The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog

Fort Glory

Sand Castle Alapahas

Nerak Bulldogs

Developed in southern Georgia in the Alapha River region by PaPa Buck Lane in the 1800's. The Alapha Blue Blood Bulldog was used on the plantations as a watch and livestock dog. The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a very rare breed. It is nearly extinct. There are about 120-150 worldwide. This breed results from three generations of an old breeding program of PaPa Buck Lane of Rebecca, Georgia, USA. The program started back in the 1800's and was intended to rescue the "plantation dog" of Southern Georgia that was nearly extinct. This rare, bulldog-type guard dog descends from Buck Lane's dog, named Otto. Lana Lou spoke of her granddaddy as always having had an "Otto" about the estate. One Otto was all one needed since these Bulldogs were capable of guard work and woods work. When PaPa Buck was killed by a train in 1943, his Otto proved his undying devotion by constant visitation and guard duty over the grave. Buck Lane's granddaughter, Lana Lou Lane, continued the breeding program until she passed away in her sleep on July 20th 2001. Like the Plott Hound, this muscular breed is the creation of one American Family, and its survival depends upon the nurturing it receives. Originating from English Bulldog Stock, this dog's ancestors functioned as cattle and pig herders, but the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is bred solely for security and companionship. All Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs must be first registered with ARF (Animal Research Foundation) before being registered with any other registrar.

The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a well-developed, exaggerated bulldog with a broad head and natural drop ears. The prominent muzzle is covered by loose upper lips. The Prominent eyes are set well apart. The Alapaha's coat is relatively short and fairly stiff. Preferred colors are blue merle, brown merle, or red merle all trimmed in white or chocolate & white. Also preferred are the glass eyes, (blue) or marble eyes (brown and blue mixed in a single eye). The ears and tail are never trimmed or docked. The body is sturdy and very muscular. The well-muscled hips are narrower than the chest. The straight back is as long as the dog is high at the shoulders. The dewclaws are never removed and the feet are cat-like.

They demand attention and are not suitable for living outdoors as they crave human contact. They adore their families, do well with children, and will guard their home and family to the death. They are only aggressive in defense, and are naturally suspicious of strangers as well. These dogs do best when treated like a member of the family and not just a working dog.

Males should be about 24 inches tall and weigh 80-95 pounds. Females should weigh 50-65 pounds. They have a broad head and natural drop ears. Their coat is short and can be blue merle, brown merle, or red merle, all trimmed in white or chocolate and white. Their eyes can be blue or brown mixed with blue. Grooming is minimal- bathing, brushing, nail trimming and ear cleaning as needed.

The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Association (ABBA) has a closed stud file. If the dogs ancestors were not registered in the original stud book in 1979 it will not be accepted for registration as an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog. Other organizations will allow registration of dogs that do not have proven Alapaha heritage, but those may be mixed with American Bulldog, APBT, Catahoula Leopard Dog, Boxer, or English Bulldog blood, and is said to not be true Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs.

The main health concern with Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs is Entropion (inversion of the eyelids).