Altamaha Plantation Dog

Breed Description

The Altamaha Plantation Dog is a breed of working dog developed for catching livestock and for protecting family and property. Though larger in size than the American Bulldog, they are a close relative and have most of the traits, with addition of large feet and occasional blue or marbled eyes.
Appearance

The Antebellum Bulldog/Altamaha Plantation Dog is a long bodied stocky, gritty yet tolerant, breed. Its coat is short and soft underneath. Antebellums are a combination of the two types of American Bulldog, as well as the introduction of Dogo Argentino, Canary Island Presa, Alapaha Blue Blood, Catahoula Bulldog, and American Stafford shire genes. In general, Antebellums weigh between (80 to 150 lb) and are (25 to 30 inches) at the withers. These dogs have a longer muzzle than most bulldog breeds with perfectly matched long K-9's. Their heads are massive by comparison though it is heavier and a little bulkier than average bulldogs they are distinctly bulldog. The Antebellum is a muscular and an astoundingly devotional dog that can be all white or white with patches. Its size is both impressive and intimidating. Ear Cropping, Tail Docking and Dewclaw Removal
Altamaha Plantation Kennel does not recognize ear cropping, tail docking, and dewclaw removal, as described in certain breed standards.For the Antebellum they are not acceptable practices or integral to defining and preserving the breed character.

Confusion with other Breeds

Antebellums, though are a new but rare breed, resemble Classic (Johnson, Bully) and Standard (Scott, Performance) American bulldogs which are often mistaken for their second cousins the American Pit Bull Terrier. Because of its extra large appearance, dog friendly demeanor, obedience and notable intelligence, the Antebellum is distinctly different. The Altamaha Plantation Dog is massive in comparison to the Standard American Bulldog or Ol' English Bulldog as it still resembles the Old English Bulldog in size and was never been down bred to be a lap dog. The outstanding characteristics of the American Bulldog best describe the Altamaha Plantation Bully with the addition of quick intelligence and dog friendly demeanor due to tightly controlled breeding considerations and gene control.

Temperament

Antebellum Bulldog/Altamaha Plantation Dog can make great family dogs despite their large size and intimidating looks. An Altamaha Plantation Dog is typically a laid back and friendly bulldog. They are an assertive bulldog that is at ease with family and fine with strangers who are welcomed by family or as they get to know the stranger in question (just ask our UPS, Power Meter reader, and Postal worker.)

All of the dogs that we have used in the breeding program are involved with families and are quite fond of children. Our dogs have been trained to sit when small children come around. (With all dogs, they should be supervised with strangers and young children.) Antebellum Bulldogs bond strongly with their master and family and have strong guarding instincts, which if not kept in check could develop into dominant attitude, they need a firm but fair hand; they should be socialized and obedience trained early to expose them to other dogs and people and to ensure that they can be controlled around company as they get older and larger. It has been my experience that these dogs bond deeply with one family member or another. I call it “heart locked” and you can tell when it happens.

They need room to expend their energy and so do best in a home with a backyard. They are not always well behaved towards cats and smaller pets, but correct socialization at an early age can greatly increase the chances of them accepting these animals. They can be stubborn; though once they are trained they tend to obey their masters faithfully and fully.

Antebellum Standard View

A. Height at the withers = circumference of the head

B. Circumference of the chest taken at the level of elbows = height at the withers + 10 to 12 inchs

C. Length of the body (scapulo-ischial)

D. Length of the head from occiput to nose leather = 3 x F

E. Skull from occiput to stop = 2 x F

F. Length of muzzle (maximum D/2.5, minimum D/3.5)

G. Width of the skull seen from the front = greater base of a trapezium

H. Width at the end of the muzzle = smaller base of the trapezium

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