The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a breed that has been around for a while, but they’re less well-known than some other breeds of dog. In fact, they are considered rare dogs.
These dogs stand out in any crowd with their short coat and various distinctive colors, including blue-grey, fawn, red, and merle. Moreover, although it is considered to be a working dog, it can also be kept as a pet.
Want to learn more about the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog? This article will tell you what you need to know about their history, how they should be cared for, and the expenses associated with owning one. So, keep reading!
Breed Overview
| Height: | 18 – 24 inches |
| Weight: | 55 – 90 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | Tricolored, brindle, blue merle, red merle, brown merle |
| Temperament: | Alert, protective, loyal, confident |
| Suitable for: | Active and experienced owners |
What Is an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog?
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a catch dog originally bred in Georgia. They look like the early Bulldogs of England, and they are formerly known as Otto, Cowdog, Silver Dollar, and Catahoula Bulldog. They can adapt well to different environments and have been used successfully in homes and farms.
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog has a very unique appearance that makes it stand out from other breeds of dogs. They are also known for their courage and strength in their line of work.
These dogs have a long history of helping their owners hunt for food and protect their property from intruders, but they’ve also been used as guard dogs in some parts of their home state.
Today, the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is considered by many to be one of the rare breeds in America. Nonetheless, it is not entirely impossible to find this dog if you’re interested in owning one.
Furthermore, it may not be recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Still, it is recognized by the Continental Kennel Club (CKC), Alapaha Bulldog Registry (ABR), and the Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog Association (ABBA).
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Breed Origin and History
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog originated in the southern United States and was used as a working dog.
This breed’s name came from the Alapaha River in Georgia, wherein one family that lived there mainly developed their lineages. It was led by Papa Buck Lane.
The family was aware that the breed was declining and nearly facing extinction, so they created a breeding program for three generations to reestablish the species.
Aside from saving the breed, Papa Buck Lane instituted the breeding program to produce guard dogs, and he wanted wonderful companions for his family. Unfortunately, he died due to an accident in 1943.
His granddaughter, Lana Lou Lane, continued the program, and the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog population rose throughout the ’70s and into the early 1980s.
In 1986, she contacted the American Research Foundation (ARF) to ask for additional help in continuously increasing the population of this dog breed.
The Lane family’s dedication to the breed and ARF have led the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog puppies to be born worldwide and are presently enjoyed by dog lovers.
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Appearance
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is one of the most unique and well-developed breeds of dogs, and they are ultimately breathtaking to stare at.
It is an exaggerated bulldog with a broad head, dropped ears, and a prominent muzzle. Their loose upper lips often hang over their lower lips, giving them an almost sad expression.
The Alapaha Bulldog comes in bluish-gray, brindle, tricolored, and various shades of merle.
Their eyes are marbled and blue. However, they can usually have heterochromia, which means one eye may be brown while the other is blue.
In addition, they have sturdy, athletic bodies and well-muscled hips that make them ideal guardians or working companions.
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Size and Weight
The Blue Blood Bulldog measures 18 to 24 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 55 and 90 pounds. They are known for their muscular bodies, which are also compact and heavy-boned.
They are a medium-sized breed, with males being slightly bigger than females. However, various factors can affect the size of this dog, such as food, pedigree, and environment.
They should only be kept in compact apartments or smaller homes if they have access to a yard where they can play and exercise regularly. Nonetheless, they thrive better in bigger houses.
Furthermore, the Alapaha Bulldog fully matures between 12 and 18 months old, so you can expect your pet to grow into its adult size in this period.
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Temperament and Personality
Due to their protective nature, Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs make excellent guard dogs.
They will often alert their owners of danger by barking or growling and then run in front of the person to protect their owners from harm.
Moreover, the Alapaha Bulldog can sometimes be stubborn and may not listen when told to do something, but this doesn’t mean it’s not clever.
This breed is intelligent and learns quickly, so if you’re patient with them, they’ll know what you want from them quickly enough. They also need daily exercise.
If you don’t give them enough exercise, they could become destructive inside your home or yard due to their pent-up energy that needs to be released.
In addition, these dogs can be distrustful or aggressive towards strangers and other animals, especially if not socialized.
However, the Alapaha Bulldog makes an excellent companion animal if you’re willing to put in the time required for proper training and socialization with other dogs.
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Lifespan and Health Issues
The average life span of an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is around 12 to 15 years. Although some may live shorter or longer, depending on many factors, such as nutrition and ancestry.
In general, they are strong and healthy dogs. But like all breeds, they can sometimes be prone to health issues, especially hereditary ones.
The following are some health problems that can affect the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog:
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a condition that occurs when the hip joint is not correctly formed, which leads to pain and arthritis in the joint later on in life. Common signs include lameness or inability to walk. If your dog has this condition, you should visit your veterinarian immediately for treatment.
