The Blue Nose Pitbull (The Truth)

It’s no secret pitbulls have a bad rap. Yet those that choose to look beyond the hype know this breed can be a devoted pooch with a gentle soul. The blue nose pitbull has particularly captured the imagination of knowledgeable owners, and there are plenty of reasons why.

Does a Blue Nose Pitbull Have a Blue Nose?

The first question you may have regarding a blue nose pitbull involves the color of his schnozz. This is perfectly understandable; after all, the name of the breed does inherently put forth an exotic quality that makes it alluring. And it may indeed be the deciding factor on whether you get the dog or not.

Despite what the name suggests, a blue nose pitbull will not always have a blue nose. This subsection of the breed can, of course, be born with a blue nose, but he can also come out with a nose that's black, red, or gray. So don’t worry if you see a blue nose pitbull without a blue nose – he’s not defective in any way.

The Genetics Behind a Blue Nose Pit Bull

The reason why an “off-color” nose can still carry the blue nose moniker is that the name has little to do with the color of his honker and everything to do with genetics. The blue nose term refers to the recessive trait that exists within a pitbull’s genetic code. This trait can not only affect the nose, but also the skin.

In order to create a blue nose pitbull, both parents have to be carriers of this gene. If one of the parents carries the dominant gene, the dominant genetic code will win out every time. Thus, the hues that are more typical of the pit bull breed will be produced.

When the recessive traits do bloom on a pup, you may see some variation on the skin as well as the nose. Blue nose pitbulls have a range in color from silver blue to and gray to deep charcoal. This range still allows the dog to have a look that falls in some pretty unique visual parameters.

The reason for the unique pigmentation doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s a recessive “blue” gene lurking in the pooch’s DNA. Rather, the blue color is a dilution of the normal black color. This dilution is driven by the recessive gene that must be carried by both parents.

Specifically, the recessive trait causes the color pigmentation within the dog’s skin to concentrate around the center of the follicle. This concentration comes at the expense of the hairs’ edges, which become colorless. This lack of color creates an optical illusion that produces a distinctively grayish hue that’s referred to as “blue” in the dog world.

A Word of Caution Regarding Specialized Genetic Manipulation

It can be tricky for breeders to produce blue nose pitbulls. After all, the number of pits that possess dominant color traits in their genetic code far outweigh those that carry recessive genes. Therefore, the list of dogs that can produce blue nose pitbulls is somewhat limited.

Because of this, breeders that specialize in producing blue nose pitbulls have a relatively small gene pool at their disposal. As such, it’s not too uncommon for some breeders to result in using dogs from the same families to help bring the recessive genes to the forefront. Sometimes, this practice of inbreeding can lead to heightened health issues.

The most common elevated issues driven by color-specific breeding relate to various skin diseases. These range from alopecia (that is, hair loss) to hot spots, which can sometimes be referred to as moist eczema by vets. The good news here is that these particular conditions are usually treatable.

Other issues associated with blue nose pit bulls, however, are not so easily remedied. It is thought that dogs produced through recessive gene manipulation are more susceptible to immune disorders and nervous conditions. The former may make the dog more susceptible to various infections, while the latter may make him harder to train.

How Much Do Blue Nose Pitbulls Cost?

Even though blue nose pitbulls may carry a greater risk of health issues, the relative rarity and specialization needed to produce the dogs makes them rather expensive. If you’re going through a reputable breeder to acquire your blue nose pit bull, you can generally expect to shell out $1,000 - $5,000.

This initial cost may be a bit of a sticker shock on its own, but it also must be taken into consideration with other costs that are essential expenditures for properly raising a dog. If you’re considering a blue nose pitbull, it’s wise to consider shots, vet visits, grooming, toys, and other basics.

In the case of blue nose pit bulls, you may also need to factor in shipping costs. Because these dogs are exotic and are not as common as regular pits, you may have to purchase your pooch from a reputable breeder out of state. As such, you may at the very least need to calculate the cost it would take you to pick up the pooch personally.

With all that being said, you should be keenly aware that you are simply paying top dollar for a pit bull that has a unique color. All potential health issues aside, these pitbulls are no different than your typical pitbull. Just because they have a unique genetic code, they are not a separate breed, nor do they have a distinct bloodline.

Therefore, you should always be suspect of breeders that try to pass blue nose pitbulls as a separate breed. There are unscrupulous breeders that will jack up their price tag to prey on the ignorance of potential dog owners that may assume that the unique color represents a separate breed. Do not fall into this trap.

What’s it Like to Own a Blue Nose Pitbull?

