The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a very rare breed that calls Unite States Home. This mastiff type breed was developed in the 1800s by the Lane family in a plantation in the Alapaha River region in southern Georgia. Bulldogs have always been linked to cruel sports because of its strength and aggressive nature. Bulldogs are noted for their brute strength and tenacious bite. A bulldogs method of fighting is to bite the snout of an animal and to hold on until the adversary is suffocated. This type of bulldog however, has a regal bearing a streak of royalty. The dog gives the impression of being noble, hence the blue blood name. The ABBBs appearance resembles the traditional English Bulldogs. Unlike other bulldogs that have the typical stout body and bow legs, the ABBB has a much leaner body and longer legs. Ancestors of this breed were used to guard slaves in plantations. The courageous dogs were also used as catch dogs for cattle and other farm animals. But the plantations dogs are renowned for their loyalty and devotion to their masters. These traits were passed on to the ABBB. An ABBB is noted for being a dutiful and well mannered dog that makes a wonderful companion, a dog that is utilized for personal and property protection. Unfortunately, the breed is almost extinct with less than 200 dogs in existence.
These powerfully built dogs are very athletic and agile. They may exude an intimidating personality. However, the dogs are docile and noted for their sweet character. These are cool headed dogs. They will not get into a fight without serious provocation. An Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog though is fiercely protective of its family and its territory. They are distrustful of strangers as well. When the dog perceives a threat to anyone or anything under its care to watch, the dog will instantly exhibit its aggressive nature.
Being one of the descendants of the powerful mastiffs, the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog shares the power and the athlete like agility of its war dog and fighting dog ancestors. The ABBB have a muscular build. Typical to other bulldog breeds is the strong and sturdy body. The ABBB have these physical traits too but unlike other bulldog breeds that are rather short and typified by stout bodies, bow legs and wrinkled heads, the ABBB has a much leaner body and longer legs.
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a powerfully built square shaped dog that exudes a regal and noble impression. The head is large, the skull is flat. The muzzle that does not exceed 40% of the skulls length and the heavily muscled jaws give the dogs head an almost square appearance. Medium sized rose ears are half perked and carried close to the head with a forward roll. Black is the prominent nose color although some individuals can have gray or liver colored noses. Medium sized eyes can be round or almond shaped. Wide set eyes vary in color. Brown is the common eye color but an ABBB can have glass eyes (blue) or marble eyes (a combination of blue and brown colors in one eye). This breed has a thick medium length neck, heavily muscled shoulders and wide deep chest with well sprung ribcage. An ABBBs coat can be short to medium in length. The undercoat is soft but the outer coat is stiff to the touch, Coat colors can vary from blue merle, red merle or brown merle. A distinctive blue patch over the eye is a common marking of the breed. The dog may also have white or chocolate markings.
Guardian, protector, companion and general hand in the farm are the utilization of the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs. This breed has impressive strength and amazing endurance. The dog was never bred for aggression, in fact this is a docile and well tempered dog. An ABBB though will never fail to act instantly if the family or the property under its care is threatened. The dog will lay its life on the line to defend its owner. Bulldogs have a reputation for being ferocious. The ABBB though is a breed with a big heart. The dog forms a strong attachment to the family. This sweet, loyal and devoted pet is very protective and patient with the children. The sensitive dog would play with very young children in a different manner than it would play with mature kids. An ABBB gets along well with other dogs and with other animals. This breed however is not for a first time dog owner. This is an intelligent but a rather stubborn dog. Socialization and obedience training will be extremely necessary. An owner must achieve the leader of the pack status to train the dog into a wonderful loving pet and an obedient companion.
The ABBB would do well in an apartment as they are relatively inactive indoors. The breed has average exercise requirement but they would appreciate an average sized yard where they can romp and play. Being a short coated breed, the ABBB would be low on maintenance. Extensive grooming will not be necessary as brushing the dog every now and then will be sufficient to maintain the good condition of the coat. The dog is an average shedder. Brushing will cut down the shedding inside the house.
