Both the Alapaha and the American bulldog were bred in the US. What are variances between Alapaha vs American Bulldog? The Alapaha is shorter than the American bulldog. The Alapaha also weighs less than the American bulldog. Both dogs are comparable in lifespan. When it comes to litter size, the Alapaha bulldog produces fewer puppies. The Alapaha only needs moderate maintenance, while the American bulldog is completely low maintenance.
Characteristics of the Alapaha Blue Bulldog
The Alapaha originated from the United States. It was predominantly bred to be a guard dog. Alapahas are a powerful dog with robust muscles, a large head and a short muzzle that can be considered brachycephalic. It is short-coated with white, black, blue, or brown patches. It has an undocked tail.
History
The Alapaha is not a common breed. It is said to descend from the old English bulldog brought to the Americas in the 18th century. During this period, they were used in blood sports of bullbaiting as well as bearbaiting. Later on, they were utilized in the deep South as cattle and pig herders. For several generations, the breed was bred solely by a few fanciers. Eventually, this group of people started a breed registry called Otto.
When it comes to their temperament, Alapaha is protective and possessive. But they also exhibit playful and devoted characteristics. With optimum training and socialization, they are safe around children and love their attention. But experts recommend that they are best suited for experienced dog owners who can train them from puppyhood.
American Bulldog
The renowned American bulldog is still with us today due to a man named John D Johnson from Georgia. He selected the best dogs in the South and bred them back into prominence. American Bulldogs are used for tracking, hunting, guarding, watching as well as weight pulling. Other aficionados helped John D Johnson and brought back the standard American bulldog.
Currently, this breed is popular as a family pet and a companion and working dog. When it comes to their physique, American Bulldogs are big and sturdy. They are loyal family dogs. According to experts, they are considered big lapdogs that love children. There are numerous stories on the internet of American Bulldogs who could protect their owners from fires and other accidents.
A Quick Comparison of the American Bulldog and the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Owner Experience
When it comes to new owners, the Alapaha is an ideal choice. The American bulldog is recommended for experienced owners and must be avoided by new owners.
Children
Both breeds are tame enough and can be handled by children.
Grooming
When it comes to their grooming needs, both breeds are low-maintenance since they are short-coated, but the American bulldog is easier to groom.
Barking
Both breeds are considered to be average barkers.
General appearance- the American bulldog compared to the Alapaha
Weight
The American bulldog: the male weighs 70 to 120 pounds or 32 to 54 kg, whereas the female weighs 60 to 100 pounds or 27 to 45 kg
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog: the male weighs 100 pounds or 47 kg, and a female can weigh up to 78 pounds or 34 kg.
Height
The American bulldog: the male is 20 to 28 inches in height or 55 to 70 cm, whereas the female is 20 to 26 inches or 52 to 65 cm.
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog: both male and female can reach 24 inches in height or 61 cm.
Care and Maintenance of the American Bulldog and the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
Coat
The American bulldog’s coat comes in shades of fawn, brown, white, and black, whereas the Alapaha will have coat colors of black, fawn, red, brindle, gray, and white.
Grooming
When it comes to grooming, both breeds are effortless to groom. They only require minimal maintenance.
Shedding level
American Bulldogs shed fur moderately while the Alapaha sheds minimally to none.
Characteristics of the American Bulldog and Alapaha Blue Bulldog Compared
Temperament
The following describes the American bulldog temperament:
- affectionate
- courageous
- gentle
- outgoing
- alert
- energetic
- loving
- social
The following describes the Alapaha blue bulldog temperament:
- dutiful
- protective
- trainable
- loving
- responsible
Intelligence Ranking
Both the American bulldog and Alapaha blue bulldog have average obedience intelligence.
Trainability
Both the Alapaha blue and American Bulldogs are easy to train.
Playfulness
The American bulldog is considered to be playful according to experts in and as owners of this breed. Similarly, the Alapaha blue bulldog enjoys playing as well.
Sensitivity Level
Compared to other dog breeds, the American bulldog and Alapaha are more sensitive.
Affection
American Bulldogs are gentle and loving towards their human owners. They are a loyal, soft, and affectionate dog. The same is true for the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog.
Socialization Needs
American Bulldogs are considered to be a friendly breed. The Alapaha blue bulldog shares this trait as well.
Barking
The American bulldog rarely barks when it comes to barking, whereas the Alapaha will occasionally bark.
Watchdog ability
American Bulldogs are one of the best watchdogs, and the Alapaha blue bulldog shares this trait as well.
Territorial
When it comes to being territorial, American Bulldogs are protective guard dogs. The same is true for the Alapaha.
Biting Potential
Both the American bulldog and Alapaha will only have a moderate chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
There is an average tendency for American Bulldogs to nip, play-bite, and herd people. The Alapaha shares the same traits.
Tendency to escape wander or roam
American Bulldogs tend to escape less compared to other breeds, whereas the Alapaha has an average potential to roam.
Prey Drive
When it comes to prey drive, American Bulldogs have an average tendency to chase and catch small animals such as cats and other small animals. The same is true for the Alapaha.
