Alapaha blue blood bulldog
iStock.com/Christopher Steele

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Dog Breed

Other names:
Blue Blood Alapaha Bulldog
Otto Bulldog
Otto Dog

The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog has been known by many names throughout its history (which, itself, is hotly debated between the two major authorities the ABBA and IABBR). What is certain about this breed is that it is a hard working, highly trainable breed that is confident, alert, possessive, protective and good tempered. Although they were bred to control livestock, handle wild hogs and protect properties, they make appropriate indoor family companions. They can spend a fair amount of time outdoors but desire the presence of their "pack". They are playful and loving to kids they were raised with, aloof with strangers and territorial towards other pets (esp. dogs). This is a low maintenance breed in regards to grooming and its daily exercise requirements can be met by an owner that doesn't mind a daily walk or outdoor playtime. The key to a well-behaved ABBB is firm, consistent training and establishment of yourself as the "pack leader". It is quite rare to find a true Alapaha and, due to limited gene pool, they may have congenital health disorders; otherwise they should live 11-13 years.

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Breed Details

Below are the details and specs for the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog breed.

Type
Purebred
Lifespan
11 - 13 yrs.
Height
18 - 24 in.
Weight
70 - 90 lbs
Friendliness
OverallFamily FriendlyChild FriendlyPet FriendlyStranger Friendly
Maintenance
Easy to GroomEnergy LevelExercise NeedsHealthShedding Amount
Behavior
Barks / HowlsEasy to TrainGuard DogPlayfulnessWatch Dog
Ownership
Apartment DogCan be AloneGood for Busy OwnersGood for New OwnersIntelligence

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Breed Description

The Alapaha was bred as a working dog and not necessarily to live up to exact guidelines. The general size is considered medium to large at 20-24 inches at the shoulder for males and 18-22 inches for females. Weight falls anywhere from 70-90 for males, 55-75 females.

Members of this breed are confident, alert, possessive, protective and companionable. They are playful and watchful over kids that are part of their "pack". Generally, they are aloof with strangers but even tempered. Alapahas can be territorial with other pets and are not necessarily the primary choice for a multi pet household unless they are raised with them.

This is a low maintenance breed. Although they are affectionate and desire your attention and presence, they require little grooming, are great indoor dogs and are highly trainable. They do require moderate outdoor exercise and although appreciative of a yard do not require it.

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Breed History

Although similar looking breeds have existed in the Southern United States for over 200 years, the breed known as the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog was not well document until 1979; there is dissent from the IABBR (read below) on the accuracy of this information so readers may view the history sections of both sites to form their own conclusions. Confusingly and for whatever reason, it has also been known as the Otto, Catahoula Bulldog, Silver-dollar and even cowdog over the course of its history. What is known is that they were bred as utilitarian dogs and not show dogs with ultra-specific conformations. According to the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Association, they are thought to be descendants of extinct species such as the Old Country and Mountain Bulldogs and they have been used in the breeding of many other distinct breeds like the Pit Bull and Catahoula Leopard Dog.

**The International Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Registry claims the aforementioned history is not accurate and instead insists that what is the current ABBB was not bred until the 1990s and established until 2005. They also state the founding breeds of the ABBB are the following: White English Bulldog, Lana Lou Lane Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge, American Bulldog, Bandog, and curs.

Farmers and hunters used this breed, which they found to be much more heat tolerant than its predecessors, to deal with cattle, wild hogs, and varmint as well as to guard the property and family. Due to the scarcity of this breed, in 1979, a group of Southern citizens formed the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Association (the authoritative club for the breed) which focuses on the advancement and health of these dogs. It is pretty rare to find a true ABBB.

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Appearance

The Alapaha was bred more more function than for a standard "look". Certainly they look strong, confident and alert for their size but overly bulky they are not. They have a broad box-shaped head with a furrow between the eyes; the eyes do not have a specified "standard" color. The muzzle is also square and broad, ending in a black or liver colored nose. The ears are small, v-shaped and with the point on level with the eye. They have coats that are short, glossy, stiff and close lying to the body and is typically white with patches of various colors. Alapahas chests are wide and deep and legs that are straight with heavy bone, lending to their overall boxy appearance. The tail is thick, strong and tapers to point; when alert it can be held high but never curled.

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Colors

The images below represent the coat colors and patterns associated with Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs.

Black and White
Blue and White
Fawn and White
Red and White
Additional Coat Colors
Chocolate and White
Seal and White

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Temperament

Members of this breed are alert and confident making excellent family protectors. They will consider the family and any children in it part of their "pack" and will be possessive and protective, but they may be aloof with strangers plus territorial/dominant towards other dogs.

They are highly trainable and are working dogs that enjoy patrolling and protecting. Due to their territorial and often dominant behavior, they should be trained at a young age firmly and consistently so that you establish yourself as the "pack leader".

They truly enjoy attention and affection from their loved ones and should not be left alone all day. They will desire to please and protect you.

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Maintenance

Members of this breed are quite low maintenance. Weekly brushing should be done to reduce shed and keep their coats in good shape. A daily walk or outdoor playtime will keep them healthy. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, so as long as you keep an equally confident and firm demeanor to theirs, training should not be overly difficult. They do require your love and attention and are not all day kennel or independent/alone type individuals.

Grooming Requirements

The Alapaha requires little grooming. The short coat does shed and should be brushed at least once-twice weekly with a stiff brush or rubber mitt to keep the coat healthy and reduce your cleanup duties. Other than that, bathe when necessary (they do tend to smell "doggy"), clean the teeth and ears, trim the nails and voila!

Exercise Requirements

Although they may seem inactive indoors, Alapahas are working dogs that enjoy a fair amount of exercise. A long daily walk, outdoor playtime or just accompanying you on your daily exercise routine will keep them happy and healthy. If you have a large farm, ranch or property to patrol they would consider that a bonus.

Living Requirements

This breed is finding increasing purpose as a family protector and is affectionate to those it considers its "pack". Although they are adaptable they will likely desire to be in your presence more often than not. They can live in an apartment and will be docile indoors but should also have a nice fenced yard or at least daily outdoor playtime. They also do quite well as farm or ranch dogs with plenty of room for them to "patrol".

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Health

Due to a somewhat limited gene pool this breed has a few health concerns that can be limited by using a responsible breeder. Deafness, blindness, skin problems, entropion eyelids are some common ones. The lifespan for this breed should be between 11-13 years.

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Health Concerns

Below are potential health concerns associated with Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs.

Entropion
Deafness
Blindness
Skin irritation
Skin infections

About this Article

Authored by:Dog-Learn
Updated:June 21, 2016
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