Even though Pitbulls are highly sought after dogs, some pet owners and shelter staff members are having a hard time identifying them from other canine breeds because of their varying appearance and colors.
This is the alarming result of a study conducted by Maddie’s Fund and the Merial Veterinary Scholars Program reported in UF Health in 2016.
While it is understandable that mislabeling may occur from time to time, we cannot ignore the fact that accurately identifying Pitbulls from other dogs is essential in managing them properly.
To contribute to the body of literature that can help recognize them, I decided to curate all the standard and non-standard Pitbull colors in this definitive guide.
According to major kennel clubs, Pitbull colors include black, black brindle, blue, blue brindle, blue fawn, red, red brindle, fawn, fawn brindle, fawn sable brindle, tan, buckskin, seal, tricolor, and reverse brindle. Meanwhile, merle, black and tan, liver, liver brindle, white or albino, and 80% white are considered non-standard.
Usually, I am quick to dismiss this question believing that a dog’s color does not relate to its health and personality. But I guess Science loves proving humans wrong.
An investigation led by the University of Sydney in Australia revealed that a dog’s coat color directly impacts its health and life expectancy.
Specifically, they have figured out that chocolate or liver-colored dogs are more prone to musculoskeletal disorders, cancers, and ear and skin conditions.
Aside from this fact, numerous anecdotal records suggest that white dogs are also predisposed to deafness and other congenital diseases. Intensive research still needs to be done for us to fully understand how coat color affects a dog’s health, and possibly, their personality.
What we are sure of as of this time is that canine color matters because it provides veterinarians and breeders with a substantial baseline for better dog health management.
How do you care for a Brindle Pitbull dog?
Pitbulls were bred for hunting and sport so they are strong and naturally active with great stamina.
Lots of mixed exercise is recommended – long walks, running, or any agility activities. They suit larger living spaces with outdoor access rather than apartment living.
Early leash training and road awareness is strongly recommended for this stubborn and powerful puppy’s safety.
Feed as a medium-sized dog, average 2 cups of dry dog food per day, depending on their activity level. They have a strong stomach and eat most types of dog food – wet and dry food. They should be fed twice a day to prevent bloat, a typical build-up of gas that affects dogs that either eat too quickly or drink too much before exercise.
As this a muscular-build dog it’s recommended that at least 20% of its diet is protein-based to maintain their muscle structure. Some Pitbull dogs are allergic to wheat corn and soy. So watch out for allergic reactions.
Fact: Any sudden change in diet or change of dog food brand can cause diarrhea in a puppy. So any change must be gradual. If changing the brand of dry food, mix some of the new with original and increase new brand gradually.
Brindle Pitbull dogs are fairly low maintenance. They only shed twice a year and require minimal brushing. This dog breed tends to sweat more than other breeds so its bed needs to be cleaned fairly regularly.
This breed sweats a lot and will need regular bathing. It has sensitive skin under its short coat so gentle shampoos are recommended when bathing. Certain dog formulated shampoos have a double effect of cleaning the dog coat and protecting it against fleas and insect bites.
Look after their teeth to prevent a build-up of plaque. Chewing breaks down plaque, so use doggie chew-toys, bare-bones and soft toothbrushes and toothpaste. Nails grow quickly and need to be trimmed regularly, say once a month, and checked for debris that could cause infection. Their small floppy ears, sometimes referred to as ‘half prick’, need to be checked for dirt build-up or infection weekly as this dog likes to play and roll about in grass and earth.
What are the main characteristics of a Brindle Pitbull?
The Brindle Pitbull is a short-haired, medium-sized muscular dog.
It’s often thought of as a dangerous dog breed, only bred for dog fighting and blood sports, but today its personality can be loving and affectionate when trained properly and socialized early by a responsible dog owner.
When any Pitbull is trained and socialized properly it can make a wonderfully loyal and trusted companion, for any dog lover. They are loving dogs and enjoy company, and the more active the lifestyle they have the better.
The Pitty is still associated with its previous reputation as a bully dog breed that was famous for dog fighting. This alarms many people and so this breed is often misunderstood to being better suited to aggressive contact than as a family pet. Dog owners of Pitties know that when handled correctly and properly trained they can be an affectionate and loving dog to be around.
Although they are growing in popularity as a dog breed, they don’t actually rank that highly in the lists of the world’s most popular dogs! Perhaps the stigma attached to their fighting days has an influence on this.
The general Bull dog breed ranks the 5th most popular dog in the US.
The Brindle Pitbull puppy needs to be trained and socialized as early as possible. This is a strong and stubborn, muscular dog breed with a strong jaw, that needs to learn control. Positive reinforcement and reward-based raining are advisable for this dog breed as it is strong-willed and needs to build up trust with its dog owner.
A Brindle Pitbull dog or any color variation of Pitbull dog should not be negatively punished, challenged directly or locked up for misbehaviour. Always reinforce change gradually and praise good behaviour and learning. Clicker training works well with this dog breed.
They are no more likely to bite than any other dog breed however they have a very powerful jaw and are very strong so any attack is likely to leave lasting damage.
A Pitbull dog has lots of energy, so expect to be exercising a Pitbull puppy for at least one hour a day minimum, building up 1-2 hours a day in adulthood; the more challenging the exercise better for this breed of dog.
Pit bulls, even the Pitbull puppies, are strong and energetic type dogs with lots of stamina. They are very powerful, have a solid build and are able to follow commands with appropriate training.
Early socialization and learning discipline are strongly recommended with a Brindle Pitbull or any Pitbull mix dog. This type of dog needs to become used to other dogs and children if it is to fit into a family environment.
Brindle Pitbull dogs are not good in the company of packs of dogs so they must be trained to know how to socialize in the company of other dog breeds.
They were bred as fighting dogs that could follow orders and commands. This trait is still present and if used positively this type of dog can be a disciplined and protective family pet.
Given their sharp instincts, fearless nature and ability to follow commands they can make good search and rescue dogs.
They will behave as trained as long as they are not left alone to get bored, then they can become destructive. Children should not be left alone with any Pitbull dog and should be taught how to treat these dogs with respect and how to act in their company.
What Is A Red Nose Pitbull?
Red Nose Pit Bull Terriers formed as a result of a crossbreeding between Bulldogs and Terriers in the early 1800s in England.
Then these dogs were introduced to America, and they were known by the name American Red Nose Pit Bull.
However, red nose pitbull terriers come from a family called Old Family Red Nose (OFBR) family strain.
American Red Nosed Pitbull was originally bred to look after the farms and cattle. But due to the aggressive nature, they were used in bullfighting, where the red nose dogs attacked the bull until it became weak.
After bullfighting was banned, these dogs were used in ratting.
FAQ
Is a brindle pitbull a red nose?
The Red Nose Brindle Pitbull is more common and sports red or even white points. The eyes are typically amber or red, as well as their nose, lips, and toenails. Even some brindles will sport a white belly or neck or include a mixture with a fawn or dark brown color.
Are brindle Pitbulls aggressive?
A typical Red Nose from a reputable breeder will not cost any less than $1,000.
How rare is a brindle pitbull?