Blue Nose Pitbull: Everything You Need To Know

Blue Nose Pitbull: Everything You Need To Know

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Generally speaking, people either love or hate pit bulls.

They have a bad reputation in many circles because of the misuse of this strong breed in the past, but anyone who knows pit bulls well knows that they are actually loving and loyal dogs that make excellent family pets.

If you are interested in adopting a pit bull, you may have heard of the blue nose pitbull.

This is a unique color variation within the pit bull family that strikes a distinctive figure while on the streets.

Read on for everything you need to know about the blue nose pitbull.

Vital Statistics

• Rare color variation within the American pit bull terrier purebred family
• 18-21 inches tall
• 30-60 pounds
• 8-15 year lifespan
• Short, low-shedding coat
• Distinctive light gray “blue” color including their nose and eyes
• Loyal
• Intelligent
• Energetic and athletic
• Good with children
• Do best with experienced owners

What Is A Pit Bull?

Before looking specifically at the blue nose pitbull, it is worth understanding what dogs are classified as pit bulls, as this is not straightforward. This largely stems from a desire to avoid using the term “pit bull” when describing the breed, as it has a bad reputation and periodically there are calls for the breed to be banned.

There are three main forms of pit bull, all of which belong to the same family and have much the same characteristics.

There is the American pit bull terrier, which is recognized by the American Dog Breeder’s Association and the United Kennel Club, then there is the American Staffordshire terrier, recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Finally, there is the Staffordshire bull terrier, recognized by both the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club.

All of these dogs descend in one way or another from British bull and terrier dogs that were cross-bred in the 19th century for bull-baiting and fighting. They were imported to the United States in the 1870s.

Pit Bull Reputation

Pit bulls have a bad reputation for being aggressive dogs because of their history of being used in pit fighting.

They were initially used for this in the UK, and then were imported to the US to continue the blood sport. The sport was gradually outlawed, but pit bulls were still often dogs of choice for those looking to intimidate others and became a symbol of gang culture.

When American breeders tried to register their dogs with the American Kennel Club in the 1890s, they were rebuffed because of the association of the dogs with fighting.

This caused the breeders to create a rival club, the United Kennel Club, to register the dogs. The club also began to regulate dogfighting.

By the 1930s there was a lot of pressure to register the breed, which had developed unique characteristics in the United States. Not wishing to condone dogfighting, they registered it under the alternative name American Staffordshire terrier.

The dogs continued to be used in fights throughout the 20th century and into the early 21st century.

It is estimated that around 1,500 pit bulls died each year in the United States as a result of dogfighting in the 1990s, and in the early 2000s it is estimated that over 40,000 people were involved in the sport.

Are Pit Bulls Really Dangerous?

A CDC report from 2000 suggests that pit bulls were responsible for more human deaths than any other breed of dog in the 1980s, being responsible for about one-third of fatal dog bites.

The bites they deliver do seem to be more severe than those of other dog breeds.

This relates to the fact that pit bulls are tenacious, and refuse to release a bite even when they are in pain.

This is not due to a jaw locking mechanism, but rather a stubborn psychological profile. They have strong jaws thanks to their wide faces and well-developed jaw muscles.

Studies have also found that pit bulls are not naturally aggressive dogs and do not tend to have problems with strangers; however, since they are often chosen and trained to do violence, they are more likely to be in situations where they are encouraged or required to bite.

So what does that mean for the breed? The strength and tenacity of pit bulls mean that they can be used as dangerous weapons, but they are not innately aggressive dogs.

Read the top myths about pit bulls and why you shouldn’t believe them here.

What Are Blue Nose Pitbulls

Blue nose pitbulls are a unique color variation within the breed generally considered to belong to the American pit bull terrier family.

This is because there is more genetic variation within the American pit bull terrier family than the American Staffordshire terrier family.

They have a distinctive “blue” color, which is really a purple-ish gray. This is accompanied by blue eyes, and a light gray nose the same color as their coat. They can also have white markings on their face, chest, and feet.

This unique coloring is caused by a recessive gene, so you need two blue parents to produce blue puppies and they are relatively rare.

The gene is actually a diluted black pigment called eumelanin that affects the coat, eyes, and nose, giving the dog its distinctive features and name.

These genetic traits can have health implications for the dog in addition to affecting their coloring, particularly premature hair loss and a weakened immune system.

Blue Nose Pitbull Appearance

The blue nose pit bull looks much like other pit bulls, except for its color.

They are relatively large dogs, measuring between 17 and 21 inches tall and weighing between 30 and 60 pounds. They have a stocky and athletic body and overall a highly muscular physique.

This is matched by a broad face with a short muzzle and upward-pointing ears, which many people choose to trim, or dock.

Blue nose varieties are often solidly “blue” in color, with matching blue eyes and a blue nose the same color as their coat; however, they can have a brindle stripe or other white markings.

The most common examples are white markings on the face around the eyes and down to the nose, and sometimes extending onto the nose itself.

The markings can also be from the nose down the neck and chest. It is not uncommon to have white markings on the feet that may look like little socks, either.

Their coats are short and glossy and tend to only shed twice a year in the high shedding seasons. Regular brushing is usually enough to keep their coats healthy and shiny, with baths once a month depending on their lifestyle.

Blue Nose Pitbull Temperament

While pit bulls have a history of being used for fighting and protection, they are excellent companion dogs that make great family pets. They are incredibly courageous and will defend their family with their lives.

Pit bulls are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable, but they also have strong personalities. They need to know who is in charge, so they do better with experienced dog owners with a firm hand and confidence.

Pit bulls need lots of love and attention to thrive and aren’t the type of dog that can be left alone for hours on end on a regular basis. This will result in frustration that tends to manifest as destructive behavior.

