If you’ve ever met a blue nose pitbull, you’ll know these are dogs with plenty of joyful energy. And the best part? They’re uniquely colored, too.
Blue nose pitbulls are a type of American pitbull terrier with bluish-gray fur. One of the most well-known blue nose pitbulls is Junior Millan, famous not only for his “white socks,” but also for belonging to renowned Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan.
While American pitbulls have had a bad rap due to their use in dogfighting, the stigma around these animals is thankfully eroding. What many people don’t realize is that pitbulls are incredibly affectionate animals that love to play with anything in sight. Their stocky and athletic bodies may look intimidating, but underneath all that muscle is a loving breed that, when trained and socialized well, makes a fantastic family pet.
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If you’re curious about adopting a blue nose pitbull, the guide below covers everything you need to know about the breed’s history, physical characteristics, temperament, lifespan, training, and more. We also answer the most common questions about blue nose pitbulls and how you can adopt and care for one.
Quick Look at the Blue Nose Pitbull
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament and grooming needs.
Weight/Height | 30-60 lbs. 18 to 21 inches tall |
Coat Type | Short, stiff and glossy coat |
Grooming Needs | |
Shedding | |
Temperament | Affectionate, playful, and loyal |
Good With Kids | |
Good With Other Animals | |
Intelligence | |
Easy to Train | |
Energy Level | |
Barking Habits | |
Lifespan | 12-15 years |
What Is the History of the Blue Nose Pitbull?
American pitbull terriers have a long history dating back to 19th-century England. Bulldogs and English terriers were bred together, which created the now famous pitbull breed. These dogs were prized for their strong, muscular stature and were primarily used for hunting.
Known as the Staffordshire bull terrier in the UK, pitbulls became farm and hunting dogs when they were brought to America. These dogs were renamed as American pitbull terriers and used for companionship and to protect land.
What Do Blue Nose Pitbulls Look Like?
The blue nose pitbull has the same appearance as other pitbull terriers, except their coat is bluish-gray. While the coat is usually a solid color, they can also have a brindle or tiger stripe appearance. Sometimes, blue noses can have white markings around the nose and eyes and on their chest and feet.
Generally, pitbulls are broad and stocky, owing to their athletic genes. They also have short snouts and a broad face. The bluish-gray nose on these dogs is due to a recessive gene that affects the pigmentation of their skin. However, this genetic issue also causes some common health issues, which we cover later on.
What Size Is a Blue Nose Pitbull?
Blue nose pitbulls vary in terms of weight and height as this is dependent on their parents’ genes. However, these dogs hover between 30 to 60 lbs. in weight and reach approximately 18 to 21 inches in height. Like other dogs, females are generally smaller than males.
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What Is a Blue Nose Pitbull’s Coat Type?
The blue nose pitbull has short, stiff hair and a glossy coat. This makes their fur soft to the touch and easy to maintain compared with fluffier breeds. Blue nose pitbulls also shed all year round and only require occasional brushing – which is good news if your pup isn’t fond of the brush!
What Is a Blue Nose Pitbull’s Temperament?
Blue nose pitbulls are known for their loving, playful and loyal temperament, making them great for children and families. They are also known for forming strong bonds with their owners.
If they’re not properly exercised or socialized, though, you could end up with a bored and frustrated pitbull that chews anything and everything. It’s also important not to leave your pitbull alone for long periods as they can experience separation anxiety. Combined with the boredom of inactivity, these dogs can become a handful if they’re not properly cared for.
Are Blue Nose Pitbulls Affectionate?
Blue nose pitbulls are affectionate and loving canines. In fact, despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, pitbulls are one of the most big-hearted dogs around – which means they enjoy a good cuddle! If you’re lucky to live with one of these breeds, you’ll learn that the bond between you two can be unlike any other.
Are Blue Nose Pitbulls Good With Kids?
In England, pitbulls were historically referred to as “nanny dogs” because they were good with children if socialized at an early age. That reputation still stands today, and they are considered one of the best breeds to mingle with kids. However, like with any dog, it’s important to keep an eye on your pitbull. An overly affectionate pitbull, for example, could end up accidentally hurting a small child.
Are Blue Nose Pitbulls Good With Other Animals?
Despite their loving personalities, blue nose pitbulls aren’t the greatest around other dogs. Therefore, it’s important to give your dog proper obedience training and teach them socialization skills so that they can learn to mix with other animals.
To ensure your pittie gets on with other dogs and animals, socialize them from an early age. Otherwise, they have a tendency to become antisocial and unaccustomed to dealing with other canines. However, regular walks and positive reward training will go a long way to helping your dog be a social butterfly.
Are Blue Nose Pitbulls Aggressive?
Of all the breeds, pitbulls are often the most stigmatized and misunderstood. Despite popular conception, these dogs are loving and loyal. Therefore, it’s important to remember that pitbulls are not innately aggressive; in fact, this applies to all dogs.
