Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog

There were several breeds used to create the Alapaha Blue Bulldog, including some of the oldest bulldog breeds. The Olde English Bulldogge and the White English Bulldog are just two of them. Other breeds used were the Lana Lou Lane Alapaha, the Old Southern Bulldog, the Bandog, a Mastiff cross with the English Bulldog, the American Bulldog and Pitbull crosses, all of which went into the mix.

Key fanciers of the breed whose dedication and efforts produced the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs we see today include Paul Papalardo Greg and Linda Hermes Marvin Arnold Joe Reda Marker Nicholas and the breeder of Paulette Designer Bulldogs.

Their goal was to create and develop a bulldog that not only looked attractive, but one that was bulkier in type and prided itself on being aloof towards strangers and a dog with an even temperament, while at the same time maintaining a high prey and guarding drive. Bulldogs also had to be intelligent enough to recognise when something or someone posed a threat and when everything was fine.

The ancestry of the basic bulldogs used to create the Alapaha has not been recorded, but what is known is that many of the strains used in the 1960s and 1990s no longer exist today. That said, much of the breed's history remains a bit of a mystery, but most reputable breeders and enthusiasts of the Alapaha Blue Blood agree on which bulldog strains were used to create them.

However, many people believe that the Alapaha had existed in the United States for about 200 years and especially in the southern part of the country, but there are no records of the breed before 1979. They are thought to have been bred in the early days. to work on herding cattle and other livestock and to guard and control vermin.

The Alapaha is known by several other names, including Cowdog and Catahoula Bulldog. Thanks to the efforts of breed enthusiasts from the American South, these handsome dogs were saved from extinction when a serious breeding programme was set up and they were given the name Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog before the club established a breed standard.

They are always referred to as 'catch dogs' because they were used to drive quarrymen or cattle to hunters so they could catch them. These powerful dogs have always remained a popular choice in America, but even in the United States, they are still considered a 'rare' breed. Until now, the Alapaha has not been recognised by the Kennel Club (October 2017), but their popularity has recently increased so much that Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are high on the list of favourite pets and companion animals in Britain.

Anyone wishing to share their home with an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog should register their interest with breeders and agree to be placed on a waiting list, because even though they are incredibly popular, few puppies are available every year.

Interesting facts about the breed

• Is the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog a vulnerable breed? No, it is not a vulnerable breed, but they are still rare even though their popularity has increased in recent years.
• Blue Blood Bulldogs are thought to have existed in the United States some 200 years ago when they were used as guard and herding dogs
• Although they look powerful and impressive, the Alapaha flaunts a friendly, even-tempered and sweet nature, especially when they are around children
• They form an incredibly strong bond with their owners and will protect them without a second thought if they think it is necessary

Height at withers: Males 48 - 66 cm Females 48 - 66 cm withers
Average weight: Males 30 - 45 kg Females 25 - 30 kg

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are powerful dogs and they boast large square heads and compact, extremely muscular bodies. Their heads are broad with a well-defined stop that contributes to the square appearance. The forehead is broad, which is typical of the Bulldog breed. They have thick, broad muzzles that taper slightly to a large black-coloured nose.

They have an inverted scissor bite and their eyes are medium-sized, ranging from round to almond-shaped and placed well apart on a dog's face. Eyes can be any colour, but dark brown is preferred and the eye rims should also be black. The ears are small or medium-sized and placed high on the head. They can fall down and be half pricked, or pink ears are also acceptable.

Their necks are muscular and powerful with a slight arch at the top before tapering gently from the shoulders to the dog's head. Dogs often have a slight dewlap on their necks. The shoulders are extremely strong and well-muscled, while the shoulder blades lie well back. The front legs are heavy of bone and muscular.

An Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog has a compact muscular body with a deep and moderately broad chest. The ribs are well arched and the topline slopes slightly from the withers to the broad and well-muscled canine back. The loins are broad, slightly arched and short, passing into a sloping croup. The flanks are moderately raised and very firm.

The hind legs are very muscular and dogs have well-developed lower legs. Their feet are medium-sized and round and the dogs have well-curved, tight toes. Tails are thickest at the base and set low before tapering to the tip. Dogs carry their tails upright when alert, but between their hind legs when relaxed.

When it comes to their coat, the Alapaha flaunts a short, dense, dense and stiff outer coat with a much softer undercoat and the preferred colours for these dogs see them with plain white coats with patches and markings in them. The patches can be different colours, including the following:

• Fawn
• Red
• Chocolate
• Brindle
• Black
• Blue
• Merle

Dogs can have more than 50 per cent colour in their coat, but all-white Alapaha are also found, but potential owners should be aware of the genetic health problems associated with "white-coated" dogs, which can seriously affect their eyesight and hearing.