- Entropion: Entropion is a condition where the eyelid folds inward, irritating the cornea and conjunctiva. It can also cause eye discharge and even ulceration and possible cornea scarring if not corrected early on by removing them surgically before they cause permanent damage.
- Cherry Eye: Cherry eye is a condition that occurs when fluid accumulates in the third eyelid sac of dogs, significantly if the eyelid is protruding. If left untreated, this can cause vision problems for your dog. It can be treated with surgery or topical ointments if milder cases are present.
Some of these health issues can be managed and treated, but others may not go away if you’re too late.
The best way to deal with problems is to address them before they occur. Regular visits to the vet can keep your Alapaha Bulldog healthy.
How to Take Care of Your Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
Generally, the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is easy to care for, but it does have some specific needs that must be met to keep it in a happy and healthy state.
To ensure that your new family member has the best life possible, here are some tips on taking care of an Alapaha Bulldog.
Food and Diet
The food you give your Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is essential to its growth, health, and development. They need to eat high-quality dog food specially formulated with their nutritional requirements in mind.
A diet rich in protein, vitamins, and essential nutrients for growth is recommended for this dog. Fruits, vegetables, and healthy treats can also be given to your dog as supplements to its main kibble diet.
However, monitoring your dog’s food intake is advisable since it will help avoid obesity, a condition often triggered by excessive weight gain.
Adult dogs should be fed twice or thrice daily, but the frequency of feedings will depend on their health, age, and activity level. Meanwhile, puppies can be fed four times daily to keep them in tip-top shape.
Furthermore, it is also best to consult a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to design a diet specifically for your Alapaha Bulldog.
Cleaning and Grooming
Blue Blood Bulldogs are low-maintenance dogs with short coats. This means that you don’t have to worry too much about grooming, but you still need to keep up with a few things.
They shed moderately, so if you’re someone who likes to keep their home clean, this might be a good fit for you. However, you should still brush your dog weekly to remove debris and prevent matting.
Additionally, you must know that bathing this breed should only be done when necessary because the Alapaha Bulldog’s skin is sensitive and can dry out quickly.
If your dog gets dirty from rolling around in the mud or being outside for an extended period, it’s okay to bathe it.
Furthermore, tooth brushing, nail clipping, and ear cleaning should be done regularly because they are essential for this breed’s long-term hygiene and sanitary health.
Training and Exercise
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are among the most trainable breeds. They require around 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise in a wide area.
They do best when they have a yard or access to a fenced area where they can run, play and explore. You must avoid overexercising them as they can easily be overheated.
In addition to their physical activities, Alapaha Bulldogs also need mental stimulation.
This can be achieved through obedience training or by providing them with activities such as retrieving objects, playing fetch with balls, or engaging in agility courses.
Moreover, these dogs excel with positive reinforcement methods, so if you plan on training your dog yourself, make sure to use treats and praises as rewards.
Furthermore, early socialization is also vital for these dogs. They should be exposed early on to different people and animals so that they don’t become fearful or aggressive later in life.
Check out this fun yet informative video of an Alapaha Bulldog in training:
How Much Does an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The average price of an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog ranges from $1,500 to $2,500, but it can go higher up to $10,000.
The reason for such a wide range of prices is that several factors go into determining how much an individual puppy costs, such as age, location, and the breeder’s reputation.
In addition to the price of an Alapaha Bulldog, you should also budget for these other expenses:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $80 – $100 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Bed | $40 – $180 |
| Crate | $50 – $370 |
| Leashes and Collars | $15 – $50 |
| Toys | $30 – $40 |
| Grooming Essentials | $40 – $160 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $50 – $200 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $300 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $75 – $200 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Microchip | $40 – $60 |
| Miscellaneous Supplies | $15 – $30 |
| Total Initial Cost | $605 – $2,240 |
It is essential to note that these prices are only approximations. The price you pay for your puppy’s expenses will depend on the quality and brand of items you choose to purchase and your location.
Sometimes, some breeders give freebies, like food bowls and leashes, so you can also ask them about these items to save some bucks.
Places to Find Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Puppies for Sale and Adoption
While Alapaha Bulldogs are undoubtedly adorable and unique, they aren’t always easy to find. They are challenging to breed and raise, but you can acquire your new pup in no time through patience and research.
Here are some reputable places to find an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog:
- AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace is a resource for finding breeders who adhere to the organization’s code of ethics. This list only includes places inspected and approved by the AKC. You can find reputable Bulldog breeders by visiting the site, and if luck is on your side, you may even locate an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog.