When one hears the term bulldog what would come to mind is a stout and short bow legged dog with a sour mug expression because of the heavily wrinkled skin on the brow and because of the short muzzle with drooping lips. This type of bulldog is commonly referred to as English Bulldog. The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog originated from the English Bulldog stock but it does not share its progenitors stocky body and short legged appearance. The ABBB in fact has longer legs and a leaner body. The looks of the ABBB is more comparable with the appearance of the Old English Bulldog. Due to the passing of the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835, the use of bulldogs in the cruel sports of bull baiting and bear baiting was banned. Breeders have started crossing the English Bulldog with other breeds resulting to the looks of bulldogs today. However, the bulldogs that were imported to the United States decades before were not crossed thus the appearance remain the same.
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is an extremely rare breed whose origin up to this very day is still a subject of controversy. Breeders of the ABBB came up with different stories in how the breed was developed. The most consistent theory about the origin of the breed is the one that refers to the breeding program of the Lane family. This theory is also the most documented. The breed originated from a plantation dog called Otto. The dog is acclaimed for its uncommon courage. The dog was originally utilized to guard and to run after runaway slaves. The dog was also used as catch dogs for hogs and cattle. Otto was also hunted. The breeding program was started in 1800s with the objective of rescuing these old plantation dogs that were almost extinct. The breeding program was started by the Lane family in a plantation in the Alapaha River region of southern Georgia. The breed is believed to be the creation of a single American family.
The breeding program that spanned three generations was started by PaPa Buck Lane of Rebecca, Georgia. The ABBB have descended from Buck Lanes dog Otto. All the other dogs that descended from this plantation dog were called Otto. In 1943 PaPa Buck was killed by a train. The ever loyal and devoted dog has consistently visited and guarded the grave of its master. The breeding program was continued by Lana Lou Lane, Bucks granddaughter. For 20 years, Lana worked t insure the breeds future. In 1986, she contacted the Animal Research Foundation and asked Tom D. Stodghill, the founder for a plan on how to insure the survival of the ABBB. Lana Lou Lane became the first ARF certified breeder of the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog. After Lanas death in 2001, the breeding program was continued by her elderly mother.
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog ni mbegu ya nadra sana ambayo inaita Marekani Nyumbani. Mastiff ni aina ya mbegu ya mastiff iliyotengenezwa na familia ya Lane katika eneo la mto Alapaha, Georgia. Sikuzote mbwa-mwitu wamehusianishwa na michezo ya kikatili kwa sababu ya nguvu zao na tabia yao ya uhasama. Mbwa aina ya bulldog hujulikana kwa nguvu zao kali na kuuma kwao kwa nguvu. Njia ya kupigana ya mbwa-mwitu ni kuuma pua ya mnyama na kushikilia mpaka mpinzani apigwe na pumzi. Hata hivyo, aina hii ya bulldog ina umbo la kifalme lenye sifa za kifalme. Mbwa huyo huonekana kuwa mwenye heshima, kwa hiyo jina lake ni damu ya bluu. Muonekano wa ABBB unafanana na Bulldogs ya jadi ya Kiingereza. Tofauti na mbwa wengine wenye mwili