They are both diggers and chewers, so you can imagine the damage their strong bodies can do! Make sure you invest in good quality chew toys that can handle their strong jaws.

They form fast bonds with their people and will be protective, especially of children. They tend to be very aware of children and sensitive to their needs, but they should never be left alone with small children unsupervised.

Their size and strength mean that accidents can easily happen as part of innocent games.

Their big size doesn’t put them off wanting a cuddle! They will love to get up on the couch with you for a snuggle if you let them.

While they love their people, they can be a bit territorial and may develop aggression toward other animals. If they are properly socialized from a young age, this tendency can be dampened.

They may still be wary of other animals, but won’t attack. In fact, it is not in a pit bull’s nature to ever be the one to start a fight, but they don’t back down when challenged.

Read our guidance on how to socialize your pup here.

Energy And Exercise

Pit bulls are very athletic dogs and they love to play and explore. They love pulling games and anything that involves jumping. They have a very impressive ability to jump.

Adult pit bulls need a lot of exercise; around 1-2 hours per day, preferably spread over at least two sessions.

Often the best way to achieve this is to include your dog in your own physical activities such as running and hiking; however, bear in mind that in many places, legislation requires that pit bulls always be kept on a leash in public to prevent aggression toward other dogs.

Blue Nose Pitbull Health

Pit bulls tend to be very healthy dogs, but like all dogs, they can tend toward certain health issues. It is worth keeping your eyes open for symptoms so that you can consult your vet at the early stages if necessary.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue for pit bulls, as it is for many larger dogs. This is a deformity of the joint that can become progressively more painful over time.

The best way to prevent this is not to over exercise your dog as a puppy, as this can cause differential growth rates and exacerbate the problem. They should also have x-rays at two years old to detect whether there is a problem.

Allergies are a relatively common issue for pit bulls, both skin- and food-related. They often have problems with rice, wheat, and corn, so these are best avoided in their diet.

Hypothyroidism is another common issue for pit bulls. This leads to a hormonal imbalance that can cause your dog to gain weight and develop lethargy.

If your pup starts piling on the pounds, ensure that you are not overfeeding them. If their calorie intake seems stable, ask your vet about a thyroid test.

The distinctive color of blue nose pitbulls also comes with specific health conditions.

The same genes that cause this coloring can also result in premature hair loss and a compromised immune system that can make it harder for them to fight off infections than other dogs.

Their weakened immune system puts them at high risk for heart disease, which is already a problem for pit bulls regardless of their coloring.

Adopting A Blue Nose Pitbull Puppy

Because of their rare coloring, you can expect to pay a premium for a blue nose pitbull in comparison to other pit bulls. You can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on supply and demand where you live.

Blue nose pitbulls are quite hard to breed because you need two blue adults to ensure that your mama has blue puppies.

Disreputable breeders can resort to inbreeding that can lead to unforeseen problems with their litters. This is why it is important to seek out reputable breeders who put the health of the puppies before sales.

You may be able to find a blue nose pitbull in a shelter if you have your heart set on one but don’t want to pay full price.

They are not an easy dog to look after, and many owners eventually decide that they have bitten off more than they can chew and give the dog up for adoption.

They are often at a higher risk of being put down in shelters than other dogs, and so are in desperate need of families to adopt them.

Should I Adopt A Blue Nose Pitbull?

Having read our profile of the blue nose pitbull, are you considering adopting one? Ask yourself the following questions to make a final decision.

How Big Is My Living Space?

Pit bulls are relatively large dogs and they are also high energy, so they need space to move around throughout the day. They won’t do well in an apartment and need a home with a good amount of outdoor space that they can play and run in to blow off steam.

Are You Experienced With Dogs?

While pit bulls are intelligent, they are also tenacious. They need someone with a firm hand and who is confident to control them and keep them obedient.

Also, many people have fear of pit bulls and can react in unexpected ways when they see them. In these situations, owners need to be confident enough to take control of the situation as needed. For this reason, they do best with experienced dog owners.

Do You Have Time To Spend With A Dog?

Pit bulls are companion dogs, which means that they need to spend a lot of time in the company of their people.

They won’t thrive if they are left at home alone for hours each day while everyone is out at school or work. Is there usually someone at home at your place, or is it empty for several hours each day?

Do You Have An Active Lifestyle?

Pit bulls need 1-2 hours of exercise each day, which is a big-time commitment and will also require you to spend quite a bit of energy. Is this something that will fit into your lifestyle?

Have You Considered The Legal Regulations?

Many areas have specific restrictions regarding pit bulls; are you authorized to own a pit bull where you live? Also consider whether you travel frequently, as you may not always be able to take your dog with you as a result of their breed.

Blue Nose Pitbull FAQs

What is the difference between a blue nose pitbull and a regular pit bull?

A blue nose pitbull is a color variation within the American pit bull terrier breed. The color comes from a recessive gene, which means that it is very rare.

They are a grayish-purple color and have a nose the same color as their coat as well as blue eyes. It is also common to have white markings. Otherwise, they are the same as other pit bulls.

What is the rarest pit bull color?

While blue nose pitbulls are rare, the rarest color is the tri-color pit bull, with a coat composed of three different colors.

The Verdict

Blue nose pitbulls are gorgeous and distinctive-looking dogs, but often people are reluctant to bring one home because of the bad reputation pit bulls have of being aggressive.

Be assured that pit bulls are not naturally aggressive dogs, even though they are often used and abused by those looking for dogs to fight. Cared for appropriately, they are loving, affectionate, and safe dogs.

A blue nose pitbull is sure to get a lot of attention in the street, so be sure that you are ready for your local celebrity status when you adopt.

Do you have experience with blue nose pitbulls?

Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below.

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