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PUPPY BUYER'S GUIDE
*Research Breeders, Bloodlines and Breed Associated Health Issues, etc., - Speak to and meet with breeders, read their reviews and do your research. Gain as much head knowledge on the different bloodlines; compare the various breeders, and how they conduct their breeding programs. Ask what they offer potential buyers/owners. Also, what breeds that they may have introduced into their breeding stock/outcrossed with for genetic diversity. Meet prospective parents of the intended litter observing their temperaments (which is inherited), and any breed associated health issues, etc. Be sure to ask exercise, and care, and how they may fit in with your family, and lifestyle. Consider your commitment; are you willing to invest your time, effort, training, and finances needed for adding a new puppy to your family for 12+ years?
*Explain your expectations to the breeder - Do you want a pet/companion or is your interest in show, service work, sport, etc.?
*Red Flags With Breeders: Bully Build - Breed standards are set for a reason, it is unethical to produce outside of these. The Alapaha is a very athletic breed, well-muscled with definition, and great stamina. Having a broad muzzle not snubbed or long and narrow (see Breed Standards). They can tolerate heat and be used for utility work with livestock, running after loose/unruly cattle, herding, and holding them, and catching wild hogs. Snubbed or flat faced aka brachycephalic breeds cannot tolerate extended periods of running due to their snubbed nose, which hinders breathing and causes overheating. Having short legs and an extreme or bulging muscular build interferes with both the ability to run long stretches, and the agility required for quick maneuvers to chase, catch, herd and hold.
*Double Merle Breeding:
The breeding of two dogs both having merle coats is defined as: Double-Merling or Merle-to-Merle. The resulting offspring are known as being: Double-Merle, Double-Merled or Double-Dappled.
We do not condone this type of breeding and consider it as Irresponsible, Unethical and "Quick Sells" methodology. Breeding just for color with no regard for the betterment of the breed.
This type of pairing assures a merle coat pattern in most or all of the litter. Each puppy has a 25 % chance of inheriting the double-merle gene. Genetically, here are just some of the side effects that may be inherited by the offspring: Disfigurement such as blindness, various ocular abnormalities, having one eye or no eyes whatsoever, and different levels of congenital deafness or a combination of these malformations.
***Any other breed of dog introduced into the Alapaha's bloodline outside of what Lana Lou Lane used in the establishing of her Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs changes a dog forever. It is no longer an Alapaha but is considered a hybrid***
*Breed Exercise Requirements -
The ABBBs were originally used on plantations overseeing large estates. Historically, families relied on them not only for guardians but also as herding, and holding of unruly or stray cattle. While some were also taught to catch, and hold feral hogs until their master arrived, but not kill it. Your Alapaha can be happy in various settings, even if you live in the suburbs. These dogs are energetic and athletic. Even though, they could make good apartment dogs. They do require daily physical exercise. They have great stamina. They do fine with at least an averaged size fenced yard and allowed free play off leash when it is secure. No matter the size of your home, as long as your Alapaha is sharing your space, having free play and getting its needs met, this will help alleviate behavioral problems.
*Feed - Feed your Alapaha quality nutritious food twice a day. Quality food is particularly important. We have heard that this breed can be sensitive to chicken or other common ingredients in low quality food. This means you may have to invest more in a premium brand.
*Water - Alapahas like to drink lots of water, so always have fresh water readily available. It may be necessary to restrict water intake during puppy hood at evening hours for potty training.
*Puppy Mills -This is a commercial dog breeding facility. They breed dogs for profit. Pet Stores.
Puppy mills are places where purebred or “designer” dogs are bred solely for the money they can bring in, with no regard for the dogs’ welfare. The puppies are housed in overcrowded, unsanitary, horrific conditions in their cages. Many dogs/puppies sharing the same cramped cages without adequate food/water, and often not being allowed to see the outside or touch foot outside of their cage. Puppies are taken away from their mothers too early, and are not socialized with either dogs or humans. They receive minimal, if any, veterinary care, and inbreeding is common. Disease, genetic disorders, and heartworm are the norm. The breeding females produce one litter after another in cramped cages with no concern for their health.
*Backyard Breeders - Is often used to describe dog breeders with little experience or knowledge. Typically, they breed dogs without taking the time to make good genetic matches, or to have dogs registered with the appropriate kennel club/breed club. Though the backyard breeder is not considered to be as unethical as those who run puppy mills, they are opposite of a responsible dog breeder.
