The Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog’s origin is somewhat undocumented and unverifiable before 1979. Authorities differ so completely about the origin of the Alapaha that the name itself is in dispute. However, the Alapaha is one of the few breeds that are emblematic of this storied Nation and there is little doubt that a species resembling the Alapaha has existed for over two hundred years in the Southern enclaves.
The Alapaha is believed to have its origin in a recently extinct species known as the Mountain Bulldog, Old Southern White and Old Country (Big) Bulldog. These dogs were first brought to America in the early 18th century. It, unlike its “English” counterpart, was continuously bred for utility and stamina, whether it be guard work, farm work, or as a family companion. Despite their proven worth in many areas and ability to reproduce type with reliability these strains of bulldogs survived mainly in small pockets of the south, never being accepted in to the show dog circles.
These Bulldogs were extensively used in the development of many breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier, Black Mouth Cur and Catahoula Leopard Dog. It would be ignorant of Alapaha breeders to think only the Catahoula and Pit Bull people used the cross breeds they developed in their breeding programs. Remember, being mostly a European dog the original bulldog was acclimated to a much cooler climate than the rural southern United States. Because of this inherent lack of tolerance to heat most stockmen and hunters found that the cur-type/bulldog crosses made for a better all around dog. These cur-type dogs are mostly believed to be results of crosses themselves between Spanish Mastiff-type War Dogs, Danish Hounds (the Great Dane) and the generic-type Indian curs (the Catahoula red-wolf) that roamed the American south. The southern United States was sparsely populated with these cur-type/bulldog crosses that were used by local farmers, ranchers and hunters. Wild cattle, feral hogs, bear and coons were among their quarry. In short, a varied ancestry befits this multi-faceted working dog.
This established strain of dog has resulted from the generations old breeding programs of several people namely Papa Buck Lane and William Chester of Georgia and Cecil Evans and Kenny Houston of Florida. The breed has been known by a series of names such as Otto, Cow Dog, Silver Dollar, and Catahoula Bulldog. This type of dog was in danger of extinction until a small group of Southerners in 1979 in an attempt to rescue the Old Tymey Plantation Bulldog of the South founded the Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog Association ® giving it the aforementioned name and dedicating them to preserving this exceptional type of dog. They set about to perpetuate the breed and to establish a standard in which to breed from.
Even though the Alapaha’s job is harsh and their lives are sometimes shortened by performing their duties, they remain extremely loving and loyal family pets. They really love children and are sensitive to their owner’s demands. They are affectionate and loyal, and they thrive best when treated as members of the family. The Alapaha is a very confident dog and has no fear of people. They are very easy to train. If socialized and raised properly they will be very protective of their home and master.