With only a few hundred dogs worldwide, the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is definitely one of the rarest bulldog breeds. Despite their uncommonness now, they’re an ancient breed that can be traced back at least 200 years, with bloodlines that have influenced a range of other breeds.
As an assertive, loyal, and spirited breed, the original role of Alapahas was as a working dog. These days, their protective streak and powerful build mean they’ve earned a slightly unfair reputation. But the truth is, these dogs do have a goofy side, but it’s crucial their pet parents are experienced in handling and training large, confident dogs.
With a strong work ethic, Alapahas do best in a home where they can combine family time with a specific role. Keep reading to find out what makes this breed so unique and whether they’re the right dog for you.
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Origin: United States
Size: 20-24 inches (Male), 18-22 inches (Female)
Weight (Male): 79-90 pounds
Weight (Female): 55-75 pounds
Activity level:
Barking/howling level:
Good with dogs: yes
Good with kids: yes
Shedding:
Shedding: Seasonal
Hair type: Short
Grooming level:
Training level:
Drooling level:
Escape artist: yes
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Appearance
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a powerful and athletic breed with a large head and short muzzle. Males are significantly larger, heavier, and more muscular than females, who have a much softer appearance.
They have a short coat with a white base. The white can be overlaid with patches in a range of colors, including black, brown, red, brindle, blue, fawn, tri-color, and more. The blue-merle or harlequin coloration is sometimes seen, although this is rare. A dog’s patches may be small and singular, or multiple patches covering different parts of their body. Dogs with 50% white coats mixed with any other colored patches are preferred for showing. While all-white dogs are occasionally seen, breeders will need to make sure the skin is properly pigmented to avoid any potential issues with the dog’s sight or hearing.
Dr. Sabrina Kong, veterinarian at We Love Doodles, notes that this breed can be slow to mature. “The puppy phase can stretch up to 18 months,” she says. This breed has a short coat that sits close to their bodies. While it looks glossy, the texture is stiff. As a result, Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs don’t often need baths.
As a rare breed, potential pet parents need to take care that the puppies they’re looking at are purebred. Both parent dogs should be registered with the official online registry for the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Association.
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog History
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog originates in the Southern United States, taking their name from the Alapaha River. The breed’s history before 1979 is unclear, but it’s thought they’re descended from Old English Bulldogs. These were then crossed with other breeds, including Curs and Mastiffs. The breed is registered with the Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog Association (ABBA), authorized by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA). As yet, they’re not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
The breed nearly died out over the Civil War and, at one time, was bred by one single breeder, Buck Lane from Rebecca, Georgia. The Lane family’s dog, Otto, is the foundation of the modern breed.
Sometimes known as the ‘Ol’ Plantation Bulldog of the South’ or ‘Otto dog’, the original purpose of the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog working dog was as a ‘catch dog’ herding livestock. They also make excellent watchdogs and protectors but, due to their courageous and assertive nature, need experienced handlers.
Alapahas also influenced the American Pitbull Terrier, Black Mouth Cur, and Catahoula Leopard Dog breeds. While the breed has an ancient history, they’re now rare. It’s thought that there are less than 200 Alapahas, although the breed can now be found worldwide and not just in the United States. Unfortunately, due to the growing popularity of the breed, some unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills may try to tell puppies that aren’t purebred. As a result, potential pet parents need to carefully research reputable breeders before buying a puppy. ABBA holds a list of banned breeders.
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Personality & Lifestyle
Alapahas are best suited to experienced pet parents. That’s because they’re self-assured, confident, and assertive with people and other dogs, which can make them intimidating for inexperienced dog parents.
“One characteristic that stands out in the Alapaha is their loyalty,” Dr. Kong explains. “They’re fiercely protective, which can be both a boon and a challenge. Early socialization is the key to ensuring they’re well-adjusted and comfortable in various situations.” She also noted that without this proper guidance and stimulation from the very start of their lives, they can show signs of stubbornness or even aggression.
Additionally, Dr. Kong says Alapahas thrive when given tasks since their catching instincts start budding as early as four to six months. She added that by the time they’re a year old, they’re pretty adept at it. They also have a strong work ethic, which means they thrive in families when they’re given jobs to do.
Though Alapahas might be energetic, they also need to rest. “A cozy corner or a dedicated space can help them wind down after a day of activities,” Dr. Kong says. As a brachycephalic breed, Alapahas do better in mild climates. During hot or humid summer days, they can find it harder to breathe.
“The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a breed that requires commitment, time, and understanding,” Dr. Kong adds. But, with the right approach, they can be the most loyal and loving companions.
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Training
“This unique and spirited breed does best with daily training,” Dr. Kong recommends. Training your Alapaha may take up to two hours per day and is especially important during the puppy stage. She says this helps establish a bond and ensures they’re well-behaved and manageable as they grow.
Additionally, Alapahas thrive in homes with plenty of structure and routine. “Enrichment activities like agility courses or even specific working tasks can be beneficial,” she adds. “They have a notable prey drive, so channeling that energy productively is essential.”
Some potential parents may be worried about the possessive nature of the Alapaha, and while it’s true they can make excellent guard dogs, they definitely need proper dog training and handling. Their high chase drive means they need careful supervision around children and other pets.
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Grooming
The Alapahas’s short coat means grooming is relatively low-maintenance. Their coat simply needs a quick weekly brush to remove any dirt or loose hair. They shed some during spring and fall but very little compared to some other breeds. They only occasionally need a bath, although this might be more often if they have any skin allergies.
It’s also a good idea to brush their teeth weekly and check their ears for any signs of redness or infection.
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Health
In general, the Alapaha is a healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12-15 years — longer than many other bulldog breeds. Veterinarian Dr. Alex Crow from Pet Health Guru says the most common health problems for Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs include:
Hip and elbow dysplasia: This is a genetic condition that occurs when the hip or elbow joint does not form properly. This can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis. There is no cure for dysplasia, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms.
Cherry eye: Cherry eye is a condition in which the third eyelid bulges out. This can be caused by a weakness in the eyelid muscle or an infection but can be corrected with surgery.
Skin allergies: This breed can be allergic to certain foods, environmental allergens, or medications. Allergic reaction signs include itching, redness, and hair loss.
Bloat: This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists, which can cut off blood flow to the stomach and other organs. Bloat is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
Deafness: Alapahas can be born deaf, or they can develop deafness later in life. Several factors, including genetics, infections, and injuries, can cause deafness. There is no cure, but there are ways to help deaf dogs communicate and live full lives.
To reduce the risk of your Alapaha suffering from these conditions, Dr. Crow recommends always choosing a puppy from a reputable breeder who not only screens for genetic health issues but also breeds from healthy dogs.
“Once you have your dog, you should have them tested for genetic health problems,” he adds. “This will help you to identify any potential problems early on so that you can take steps to manage them.”
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Diet
“Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are large, high-activity dogs, so they do need a specialized diet,” Dr. Crow says. He suggested a good diet for this breed should be high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. It should also be formulated for large breeds and should be easy to digest.
Generally, Dr. Crow says adult Alapahas should eat about 2-2.5 cups of high-quality dry dog food per day. However, puppies will need to eat more food since they are still growing. Make sure Alapaha puppies are fed a specialized puppy food designed for their size and activity level.
Additionally, Dr. Crow suggests feeding them several small meals a day to avoid bloating. Pet parents should also resist the urge to feed their dogs more than the recommended amount, as “overweight dogs are more likely to develop health problems such as hip dysplasia and heart disease.”
Overall, Dr. Crow says a vet is your best resource if you’re unsure about how much food to feed your dog and can help you determine the correct portions for your specific Alapaha.