Is the Alapaha related to or similar to the Olde English or Victorian Bulldogge?

Answer: No, the Alapaha is primarily a working breed developed over generations of stock-dog to stock-dog breeding programs of a select few cattlemen & farmers from the southern enclaves of the Alapaha river region. The Olde English or Victorian Bulldogge are re-creation breeds developed for a myriad of reasons but mainly for their looks and docile temperament. Every Olde/Victorian breeder has a different recipe for his/her soup! Note: If we're not careful the Alapaha is on its way to such demise with the generic cross-bred Pseudo Alapahas the Create-A-Breed registries are recognizing.  Buyers Beware!

Where does the 'glass-eyes' or marbling and 'blue-merle' color come from in the Alapaha breed?

This is of great debate even amongst the founders of the breed. I would say based on all the conversations I've had with some of them that it comes from the herding breeds used in its foundation like the ancestors of the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Why does the conformation vary so between the different strains of the Alapaha, Lana Lane strain vs. CRK bred dogs?

In most true working breeds this is often the case, based on the varying jobs that they perform (i.e. guard, catch-dog & companionship). For each purpose, the conformation may vary based on the ideals of the breeder. Guard dog breeders tend to like larger dogs in the 90 lbs range. Catch-dog breeders tend to like dogs between 70 & 80 lbs. that are long legged with longer muzzles to breathe while coursing game. Companion breeders tend to like the overall aesthetics and conformation of 'good' looks rather than the function. But mostly they all have a very similar look to them. This has a lot to do with why they look so different compared to authentic ABBA registered dogs!

Do Alapaha's drool a lot?

No, the Alapaha is a 'dry' mouth dog. The only drooling you'll observe is when they've finished drinking water or they know they are about to get a meal. All dogs drool in that case.

What is the life expectancy of an Alapaha?

They should live around 12 to 13 years as long as they receive great care. If physically sound you should get at least 10 active years of a sound and great tempered dog.

When should my Alapaha puppy start to show real signs of a protection dog?

In most cases a well bred Alapaha pup from proven guardian instinctive parents (TEMPERAMENT TESTED) show signs of suspicion or aggression at about 5 - 8 months for a female and about 9 - 12 months for a male. This is a juvenile facade. It can only be enhanced through training! Truthfully, after they have been trained properly by a professional! THERE IS NO BREED THAT EXIST TODAY OR EVER THAT IS A NATURAL GUARDIAN!!! If so dog trainers would have been out of business a long time ago... Furthermore, dogs don't have the ability to reason, (I know, I know everybody had that once in a lifetime dog that did it all, but be for real did he/she stop any intruders or better yet what about his/her parents or siblings, that's my point, LUCK!) this is a proven fact.

Are the Alapahas 'free' whelpers and natural breeders?

Yes, with the Alapaha normal breeding and whelping is usually non-problematic. How good are Alapahas with children of all ages (infancy to adolescence) and also do you feel this is too much dog for a family with small children or elderly visitors? The Alapaha is an excellent family companion and is especially great around children that reside within its household. A well bred & trained Alapaha will be the most 'affectionate' Guard dog you'll ever own. Extra precaution must be taken through puppy & young adult obedience training to insure that the dog is properly socialized with strangers whether young or old. That goes with any breed dog.  A beagle can get scared and bite a stranger visiting the family.

Do Alapahas shed?

Yes, all mammals with hair/coat shed. The Alapaha has a short dense coat that's smooth to the touch. In cold climates they develop a winter undercoat which they shed in late spring as do other breeds, and you probably won't even notice it happening.

Does the Alapaha have an undershot bite and if so does this hamper its biting ability?

They do have an undershot bite and this is very much a part of its rich BULLDOG heritage. You'll never see a dog with a brachycephalic muzzle without it. The correct undershot of the Alapaha is explained in detail at www.alapahabluebloodbulldogs.org standards page. Many dog men have debated this until they've turned blue in the face. The original bull baiting bulldog was brachycephalic based on countless drawings & wood carvings and it had no problem holding on to a 1200 pound ornery bull. Of course the bite and length of the undershot needs to be correct for its functionality.

Does the Alapaha have inherent breathing problems like the 'English' Bulldog?

No, the Alapaha is a working dog without health problems such as breathing! Its ability to run in all types of weather, hot or cold is well documented.

Are Alapahas aggressive towards other dogs and do they get along with other animals?

No, the Alapahas is a territorial breed. This should not be confused with dog aggression. Dog aggression is the unabated aggression to another dog whether it is a threat or not. A well bred Alapaha is usually what you would consider dog dominant. If it perceives a dog to be confrontational it will defend its territory whether it's their master or the master's property. If properly socialized with other animals rather it be farm livestock or the household pet cat or bird the Alapaha can adjust to most environments. The key is early socialization and adequate training to go along with it.

With such a limited gene pool what are the health concerns for the breed?

The health concerns are like any other large breed; go with a breeder that screen for things such as hip dysplasia (OFA or PennHip), death ness (BEAR), blindness, skin disorders, entropion and such. Also get a WRITTEN guarantee/warranty, their word is just that, their word against yours!