mzito na miguu mirefu, mbwa wa ABBB ana mwili mwembamba zaidi na miguu mirefu. Mababu wa jamii hii walitumiwa kulinda watumwa katika mashamba. Mbwa hao wenye ujasiri walitumiwa pia kuwa mbwa wa kuwinda ng'ombe na wanyama wengine wa shamba. Lakini mbwa wa mashamba wanajulikana kwa uaminifu-mshikamanifu wao na kujitolea kwao kwa mabwana wao. Sifa hizo zilipitishwa kwa ABBB. Mbwa wa ABBB ni mbwa wa kawaida na mwenye tabia nzuri, ambaye ni rafiki mzuri sana, mbwa anayetumiwa kulinda mali na watu. Kwa bahati mbaya, mbegu hiyo imekufa karibu na kutoweka na kuna mbwa wa aina hiyo wasiozidi 200. Mbwa hao wenye nguvu ni wanariadha sana na wenye wepesi. Huenda wakawa na utu wenye kuogopesha. Hata hivyo, mbwa hao ni wanyenyekevu na wanajulikana kwa tabia yao ya upole. Hizi ni mbwa wenye akili kali. Hawatashindana bila kusababisha ugomvi. Hata hivyo, mbwa anayeitwa Anapaha Blue Blood Bulldog huwalinda sana familia yake na eneo lake. Pia hawawatumaini wageni. Mbwa anapotambua kwamba kuna tisho kwa mtu yeyote au kitu chochote ambacho anakitunza, mara moja ataonyesha tabia yake ya uhasama. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog ni mbwa wa kwanza wa Amerika na ni mbwa wa kwanza wa Amerika na mbwa wa kwanza wa Amerika. ABB ni kundi la watu wenye misuli. Mwili wenye nguvu na wenye nguvu ni wa kawaida kwa jamii nyingine za bulldog. ABB ni aina ya bulldog ambayo ni ya kawaida kwa sababu ya mwili wake mrefu, miguu ya upinde na vichwa vyenye makunyanzi. Mbwa anayeitwa Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog ni mbwa mwenye umbo la mraba aliyejengwa kwa nguvu na anayeonekana kuwa wa kifalme na mwenye heshima. Kichwa ni kikubwa, fuvu la kichwa ni tambarare. Pua ambayo haizidi 40% ya urefu wa fuvu la kichwa na taya zenye misuli nyingi hutoa kichwa cha mbwa kuwa karibu mraba. Masikio ya waridi ya ukubwa wa kati hufungwa nusu na kubebwa karibu na kichwa kwa kutikiswa mbele. Rangi ya pua ni nyeusi ingawa baadhi ya watu wanaweza kuwa na pua zenye rangi ya kijivu au ya ini. Macho ya ukubwa wa kati yanaweza kuwa ya mviringo au yenye umbo la lozi. Macho yaliyo wazi-wazi hutofautiana rangi. Kwa kawaida, rangi ya macho ni kahawia, lakini ABBB inaweza kuwa na macho ya kioo (blue) au macho ya marumaru (mchanganyiko wa rangi ya bluu na kahawia katika jicho moja). Mbwa huyo ana shingo ndefu, mabega yenye misuli mingi, na kifua kirefu chenye sehemu ya ndani ya kifua. Manyoya ya ABBB yanaweza kuwa mafupi hadi ya urefu wa kati. Undercoat ni laini lakini kanzu ya nje ni ngumu kwa kugusa, rangi ya kanzu inaweza kutofautiana kutoka bluu merle, nyekundu merle au kahawia merle. Sehemu ya bluu iliyo juu ya jicho ni alama ya kawaida ya jamii hiyo. Mbwa huyo anaweza pia kuwa na alama nyeupe au za chokoleti. Mlinzi, mlinzi, mwenzi na mkono wa jumla katika shamba ni matumizi ya Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs. Mbwa huyo ana nguvu nyingi na uvumilivu wa ajabu. Mbwa huyo hakuzaliwa kwa ajili ya uhasama, kwa kweli huyu ni mbwa mwenye utii na mwenye hasira. Hata hivyo, shirika la ABBB halitoshindwa kamwe kutenda mara moja ikiwa familia au mali iliyo chini ya utunzaji wake inatishwa. Mbwa ataweka uhai wake hatarini ili kumlinda mmiliki wake. Mbwa aina ya bulldog wana sifa ya kuwa wakali. Hata hivyo, ABBB ni jamii yenye moyo mkubwa. Mbwa huyo huunganishwa sana na familia. Mnyama huyo mpole, mwaminifu na mwenye kujitoa ni mlinzi sana na mwenye subira kwa watoto. Mbwa huyo mwenye hisia-mwenzi angecheza na watoto wadogo sana kwa njia tofauti na jinsi angecheza na watoto wakubwa. Mbwa wa ABBB huelewana vizuri na mbwa wengine