Gait/movement

When an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog moves, they do so with great purpose and have a slightly rolling action and gait. Dogs always give the impression of covering a lot of ground when they move and for such heavy dogs, they are remarkably nimble.

Faults

Future Alapaha owners should be wary of puppies or dogs that show any kind of exaggeration, both in appearance and conformation. A responsible breeder would always ensure that the puppies he produces have good size and conformation. In males, both testicles should be fully descended into their scrotum.

It is also worth noting that Alapahas with fifty per cent or more brindle in their coat, as well as dogs with all-black masks, are not considered good reds, as these traits are considered faults in the breed.

Alapahas are known as confident, self-assured dogs that are always alert to what is going on around them. They form strong bonds with their owners and families, but are generally quite wary and aloof towards strangers. They can be quite "off" with other dogs they do not yet know.

That said, in a home environment, they make great pets and excellent guard dogs because they are territorial by nature, a trait that is deeply embedded in their psyche. As such, this protective side of a dog's character needs to be carefully curbed when they are very young, before things get out of hand.

Because they form such a strong bond with their owners, they can be quite demanding and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. As such, they are better suited to people who lead active outdoor lives and in households where at least one person stays at home when everyone else is out of the house.

They are not the best choice for novice owners, as the Alapaha must be handled and trained by people familiar with the specific needs of such a powerful and often demanding dog.

It is very important that these dogs are well socialised from an early age so that they grow up to be confident, adult dogs. Their socialisation should include introducing them to many new situations, sounds, people, other animals and dogs once they are fully vaccinated. It is also crucial that their training starts early.

An Alapaha is never happier than when they know their place in the pack and who they can look to for guidance and direction. If they do not know who is the alpha dog in a household, they can quickly assume the role of a dominant dog, making it harder for them to live with and tackle something that should be avoided at all costs.

Their education should start as soon as puppies arrive in their new homes, by teaching them the "basics" and that there are boundaries that should not be crossed. It is much easier to teach younger Alapahas the "rules" than to teach a dog that is much older and therefore a lot bigger and more powerful. It is essential that these dogs know their place in the pack and who the alpha dog in the household is, so that they remain manageable.

Are they a good choice for starters?

Alapahas are not the best choice for novice dog owners as they need to be socialised, trained and handled by people familiar with this type of powerful, protective and intelligent bulldog.

What about prey drive?

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs have a high prey drive, a trait deeply ingrained in a dog's psyche. Therefore, care must be taken where a dog can be let loose and the introduction of other animals and pets must always be done carefully to ensure that everything goes smoothly. They are also known to be smart enough to distinguish between what is a threat and what is not.

What about playfulness?

Alapahas have a very playful side by nature. They are sweetly docile and are particularly good around children when playing interactive games which they enjoy immensely. However, care must be taken not to overdo things as they can easily overheat.

What about adaptability?

Alapahas Blue Bloods are large, powerful dogs that are surprisingly agile on their feet when needed. They need plenty of space to express themselves as they should and are therefore better suited to households with secure backyards where dogs can roam safely whenever possible, allowing them to really stretch their legs.

What about separation anxiety?

Alapahas form strong bonds with their families and dogs are never very happy if they are left alone for long periods of time. They are better suited to people who work from home or in households where one person stays home when everyone else is away, so they are never alone for any length of time which could cause a dog to suffer from separation anxiety.

This can lead to them being destructive all over the house, which is a dog's way of relieving the stress it feels and is a way of keeping itself busy. An Alapaha is an extremely powerful bulldog and can therefore do a lot of damage not only to a house, but also to itself.

What about excessive barking?

The Alapaha Blue Blood is bred to guard and protect, which means they are quick to let an owner know when something is going on that they don't like. But because they are so intelligent and therefore able to know when everything is fine and when it is not, they do not bark unnecessarily.

Do Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs like water?

Most Alapaha love swimming and go into the water whenever they can, especially when the weather is warm. But if someone has a dog that does not like water, they should never force them to go in, as it will only make them scared. With this said, care should always be taken when walking an Alapaha on a leash near more dangerous watercourses, in case a dog decides to jump in and then has to be rescued.

Are Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs good guard dogs?

The Alapaha is a natural guard dog and is specially bred to guard and protect. Therefore, they do not require any additional training, which could make a dog too aggressive. They are also known to be wary and aloof towards strangers, but once they know the person, they are generally good to be around.