Apartment friendliness
When it comes to apartment lifestyle, American Bulldogs are not a suitable choice. However, they don’t mind being cooped up if they are walked several times a day outdoors. The same is true for Alapaha, and they are not recommended for an apartment lifestyle.
Adaptability
When it comes to lifestyle changes and adjusting to different living conditions, American Bulldogs adapt well. The same is true with Alapaha, and they can adapt to all living environments.
Isolation
When it comes to being left alone, American Bulldogs thrive best when at least one family member is at home during the day. You might also consider bringing this dog to your workplace so they will always have your company. The same is true with Alapaha. If you need to leave home for work, you must take your pet to the workplace if dog-friendly.
Fighting dog
The American bulldog has a history of being used as a combat dog, whereas the Alapaha was never really used as a combat dog.
Sociability – American Bulldog and Alapaha Blue Bulldog Compared
Stranger Friendly
Both the American bulldog and Alapaha are not friendly to strangers.
Child friendliness
Both breeds, the American bulldog and Alapaha, are friendly with children.
Cat Friendly
The American bulldog is not considered a cat-friendly dog, whereas the Alapaha has average friendliness towards cats.
Dog Friendly
The American bulldog has an average friendliness with other dogs. In contrast, the Alapaha is not dog friendly.
Office friendly
Both the American bulldog and Alapaha are not suitable for office environments.
Senior Citizen Friendly
Both the American bulldog and the Alapaha are recommended as companions for elderly people.
Pet Friendly
American Bulldogs typically do not get on well with other pets, while the Alapaha gets along better with other pets.
First-time dog owners
When it comes to first time owners, American Bulldogs are not recommended because of their stubborn personality. It is the same with the Alapaha; they have a stubborn streak as well.
Service dogs
Both breeds, the American bulldog and the Alapaha, are not ideal to be used as service dogs.
Therapy dog
Both breeds are not typically used in hospitals and care centers as therapy dogs.
Detection/ Sniffer dogs
Detection dogs and sniffer dogs are trained to utilize their sense of smell to detect illegal substances such as explosives, blood, contraband electronics, illegal drugs, and many others.
Both the American bulldog and the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog never really had a history of being detection or sniffer dogs.
Search and rescue dogs
Some breeds of dogs are used in search and rescue operations. It is a valuable trait in wilderness tracking and saving lives during natural disasters and mass casualty events and searching for missing people.
Both the American bulldog and the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog never really had a history of being utilized as search and rescue dogs.
Boat dogs
Both breeds, the American bulldog and the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, do not like being on a boat.
Cart pulling
A drafting dog is bred for cart pulling. The American bulldog can be used for cart pulling activities, whereas the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog cannot.
Health Factors – the American Bulldog and About Blue Bulldog Compared
Health Issues
both the American Bulldogs and the Alapaha have numerous health issues compared to other breeds.
Typical health issues to both breeds are the following:
- Allergies
- Cancer
- Cherry eye
- Elbow and hip dysplasia
- Blindness
- Skin irritation
Life expectancy
The American bulldog can live from 10 to 12 years, whereas the Alapaha can live up to 15 years.
Hypoallergenic
Both the American bulldog and the Alapaha are not hypoallergenic.
Energy level
American Bulldogs are known to have high energy levels compared to other dog breeds. In contrast, the Alapaha only has an average energy level. If you are someone with a semi-active life, this breed is an excellent choice for you.
Exercise needs
Both the American bulldog and the Alapaha have average exercise needs.
Sleeping needs
The American bulldog enjoys sleeping a lot, and they will like nothing but to snooze on your couch. In contrast, the Alapaha will sleep from 12 to 14 hours a day and are not considered a sedentary or lazy breed.
Food consumption
The American bulldog requires 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dog food each day, ideally divided into 2 meals. The Alapaha requires 3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food per day divided into 2 meals as well.
Potential for weight gain
The American bulldog has a low to average potential for weight gain, whereas the Alapaha has an average to high weight gain tendency.
Weather and climate
Both breeds, the American bulldog and Alapaha, prefers average, warm weather conditions.
Odor
Both the American bulldog and the Alapaha have an average tendency to smell bad.
Tendency to drool
The American bulldog drools excessively. If you are an owner of this breed, you might find yourself being slobbered all over and will have drool on your clothes. Because of this, you might want to consider a different dog breed. In contrast, the Alapaha has a low tendency to drool.
Reproduction
The American bulldog gestates from 60 to 64 days. The same is true with the Alapaha blue blood bulldog. Both breeds produce litter only once per year. It is not healthy to breed them frequently. American Bulldogs will have 7 to 14 puppies, whereas Alapaha will have 4 to 8 puppies.
Final Thoughts
The Alapaha is a rare breed. It is comparable to the American Bulldog. Both dogs differ slightly when it comes to their temperament and features. Both dogs have the same care and maintenance needs. If you have a moderate need for physical activity, both the American bulldog and Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog are excellent choices. But if you want a Bulldog that is closer to the original Bulldogs of the 18th century, the Alapaha was developed to resemble them.
