| Other names | Otto Bulldog, Catahoula Bulldog | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Country of origin | United States | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog (ABBB) is an American rare dog breed, believed to have been developed in the Alapaha River region of southern Georgia.[1] They are recognized for intelligence, athleticism, and a protective nature. If raised correctly, they are noted for excellence in obedience, agility, weight-pulling, and Schutzhund.[2]
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Displaying a natural bulldog type, the Alapaha is nevertheless a sturdy, well-developed, and muscular breed. Descriptions of its size vary greatly, calling for males anywhere from 70 to 90 pounds (32 to 41 kg) give or take 10 lbs standing 20 to 25 inches (51 to 63 cm) at the withers, females smaller at 55 to 75 pounds (25 to 34 kg). Ears and tail are natural, with no cropping or docking. Colors of the Alapaha are varied, preferred to be at least 50% white with patches. They can be predominantly solid-colored with white, or solid white. Patches are generally merle, brindle, solid blue, black, chocolate, red, fawn, seal, or tri-colored. Some dogs are piebald spotted. They are more recently seen in blue merle, red merle as well as fawn or chocolate merle. Eye color can vary from brown to blue with some dogs having two-color eyes or one eye showing two colors. Grooming requirements are minimal, due to the breed's short, close coat.[3]
The ABBB is described as trainable, dutiful, and responsible, with impressive capabilities as a guardian of family and property. It is protective, and loving in the home and are known to have a strong protective instincts. The Alapaha needs to be socialized well starting in early puppyhood and trained using humane methods rather than force-based techniques that encourage aggression.
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is very intelligent and learns quickly. Puppies are easy to house-train and fast to learn to walk on a leash; adults are known to excel in many dog sports, including agility, obedience, and protection work due to their intelligence and athleticism. ABBB respond best to positive training.[4]
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is very energetic and athletic. They may do well in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are very inactive indoors, but will do best with at least an average-sized yard. They are used for working cattle and catching hogs, and therefore their muscles are long and powerful, and must be exercised regularly. Their muzzle, which by standard should be 2 to 4 inches in length, makes breathing easier while running. These athletic dogs demand exercise, enjoy long walks, running around and playing.
This breed is susceptible to entropion, an inversion of the eyelids, and cherry eye or inflammation of the tear duct, due to their small genetic pool.[5]
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog breed was developed by using Old Southern White Bulldogs (also called White English Bulldogs), Catahoula Bulldogs, and a small amount of Colby Pit Bull Terriers. The origins of the breed are unknown. They are not the same breed as American Bulldogs and not to be confused with them, although the pre-registry Alapaha stock included many dogs also found in the American Bulldog's breed ancestry.
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Association has stated they were founded in 1979.[6] Earliest evidence of this registry club is registered in California in 1989; between 1979-1989 there is no evidence of registered dogs, breedings or offspring, no photographs, or documented history of dogs between this time of 1979-1989 to support these claims. Many registries do not recognize the ABBA claims or club such as A.R.B.A (All Rare Breed Association). Near the end of 2009 the ABBA club published a website for the first time, with self-proclaimed heritage and history. Up until that point there was not a published website. Claims made that Ms. Lana Lou Lane was the secretary and (first cousin) Mr. Pete Strickland president both claim to never have been apart of the ABBA club, as contested by William Herb Strickland's statement (Pete Strickland's brother), and Ms. Vivian Lane signed and notarized http://www.alapahabulldog.com/breedinformation.htm. Mrs. Lana Lou Lane claims to have begun registering the breed with the Animal Research Foundation in 1986. However, Ms. Lana Lou Lane's family lines are described in the World Atlas of Dog Breeds as the founders of the breed, and is said that Ms. Lane did not trademark the name for her family bloodline before her death. Ms. Lana Lou Lane's line where the first to be shown in a conformation show ring with the A.R.B.A.(All Rare Breed Association). There are many long standing, functioning registries that recognize the Alapaha Bulldog, without the controversy over ARF and ABBA registry clubs. The Lane family is still responsible for this breed and preserving their family line of Bulldogs/canines, the earliest ABBA founded Alapahas where of dual registered ARF and ABBA and where Lane family lines. Pioneers to the breed have been named through ABBA club/registry, for instance, William Chester etc., there is no evidence that supports these persons even owned an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog or had any involvement in the breeding programs. Before 1986 no Alapaha Bulldogs where registered and hence not considered a pure breed, until the Lane family of Rebecca Georgia, Southern United States registered this rare breed with ARF.
Registries include the ACA (American Canine Association) registered the first conformation Champion Titled Alapaha's. ABBA (Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog Association), NKC (National Kennel Club), (ABBBR) Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Registry, CKC (Continental Kennel Club), WWKC (World Wide Kennel Club), UWABC (United Working Alapaha Bulldog Club & Registry), UCA (United Canine Association), and IOEBA (International Olde English Bulldogge Association), ABBA (American Bully Breeders Association) too name a few.