Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog

The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is an extremely rare Mastiff-type breed that was created by a single American family in the late XIX century. For more than a century it was valued as a farm dog as well as a ferocious and unfailing guardian. Sadly enough, presently it faces the threat of complete disappearance with approximately 200 its specimens in existence.

The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog traces back its origin to the Bulldogs that were brought to the United States in the beginning of the XIX century. Their duties primarily included guarding slaves and tracking them down if they managed to escape. Modern breeders of this dog offer different theories about how exactly it was developed in the first place. Nonetheless most of them are agreed that it appeared as the fruit of the breeding work of the Lane family. This theory is also supported by numerous archive documents.

The first member of the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog bore a name Otto and subsequently became the foundation stock for this breed. It was notable for an unravelled bravery and served as an all-purpose working animal on the Lane’s plantation. This dog with tenacious bite excelled at taming refractory cattle and half-feral hogs. Furthermore it made a great companion for hunters and defended its masters and their property from any kind of danger. Actually the other name of this breed was Otto, which it received in honour of one of its most prominent forefathers.

In the late XIX century the early variety of the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog appeared in one step from total extinction. To save the breed PaPa Buck Lane of Rebecca initiated the breeding program that embraced three generations of this family. When in 1943 PaPa Buck perished in a train accident, his Otto demonstrated its unshakable loyalty to his master by regular visits to his grave.

Fortunately the responsibility for the breeding program passed on to Lana Lou Lane, Buck’s granddaughter. She put in 20 years of her life to guarantee the survival of the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog. In 1986 she finally achieved its recognition by the Animal Research Foundation (ARF).

Lana died a natural death in 2001 and the breeding program was continued by her old mother. Currently most of these canines are either companion animals or property guardians.

Unlike any other variety of the Bulldog the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog has never been utilised for such inhumane sport as bull baiting. That’s why it combines the strength and stamina of its Bulldogs’ forebears with a stable and calm temperament. Nevertheless it’s probably too stubborn and independent to become a good pet for a novice dog owner. Despite its intimidating appearance this breed displays deep affection towards its masters and absolutely craves for their attention and care. The well-socialised specimen handles children of any age with necessary gentleness.

The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is usually openly unfriendly with unknown people and without proper obedience training can behave itself fairly unpredictable around houseguests. At the same time this dog is endowed with very strong territorial instinct and performs guarding duties with outmost eagerness. It also suits perfectly for the role of a watcher, as it will let know its masters about any unordinary activity near their dwelling.

This dominant and self-willed breed is commonly ill-disposed towards other dogs. It’s a very good chance that it will recognise other canine as a member of its pack if the animals were reared in the same homestead since a young age. The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog stands out for average aggressiveness to other types of pets. It won’t bother a familiar cat but will passionately chase any street animal that comes across its way.

The most common problems for the breed include:

· hip dysplasia;

· congenital deafness;

· entropion;

· obesity;

· skin problems.

The maintenance of the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog requires minimal amount of efforts. Smooth and short hair of this breed should be brushed on a weekly basis in order to get rid of loose fur and distribute skin oils. This dog sheds rather moderately and needs only occasional bathing.

Regular teeth brushing and ear cleaning are necessary for keeping your pet in a healthy condition. If it lacks opportunities to wear off its nails naturally the master should clip them at least every couple of months.

The average trainability is typical for the smart yet wilful Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog. Even if you want to train your pet basic tricks, first you should win its obedience by firm and patient treatment. This dog likes being in charge and will use any possible chance to do its own things. That’s why it’s advisable to stimulate this breeds’ interest by its favourite food and ample praise.

Be mindful though that this dog is predisposed to obesity and don’t be overzealous with treats. Also remember that the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog feels itself offended and usually becomes unruly if the handler tries to physically force it to oblige his will.

The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is powerful yet relatively sedate dog with average exercise needs. This dog would rather go on a long walk than to run for several hours beside your bike. Nonetheless it will never miss a chance to play and roam in a securely enclosed area.

Be mindful though that this breed tends to be active indoors and won’t make a perfect pet for keeping in an apartment. Besides, deprived of any mean to channel its excessive energy in a positive way, the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog will certainly develop inclinations to destructive behaviour and unmotivated barking.