German Shorthaired Pointer vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison

Being a member of the Sporting Group, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a dog which was developed in the 19th century in Germany, and specifically for hunting. Hunters wanted a dog who could hunt all types of game and in all types of terrain.

There are quite a few different theories that exist regarding the origin of the German Shorthaired Pointer, but most experts believe that the breed came from a mix of old Spanish pointer and traditional continental pointers with further crossings of German Bloodhound and French Gascon to enhance scenting abilities.

The dogs popularity flourished in Europe and in 1891 the Klub Kurzhaar was founded to maintain the guidelines for this new and beautiful sporting dog.

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.

Athletic, muscular and sleek, the medium to large sized German Shorthaired Pointer is at home on land and water. He stands between 53 to 63cm in height and weighs roughly between 20 – 32kg.

The eyes are brown, the ears are fairly long, they are floppy and set high on the head. The tail is always docked to a particular length and is held straight out from the body so that it actually forms a line with the entire body and the head.

The dog has a short coat which is essentially a combination of liver and white speckles or dappling.

Temperament:

A whole lot of factors come into play when looking at the temperament of a dog. The kind of owners the dog has can have a huge affect on the way he turns out. Nonetheless every dog, including the German Shorthaired Pointer will require training and socialization to become obedient and relaxed around strangers and other pets.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is an intelligent, confident, bold, affectionate dog that wants to please his owners and he is easy to train. He is good with children too, just loving all interaction with his human family.

He is an energetic dog and will require plenty of exercising to avoid him becoming bored, frustrated and destructive.

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.

As an intelligent hunting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer is also a loving family companion and he just loves spending time outdoors with his human family.

He is pretty much an all-rounder – playful, energetic, a good watchdog and a loving and devoted family friend.

For an active, outdoor kind of family, include the German Shorthaired Pointer in all your activities and you’re going to ensure that you have a most wonderful 4-legged friend.

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.

Most German Shorthaired Pointers are healthy dogs, but even so, just like with any other dog breed, they can be subject to some hereditary disorders as well as some of the other common dog illnesses there are -

Chocolate poisoning:

Dogs are such devoted family members that you just want to give in to them and pop the chocolate treats you love into their mouths. But dog’s can’t eat chocolate! Just one piece can affect a small dog. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include diarrhea,vomiting, panting and shaking and even worse, a heart attack. If your dog has got hold of some chocolate, get him to the vet immediately.

Parvo:

Your German Shorthaired Pointer, as a puppy, should have his puppy vaccines. If your dog has this terrible disease, he will be lethargic, have diarrhea and almost seem out of it. Survival isn’t always guaranteed and the best way to avoid this killer disease, is to ensure your puppies vaccinations are up to date.

Bloat:

Check your pet for Bloat or an enlarged stomach which can twist because of trapped gas. This can be deadly for your pet. Get him immediately to the vet. He’ll be restless, lethargic and trying to vomit.

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.

Grooming:

The German Shorthaired Pointer isn’t a heavy shedder. He has a short coat which requires brushing at least twice a week to remove loose hairs and keep it shiny and sleek.

Also check in- and outside the ears, clip his nails and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week.

Diet:

Only the highest grade kibble will do. Mix in some of your own home-made cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken from time to time and also ensure your pet gets in some raw meat as well. Cool, fresh water should be constantly available.

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.