- Southern Alapaha Bulldogs – Southern Alapaha Bulldogs is a family-owned and operated kennel that strives to raise healthy, stable, and capable Alapaha Bulldogs. The dogs are raised as part of the owner’s family and are provided with early neurological stimulation and temperament testing before they go to their new homes.
- Cove Creek Alapahas – Cove Creek Alapahas is a small kennel located in the Ozark mountains in Arkansas. These breeders strive to breed Alapaha Bulldog puppies for both temperament and companionship. They also take pride in the multiple champion bloodlines in their kennel. Furthermore, all of their dogs are DNA tested and ABBA registered.
On the other hand, if you’re leaning more towards adopting, it may be more challenging for you to find an Alapaha Bulldog since only a few rescue organizations specialize in this breed.
However, here are a few places where you might find an adoptable Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog:
- Puppy Finder – Puppy Finder is an online directory service that lists dogs for adoption. They provide exposure to reputable rescue organizations, who can post their animals on the site. They have different Bulldogs for adoption, including the Alapaha Bulldogs, but you have to act fast as they are adopted pretty quickly.
- My Dog Rescue – My Dog Rescue is another listing site for adoptable dogs. The website allows you to search by breed or location and has an easily-accessible map feature to see the nearest dogs needing a home. They aim to place every dog they rescue with a loving family that will care for them.
- No Borders Bulldog Rescue – No Borders Bulldog Rescue is a non-profit organization that rescues, fosters, and places all kinds of Bulldogs with loving families. They are dedicated to saving Bulldogs who need help, providing physical, emotional, and behavioral care for each rescue. You might find an Alapaha Bulldog at this rescue, but you have to be patient as they are not always available.
Aside from the places above, you can also ask your local vet or dog-loving friends for recommendations. Whether you are buying or adopting an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, it is a commitment that you should prepare for.
Pros and Cons of Owning an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
Alapaha Bulldogs are lovely dogs, but they may not be the right choice for everyone. This dog has some good features but also has certain drawbacks that you should know before opening your home to one.
Here are the pros of owning an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog:
- Low-maintenance: Alapaha Bulldogs do not require frequent grooming or bathing. They are also hygienic animals. They will play around if given the opportunity but keep themselves clean by licking the dirt off them. Their coats are easy to care for and don’t shed too much.
- Highly intelligent: Because of their intelligent nature, Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs can learn commands quickly and easily, making them an excellent choice for families looking for a dog that can be trained to perform tricks or help with tasks around the house.
- Great guard dogs: The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog has been used as a guard dog by farmers and ranchers over the years because of its protective nature toward those they love. If someone tries to break into your house while you’re away, this breed will let out an intimidating bark that will scare off intruders.
With that being said, here are the cons of owning an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog:
- Territorial and overly protective: Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are known to be highly protective of their territory, so they can be aggressive when they feel threatened. Because of this, they may also try to get into fights with other animals or people, which can cause severe damage, especially if they are not socialized and trained.
- Prone to destructive behavior: These dogs can become destructive without enough physical and mental stimulation. If left alone for too long, they will get bored and may resort to chewing your furniture to release their pent-up energies.
- Not recommended for first-time and busy owners: If you have a job that keeps you away from home all day long, or if your schedule doesn’t allow much time for playtime with your pup, then an Alapaha Bulldog probably isn’t right for you. These dogs require a lot of attention and affection, and they don’t thrive on first-time owners that don’t know what to do with them or their needs.
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a wonderful pet that can provide you with many years of enjoyment.
However, you must know its characteristics to see if you can handle this breed before making any decisions to avoid future cases of abandonment and neglect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs Rare?
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are a rare dog breed, but they are not on the critically endangered list. This can make it difficult for a prospective owner to find an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog puppy.
Are Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs Aggressive?
Generally, Alapaha Bulldogs are not aggressive, but it always depends on their environment and upbringing.
If they have been around other dogs and people their entire lives, they are likelier to be friendly toward strangers and unfamiliar animals.
However, if they are closed off in a particular area without training or socialization, you can expect them to be aggressive.
Are Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs Good Family Dogs?
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are good family dogs. They are loyal and loving towards their owners and will do anything for them if asked.
However, they need to be socialized and trained so that they know how to appropriately behave around small children, other pets, and house guests because they also tend to be territorial.
Are Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs Good Guard Dogs?
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are known for their loyalty and protectiveness, making them excellent guard dogs. However, training them to behave appropriately in various situations is still advised.
Final Thoughts
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a rare breed of dog that has been around for a long time and is known for its unique and stunning appearance.
Their temperament is calm and even-tempered, but they can be very protective of their owners and territory, making them excellent working dogs and family companions.
If you’re looking for a new friend or companion, this breed is worth looking into. What do you think of the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog? We’d love to know! Leave a comment below.
