One of the rarest breeds of American dog is the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog , also known as Otto Dogs. There are less than 1000 of these types of bulldogs in the world. The breed gets it unusual name from the river in Rebecca, Georgia where it originated in an attempt to recreate the type of bulldogs that were plentiful on Southern plantations before the Civil War. The “Blue Blood” part of the name was because plantation dogs used to be owned by “blue bloods” (or rich people).
The breed is not recognized by most dog show registries because there just aren’t enough of them to warrant their attention. There is a registry called the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Association (ABBA) which closed its stud book in 1979. There are some other registries for mixed breed dogs that will allow an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, including the American Research Foundation. However, ABBA contends that only dogs registered with them can be proven to be a purebred Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog. It also maintains a list of banned breeders on its website.
Legendary History
Perhaps we will never know the true origins of this breed, but there is an interesting legend as to its origins, which is claimed to be true by some breeders and claimed as untrue by others. No matter the source, here is the legend of Otto:
In Georgia in the late 1800s lived a dog breeder known as PaPa Buck Lane. He started breeding from Old English bulldogs and other bully breed dogs and eventually came up with Otto, now considered the breed’s foundation sire. PaPa died on December 17, 1943 after being struck by a train.
Otto stood guard over the grave, chasing away anyone not from the Lane family until he, too, died. Papa Buck’s granddaughter continued to be the only main breeder with her Circle L Kennels until she passed away from old age in 2001.
General Appearance
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog has many bully physical features, such as a short, smooth yet fairly stiff coat; a long, slim, slightly curving tail; semi-floppy ears; wide chest; hips not as wide as the chest; short, muscular neck and floppy lips covering a powerful bite, often with an undershot jaw. Males can weigh up to 100 pounds, while females can get up to 80 pounds. They stand about two feet tall at the top of their shoulders.
Colors are usually mostly white or mostly black, but basically all colors in Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Bulldogs can be found in Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog. Colors such as blue merle and brown merle are uncommon but do appear. The eyes can be brown, blue or one brown and one blue.
Unlike some other breeds, the dewclaws are left alone. Keeping them does not seem to be any kind of handicap to this athletic and agile breed of dog.
Temperament
These incredibly intelligent animals are best with owners who are used to living with bully breed dogs. They are wary of strange people or strange dogs but make great watchdogs. They become incredibly loyal to their people. They do have a lot of energy and need to have regular exercise to keep from developing bad habits, like any other breed of intelligent and active dog.
Additional Refernces:
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Association. “FAQ.” http://www.alapahabluebloodbulldogs.org/faq.php
YouTube. “Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Bruno – 2010.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqKbSmg5ikI
