The Bulldogs have defended their way to a tense victory over the Cowboys in Townsville to snap a two-game losing streak and maintain the pressure on Canberra at the top of the NRL ladder.
Two tries in the final five minutes of the first half were the difference, with Jacob Preston and debutant Jethro Rinakama crossing to turn an 8-0 deficit into a 12-8 lead.
The Bulldogs then repelled multiple North Queensland attacking raids in the second half to hold on for a four-point victory.
Canterbury remain two points behind the table-topping Raiders, while they are level with the second-placed Melbourne Storm on 30 points.
