The Origin:
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are named after the Alapaha River in Georgia (pictured above). It is rumored the "blue blood" portion of the name is due to the fact they posess an almost "noble" quality about them.
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog breed was bred for herding and catch dogs on the old southern plantations, originating in Southern Georgia in the 1800's. The foundation dogs that were used to make up the breed range from the Old Southern Bulldog (OSB), Black Mouth Cur, and Catahoula Leopard dogs to name a few. The Animal Research Foundation (ARF) was the first to recognize the breed in 1986. The breed has been known by a series of names such as Otto, Cowdog, Silver Dollar, and Catahoula Bulldog.
Description:
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a well-developed, exaggerated bulldog with a broad head and natural drop ears. The prominent muzzle is covered by loose upper lips. The prominent eyes are set well apart. The Alapaha's coat is relatively short and fairly stiff. Preferred colors are blue merle, brown merle, or red merle all trimmed in white or chocolate and white. Also preferred are the glass eyes (blue) or marble eyes (brown and blue mixed in a single eye). The ears and tail are never trimmed or docked. The body is sturdy and very muscular. The well-muscled hips are narrower than the chest. The straight back is as long as the dog is high at the shoulders. The dewclaws are never removed and the feet are cat-like.
Height: 24 inches (61 cm)
Weight: Males up to 100 pounds (47 kg) Females about 78 pounds (34 kg)
There is at times a considerable difference between the males and females. Males can be almost twice as heavy as the smallest females.
Temperament:
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is dutiful, extremely smart, wilfull at times, but quickly trainable. This breed is named as such for its streak of "royalty." It is a great guardian and family dog. They will fight to the death to defend their owners and make excellent companion dogs. Excellent with and protective of children. These are active, athletic and mindful dogs with a lot of heart. The objective in training this dog is to acheive pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have a pecking order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack respects their order under a single leader; lines must be clearly defined. You and all other humans, including children MUST be higher up in their pecking order than the dog. That is the only way your relationship can be a complete success.
These athletic, active dogs have an average demand for exercise. They need daily exercise and are much more satisfied in a rural setting, but are easliy adaptable to city or apartment life, as long as they receive their daily recommended walks, play or work stimulation. As they say, a tired dog is a good dog. Alapahas are not the best choice for inexperienced dog owners. They are highly suspicious of strangers and if not properly socialized can be aggressive in nature. Early and constant socialization is key for them to know the difference between a "threat" and an innocent passerby on a city sidewalk.