*Reputable Breeders - These types of breeders are incredibly dedicated and committed to the breed, to the dogs they produce, and to the owners of their puppies. They use the breed's written standard as a blueprint for what they produce. They are knowledgeable and willing to share that information with you. They carefully interview prospective buyers and a contract is provided for each puppy along with spay/neuter requirements and limited registration for pet homes. These dogs may cost more but because the breeder has invested so much into the quality of the breeding dogs and the quality and longevity in the bloodlines, is so dedicated to raising them well into the first critical 8 plus weeks, and they follow up with you for life, then it is very likely to have a healthy happy experience.
*Breeding - A reputable breeder is concerned with the betterment of the breed. They breed according to the standard, and for health, and temperament.
*Puppies Always Available - (quantity over quality). Make sure that you are not purchasing from a puppy mill or a broker (reselling puppies for profit).
*Multiple Breeds and/or Large Amounts of Dogs - Each breed requires so much knowledge, and commitment from a reputable breeder, it would lessen the quality and be very difficult to manage many breeds. Some breeders specialize in just one, but it is reasonable for a breeder to do well in a couple of breeds. Handlers may have multiple breeds on site that they show for clients. Breeding a variety of dogs is generally a red flag and could mean the breeder is acting as a "broker."
*Guarantees - No dog can be "guaranteed" of anything. A lot of breeders provide a "guarantee." Just because you have a guarantee does not mean that your dog will always be free of an issue, which is an untruth if that is stated in the contract. What the guarantee actually provides is peace of mind, and a commitment from the breeder that IF the dog develops one of the covered issues, the breeder should compensate or assist you as agreed upon.
*Lack of Screening - Be wary of breeders who disregard your questions, and have minimal to zero knowledge in the breed they are producing. Also, be on the lookout for breeders who do not have any questions for the potential buyer regarding what they can provide the new puppy.
*Breeders With Limited Pedigree Knowledge - This could reveal a lot about a breeder. Some questions to ask are: which breeds they have in their breeding stock; the bloodlines their dogs have; some details about their lineage; research where the dogs originated, and what they were originally used for; request and get a copy for proof of the pedigree. The pedigree should be something the breeder would willingly want to provide! No bloodline is perfect. Do not trust a breeder who claims to have no problems whatsoever in the history of the ancestors.
*Have your finances in order not only for the dog but for all the supplies and vaccinations, etc., care you will need before you first get your new puppy.
*We have put much passion, and commitment into our website so that it can help answer prospective buyers/owners questions. We encourage those to take the time to read over our site. First and foremost, we welcome any of your questions!*
*Explain your expectations to the breeder - Do you want a pet/companion or is your interest in show, service work, sport, etc.?
*Red Flags With Breeders: Bully Build - Breed standards are set for a reason, it is unethical to produce outside of these. The Alapaha is a very athletic breed, well-muscled with definition, and great stamina. Having a broad muzzle not snubbed or long and narrow (see Breed Standards). They can tolerate heat and be used for utility work with livestock, running after loose/unruly cattle, herding, and holding them, and catching wild hogs. Snubbed or flat faced aka brachycephalic breeds cannot tolerate extended periods of running due to their snubbed nose, which hinders breathing and causes overheating. Having short legs and an extreme or bulging muscular build interferes with both the ability to run long stretches, and the agility required for quick maneuvers to chase, catch, herd and hold.
*Double Merle Breeding:
The breeding of two dogs both having merle coats is defined as: Double-Merling or Merle-to-Merle. The resulting offspring are known as being: Double-Merle, Double-Merled or Double-Dappled.
We do not condone this type of breeding and consider it as Irresponsible, Unethical and "Quick Sells" methodology. Breeding just for color with no regard for the betterment of the breed.
This type of pairing assures a merle coat pattern in most or all of the litter. Each puppy has a 25 % chance of inheriting the double-merle gene. Genetically, here are just some of the side effects that may be inherited by the offspring: Disfigurement such as blindness, various ocular abnormalities, having one eye or no eyes whatsoever, and different levels of congenital deafness or a combination of these malformations.