To own a blue nose pitbull is to take responsibility for one of the most complex, misunderstood dogs on the planet. As is the case with any pitbull, you’re going to have to deal with plenty of unfair stereotypes, some of which may extend to you as well as the dog. The trade-off to this is that you’ll have an excellent dog in your life.

First off, a pitbull isn’t a breed. Rather, the word “pitbull” is a catch-all term used to describe a number of breeds, such as the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The reason for all these names is in part due to the breeds’ sordid past. The assorted bull breeds were originally bred for dog-fighting in England back in the 19^th century. However, they were also bred to be reluctant to bite humans – a necessary trait that enabled handlers to separate fighting dogs without being attacked.

In an effort to re-shape these dogs’ reputation in the wake of now-illegal practices, these “pit” breeds were given new names to separate them from their past. This act has not been without a bit of controversy. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a recognized breed by the AKC, while the American Pit Bull Terrier is not.

The Truth About Pit Bulls

There’s no doubt that pit bulls have a bad rap for being vicious, virtually bloodthirsty dogs. However, this is a grossly inaccurate mindset that seems primarily driven by a blend of horrifically irresponsible owners and overblown media hype. The fact is, a properly trained pit can be just as goofy and loveable as any other breed.

The True Nature of Pit Bulls

The reason why a properly trained pit can be such a love is that it’s in their nature to do so. This stout, sturdy dog has a serious gentle streak that tends to meet strangers not with a fierce, intimidating growl, but with a tail-wagging eagerness. In fact, they are so eager to please, they make pretty lousy watchdogs.

When properly socialized – something that all dog owners should do regardless of breed – the inherent loving nature of pit bulls make them extremely loyal dogs that will be your best buddy for the rest of their lives. This loving quality makes them an excellent breed if you have kids in the house.

Pit bulls also have a tendency to be extremely goofy dogs whose sense of playfulness doesn’t have much of an off switch. One of the reasons for this is because they tend to mature slower than other dogs, meaning that they tend to maintain a puppy-like behavior into adulthood.

Behind this dorky demeanor is a very intelligent dog that can learn commands and tricks rather easily. If you are bringing in a blue nose pitbull, bear in mind that their genetic disposition for increased nervous issues may make them a little tougher to train than your typical pit. However, they are still quite capable of learning.

Of course, this combination of mischief and smarts could lead them into doing the kind of unacceptable behaviors that run parallel to the wrongdoings of other improperly socialized breeds. For instance, if you don’t establish alpha dog status with the pooch, he may assume that you’re letting him be pack leader. This can cause training issues.

Also, if you don’t give your pit the proper amount of exercise and training needed to funnel his rambunctiousness, he may release his energy by digging up your backyard or eating your sofa. These shenanigans can also happen if you don’t stimulate his brain, so make sure you don’t make his intelligence an afterthought.

Dealing with Other People’s Ignorance is a Necessary Evil of Pitbull Ownership

The biggest challenge of owning a pitbull, be it blue nose or otherwise, has nothing to do with training or properly socializing your dog. Rather, it’s having to put up with that which you cannot train or socialize – the opinions of those unwilling to learn the truth about pitbulls.

If you own a pitbull of any kind, you can expect to be met with a certain level of anger or hostility stemming from certain people. These ignorant types will automatically assume your wonderful dog is evil on four legs, just looking for any excuse to rip someone to pieces.

Even worse, these people may instantly judge you as a shady, if not criminal, individual for having the audacity to own your dog. After all, the mindset goes, there must be a reason why you own such a notorious dog. Whatever the reason may be, chances are it’s probably a bad one.

The best way to handle these situations is to ignore them if and when they arise. While the optimist in you may look at this kind of situation as a means to educate people about the true nature of pits, these people probably have no interest in being educated. Just let them say their peace and move on.

If you don’t have thick skin to deal with the negative perception that may surround you and your dog in certain situations, you may want to think twice about picking up a pitbull. However, if you’re willing to let these unfounded criticisms roll off your back, then a pitbull may be a terrific pooch to welcome into your home.

The Beauty of a Blue Nose Pitbull

The “blue” color that covers the coat (and sometimes the nose) makes the blue nose pitbull one of the most unique dogs in the canine kingdom. While the unfair stereotype surrounding the dog may keep some people away, those in the now will be drawn to his alluring look. Given the nature of the dog, he'll be happy to get the attention.

In the case of a blue nose pitbull, the true beauty that makes this dog a winner is certainly not skin deep. The dog’s winning combination of smarts, energy, silliness, and loyalty has given the pooch a brilliant, well-rounded personality that can warm the heart of any perspective dog owner. The fact that he has such a cool looking coat is a bonus.