Description

Even though the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog originated from the original bulldog line, it is entirely different from the English Bulldogs in that they magnify the bulldog features only. Longer legged and taller, they are also much more agile and energetic than the original bulldog lines. The tails are left undocked, with the dog having blue or brown eyes that may be spotted or mismatched.

The Alapaha's height at the withers, or shoulders, is approximately 24-inches with a powerful leg height, with the males being quite a bit larger then that of the other sex. They are known at times to be twice as heavy as the females, even though both sexes are extremely stocky and muscular with very much the bulldog head.

Coat Description

Evenly covering the body of the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, the short-dense-thick-stiff hair has very much a natural shine to it. A minimum shedder, most owners bath their dogs once every two weeks or so to keep the shine and routinely remove the dead hair.

This is a breed that has all colors and patterns acceptable, including red and blue merle with white. Other popular colors are liver chocolate and white, or any of the parti-colors that are preferred. A brindle colored dog is allowed only 50% of the body to be brindle with the other remaining 50% another color, such as white. The only exceptions are solid colors (seen as a fault) or those with a mask of black.

History

Historically known as the "plantation dogs," the nearly extinct Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is chock full of regal bearing, with only 150 to 200 alive today in the United States. They are considered one of the last remaining breeds of that era since their origin in the 1700 to 1800s.

They were used to guard over the huge plantations in Georgia, located in the southern part of the United States, originating from the Lane Family's attempt to rescue Georgia's plantation dog from extinction. The background of these bulldog-breeds were based on the ol' time crosses between the local bulldog and Mastiff types, in addition to European dogs that had come over. The purpose of the Lane family was to keep the temperament of the plantation dog, and also to keep their appearance.

Temperament

Unlike the traditional bulldogs, this breed is unique in temperament. Their whole purpose in life is to protect in a loyal manner and be fiercely protective of their family. Extremely intelligent, their whole natural instinctive purpose in life has been to guard their family and properly.

An endurable dog that is very calm and quiet, their mannerism gives a noble impression that goes back to the days when they were bred simply to protect, not for aggression--they would go into physical action only if this protection was threatened for their family. Considered a natural protector of the child, he is also a natural playmate for them. The only problem is when protecting them, when strange children or adults enter the home, they may attack if the child is deemed to be threatened.

Health Problems

Considered to be a limited bloodline, originating from the Lane family's kennel, there is major concern from other breeders over the genetic conditions originating from this bloodline--such as that which has occurred from line-breeding and in-breeding.

One of the main issues that have developed is Entropion, an eye disorder where the eyelid rolls inward or turns. A condition that can be corrected with surgery, it is not a fatal condition. Deafness is another condition that can develop within this genetic line.

As the breed is registered less and less, the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are likely to develop more genetic conditions as the breed gains in popularity and numbers. Presently, other rare dog breeders are attempting to expand this breed line for genetic purposes, simultaneously keeping the bulldog exaggeration, along with the "Otto's" temperament and physical attributes.

Grooming

As long as a person has time to groom their dog bi-weekly, this breed can be easily cared for. Tools of choice are a hard bristle brushes and a mitt that has softened grooming bristles--the grooming mitts are very popular as they give the impression of "petting" or "stroking" as the dead hair is being removed.

In addition to the care of the hair, the ears are a high concern for infection and hearing issues. Shaking of the ears, a foul smell, and slight drainage are all signs of one--wiping down with baby oil and cotton balls are an excellent choice in addition to ear cleaning solution.

Toenails on this breed are extremely firm and strong, in order to carry the weight and strength of the stocky dog. Soft surfaces under their weight will not affect the length of the toenails, but cement will wear them down naturally. If trimmed on their own, the guillotine nail trimmer is the best. Human clippers will tear the dog's nails when this large.

Exercise

Considered to be an outside dog throughout its life, the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a very active dog. They have also been considered a "partial-inside" dog by owners who have spent their lives with this loyal breed, knowing that when indoors it is a very quiet and peaceful dog.

A routine exercise is required to prevent heaviness when they are older, but they will need a routine exercise as a young and active puppy. This is the type of breed who keeps itself pretty busy patrolling and guarding its family and property, so the requirement of needing an owner whom routinely "walks" the dog is not a high priority.

Due to the type of dog it is, the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog needs a strong and tall fence around their property, as they are agile and strong enough to go over the top or through it.

Training

A natural learner, this is the type of dog who automatically knows what to do at the right time, the right place. They also have a natural protection ability, which if utilized correctly in training, can make this kind of dog a perfect companion or watchdog for the family.

A mandatory requirement is to train them as a young puppy, similar to the days of the old plantations when their canine parents taught them the right things to do in their jobs, such as caring for livestock and the family. Additionally, training them at a young age will socialize them so aggression will not be a problem as they mature, unless they are protecting their family and property.