Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog

The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog (ABBB) or Otto is an American rare dog breed, developed in the Alapaha River region of Southern Georgia.

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Appearance

Displaying an unexaggerated and 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 65 to 190 pounds (25 to 86 kg) standing 19 to 26 inches (48 to 73.5 cm) at the withers, females smaller at 60 to 170 pounds (22.5 to 41 cm). Ears and tail are natural, with no cropping or docking. Colors of the Alapaha are varied, typically white or different shades of black, grey, red, fawn, brindle, brown, buckskin, or mahogany, always with white markings; some dogs are piebald spotted.

Temperament

The ABBB is described as trainable, dutiful, and responsible, with impressive capabilities as a guardian of family and property, but aggressive only in defense of these. They are friendly and relaxed until the need arises to defend their own.

History

The breed was developed by the Lane family of Rebecca, Georgia, in a sustained effort over many decades to preserve the "plantation dog" of south Georgia from extinction. Detractors say that the ABBB is identical to the American Bulldog and that nothing distinctive is found in the Otto. Alapaha owners appear to disagree and photos seem to indicate a fairly distinct type.

Health

Miscellaneous

The breed is quite rare with a population of living dogs probably around two hundred. Primary registry for the breed is the Animal Research Foundation in Quinlan, Texas.

Books

• McDonald,Joan. The Book of the Bulldog, Neptune, NJ:TFH Publications, ISBN 0-86622-027-5
• Jenkins, Robert. The Story of the Real Bulldog Neptune, NJ: TFH Publications, ISBN 0-7938-0491-4

See also

• Bulldog breeds