The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is an intelligent dog and one that learns quickly, with the disadvantage that they pick up many bad behaviours and habits as quickly as the good ones. As such, their training should start early and be very consistent and always fair throughout a dog's life so that dogs understand what their owners expect of them.

They do not respond well to harsh correction or any kind of heavy-handed training methods that could ultimately bring out the worst in these powerful and sometimes strong-willed dogs. However, they respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement, which always gets the best out of these intelligent and powerful dogs, especially if valuable rewards are attached. It is also essential to carefully curb any protective and guarding qualities a dog may have to avoid problems when they are older.

Training sessions should be kept short and interesting, which dogs find easier to deal with. Longer, more repetitive sessions do not work, as an Alapaha would quickly get bored and look for something more interesting to do instead of staying focused on what is asked of it.

It is always a good idea to enrol a dog in puppy classes. Once he is fully vaccinated, he will get to know many new people and other dogs while beginning his training in earnest in a safe and controlled environment.

Puppies should be well socialised from a very young age, which should ideally start when they are still with the breeder, their mothers and littermates. This ensures that a puppy is extroverted and relaxed around strangers and when in different and strange situations.

As soon as a puppy arrives in its new home, owners need to establish basic rules and boundaries from the start so that an Alapaha puppy understands what is expected of him. The first commands a puppy should learn are as follows:

• Come
• Sit
• Stay
• Quiet
• Let it
• Down
• Bed

The Alapaha is known to be gentle, tolerant and docile towards children they have grown up with. However, they can become a little too overprotective towards their families and especially children, meaning care should be taken when they have friends to play with. They are best suited to families with older children, which is why Pets4homes advises that Alapahas are not the best choice for families with babies or very young children.

Anyone who already shares a home with an Alapaha Blue Blood and has younger children should always ensure that they are never left unattended together. It is also crucial for parents to teach young children how to behave around dogs and when to stay away from them, especially if there is food around or while playing.

If they have grown up with other pets in a household, including cats, the Alapaha generally gets along well with them. However, they can be aggressive towards dogs they have never met before, which means care must be taken when and where they are allowed to run loose, especially if there are other dogs around. Any contact with smaller animals and unfamiliar pets is best avoided, as an Alapaha may consider them "fair game" because of their high prey drive.

The average life expectancy of an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is between 12 and 13 years when properly cared for and given an appropriate diet of good quality appropriate to their age.

The Alapaha is known to suffer from a number of hereditary health problems that are worth knowing about if you plan to share your home with one of these powerful dogs, especially as they have a fairly small gene pool have . The conditions that seem to affect the breed the most include:

• Entropion - a condition affecting a dog's eyes in which the eyelids roll inwards causing pain and irritation that can lead to total blindness if left untreated
• Cherry eye - a condition showing inflammation in a dog's tear ducts
• Skin disorders
• Hip dysplasia - Stud dogs must have a hip score
• Congenital deafness - stud dogs must be BAER-tested and especially dogs with a pure white coat or dogs with a higher percentage of white in their coat

What about vaccinations?

Alapaha Blue Blood puppies would have received their first vaccinations before being sold, but it is up to their new owners to ensure that they have timely follow-up shots, with the vaccination schedule for puppies being as follows:

• 10 -12 weeks old, keeping in mind that a puppy does not have full protection immediately, but would be fully protected two weeks after he has had his second vaccination

There has been much debate about the need for dogs to have boosters. Therefore, it is best to talk to a vet before making a final decision on whether a dog should continue to receive annual vaccinations, also known as boosters.

What about spaying and neutering?

Many vets today recommend waiting until dogs are slightly older before spaying and neutering them, meaning they are more mature before undergoing the procedures. Therefore, they recommend neutering males and spaying bitches when they are between 6 and 9 months old, and sometimes even when a dog is 12 months old before undergoing the procedures.

Other vets recommend spaying and neutering dogs when they are six months old, but never before unless for medical reasons. That said, many breeds are different and it is always advisable to discuss things with a vet and then follow their advice on when a dog should be spayed or neutered.

What about obesity problems?

Some Alapahas gain weight after being spayed or neutered and it is important to keep an eye on a dog's waistline in case that is the case. If a dog starts gaining weight, it is important to adjust its daily calorie intake and increase the amount of exercise it gets. Older dogs are also more prone to weight gain and again, it is essential to feed and train them accordingly, as obesity can shorten a dog's life by several years. This is because it puts a lot of extra pressure on a dog's internal organs, including the heart, which as a result have to work much harder to pump blood through a dog's system.

What about allergies?

