Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
History of the breed
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog (ABBB) or Otto is an American rare dog breed, developed in the Alapaha River region of Southern Georgia.
The breed was commercialized by the Lane family of Rebecca, Georgia, USA, out of stock that originated on the Paulk plantation near the town of Alapaha, 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.
Some fighters took hold of the breed and trained several generations into the sport of dog fighting. The dogs required too much training to be worth readying for the fighting ring, and they didn't do well, so it was soon dumped as a fighting dog.
The breed is quite rare with a population of living dogs probably around two hundred.
Appearance of the breed
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 90 pounds standing 19 to 26 inches at the withers, females smaller at 60 to 70 pounds. 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,white, fawn, brindle, brown, buckskin, or mahogany, always with white markings; some dogs are piebald spotted.
Temperament of the breed
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is described as trainable, dutiful, and responsible, with impressive capabilities as a guardian of family and property. It is very protective, but can be loving in the home.
Health Concerns of the breed
This breed is susceptible to entropion, an inversion of the eyelids.
