The red nose Pitbull is an exceptionally rare type of dog that’s part of the wider American Pitbull Terrier family. This isn’t necessarily a breed in its own right (and it’s not recognized as such), but a unique, red-nosed version of the standard American Pitbull Terrier.
Red nose American Pitbull Terriers are, of course, known for their distinctive red noses, but they also have a somewhat misunderstood reputation for dangerous behavior, which dates back to their days as fighting dogs.
The reality is that red nose Pitbulls are exceptionally kind-hearted, loving, and affectionate when they are well cared for and raised correctly. In this article, we take a look at the history, breeding, and temperament of a red nose Pitbull and hope to dispel a few misconceptions along the way.
What is a Red Nose Pitbull?
The red nose Pitbull is a distinct variety of pitbull that’s closely related to the wider American Pitbull Terrier family. This isn’t a distinctive breed, but simply a unique variety of Pitbull types that are distinguished by their red nose and red coat of short fur.
Red nose Pitbulls are similar in size and weight to other dogs of the Pitbull breed, and while rather short, they are very stocky, compact, and extremely muscular. The red nose Pitbull (like all Pitbulls) has a reputation for fighting, but while these dogs are admittedly powerful and potentially dangerous, this side of their character is only ever unleashed by unethical trainers and owners looking to turn them into fighting dogs.
The red nose Pitbull is a rare variety of pitbull, and so it’s not only difficult to source these dogs but expensive to purchase them, too.
Let’s take a quick overview of a red nose Pitbull.
Height: The red nose Pitbull is similar to other Pitbulls and stands around 20 inches tall on average when fully grown. Males can be a few inches taller than this.
Weight: Red nose Pitbulls are muscular and compact. They average around 60 pounds when fully grown.
Physical attributes: Distinctive Pitbull look, but with a unique red-brown coat that’s quite light in color. Short, soft fur, and often have red-copper eyes.
Lifespan: A red nose Pitbull lifespan can be a long one. These dogs often reach ages of up to 14-16 years old.
Known health problems: A generally healthy dog but is prone to joint and limb injuries as they get older. They are also susceptible to bad eyesight and eye conditions as they age.
Temperament: Although they have a reputation for anger and fighting, these are actually lovable, affectionate dogs. Pitbulls are intelligent, loyal, and full of character.
What’s the difference between a red nose Pitbull and a blue nose Pitbull?
The blue nose Pitbull is a very similar dog to the red nose Pitbull; however, there’s one major difference. The blue nose Pitbull has a blue nose, rather than a red nose!
In terms of height, weight, build, and temperament, these dogs are very similar. However, it’s their colorings and markings that set them apart and make both of these varieties of Pitbull rare and sought after.
As well as a blue nose, blue nose Pitbulls also have a blue-grey coat and will often have blue-colored eyes, too.
A brief history of the red nose Pitbull
Red nose Pitbulls have the same lineage as the wider American Pitbull Terrier family, which traces its roots back to the Bull and Terrier, a cross between Bulldogs and Terriers that is now thought to be non-existent.
The Bull and Terrier was bred in England as a cross between Bulldogs and Terriers. The idea was to produce a working dog that took on the muscular aspects of the Bulldog and the agility and speed of the Terrier.
The result was the Pitbull Terrier, of which the red nose Pitbull would then become a distinctive type of its own. Pitbull Terriers became popular in the USA in the late 19th century, and unfortunately, they were often set to work fighting in the arena.
While this is a loving dog, they can be aggressive when pushed too far and when trained to be fighters. Their power, speed, and size make them suitably adept at fighting, and so this is from where their negative reputation stems.
The Red Nose Pitbull descended from a very specific type of Pitbull fighting dog, known as the Old Family red nose Pitbull. This dog is said to have been brought to the USA from Ireland and was renowned for its ability to win bloodsports. It’s unclear, however, how much truth there is in this origin story.
Red nose Pitbull temperament - are they dangerous?
A Pitbull dog is almost universally seen as a dangerous and aggressive breed of dog, no matter if it’s a red nose, blue nose, or American Staffordshire. This idea of a dangerous Pitbull temperament goes back to their days as fighting dogs and the fact that while bloodsports are illegal, many unscrupulous owners continue to train aggressive Pitbulls.
Their reputation is so bad, in fact, that some countries ban them outright. For example, in the United Kingdom, Pitbulls are classed as dangerous dogs, and it’s illegal to breed or own one.
The truth is that the red nose Pitbull does have an incredibly powerful bite. They have strong jaws, sharp teeth, and bite in a way that other dogs don’t - they were bred to hunt large game, so they bite hard and cling on. Combined with their powerful bodies, you can see why they are often feared.
The reality, though, is that the red nose Pitbul’s temperament isn’t one of aggression but one of affection. Red nose Pitbulls aren’t any more likely to bite than other breeds, and these intelligent, hardworking dogs are thoroughly misunderstood.
The problem arises when Pitbulls are unfairly brought up to fear humans or to fear other animals. They can be brought up to be aggressive, but like all domesticated dogs, this is a case of bad nurturing winning out over nature. Respect the red nose Pitbull, raise them with love, and train them well, and they have a laid-back temperament that won’t be in the slightest bit aggressive.
Red nose Pitbull care and health
Red nose Pitbulls are wonderfully healthy dogs, and with the right care and lifestyle, they can live for as long as 16 years.
Red nose Pitbulls are active dogs, and they need regular exercise to stay in shape and be happy. You’ll need to find time to walk these lovely animals at least once a day, if not twice. It’s recommended that you have outdoor space for them to run around and enough space in the home for you to all be comfortable living together (these are large dogs!).
Red nose Pitbulls will need feeding at least twice a day (breakfast and dinner), and remember to keep them hydrated.
Red nose Pitbulls aren’t prone to hereditary diseases, but there are a few conditions to watch out for as they grow older. Pitbull eyes are notoriously prone to degeneration, which can cause some confusion for them later in life.
Importantly, Pitbulls can suffer from damaged joints and torn ligaments due in part to their unique, squat body shape that puts a lot of pressure on their legs. You can help your Red Nose Pitbull to take a load off their feet by installing a bed ramp for dogs around the home.
As with all dogs, ensure that you take your red nose Pitbull to the vets for a check-up at least once a year. Catching any health issues early on is the best way to ensure they can be treated quickly and live their longest life!
Red nose Pitbull: the final say
The red nose Pitbull is a misunderstood type of dog that has the potential to bring great love and affection into your home. This rare breed of Pitbull is undeniably beautiful, with its short red coat and red gaze, but owners often assume that this dog is going to be aggressive automatically.
This just isn’t true, and with the right care, attention, and training, a red nose Pitbull is no more aggressive than any other breed of dog that we let into our homes. Train these proud dogs well, and they’ll give you their loyalty for life.
If you’re debating whether or not to raise a Pitbull, then why not bookmark our guide to the Red Nose Pitbull for future reading?
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