Alapaha Blue Bloods are prone to allergies, and it is important for a dog to visit a vet as soon as possible if he becomes bothered. Allergies can be notoriously difficult to clear up and finding the triggers can be challenging. With this said, a vet could make a dog with an allergy more comfortable while trying to figure out the triggers, including the following:

• Certain foods high in grains, such as wheat
• Pollen in the air
• House dust mite
• Surroundings
• Flea and tick bites
• Chemicals found in everyday household cleaning products

Participation in care programmes

All responsible Alapaha Blue Blood breeders would ensure that their stud dogs are tested for known hereditary and congenital health problems known to affect the breed by using the following schedules:

• Hip scoring
• BAER testing for deafness and especially in white-coated dogs and dogs with a higher percentage of white in their coat

What about breed-specific breeding restrictions?

The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is not a recognised Kennel Club breed and no breed-specific breeding restrictions apply to them. However, all responsible breeders would ensure that they breed only healthy dogs with an even temperament and good conformation.

As with any other breed, Alapahas need regular grooming to ensure their coat and skin remain in top condition, bearing in mind that the breed is known to suffer from skin and other allergies. They also need regular daily exercise to ensure they stay fit and healthy. Moreover, dogs should be fed good quality food that meets all their nutritional needs throughout their lives.

Caring for an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog puppy

Alapaha puppies are rambunctious and life-like, which means it is essential that homes and gardens are puppy-proofed well before they arrive. A responsible breeder would have socialised his puppies well, which always leads to more extroverted, confident and friendly dogs from the start. That said, any puppy will feel vulnerable when it leaves its mother and littermates, which needs to be taken into account. The longer a puppy can stay with its mother, the better, but this should never be too long either.

It is best to pick up a puppy when there are people around for the first week or so. This is the time a puppy needs to settle down. Making the house and garden puppy-proof means putting away all tools and other implements that a noisy dog might cause. puppy might injure himself. Electrical wires and cables should be kept out of their reach, as puppies like to chew on things. Poisonous plants should also be removed from flowerbeds and from the house.

Puppies need to sleep a lot to grow and develop as they should. This means creating a quiet place that is not too far away so they can retreat into it when they want to take a nap. It is important not to disturb them when they are sleeping. It is also a good idea to keep "playtime" indoors nice and quiet and to have a more active "playtime" outside in the garden, which means puppies will quickly learn to be less noisy when inside.

The documentation provided by a breeder for a puppy should include full details on the date of deworming and the product used, as well as information regarding their microchip. It is essential that puppies are dewormed again, adhering to the following schedule:

• Pups should be wormed at 6 months of age
• When they are 8 months old, they should be wormed again
• Pups should be dewormed when they are 10 months old
• They should be wormed when they are 12 months old

Things you need for your puppy

There are certain items that new owners should already have in the house before bringing home a new puppy. It's often a good idea to limit the space a puppy takes up, especially if you can't keep an eye on what he's doing. Keep in mind that puppies are often quite noisy, which means you need to invest in puppy gates or a box that is large enough. that gives an Alapaha Blue Blood puppy the space to express himself while keeping him safe. The required items are therefore as follows:

• Good-quality puppy or baby gates that fit on doors
• A good, well-made playpen big enough for a puppy to play in, so he can really express himself as puppies like to do
• Lots of well-made toys, including good-quality chewy snacks, suitable for puppies to gnaw on, bearing in mind that a puppy starts to get all sorts of things from 3 to 8 months of age
• Good-quality food and water bowls, which should ideally be made of ceramic rather than plastic or metal
• A grooming glove
• A smoother brush or one with soft bristles
• Dog-specific toothpaste and a toothbrush
• Scissors with rounded ends
• Nail clippers
• Puppy shampoo and conditioner to be specially developed for use on dogs
• A well-made coiled dog collar or harness
• A pair of strong dog leashes
• A well-made dog bed that is neither too small nor too big
• A well-made dog crate for use in the car and at home, large enough for a puppy to move around in
• Baby blankets to put in your puppy's crate and bed for when he wants to take a nap or sleep at night

Keeping the noise down

All puppies are sensitive to noise, including Alapaha puppies. It is important to keep noise levels low when a new puppy enters the house. Televisions and music should not be played too loudly, which can stress out a small puppy.

Keeping vet appointments

As mentioned earlier, Alapaha puppies would have received their first vaccinations from the breeders, but they need follow-up shots that their new owners need to organise. The vaccination schedule for puppies is as follows:

• 10 -12 weeks old, keeping in mind that a puppy does not have full protection right away, but is not fully protected until two weeks after he has had his second vaccination

When it comes to boosters, it is best to discuss them with a vet, as there is much debate about whether a dog really needs them after a certain time. But if a dog ever had to go to a kennel, his vaccinations would be needed

What about older Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs as they reach their senior age?

