Shiloh Shepherd vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison

Alapaha has a very interesting history. Their origin dates from one family that lived near Alapaha river in Georgia, in the USA 200 years ago. The family rescued dying breed of Plantation Bulldog. They actually had this breed for 80 years and every dog was named Otto. This breed was not just saved, but the family created a perfect guard dog. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog started to expand and by 1980s they spread through the country.

The Shiloh Shepherd is currently a hybrid that breeders are attempting to develop into a new breed. New York breeder, Tina Barber, out of Shiloh Shepherds kennel developed dogs when in 1974, she attempted to develop a German Shepherd line. She wanted a GSD that was more like the ones she remembered from her childhood.

Tina took her foundation stock out of the AKC and got the FIC (Federation of International Canines) to recognize the Shiloh Shepherd as a separate breed. The FIC is not the same as the FCI or Federation Cynoloquque Internationale. In 1991 the Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club of America was formed, and the shepherd was recognized by the American Rare Breed Association.

Official recordkeeping on the breed began in 1993. The computer system TCCP maintains breed records and the Shiloh Shepherd has at least 9 generations in the system. Tina Barber was president of the Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club of America and oversaw the international club as well. She was responsible for the breed. After her death in 2011, her daughter took her place in working with the breed.

The Shiloh and the German Shepherd were then crossed to develop the King Shepherd.

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog height is approximately 61 cm, while their weight variates from 34-47kg. Have in mind that females are slightly smaller than males.

A lifespan of Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is approximately 11-13 years, but it depends from dog to dog, and with proper care, they can live much longer.

Litter Size of this breed depends but average is 4-8 puppies.

Other Names for Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are Alapaha, Otto, Otto Bulldog.

Shiloh Shepherds are giant dogs, much larger than the usual German Shepherd Dog. The Shiloh had been bred to be a companion animal and not a guardian or herder. The Shiloh looks more like a wolf than either the German or the King Shepherd Dog. Their back is straighter than the GSD and they are larger, more stable and more intelligent. They were bred to show a complimentary balance between strength and elegance.

They have slightly domed, broad heads with a muzzle that gradually tapers, strong cheekbones and black lips. Their ears are triangles, well cupped and firm. The Shiloh Shepherds eyes are either brown or very dark. They have a straight back which is muscular and broad. Their chests deep and their tails plush, long and curved.

They have a very “heavy” appearance compared with other shepherds. They are well muscled in both the lower and upper thighs. Their coat is plush, and they have a dense undercoat. Their hair is harsh to the touch. There is both a smooth coat and a plush coat with the plush coat being more prevalent.

Alapaha breed is not just beautiful and unique breed, but they are also great family dogs. They are very loyal, but also very protective and sometimes possessive. Alapaha will require a lot of attention. It is very important to train your dog properly from the early age. A steady and firm hand is important so if you are first time owner, consider having this breed twice. You should not punish your dog, or implement any types of old-fashioned way of training. They do not respond well to that. Overall, they are very smart and quick learners. Alapaha needs to be socialized with other animals from the early age. They can be aggressive towards dogs that they don’t know. At first, you can train them around the house with family and friends, and after the puppy receives all the vaccines, you can start with socialization with other dogs. If you are first time owner and you want this beautiful breed, you should advise with more experienced breed owner. They simply have more experience than you and they know and understand the puppies, so you will receive more accurate advice. Have in mind that every dog has its own personality. Overall, if you train your dog properly you will have a happy and healthy dog that will be amazing with other animals and especially family members.

1.Children friendliness – yes, they are good with children. They are large however and have to be monitored with small children

2.Special talents - Speed and balance.

3.Adaptability good – they are large dogs and need space.

4.Learning ability good – intelligent and loves learning.

Almost every breed has health issues. That doesn’t mean that your dog will have the same health problems that are typical of the breed. If you choose puppy carefully, from the right breed owners, and if you take them to the regular vet checks with proper diet, most likely that you won’t be having any problems. Alapaha’s usual health problems are hip dysplasia, congenital deafness, entropion- this is an eye related problem, and sometimes they can have skin problems too. Again have in mind that this breed is very healthy and they do not have as many problems as regular bulldogs. The best way to protect yourself from getting a sick dog, you can require tests from the breed owners. If they are reluctant to do that, or they are assuring you that they have healthy dogs, have in mind that something is probably wrong. It is the best to choose a puppy with someone who has more experience with this breed.

The Shiloh Shepherd has some health issues to deal with. These include: They seem to have very sensitive stomachs and intestinal issues.

• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency – supplement with digestive enzymes.

• Bloat – gastric dilatca ation volvulus – twisted stomach or intestines. Needs immediate veterinary care.

• Small intestine bacterial overgrowth – diarrhea, difficulty absorbing nutrients, abdominal pain.

• Hip dysplasia – causes arthritis or lameness.
• Tumors – intestinal.

Feeding the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog

Feeding of this breed variates on the size of the dog and activity. If your dog is big and very active, you will have to feed it more. Overall, 2-4 cups of high-quality dry food would be enough. It is the best if you divide that into 2 meals per day.

Feeding the puppy

If you have a puppy, it is the best to feed it 3-5 times per day in smaller portions. That is the best way to develop your dog into a healthy and happy adult. In the first year, you should feed your dog this way.

Grooming the breed

Grooming Alapaha dog is very easy actually. They have a short coat, so occasional grooming is all that this breed needs. Of course, you can bath your dog when gets dirty, but not too often. With occasional bath and semi-regular brushing, you will have a perfectly clean dog.

1.Feeding the puppy -Due to the breed’s sensitive stomach and intestinal issues, it is important to feed the puppy a high quality large or extra-large breed of dog food. Feed at least 3 meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult- You will still want to feed a high quality large or extra-large breed dog food two times a day. However, if you feed the pup well and keep the intestinal issues under control, the adult should have an easier time.

3.Points for Good Health - Good eyesight and hearing.

4. Games and Exercises Be careful of the puppies’ exercise levels. Their bones grow slower than most so avoid a lot of jumping or strenuous exercise until they are adults. This means that even though they will be very good at agility or flyball and they will love playing them, do not start them when they are puppies. Wait until they are mature. The do well in herding trials, agility and search and rescue. Many make great therapy dogs.