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 & 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.

Origin

The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a very rare breed. It is nearly extinct. There are about 120-150 worldwide. This breed results from three generations of an old breeding program of PaPa Buck Lane of Rebecca, Georgia, USA. The program started back in the 1800's and was intended to rescue the "plantation dog" of Southern Georgia that was nearly extinct. This rare, bulldog-type guard dog descends form Buck Lane's dog, named Otto. Lana Lou spokes of her granddaddy as always having had an "Otto" about the estate. One Otto was all one needed since these Bulldogs were capable of guard work and woods work. When PaPa Buck was killed by a train in 1943, his Otto proved his undying devotion by constant visitation and guard duty over the grave. Buck Lane's granddaughter, Lana Lou Lane, continued the breeding program until she passed away in her sleep on July 20th 2001. Like the Plott Hound, this muscular breed is the creation of one American Family, and its survival depends upon the nurturing it receives. Originating from English Bulldog Stock, this dog's ancestors functioned as cattle and pig herders, but the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is bred solely for security and companionship. The Animal Research Foundation (ARF) was the first all-breed registry to ever recognize the late Ms. Lana Lou Lane's "Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs", in 1986. Ms. Lane was an ARF Certified Breeder up and until her passing in 2001, after which time, her elderly mother, Mrs. Vivian Lane, took over her business affairs. Later, Mrs. Vivian Lane sold her daughter's kennel.

Temperament

The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is dutiful and quickly trainable. This very rare breed is named as such for their streak of "royalty." It is a great watch and guard dog. They will fight to the death to defend their owners and make excellent companion dogs. Excellent with and protective of children. Owners claim that they are aggressive for defense only and needn't be restrained with a chain, provided that the property is fenced. These are active, athletic and mindful dogs with a lot of heart.

Height

Height: 24 inches (61 cm.)

Weight

Weight: Dogs up to 100 pounds (47 kg.) Bitches- about 78 pounds (34

Known Health Problems

With such a small genetic pool, health problems such as inversion of the eyelids (entropion) can develop.

Conditions for Living

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs will do okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. The are very inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.

Exercise Requirments

These athletic, active dogs have an average demand for exercise. They area.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years.

Grooming

Little grooming is needed. Occasionally comb and brush to remove dead hair and cut down on shedding. Bathe once every two weeks. This breed is an average shedder.

Group

Mastiff