Older Alapahas need a lot of special care because as they reach their golden years, they are at greater risk of developing certain health problems. Physically, a dog's muzzle may turn grey, but other noticeable changes will also occur, including the following:

• Coat becomes coarser
• A loss of muscle tone
• Alapahas may become overweight or underweight
• They have reduced strength and stamina
• Older dogs have difficulty regulating their body temperature
• They often develop arthritis
• The immune system does not work as efficiently as it used to, meaning dogs are more susceptible to infections
• Older dogs also change mentally, which means their reaction time is slower and therefore they develop the following:
• They are less responsive to external stimuli due to impaired vision or hearing
• They tend to be a bit pickier when it comes to their food
• They have a lower pain threshold
• Become intolerant of any change
• Often an older dog may feel disoriented

Living with an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog in their golden years means taking on a few more responsibilities, but these are easy to manage and should include watching their diet, the amount of exercise they get, how often their dog beds should be changed and keeping an eye on the state of their teeth.

Older dogs at this stage of their lives should be fed a good-quality diet that meets their needs, while at the same time keeping a close eye on the dog's weight. A rough feeding guide for older Alapahas is as follows, keeping in mind that they should be fed easily digestible food that does not contain additives:

• Protein content should be between 14 and 21%
• Fat content should be less than 10%
• The fibre content should be less than 4%
• The calcium content should be 0.5 - 0.8%
• Phosphorus content should be 0.4 - 0.7%
• The sodium content should be 0.2 - 0.4%

Older Alapahas do not need the same amount of daily exercise as a younger dog, but they still need the right amount of physical activity to maintain muscle tone and prevent a dog from becoming overweight. All dogs need access to fresh, clean water and this is especially true for older dogs when they reach their golden years, as they are at greater risk of developing kidney disease.

The Alapaha Blueblood Bulldog has a smooth, dense short coat and therefore they are low-maintenance in terms of grooming. Brushing once or twice a week and wiping with a chamois is enough to remove loose hairs and maintain a nice sheen on the coat.

It is also important to check a dog's ears regularly and clean them if necessary. If too much earwax accumulates, it can lead to a painful infection that is difficult to cure. In short, with ear infections, prevention is often easier than cure.

Alapahas are not energetic dogs, but they still need the right amount of exercise every day, combined with as much mental stimulation as possible to prevent them from getting bored. They need 20 to 40 minutes of exercise a day, with as many shorter runs as possible, but only in areas that are extremely safe. It would be a mistake to let an Alapaha loose in a public area where there are other dogs, as they may be aggressive towards them.

If Alapahas don't get the right amount of mental stimulation and exercise every day, they could quickly become bored and even engage in destructive behaviour in the house, which is their way of relieving the stress they feel and not necessarily because they are naughty. A shorter walk in the morning would be fine, but a longer, more interesting walk in the afternoon is a must.

These dogs also love to wander around the backyard, so they can really let off steam. However, the fencing needs to be extremely secure to keep these powerful dogs inside, because if they discover a weak point in the fence, they will quickly escape and get into all sorts of trouble.

With this said, Alapahas puppies should not be overloaded as their joints and bones are still growing. This includes not letting a dog jump up and down furniture or go up or down stairs. Too much pressure on the joints and spine at a young age can cause a dog to develop serious problems later in life.

If you are looking for an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, you should register your interest with breeders and agree to be placed on a waiting list, as very few puppies are bred and registered with The Kennel Club each year. You would have to pay more than €600 for a well-bred, healthy puppy that has been responsibly bred.

The cost of insuring a male 3-year-old Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog in the Netherlands would be €58.76 a month for basic cover, but for a lifetime policy it would be €126.45 a month (quote from February 2018).

When insurance companies calculate the premium for a pet, they take several things into account, including the age of the dog in the country where you live and whether it is neutered or spayed.

When it comes to food costs, you should buy the best quality food, both wet and dry, and make sure it suits the different stages of a dog's life. This will save you between €40 and €50 a month.

Moreover, you have to take into account the veterinary costs if you want to share your home with an Alapaha and this includes their first vaccinations, their annual boosters, the cost of spaying or neutering a dog when the time is right and their annual health checks all of which quickly adds up to well over €1,500 a year.

As a rough guide, the average cost of keeping and caring for an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is between €100 and €180 per month, depending on the level of insurance cover you choose for your dog, but this does not include the initial cost of buying a healthy, responsibly bred Kennel Club-registered Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog puppy with a pedigree.