That said, a pitbull’s athleticism and muscular body mean it is a strong breed. Therefore, if they’re not socialized properly or given obedience training, it can cause harm to people and other dogs if a fight occurs. However, dysfunctional behaviors can be trained with positive reinforcement and desensitization techniques.
Do Blue Nose Pitbulls Bark a Lot?
If you’re thinking of adopting a blue nose pitbull, you’ll be happy to hear that these canines are of the quieter kind. They rarely bark or howl, which can be music (pun intended) to your ears. Pitbulls are so notoriously quiet in fact, that they often get a bad rap as guard dogs because they don’t often bark at intruders.
Are Blue Nose Pitbulls Intelligent?
Pitbulls are known for their high intelligence. Not only are these dogs smart when it comes to their cunning and hunting prowess, but they’re emotionally smart, too. Therefore, training a blue nose pitbull is fairly straightforward because they can catch on to things quite quickly. This is good news for would-be owners because this breed requires discipline to curb their strength, energy, and stubbornness!
Are Blue Nose Pitbulls Easy to Train?
Pitbulls are easier to train than other breeds. They are also more likely to obey their owner and require fewer repetitions during training. However, bear in mind that blue nose pitbulls are very energetic and require a lot of stamina to keep them in line. An under-exercised pitbull, for example, will be less likely to respond to commands and more likely to be trying to get out pent-up energy!
Besides exercise, it’s important to put your dog through basic obedience training. While expert trainers aren’t a necessity, it can be a good way to learn additional tips. Along with training, early socialization along with calm, assertive energy on your part will go a long way to keeping your pup in line.
Are Blue Nose Pitbulls Energetic?
Pitbulls are highly energetic. They are also very playful, which, when combined can be quite a handful! Therefore, make sure you’re taking your blue nose pitbull on regular walks one or two times per day (at least 90 minutes in total), including play, walks, jogging, etc.
Due to their high energy, blue nose pitbulls also do well on agility courses or sports that require physical and mental stimulation. Since they were bred for hunting, blue nose pitbulls are very athletic and love the activities that are demanded by an agility course. Other good activities for a blue nose pittie include frisbee or anything that requires jumping (since this breed loves to jump).
Are Blue Nose Pitbulls Good Apartment Dogs?
Pitbulls are considered a medium-sized dog and are good apartment pets (as long as you’re not in cramped quarters). To ensure your space will accommodate your blue nose pitbull, consider if there is enough room for them to play and move around without knocking over furniture and belongings. These dogs are also good apartment pets because they don’t bark or howl very often.
Are Blue Nose Pitbulls Good Watchdogs?
Despite their strength and athleticism, pitbulls aren’t the best watchdogs. Not only are they more likely to play with an intruder than growl at them, they also don’t bark very much. If you want a dog that will give you ample warning of an intruder, blue nose pitbulls are not at the top of the list. That said, these dogs are incredibly loyal and will come to your aid if anything untoward should happen.
Are Blue Nose Pitbulls Good Service Dogs?
Blue nose pitbulls make excellent service dogs, whether it’s for physical or mental disabilities. Their height, weight, and strong build make them ideal for pulling a wheelchair or for providing physical support where needed. Blue nose pitbulls are also notoriously affectionate and loyal, which makes them excellent emotional support or psychiatric service animals who will stay by your side no matter what.
How to Care for a Blue Nose Pitbull?
Like any dog, caring for a blue nose pitbull requires consideration of their breed characteristics, weight, size, etc. For example, because blue nose pitbulls can be prone to skin issues, you’ll want to ensure that the shampoo you use is pH balanced and formulated for flea and tick control.
Also, caring for your blue nosed pittie involves adequate exercise. Leaving your pup alone and inactive can lead to issues such as anxiety, frustration, and even aggression. Lastly, make sure you meet the emotional needs of your blue nose pitbull by giving him/her plenty of quality time together, a consistent feeding schedule, and adequate discipline so they can be a happy member of the pack!
Do You Need to Groom a Blue Nose Pitbull?
Pitbulls are a low-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. Their short, stiff coats mean they don’t shed large amounts and only require occasional brushing and bathing. Keep in mind though that brushing is important for maintaining the health of their coat and for removing dead fur and skin.
As with most dogs, bluenose pitbulls should also have their nails trimmed regularly to avoid splitting and overgrowth. You should also check their ears regularly for wax buildup to prevent infections.
Do Blue Nose Pitbulls Shed?
Blue nose pitbulls shed consistently year-round. This means they don’t require frequent trips to the groomers for fur maintenance. Also, because they don’t have an undercoat to shed, it means that you don’t have to deal with huge piles of fur since blue nose pitties shed the same amount for the whole year.
What Should a Blue Nose Pitbull Eat?
