Dog Breeds: Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog

Though the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is descended from the English Bulldog, it really has its origins in the late 1800s. In the southern USA (Georgia, to be specific) an effort was made to save the "plantation dog" from extinction. Outcrosses deemed to enhance the line were incorporated over the course of a century. This concerted effort resulted in the rare guard dog we now call the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog. Because of its rarity, this dog is not accepted by many societies throughout the world. The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog wasn't recognized by anyone until 1986, and this was only by the Animal Research Foundation (ARF).

This dog certainly has many of the traits we have come to associate with the term bulldog. The dog is well developed and sturdy with a broad head and drop ears. The muzzle is prominent and the eyes are set well apart. The coat of the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is short and coarse and may be of many colors, though the following are preferred: red merle, blue merle, or brown merle. All colors should be trimmed in white, or a combination of chocolate and white. Eyes should be blue or a mix of blue and brown in a single eyes. These eye colors are called glass or marble eyes, respectively. The ears and tail should never be docked or trimmed and the dewclaws should not be removed, so if your breeder suggests these practices, look for another breeder.

The Alapaha is highly trainable and extremely loyal. It will fight to the death to protect its family, and is highly protective of children. It makes a good guard dog and companion dog. It is on the larger size, sometimes growing to as much as 100 pounds, so make sure you take your dog to obedience classes to ensure a well socialized dog. This dog usually does not suit apartment living, but the Alapaha can adapt to an apartment if they are exercised at least twice a day.

Unfortunately, this dog breed is prone to some health problems, mostly because of the limited genetic pool. They tend to suffer from entropion, which is an inversion of the eyelids. Talk to your breeder about health problems specific to the line. Regardless of line, all Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs require some brushing. They have short hair, yes, but the hair can make them itchy, so groom your dog once a week to remove dead hair.

This sturdy breed, which correctly belongs in the mastiff group, is a good guard dog for homes and farms. It's also a good companion dog for many people around the world.