Page 90 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia
P. 90

CATALOG OF BREEDS  |  WORKING DOGS



                                                                                                                              Wide-set,
           Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog                                                                               flat head  triangular,
                                                                                                                      Broad,
                                                                                                                              drop ears
                HEIGHT  18–24in (46–61cm)      White
                WEIGHT  55–90lb (25–41kg)
                LIFE SPAN  12–15 years.   Dogs may have patches of any color.


          Bulldog-type dogs were once commonly used as guards in the plantations
          of southern Georgia. By the early 19th century such dogs were almost
          extinct, but dedicated breeding over the next 200 years regenerated the
          type and produced the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog. This dog is still rare
          and not widely known outside the US. Muscular and intrepid, an
          Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog has strong protective instincts, but it is easy
          to train to be a well behaved and affectionate companion. Energetic
          outdoors, this dog is happiest when given plenty of exercise.
                                                                  White with
                                                                  blue merle                 Strong,
                                                                   markings                  muscular body
                                                       Blue eyes

                                                                                                    Broad chest








                                              Short muzzle with   Loose flews
            Catlike feet
                                              well-defined stop


           Boerboel                                                        Spanish Mastiff


                 HEIGHT  22–26in (55–66cm)      Variety of colors                HEIGHT  28–31in (72–80cm)      Any color
                 WEIGHT  165–198lb (75–90kg)                                     WEIGHT  115–221lb (52–100kg)
                 LIFE SPAN  12–15 years   May have darker face mask.             LIFE SPAN  10–11 years

          The Boerboel was developed from the large, mastiff-type dogs    Once used for guarding livestock and homes in Spain, the
          brought, from the 17th century onward, by settlers to the Cape   Spanish Mastiff still carries out its traditional duties. The breed
          area of South Africa. Affectionate with family and friends, the   is also popular in its native country as a companion dog. Kind
          Boerboel is a formidable guard dog of huge size and strength.    and loyal within the family, this breed can be aggressive with
          An experienced owner and early socialization are very important.  strangers and other dogs.
                                                                                                                              Almond-
                                                             Characteristic                    Fawn                           shaped eyes
                                    Strong,                  massive,
               Thick tail tapers   muscular neck             square head
               slightly to tip
                                                             Darker tip
                                                             to muzzle
                                                                                                                            Double dewlap

                                                                            Long,
                                                         Darker muzzle    bushy tail
                                                         and drop ears                                                          Drop ears
                                                                                                                    Coat has
         Powerful            Short,    Fawn                                                                         some
         hind legs           sleek                                                           Large,                 sabling
                             coat                                                            catlike feet







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