***Any other breed of dog introduced into the Alapaha's bloodline outside of what Lana Lou Lane used in the establishing of her Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs changes a dog forever. It is no longer an Alapaha but is considered a hybrid***
*Breed Exercise Requirements -
The ABBBs were originally used on plantations overseeing large estates. Historically, families relied on them not only for guardians but also as herding, and holding of unruly or stray cattle. While some were also taught to catch, and hold feral hogs until their master arrived, but not kill it. Your Alapaha can be happy in various settings, even if you live in the suburbs. These dogs are energetic and athletic. Even though, they could make good apartment dogs. They do require daily physical exercise. They have great stamina. They do fine with at least an averaged size fenced yard and allowed free play off leash when it is secure. No matter the size of your home, as long as your Alapaha is sharing your space, having free play and getting its needs met, this will help alleviate behavioral problems.
*Feed - Feed your Alapaha quality nutritious food twice a day. Quality food is particularly important. We have heard that this breed can be sensitive to chicken or other common ingredients in low quality food. This means you may have to invest more in a premium brand.
*Water - Alapahas like to drink lots of water, so always have fresh water readily available. It may be necessary to restrict water intake during puppy hood at evening hours for potty training.
*Puppy Mills -This is a commercial dog breeding facility. They breed dogs for profit. Pet Stores.
Puppy mills are places where purebred or “designer” dogs are bred solely for the money they can bring in, with no regard for the dogs’ welfare. The puppies are housed in overcrowded, unsanitary, horrific conditions in their cages. Many dogs/puppies sharing the same cramped cages without adequate food/water, and often not being allowed to see the outside or touch foot outside of their cage. Puppies are taken away from their mothers too early, and are not socialized with either dogs or humans. They receive minimal, if any, veterinary care, and inbreeding is common. Disease, genetic disorders, and heartworm are the norm. The breeding females produce one litter after another in cramped cages with no concern for their health.
*Backyard Breeders - Is often used to describe dog breeders with little experience or knowledge. Typically, they breed dogs without taking the time to make good genetic matches, or to have dogs registered with the appropriate kennel club/breed club. Though the backyard breeder is not considered to be as unethical as those who run puppy mills, they are opposite of a responsible dog breeder.
*Reputable Breeders - These types of breeders are incredibly dedicated and committed to the breed, to the dogs they produce, and to the owners of their puppies. They use the breed's written standard as a blueprint for what they produce. They are knowledgeable and willing to share that information with you. They carefully interview prospective buyers and a contract is provided for each puppy along with spay/neuter requirements and limited registration for pet homes. These dogs may cost more but because the breeder has invested so much into the quality of the breeding dogs and the quality and longevity in the bloodlines, is so dedicated to raising them well into the first critical 8 plus weeks, and they follow up with you for life, then it is very likely to have a healthy happy experience.
*Breeding - A reputable breeder is concerned with the betterment of the breed. They breed according to the standard, and for health, and temperament.
*Puppies Always Available - (quantity over quality). Make sure that you are not purchasing from a puppy mill or a broker (reselling puppies for profit).
*Multiple Breeds and/or Large Amounts of Dogs - Each breed requires so much knowledge, and commitment from a reputable breeder, it would lessen the quality and be very difficult to manage many breeds. Some breeders specialize in just one, but it is reasonable for a breeder to do well in a couple of breeds. Handlers may have multiple breeds on site that they show for clients. Breeding a variety of dogs is generally a red flag and could mean the breeder is acting as a "broker."
*Guarantees - No dog can be "guaranteed" of anything. A lot of breeders provide a "guarantee." Just because you have a guarantee does not mean that your dog will always be free of an issue, which is an untruth if that is stated in the contract. What the guarantee actually provides is peace of mind, and a commitment from the breeder that IF the dog develops one of the covered issues, the breeder should compensate or assist you as agreed upon.
*Lack of Screening - Be wary of breeders who disregard your questions, and have minimal to zero knowledge in the breed they are producing. Also, be on the lookout for breeders who do not have any questions for the potential buyer regarding what they can provide the new puppy.
*Breeders With Limited Pedigree Knowledge - This could reveal a lot about a breeder. Some questions to ask are: which breeds they have in their breeding stock; the bloodlines their dogs have; some details about their lineage; research where the dogs originated, and what they were originally used for; request and get a copy for proof of the pedigree. The pedigree should be something the breeder would willingly want to provide! No bloodline is perfect. Do not trust a breeder who claims to have no problems whatsoever in the history of the ancestors.
*Have your finances in order not only for the dog but for all the supplies and vaccinations, etc., care you will need before you first get your new puppy.
*We have put much passion, and commitment into our website so that it can help answer prospective buyers/owners questions. We encourage those to take the time to read over our site. First and foremost, we welcome any of your questions!*