Diego, 4 months
Owner: Jeff Phinney
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is extremely rare (less than 120 true Alapaha's worldwide). It is a very versatile dog, extremely unique and distinctive in appearance.
Origin and History
The origin of the breed somehow is subject to controversy. A number of breeders each came up with a different story about the origin of the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog and claimed they were the only ones breeding the "real", "pure" Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog. At least they all agree to say that the ABBB is definitely not a kind of American Bulldog, as some detractors try to sustain.
Character studies and photos seem indeed to indicate a fairly distinct type. The most documentated and consistent story about the origin of the ABBB is the one referring to the Lane's breeding program. The program started back in the 1800's and was intended to rescue the old "plantation dog" of Southern Georgia, a breed that was nearly extinct. This dog originated from the Alapaha river region in South Georgia (U.S.A.) in an area from 80 to 160 km radius.
Half brother
of the foundation doag "Marcelle"
Roseanne
Dam of the foundation dog "Marcelle"
Similar dogs were used in other regions, such as Old Southern Whites, the ancestor of today's American Bulldog, but they are not directly related to the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog. See American bulldog types and history. What the exact ancestry of the Alapaha blue blood bulldog is still a matter of conjecture, especially because these dogs werre not selected for type, but for performance and resistance to the harsh working conditions. Like many American breeds, their gene pool probably contains a mixture of indigenous breeds (curs) and dogs that came with the successive invaders (Spanish and French mastiffs, Bulldogs).
It was the Lane family of Rebecca, Georgia, USA, who kept the breed form extinction by working hard on its preservation for 3 generations, i.e. for over a century. Buck Lane, Lana Lou Lane's grandfather, is said to always have had a bulldog around whether he was working on the plantation or resting at home.
It's thanks to the work of his granddaughter Lana Lou Lane that the breed was further saved from extinction. Lana devoted the last 20 years to insure the future of the breed in the pure tradition of the South.
Current Status
In 1986, Ms. Lana Lou Lane contacted the Animal Research Foundation, whose founder, Mr. Tom D. Stodghill, had registered a number of rare breeds within the Foundation. Knowing this information, Lana Lane asked Mr. Stodghill to provide her a plan in order to insure the survival of the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, and how to be involved in the ARF Certified Breeder's program. She became the first ARF Certified Breeder of Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs. From 1986 to 2001, ARF has registered or pedigreed just under 700 ABBBs.
In the Southern States these dogs soon became known for their uncommon courage. South Plantations owners kept only dogs that could work and do whatever they were asked for.
Originally used to guard slaves, then, at the end of the plantations days, as "catch dogs" for cattle and hogs or for hunting, Alapahas were also employed as watch dogs and family dogs. They apparently were very large, very protective of their property, that being whatever their master instructed them as theirs to keep guard over, and were very possessive of their "family" as well as highly intelligent and easily trained.
Unfortunately, the ABBB is prone to several recurrent defects, though these can be limited by careful, professional breeding. The breed would surely benefit from a co-operating and coordinating effort between the different Alapaha breeders, as is the case, for example, for the Aussie Bulldog with the United Aussie Bulldog Association. Otherwise the ABBB will in the medium to long-run probably be condemned to extinction. Potential owners should consult breeders about their breeding practices and make themselves aware of these defects. New Alapaha breed clubs have been formed to monitor these defects, as well as the preservation of the breed.
Appearance
The preferred coat color is a pattern which is predominantly white with colored patches. These patches can be any shade of fawn, red, chocolate, brindle, black, blue or merle. A dog with more than 50% of color versus white is also acceptable. An all white dog comes last in order of preference, but is acceptable provided there are no genetic defects, sometimes associated with a white colored coat.
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
Lana's Van Shelton Lane
unique chocolate & white
Temperament and Character
Alapahas are described as excellent companion dogs, that can also fulfill the roles of personal and property protector. They are active and very alert and convey an impression of nobility (hence"Blue Blood"). They are powerfully built, yet agile and athletic for size. Owners claim that they can be aggressive, but only when they perceive a threat.
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are docile, with a very sweet character. They can keep their head cool and do not get into a fight without a serious reason. They reflect before acting, but would not hesitate to defend their human or animal family when necessary.
They are fiercely protective of their territory and whatever else they are instructed to watch over. They are also an ideal pet dog, extremely protective of their master's family, for whom he has great affection, and love children.
Zachory's Hope
owner: Michelle Deaton
Photo courtesy: Hope Peterson
Distrustful of strangers, they will soon relax from the moment they see their master accepts them. They love to discover new things and bath in the water. They are as happy spending time outdoors as staying lazy at home.
ABBB Litter, Twin Elms Kennel
Photo courtesy: Hope Peterson
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
Alapahas will measure up to 24 inches, on average, and should weigh as little as 50 pounds and as much as 95 pounds. Females are noticeably smaller, normally only weighing up to 75 pounds. Square, powerfully built, yet agile and athletic for size and alert. Acceptable coat colors are black, white, "blue" spotting, brown, and spotted (in some cases, Alapaha will have a distinctive "blue patch" over their eyes). Are considered fault: 50% or more brindle, any solid coloring, total black "masking" of the face.
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Decoys and Aggression
A Police K9 Training Manual
by Stephen A. MacKenzie
Good for both novice and seasoned trainers
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bailey, 7 1/2 year old male
own : jeff & christine phinney
ontario canada
Working Dogs : True Stories of Dogs and Their Handlers
by Kristin Mehus-Roe
Explores the many ways in which dogs historically and currently serve humankind in the workplace, while encouraging sensitivity to the needs of working dog breeds kept as pets.
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Top Working Dogs: A Training Manual--Tracking, Obedience, Protection
by Dietman Schellenberg
For beginners and experts alike in the fields of tracking, obedience and man-work.
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As far as we know there are no books specifically on the Victorian Bulldog. However, the following books include sections about the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog.
