The Red Nose Pitbull is sometimes referred to as a breed in its own right. But, it’s actually just a red-coated, red-nose variety of the American Pitbull Terrier (APBT). American Pitbull Terriers come in a range of different colors. Those with a blue or a red nose are often specifically referred to as such.
The Red Nose Pitbull is often one of the more sought-after colorings of the breed. This is due to their beautiful coloring. Their prices can typically be a little higher as a result. This is especially true for dogs coming from champion lines that have been bred for many years.
First, we will take a look at some facts and history about the APBT. Next, we will examine specifics around the Red Nose, including the most commonly asked questions about the breed color variant.
The American Pitbull Terrier has its roots in 19th century England. Here the powerful, muscular bully breeds were often developed to keep unruly bulls and livestock under control. In those days, bull baiting was a cruel bloodsport that these dogs were often bred to take part in.
Bull baiting was banned by the middle of the 19th century. Unfortunately, dog fighting then became a popular, albeit, illegal betting sport, and because the law was more difficult to enforce it flourished. The bully breeds continued to be developed to harness their fighting strength and aggressive nature towards other dogs.
It is believed that during this time the American Pitbull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier were considered the same breed.
In the 1930s, it is said that the American Kennel Club wanted to distance the dogs from their fighting reputation. They wanted to develop their strengths as a companion animal. At this point, the Staffordshire Terrier was given official AKC status, but the American Pitbull Terrier was not. The ‘Staffie’ then became known as the American Staffordshire Terrier by the AKC in 1972. At that time, the breed standard became much more specific.
The American Pitbull Terrier has never been recognized as an official breed by the AKC. It is, however, recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the Continental Kennel Club (CKC).
The Red Nose Pitbull is sometimes referred to as the ‘Old Family Red Nose’ variety of the APBT. This relates to a particular line that came from Ireland in the late 19th century. They are known for their unique color and also their game and eager spirit.
Because of this line’s popularity and their breeding with other lines, it does mean that not all Red Nose Pitbulls are part of this strain now. But there are still breeding enthusiasts that work to preserve this specific line.
Many people think that a Pitbull is a specific breed all of its own. It’s actually a term that is often used for several different types of bully breeds. The American Pitbull Terrier (APBT) and sometimes even the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier are often all lumped into the same category. In reality, they are all entirely separate breeds of dogs. They are sometimes also referred to as ‘Bully’ breeds and can include Bulldogs and English Bull Terriers.
The term ‘Pitbull’ is one that, in recent decades, has begun to conjure up s of vicious, aggressive dogs. Because of this fear, many people believe do not deserve a loving family home. This is a tragedy given that much of the reputation they have garnered is unfair.
Because the American Pitbull Terrier, due to its powerful physique, historical breeding, and jaws, has been favored by those that encourage dogfighting and those that want to own a powerful status symbol dog, they often end up in the wrong hands with irresponsible owners that have helped to give the breed a bad name.
The Red Nose Pitbull is the second most rare color combination available. The only more rare colors are white and merle Pitbulls. They were originally bred specifically due to their feisty attitudes. This means that they were commonly bred as fighting dogs when they were originally created. Typically blue Pitbulls are extremely well sought after, as are the red nose.
Because this recessive gene persists, they are also more expensive than other color variants. This is especially true if they are from a reputable breeder. There are many other different types of Pitbulls, with many different color variations, and those are usually viewed in the Pitbull community as being more docile.
A true red nose pitbull will have a full-on red coat, with a matching coppery-colored nose. They will also have red or amber eyes, making a striking color combination. This makes them easily identifiable from other color variants.
Some white is permissible in the red coat, but usually speaking the less white, the better. They are distinctly different from the blue nose pitbull in appearance. Comparisons are often made between the two. APBTs can get mistaken for other breeds, but usually not so much with the red nose.
The skin around their eyes will be very light pink, though, giving them a washed-out look, but their irises are mostly likely to be light blue.
An albino pit bull’s nose skin is also affected by the genetic mutation. It, too, will be pink rather than black.
Not all white pit bulls are albino, however. Some have this snowy coat without being albino. They’re simply white pit bulls.
How Are White Pitbulls Different From Other Pitbulls?
A White Pitbull is no different than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The only difference in appearance is the solid white coat.
White Pitbulls are medium to large dogs. They have a short coat that needs minimal grooming. The dog’s coat is also tight to its body. They might have a blue nose, black nose, or red nose. However, their nose will not be pink. Their eye color may be blue or brown.
However, White Pitties may be more sensitive to sunlight. In addition, a Red Nose Pitbull may be more sensitive to sunlight than others.
Due to their pale coat, these white pups are more prone to skin damage and skin cancer.
Also, due to their popularity and rarity, White Pitbulls will cost more than other Pitbulls.
If you’d like to learn more about Pitbull breeds, you can read about the four different types of Pitbulls.
Albinism is considered to be a genetic mutation, while white coats are considered to be a gene.
The difference looks like a matter of semantics, but it makes sense. One is caused by a lack of something all others in the breed (and animal kingdom, for that matter) are meant to be born with. Melanin.
Melanin is what gives skin and hair (or fur) its color. Albino pit bulls don’t have it, meaning their skin and fur are colorless, appearing white to us.
The other is caused by having a different gene than others in the breed. pit bulls can have many different colors of coats. They may have a strong white coat gene instead of a black coat or brown coat gene. They’re not missing anything, they just have a variation of it.
Albinism is caused by a mutation while white coats are caused by breeding. It’s no luck of the draw, there’s a science to it.
Depending on which coat color genes the parents carry, the puppies of their litter will inherit the colors of the parents’ genes. Dogs can carry more than one color gene. In order to be white, however, there need to be strong white genes in both the parents passed down to their litter. Even then, carrying the white gene doesn’t guarantee it’ll present itself as white. The white gene can mix with others differently, sometimes causing Irish or piebald spotting instead of solid white, further limiting the chances of an all-white pit bull.
While in some cases in the animal kingdom, albinism is chalked up to inbreeding, in the case of dogs it is usually inherited genetically. Albino pit bulls are likely to breed other albino pit bulls.
FAQ
How much is an albino Pitbull worth?
How do I know if my pitbull is albino?
The Red Nose Pitbull is the second most rare color combination available. The only more rare colors are white and merle Pitbulls. They were originally bred specifically due to their feisty attitudes. This means that they were commonly bred as fighting dogs when they were originally created.