The American Pitbull Terrier is an iconic dog breed that is often misunderstood by many people.
However, these dogs can make for some of the most loyal and loving companions that you can bring into your home.
They can also be found in many varieties, and are often mixed with other breeds to produce other breeds like Labrabulls, Beagle Pits, and Pitskys.
Aside from mixes, some varieties of Pitbull are more unique and rarer than others.
The Blue Nose Pitbull is one such variety and if you are looking to add a Pitbull to your family, you may want to consider one of them.
The History of the Breed
The American Pitbull Terrier comes from ancestors in the British Isles during the 19th century.
Because they were bred for strength, they were often used in dog fights, either against other dogs or other animals.
However, once this became outlawed in England, the proprietors of the ‘sport’ migrated to America, where the unfortunate activity continued.
During this time, breeders made it a point to breed these Terriers to be larger and stronger, ultimately giving us the American Pitbull Terrier that we know today.
This breed, despite the image that people have given them, makes fantastic companions and herding dogs.
Although it is not known when the unique coloration of the Blue Nose Pitbull came into existence, they are thought to have stemmed from the standard black-nosed Pitbulls.Â
The Unique Color
Blue Nose Pitbulls have a coloration that is rare, which makes them highly sought after by Pit lovers.
Their coloration stems from their genetics, with the blue nose gene being a more diluted version of the more common black nose gene.
This dilution occurs due to a mutation which is a recessive gene, making it more likely to be overridden if a Pitbull with this gene type is mated with a Pitbull that carries a more dominant gene type.
Appearance
So what does this mean for the appearance of the Blue Nose Pitbull?
Well, this variety is virtually the same as any other of their breed, except that they have a blue nose.
Now, this doesn’t mean that their noses look like a blueberry, but rather they are a diluted black color that can be between dark grey or light grey.
Along with this feature, many also inherit a blue coat and blue or silver eyes.
Their hair is very short and requires little grooming when compared to medium hair breeds.
In terms of size, this breed usually stands between 17 to 21 inches from paw to shoulder, and they can weigh between 50 and 65 lbs.
The Temperament of Blue Nose Pitbulls
One thing that many people are concerned about is the temperament of Pitbulls, especially since most people are only familiar with their fearsome reputation.
However, aggressive dogs — of any breed — are a product of their upbringing, and a majority of the negative temperament traits are something that owners have purposely taught them.
In a loving home, Blue Nose Pitbulls are friendly, even-tempered, and very sociable.
They are very loyal to their families, love playing, and receiving lots of affection.
However, if you’re considering using this type of dog as a guard dog, you may end up disappointed.
Due to their friendliness, they’re more likely to welcome any strangers with wagging tails and sloppy kisses than any aggression.
While they do have a prey drive, when trained properly and socialized with other animals, they can be fast friends with other household dogs and cats.
Activity and Training
Blue Nose Pitbulls are very energetic and they need at least 60 minutes of exercise each day.
They are not the type of dog that likes to lie around the house doing nothing for long periods.
Interactive play is also important for keeping them stimulated and building a lasting bond with them.
You shouldn’t just let them out into the yard to occupy themselves and should instead seek to spend time playing with them every day.
As an energetic and eager to please breed, these dogs can be great to train, and with positive reinforcement, you can teach them all kinds of commands relatively easily.
It’s important that you never use force or aggression when training, as behavior like this can break the bond of trust between you and your pup and cause them to lash out.
Positive reward training is one of the best methods to employ and it is the most effective when it comes to Blue Nose Pitbulls.
Similarly, socialization is an important thing to focus on, and it shouldn’t be overlooked.
When socialized well, these dogs can be some of the friendliest you can find. However, without socialization, you can have problems that can take a while to rectify.
If you’re unsure about how to start training, reach out to a certified training facility near you to learn more about the best methods, and consider professional classes if you want a more hands-on approach.
Health
In terms of health, American Pitbull Terriers have relatively low health concerns when compared to other purebred breeds.
However, due to the recessive gene that causes the blue nose mutation, Blue Nose Pitbulls can experience more health concerns than other varieties.
The same gene that is responsible for their coloration, can also cause low melanin levels.
This can cause skin conditions, eye conditions, weak immunity, heat diseases, and a higher risk of developing some cancers.
If you are seeking to adopt a Blue Nose Pitbull, these concerns are something to keep in mind.
However, it shouldn’t necessarily put you off adopting them.
On average, they can live between 12 and 16 years, meaning you can expect to have many happy years with a Blue Nose.
Breeders
Although it’s always preferable to try and adopt a dog rather than purchasing from a breeder, due to the rarity of the Blue Nose Pitbull, it can often be necessary if you want this variety.
However, there are some things to keep in mind about this.
Breeders often try to breed Blue Nose Pitbulls exclusively to persevere the recessive gene.
This can have drawbacks, especially when it comes to inbreeding, which can cause serious health issues due to the limited gene variety.
The most reputable breeders are the ones who never use inbreeding practices to produce their dogs, and while you may have to pay a bit more, it is ultimately worth it.
A Great Family Dog
If you are considering adding a Blue Nose Pitbull to your family, keep in mind that they are energetic and will benefit from a lot from training.
However, they are remarkably loyal, surprisingly gentle, and can be the perfect addition to any family.