Every dog lover has their own idea of what the prettiest or most adorable breeds of dog are. Some people go nuts for the tiniest, fluffiest little toy breed. Others love larger, handsome dogs like German Shepherds and Great Danes.
Some will be drawn to the nature of a loyal hound while others fall for the goofy side of the pitbull. Then there are those that love specific traits like blue eyes, fluffy white fur or blue noses.
Therefore, a blue nose pitbull will be a must-own pup for many dog owners. These animals are beautiful – especially when the blue genes extend to their coat and eyes.
The problem is that there are some misconceptions about these blue nose dogs. These misconceptions and myths have the potential to cause confusion and harm the reputation of the breed. It is important that we see these animals for what they are. This guide aims to expose some of those myths about this type of pit bull and explain what this dog is really like.
Below are 15 facts about blue nose pitbulls.
There are Three Things That You Need to Know About These Blue Nose Pitbulls
- They are not a separate breed of dog and share a lot in common with “normal” pits.
- They may be the same breed, but there are some small differences between black, blue and red-nosed dogs.
- Many of the misconceptions about behaviour are the same for blue nose dogs
Also, since pitbulls are such strong dogs, they make special collars just for pitbulls.
1. Blue nose pitbulls are still your ordinary pitbull.
Let’s start with one of the most important, basic facts about this dog. This is not a different breed of pitbull. Some breeder will try and convince you that they are – but this isn’t the case at all. This is the same type of dog, just with a different coloured nose.
In fact, there are three main types of nose colour in pitbulls. There is a normal black colour, a blue nose and a red nose. Your new blue nose pup is just a variant of the same pitbull that everyone else has. You can argue whether or not that makes them prettier, but it doesn’t make them “special”.2. Pitbull breeders will try and charge more for a blue nose pitbull.
It is important that new pitbull owners realise that these dogs aren’t really much different to a typical pitbull. This is because there are some breeders out there that will try and try trick unsuspecting dog lovers. Some dog breeders try their luck and claim to have specialist breeds or rare colours. We see this all the time with blue-eyed dogs, teacup breeds that don’t exist and other so-called “rare” breed.
It is true that blue noses are a rarity in the dog world more generally. This is why these dog breeders think they can get away with these claims. However, it isn’t that big a rarity for pitbulls to have blue noses. Be aware of any breeder trying to charge too much with these false claims. There is no reason why these animals should cost hundreds more because of the colour of their nose.
3. Pitbull breeders may also make false promises about blue nose dogs that they can’t keep.
Also, watch out for breeders that claim that they can guarantee you a puppy with a blue nose. They can’t. There is a good chance that the pups will have blue noses if they come from a blue nose mother and father. However, there is also a chance that the genes may skip a generation.
Alternatively, they may have an “incomplete” blue nose. This basically means that the pigment is there, but the nose isn’t entirely blue. This is the gamble with genetics. You never quite know what you are going to get.
4. No-one should be put off by a pit they find with an incomplete colour in their nose.
An incomplete nose doesn’t mean that the dog is defective or a lesser form of pitbull. There are some purist dog owners and breeders that want a uniform colour in the noses of their dogs. They think that it has to be all blue or all red for the dog to be of worth. This is all nonsense.
A pup with an incomplete blue nose is no different than its sibling with a complete blue nose. They both come from the same stock and will initially grow up in the same environment.
5. Blue pitbulls are still pitbulls – but they do have an important genetic difference
There is no doubt that this dog is a true pitbull – no matter what some breeder may say. However, they are correct when they say that some pitbull pups have slightly different genetics than others. There are lots of different genes that determine the look, temperament and health of individuals within a breed.
The “blue” gene is one of those. It isn’t the lack of blue pigment in a pup that indicates a problem or defect. Instead, it is the blue gene that is the recessive gene and a potential issue. Blue pigment occurs when there is a recessive black gene.
Most dogs will have the gene for black pigmentation and it will manifest as a black coat and black nose. In some cases, the pigment will dilute and become a blue instead of a black. This is why we see blue nose pitbulls with blue coats.
6. This blue gene can have a negative effect on the health of the dog
The blue genes of a blue nose pitbull can lead to some additional health problems. This recessive gene can result in some skin and coat conditions, as well as some immune disorders. Alopecia can occur more frequently in animals with blue coats and skin types. Some are also more susceptible to mange.It is vital that all dog owners that want a blue pitbull pup are aware of this and understand the implications. At the same time, you can’t assume that a red-nosed dog will be a lot healthier as they may develop other health conditions. You need to treat each pitbull as an individual – regardless of coat or nose colour.
7. A blue nose or blue coat doesn’t mean that the dog will be more aggressive
We will talk about aggressive behaviour a little more below. One misconception among dog owners is that a certain coat colour or slight genetic variation will affect aggression and behavioural traits. Some owners assume this because they had a blue dog that was more aggressive than their red one.
There are lots of different factors that can determine aggression. The bloodline of the dog is a starting point. Then there are the training methods and the socialisation of the dog as it grew up.
8. Unfortunately, there are many dog breeders that will deliberately breed for this recessive gene and put dogs at risk
This health issue is one of the reasons why it is so disheartening to see so many breeders deliberately using pure blue stock to create blue puppies. They know that they are putting the next generation at risk in their quest for aesthetically pleasing traits.