na wanyama wengine. Hata hivyo, si mara ya kwanza kwa mbwa wa jamii hii kuwa na mbwa. Mbwa huyo ni mwenye akili lakini ni mgumu sana. Uzoefu wa kijamii na utii utakuwa muhimu sana. Mmiliki lazima afanye kuwa kiongozi wa kundi ili kumzoeza mbwa kuwa mnyama mwenye upendo na mwandamani mtiifu. Mnyama huyo anaweza kuishi katika nyumba ya watu wengi, kwa kuwa yeye ni mgonjwa sana. Mbwa huyo huhitaji mazoezi ya wastani lakini angependa kuwa na uwanja wa wastani ambapo angeweza kucheza na kucheza. Kwa kuwa mbegu hiyo ina manyoya mafupi, haihitaji kudumishwa sana. Utaratibu wa kutayarisha kwa ukaribu hauhitajiwi kwa kuwa kuosha ngozi ya mbwa mara kwa mara kutatosha kudumisha hali nzuri ya manyoya yake. Mbwa huyo ni mtoaji wa kawaida. Kusafisha kwa mswaki kutapunguza umajimaji ndani ya nyumba. "Wakati mtu anasikia neno ""bulldog,"" yeye hufikiria mbwa mwenye miguu mirefu na ndefu, mwenye uso wenye uchungu kwa sababu ya ngozi yake iliyochongoka sana kwenye paji la uso na pua yake fupi yenye midomo iliyoinuka." Aina hii ya bulldog kwa kawaida huitwa English Bulldog. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog ni mbwa wa asili wa Uingereza, lakini haishiriki mwili wake wa zamani na mwonekano mfupi wa miguu. Kwa kweli, ABBB ina miguu mirefu na mwili mwembamba. Mbwa wa ABBB ni mfano wa Bulldog wa zamani wa Kiingereza. Sheria ya Cruelty to Animals Act ya 1835 ilifunga sheria ya kulazimisha mbwa wa bulldog kuuawa kwa sababu ya kuua ng'ombe na dubu. Wafugaji wameanza kuvuka Bulldog ya Kiingereza na jamii nyingine na hivyo kupata sura ya bulldog ya leo. Hata hivyo, mbwa-mwitu walioletwa Marekani miongo kadhaa mapema hawakuunganishwa na mbwa-mwitu wengine, kwa hiyo sura yao haijabadilika. Mbwa wa Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog ni aina ya mbwa wa kawaida sana ambaye asili yake bado ni suala la ubishi. Wanyama wa ABBB walipata hadithi tofauti kuhusu jinsi jamii hiyo ilivyotengenezwa. Nadharia inayopatana zaidi kuhusu chanzo cha jamii hiyo ni ile inayohusu programu ya uzazi ya familia ya Lane. Nadharia hii pia ndiyo iliyoandikwa zaidi. Mbwa huyo alitokana na mbwa wa mashamba aliyeitwa Otto. Mbwa huyo anasifiwa kwa ujasiri wake usio wa kawaida. Mwanzoni mbwa huyo alitumiwa kulinda na kukimbia baada ya watumwa waliotoroka. Mbwa huyo alitumiwa pia kama mbwa wa kuwinda nguruwe na ng'ombe. Otto pia alinyanyaswa. Programu ya uzalishaji ilianzishwa mnamo 1800 na lengo la kuokoa mbwa hawa wa zamani wa shamba ambao walikuwa karibu kutoweka. Programu hiyo ya kuzaliana ilianzishwa na familia ya Lane katika shamba katika eneo la Mto Alapaha kusini mwa Georgia. Inasemekana kwamba jamii hiyo ilianzishwa na familia moja ya Wamarekani. Programu ya kuzaliana ambayo ilichukua vizazi vitatu ilianzishwa na PaPa Buck Lane wa Rebecca, Georgia. ABBB ni wazao wa mbwa wa Buck Lane Otto. Mbwa wengine wote waliotokana na mbwa huyo wa shamba waliitwa Otto. Baba Buck aliuawa mwaka 1943 na gari-moshi. Mbwa huyo mshikamanifu na mwenye kujitoa sikuzote ametembelea na kulinda kaburi la bwana wake. Programu ya uzazi iliendelea na Lana Lou Lane, mjukuu wa Bucks. Kwa miaka 20 iliyopita, Lana amekuwa akifanya kazi kwa bidii ili kuhakikisha kwamba jamii yake inaendelea kuwa na maisha mazuri. Mwaka 1986 aliwasiliana na shirika la Animal Research Foundation na kumwuliza Tom D. Stodgill, mwanzilishi wa shirika hilo, jinsi ya kuhakikisha kwamba mbwa hao wanaendelea kuishi. Lana Lou Lane alikuwa mfugaji wa kwanza wa Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog. Baada ya kifo cha Lina mwaka 2001, mpango huo uliendelea na mama yake mzee.