Dogo Guatemalteco vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison

Known as the Guatemalteco Bull Terrier or Guatemalan Molosser, the Dogo Guatemalteco is also known as the Bull Terrier Guatemalteco, Guatemalan Bull Terrier, and Guatemalan Molosser.

This big Molosser-type dog originates in Guatemala. In the 20th century, it was known as the Bullterrier Guatemalteco, but at the end of the century, it was changed to Dogo Guatemalteco.

Today, while the dog is kept as a companion dog, most are working guard dogs. The Dogo Guatemalteco isn’t recognized by any major international kennel clubs. However, the Kennel Club of Guatemala has given full recognition to this dog and it was in 1981 that the Guatemalan government named the dog as their national dog breed.

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 Guatemalteco is a medium to large dog standing at 54 – 60cm and weighing between 40-45kg. He has a short, smooth coat and is essentially white with some black markings on the head.

This breed was created from a crossing between a bull terrier, boxer and dalmatian. Some of the dogs are thickly built, while others are more leaner and athletic looking.

The ears of the dog vary quite a bit because while sometimes the ears fold down closely to the head, others are semi-pricked. There are some dog owners who have their dogs ears cropped into fully erect triangular shapes. The eye are small and usually dark brown.

Temperament:

The Dogo Guatemalteco is a fearless, evenly tempered dog. He was bred as a guard dog and he wants to protect his human family, forming a deep bond with them. It makes them difficult to re-home because of this.

It is imperative to have this dog trained and socialized because it might believe its the leader of the pack in your home. He is quite capable of getting along well with children and pets in the home. Because of his dominant nature, he isn’t suited as a pet for the first-time dog owner. He also doesn’t warm easily to strangers.

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.

Your Dogo Guatemalteco is an intelligent dog breed, and because he is strong-willed and stubborn he might give you a hard time during training. It is possible though and it is important as the training will turn him into an obedient, relaxed dog, able to get on with all his family members, including pets.

He is an energetic dog and will require walks and other forms of exercise each day.

This is certainly not the kind of dog that you buy to protect your property and provide little else for him except food and water. Frustration on the dog’s part can lead to destructive behavior and aggression.

Treat him well and he can make an excellent family companion.

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.

This dog can be susceptible to skin allergies. The skin is sensitive and prone to rashes.

Another health concern with this dog because of his white coat, is congenital deafness. The deafness could be in one- or both ears.

The dog could also experience lameness, of which the most common problem is hip dysplasia. Because skeletal problems occur in this breed, it is advisable for owners to have their pet tested by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

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 coat of the dog is short and harsh and it sheds throughout the year. While he is still looked upon as a low maintenance dog, regular brushing will be required twice a week.

Because he is a dog breed that is susceptible to skin allergies, bathing isn't necessary as it removes the dog’s natural oils.

Other areas of grooming for this dog are brushing his teeth twice a week, trimming his nails and checking his ears.

Diet:

Always choose a high quality dog food for your Dogo Guatemalteco and look at the feeding recommendations on the packaging.

When you feed your pet kibble, you can also mix in some cooked brown rice, vegetable and chicken for variety and contentment.

Raw meat is also advised from time to time. Don’t just go on and on through the years feeding your dog the same amount of food, as there are factors to take into account when deciding on food quantity. The age of your dog, it’s stage of life and its activity levels will mean regulating your pet’s food to match his needs.

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.