What Are Blue Bloodline Bulldogs?

History

• Prior to the establishment of the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Association, much of the origin and history of the breed is undocumented. It is believed the origin of the blue bloodline bulldog can be traced back to the now extinct mountain, old southern white and old country bulldog. First introduced to the states in the 18th century, these breeds were raised for utility and stamina. Because original bulldogs were more acclimated to cooler climates found in England, rural Southerners began crossing English bulldogs with greyhounds, great danes and Catahoula red wolf hybrids, producing breeds with a higher heat tolerance.

Origins

• The earliest documented bloodlines of the blue bloodline bulldog were the Otto, silver dollar, cowdog, and Catahoula bulldog. The Otto was used primarily as a varmint eradicator, and was not shy or noise-sensitive. The most aggressive of the bloodlines, the silver dollar was a mix between Catahoula, American pit bull terrier and mountain bulldog. The cowdog line originated from a cross between an English bulldog and Catahoula cur, and was bred to herd cattle. The Catahoula bulldog was the result of a cross between the old southern white bulldog and the Catahoula leopard dog, and was a large athletic breed known both for its companionship and protection.

Traits

• Originally bred to catch wild cattle, the blue bloodline bulldog is an all-around utility dog that works well on farms and ranches guarding livestock and humans, and eradicating varmint. The blue bloodline bulldog is possessive, attentive and highly trainable. Self-assured and alert, the breed exhibits assertiveness toward other dogs and strangers. They require open space and consistent human interaction, and are not suited to kenneling. The blue bloodline bulldog requires minimal grooming -- bathing, brushing and nail trimming -- and are highly resistant to illness, injury and disease.

Breed Standards

• Males are generally 20 to 24 inches at the withers and weigh between 70 and 90 lb. Females are generally smaller, weighing between 55 and 75 lb. and measuring between 18 to 22 inches at the withers. Blue bloodline bulldogs have a box-shaped head with a pronounced furrow between the eyes. The skull is broad and flat. There is no standard for eye color, however the haw should not be visible and black eye rims are preferred on white dogs. The muzzle length is between 2 to 4 inches, and is broad, square and has a strong under jaw. Blue bloodline bulldogs should have between 36 and 42 teeth, with at least a 1/8 underbite. The ears are small, V-shaped and should be on eye level with the dog when alert. They are not cropped. The overall body structure of the blue bloodline bulldog is square and robust. The tail is not cropped and should be moderately thick and long enough to reach the hocks. Coloring varies, but the preferred pattern is at least 50 percent white. Colored patches can consist of black, red, solid blue, chocolate, fawn, seal, merle or brindle. The coat of a blue bloodline bulldog should be short, stiff and glossy.