons, group classes, or behavior modification for non-working dogs are described.

The trainers, Kris and Scott Banik, are breeders who train dogs through hands-on ranch experience, not through structured training programs for the general public.

Accomplishments

Multiple UKC Champions in Louisiana Catahoulas including Banik R.B.’s Rawhide, Jack4GSon5, Red Ruger, and Penny Blossom. Banik’s Caddo was ranked #3 Boerboel in 2017 and Select Dog at Westminster in 2018. Dogs are proven in real ranch environments with videos documenting early livestock exposure and performance.

How to Get Started!

Potential buyers contact the breeders to inquire about available puppies or dogs. Puppies are available for pickup between 8–12 weeks of age. Shipping is available for pups 8–11 weeks old. Buyers are encouraged to review videos of puppies’ early livestock work and speak directly with the breeders.