It is a sad fact that many breeders are in this game for the money. The welfare of the animal comes second. This is why many dog lovers are urged to look elsewhere when it comes to finding a blue nose dog, or simply finding the perfect pitbull for them.
9. A good alternative here is to go to a shelter to find your perfect pitbull companion
To be honest, this fact is true for any breed of dog. There are cruel, unfit breeders that deal with all sorts of breeds of dog. If you are determined to have a blue nose pitbull, ask yourself why. Is it worth the negative sides of dealing with these questionable breeders? Is it better to simply find a pitbull at a rescue that is in need of a good home?
You may find blue nose dogs at shelters because owners couldn’t handle the care needs or the training. You could offer the dog a second chance without giving money to those breeders.
10. Blue nose pitbulls really do have a lot in common with their cousins
So as you can see, the blue nose pitbull isn’t a “special” dog – at least not in the way that some breeders like to think. There is no doubt that these animals are beautiful in their own way. It is easy to see why so many dog lovers are attracted to them.
But, it is wrong to continue this idea that they are a rare separate species that should cost so much more money. They aren’t much different from any red nose or normal coloured pitbull. In fact, they are subject to many of the same additional myths and misconceptions as their red-nosed cousins. For example…
11. Blue nose pit bulls can be big softies
One of the ways that you can be sure that these blue nose dogs take after their black nosed parents is through their temperament. While it is true that some dogs can be aggressive when mistreated, others are big softies with a lot of love to give.
Aggression comes when these animals are bred to fight, or when aggressive tendencies are encouraged as pups. Encourage them to be sweet and loyal and you will have a long-term companion. These dogs can form strong bonds to their humans. Take advantage of that in the best way possible.
12. Blue nose pitbulls are brilliant, patient protectors of children
The love of humans and owners extends to our offspring. Pitbulls can form wonderful bonds with children – providing they have the right training and socialisation to do so. They seem to understand the importance of the child within the pack and will do their best to look after it.
Sceptics will say that pitbulls shouldn’t be left unsupervised with children. This is only the case for mistreated dogs that aren’t properly trained. Or, for any breed that tries to defend itself from the rough play of a misguided child. Train a pitbull well and they will bring your child years of love and protection.
13. Blue nose pit bulls are terrible watchdogs
Just don’t expect this protective nature to extend to a role as a watchdog. These dogs love people and attention wherever they can get it. A stranger approaching the home or walking through the front door is a friend they haven’t met yet – not a potential threat.
It may be a waste of time and energy trying to get them to protect a home from attack. You may get them to bark at someone they don’t know, but they may still expect some cuddles.
14. Blue nose pitbulls aren’t that great with other animals
Also, don’t expect them to get along with other dogs. The fun-loving playful side exhibited with humans doesn’t always extend to other pets. There will be some pitbulls that are the exception to the rule. You will find some rescue pups that thrive with other dogs in the home.
However, they generally like to be the only dog and the centre of attention. It is probably just as well, given the amount of love and attention you will need to dish out. The other potential problem here is the prey drive within these animals. These dogs used to be bred to hunt and fight.
There is still a spark of that left behind that may emerge when they see smaller animals. This means it is best not to leave them alone around cats, rabbits or any other pet. Try to use harness when you outside for walking.
15. They are soft goofballs, but they are smart
Many pitbull owners underestimate the intelligence of these animals. These dogs have a great capacity to learn new skills. They can pick up commands easily and it usually doesn’t take too long to understand the desired behaviour. An added bonus here is that their desire for love and loyalty means an eagerness to please. They want to get everything right. That is why it is so easy to train blue nose pups to be social, trustworthy, gentle family dogs.
A blue nose isn’t a special as you might think
These 15 facts about blue nose pitbulls give an idea of what it is like to buy and own one. There are some common myths about these dogs that we need to dispel. This is not a unique breed that should be expensive or bred through diluted bloodlines.
The blue gene is just something that some pit bulls develop. Some get blue noses and coats and, while it looks beautiful, it doesn’t change that much about them. They may develop more health issues. But, they won’t necessarily be any more aggressive, smarter, slower, or friendlier than their litter-mates with different noses.
In the end, the colour of the dog’s nose doesn’t really matter. What matters is that you have a pitbull that is healthy, well-trained and a beloved member of the family. Find a dog from a reliable breeder or, better yet, a shelter. Raise the dog right and appreciate all of its charms – from the colour of its nose to the wagging tail and everything in between.
Hungry Bark Dog Food
Pit Bulls are often thought of as large breed dogs, but on average most weigh under 75lbs, which can lead to some pet parents overfeeding their pitties. Ensuring that they maintain a healthy weight is especially important since they can be prone to joint and hip issues. Hungry Bark kibble includes proteins like lamb & duck that help maintain an optimal weight and support overall mobility and bone strength. Hungry Bark is a great kibble to feed at all stages of life, so whether your puppy is growing quickly or you have a senior who needs extra support later in life, there’s a recipe that will work for your pit.
References:
- https://animalso.com/breeds/american-pit-bull-terrier/blue nose-pitbull/
- https://americanbullydaily.com/blue nose-pit-bull-breed-info/
- https://thehappypuppysite.com/blue nose-pitbull/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Pit_Bull_Terrier