Muscular and athletic breeds like blue nose pitbulls require good amounts of proteins and fats. Ideal foods include raw meat, meaty bones, and cooked or dehydrated vegetables. In terms of the amount, a pitbull requires around 1.5 to 2 cups (or a pound) of food each day. You’ll need to adjust this depending on the age and size of your dog – males and puppies, for example, will need more food than females and older dogs.
What Health Problems Do Blue Nose Pitbulls Have?
Pitbulls are prone to a number of genetic diseases, so it’s worth getting regular check-ups at the vet and knowing how to provide preventative care. Below are two of the most common illnesses that your blue nose pittie may end up developing:
Hip-Dysplasia
Hip-dysplasia is common to pitbulls. This inherited disease leads to a malformation in the hip joints and can cause arthritic pain. Be on the lookout for symptoms such as difficulty getting up after lying down or lameness in the hind legs. Frequent visits to your vet for check-ups and giving your dog joint supplements like glucosamine and omega-3 oils can go a long way to prevent future pain.
Skin Allergies
Blue nose pitbulls are especially prone to skin allergies because they’ve been bred to have a “blue” coat. This breeding practice has unfortunately led to skin disorders and are often triggered by fleas and environmental irritants. To ensure your pitbull stays healthy, make sure you groom them regularly and watch for any signs of excess scratching or other skin irritations. Special shampoos and antihistamines can also help if your pittie is suffering.
Other common illnesses that can befall pitbulls include hypothyroidism and juvenile cataracts.
How Long Do Blue Nose Pitbulls Live?
Blue nose pitbulls have a moderate life expectancy of around 12 to 15 years. However, factors such as your dog’s diet, levels of exercise, genetics, and physical and mental health play a big role in how your pitbull ages.
Are Blue Nose Pitbulls Expensive?
Blue nose pitbulls can be difficult to find, which makes them one of the more expensive breeds. If you’re thinking of adopting one, expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. Prices will be higher with a reputable breeder as it can be expensive to properly breed these dogs. However, that’s not to say that you won’t find a blue nose pitbull down at your local shelter if you prefer to go down that route.
How Can I Find a Blue Nose Pitbull Breeder?
It’s important to find a reputable breeder. Because these dogs are rare and expensive, there are cases of people conning would-be pet parents by inbreeding dogs to get the right color. Not only is this unethical, but it can cause serious health issues to the dog.
To ensure you’re not being conned, ask around and find a breeder with a good reputation. If you don’t have access to referrals, ask plenty of questions when you visit the breeder. This includes asking to see the puppy’s litter with the mom so you can assess the temperament and health of the family.
It’s also important to get a sense of the breeder’s practices: what are they feeding the puppies? Have they been socialized? How many litters has the mom had?
A quality breeder will also ask you questions to ensure you’ll make a good pet parent. They should also be able to provide documentation such as health certificates and vaccination records.
Can You Adopt a Blue Nose Pitbull?
Blue nose pitbulls are rare so you’re less likely to find them at a rescue center. However, adopting one at a shelter is still possible. Ask around or do a search online to see if there are any blue nose pitbulls up for adoption. If you do find one, make sure you find out as much as possible about their history so that you can be aware of any physical or behavioral issues before introducing them to your pack.
Are Blue Nose Pitbulls Purebred?
Yes, blue nose pitbulls are a purebred American pitbull terrier. If you want to ensure the pitbull you’re adopting is purebred, check their physical characteristics. Pitbulls should have a well-defined and athletic appearance. However, although blue nose pitbulls are purebred and becoming increasingly popular, they are still not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Are Blue Nose Pitbulls Good for New Dog Owners?
While blue nose pitbulls are fantastic with kids and families, they can be a lot to handle. Therefore, if you’re a first-time dog owner and are uncertain or nervous around dogs, this may not be the best type to adopt right away.
Pitbulls are strong animals, which means they can become difficult to control if they’re not trained or socialized properly. However, if you’re confident and up to the task, a blue nose pitbull makes a fantastic family pet, and their high intellect means they’re easy to train.
Is a Blue Nose Pitbull the Right Dog for Me?
So, how do you know if a blue nose pitbull is right for you? Before you decide, it’s important to evaluate whether your disposition and lifestyle can accommodate this breed. In general, a blue nose pitbull is a good fit if you’re:
- Comfortable with a high-energy dog
- Able to keep your dog active and walk them for at least 90 minutes per day
- You’ve lived with dogs before and can be a calm, confident leader
- You’re ok with the stigma that comes with owning a pitbull
On the other hand, a blue nose pitbull may not be for you if:
- You have a slower lifestyle and prefer an animal that is relatively inactive
- You’re a first-time dog owner who is shy and uncertain around canines
- You travel often or have to leave your dog at home alone a lot
At the end of the day, adopting a dog is a very personal choice. But blue nose pitbulls are a wonderful breed to live with. These loyal and affectionate dogs are a lot of fun and can bring an abundance of joy to your household. With the right exercise and loving care, a blue nose pitbull will be your loving companion for life.