The red nose Pitbull has a reputation for power, aggression and tenacity. Assumed to be bred from old family lines they are famed as guard dogs and adored for their protective natures. But the reality is that a lot of their traits line up perfectly with every other color of Pitbull. They are natural watchdogs with a bite method to be taken seriously, but with positive training and plenty of socialization they can still make great family pets.
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What most people in the USA call a purebred Pitbull, can be registered under two separate names. The AKC (American Kennel Club) calls this breed the American Staffordshire terrier, and the UKC (United Kennel Club) calls it the American Pitbull Terrier.
Although they are two separate breed registrations, they both come from the same lines. So a dog could easily fit both breed standards. Both American Staffordshire terriers and American Pitbull terriers can be called Pitbulls.
Where Do They Come From?
‘Bully’ breeds often stem back to the days of bear baiting and other similar ‘sports’. While this tradition has almost completely died out, fights between dogs (though illegal) still continue underground.
This sturdy, powerful dog has a large chiseled head and a wide mouth. Pitbull noses come in a range of colors, most notably blue and red. The idea of the old family red nose Pitbull has had a large impact on the popularity of this particular variety. The theory goes that red nosed Pitbulls are more similar to the old family strain of the breed that was imported to the United States.
This old family strain originated in Ireland, where they were considered the best fighting dogs. This is used to justify the idea that American Pitbull terriers with red noses are closer to these origins, and somehow better. With this being said, red nose Pitbulls are not a breed in their own right. But are there any key differences between the red nose and blue nose varieties?
Old Family Pitbulls
The original old family Pitbull has reddish fur, but nowadays you can find a white red nosed Pitbull too. The reason for the old family red nose Pitbull strain’s popularity was its reported ‘gameness’, an attribute we’ll look at a bit later. The truth is that this red nose gene has been shown to occur in Pitbulls of all shapes and sizes. It’s been highlighted as a marker of genetics, but really doesn’t seem to have any effect. It’s likely that the red nose appears every so often because a dog may have a member of the old family red strain in it’s ancestry.
There’s a lot of hype surrounding old family red nose Pitbulls, perhaps deservedly. Unfortunately just because a Pitbull has a red nose does not make it necessarily any closer to this strain than another Pitbull.
Coat Color and Markings
Pitbulls come in quite a range of different colors, including black, white, brown and tri color. There are white red nosed pitbulls, but white pitbull terriers can also come with black or blue noses.
There are also various shades of brown Pitbull, including the commonly seen buckskin color, and various shades of fawn. Not every brown Pitbull puppy is a red nose pit. The American red nose Pitbull usually comes in a rich chestnut reddish brown color.
Pitbull coats can also have different markings. It can solid or self colored, or the color can be broken into patches, usually brown patches on a white background. Pitbull terriers also carry the gene for a brindle coat, where you have stripes of a darker color on a lighter background. The pitbull red nose is often accompanied by a solid red coat, but you can also get a red nose brindle Pitbull.
Are Red Nose Pitbulls Dangerous?
There is possibly no dog more controversial than the Pitbull Terrier. Responses to this dog range from admiration to outright fear! People may cross the street to avoid walking past one, or cross the street to ask if they can pet one.
Their use as fighting dogs and guard dogs has clearly colored the public view of all Pitbull Terriers, or dogs that look like them. But there are still many people that have a special place in their heart for this powerful companion. So how do we separate fact from myth? How can you be sure that the puppy you are about to bring into your home won’t become a danger to your family and friends? The fact is that many large dogs have the potential to be dangerous irrespective of breed.
Early experiences in puppy hood and adolescence have a profound influence on temperament. But it is also true that some breeds are more likely to react to provocation with aggression than others due to inherited temperament tendencies. And we need to consider that some dogs are more likely to cause harm if they do become aggressive due to the way that they bite, and the power of that bite.
Aggression vs Color
Pitbulls in general have taken a lot of flak from people for their temperament. It does seem though that this is not entirely well deserved. In a study on Pitbulls’ aggression toward people, they were far from the most likely breed to attack. They were however found to be much more likely than other breeds to attack other dogs.
This seems to make a lot of sense, as historically Pitbulls were bred to fight large animals and other dogs, not people. It’s important to point out in the face of widespread criticism that many Pitbulls live as family dogs with no issue. So what has got people so worried? And where did the reputation for danger come from? Well, it’s likely that the issue isn’t frequency of bites, but the nature of the bites that do occur. Not all dog bites are equal.
How a Pitbull Bites
Perhaps the most pertinent case against Pitbulls is not how often they bite, but the way that they bite. It’s not that red nose Pitbull dogs have the hardest bite of any canine. It’s that they exhibit a signature grip and shake style of biting, whereas most dogs’ instinct is to snap and retreat.
This tendency to grip hard and hang on, was bred into Pitbull Terriers to help them to take down animals larger than themselves in fighting pits. The end result of this biting style, coupled with the dog’s wide set mouth, is that the resulting injury is likely to be more serious than dogs with a nipping or snapping style of bite. A 2011 study of admissions to a level 1 trauma center as a result of dog attacks displayed this potential for harm very clearly.
Bite type vs bite frequency
The mortality rate for Pitbull attacks was 10%, where there was no mortality from attacks by other breeds. It’s very clear that, although Pitbulls relatively rarely attack people, when they do it can be a disaster.
The important thing to remember is that dogs become aggressive and ultimately bite because they are afraid. Raising a friendly confident dog helps to ensure that your pitbull is never put in a situation where he or she is afraid. The two keys are training and socialization
Modern Training Methods
Studies have shown that training and socialization help to reduce dogs’ fear of strangers. Training is important for any dog, but the way you train your Pitbull is important. Pitbulls are intelligent and capable dogs, but they are also tough.
The ability to shrug off intimidation and injury, known as gameness, is associated with their fighting past. And getting into a battle of wills with a Pitbull is a bad idea. It’s obvious why this attitude was encouraged in fighting dogs, but it may mean your work is cut out for you if you want to use punishment and discipline. Abandoned Pitbulls frequently end up in shelters simply because owners are not able to control them. And an old family red nose Pitbull may be a challenge for you if you use traditional training methods.
Positive reinforcement
The secret is to use modern force free training methods that don’t put you and your dog into conflict. They use incentives and rewards, to help keep training something that the dog doesn’t just tolerate. He enjoys. It is a good idea to use these methods with a red nose Pitbull, if you want to get the best out of him. Engaging your dog in social situations from the start and training them with positive reinforcement methods only can help prevent aggression occurring.
Socialization
The key to raising a happy, sociable red nose Pitbull puppy is extensive socialization. Help him to see the whole world as his best friend, by introducing him to a variety of experiences from the very day you bring your puppy home at 8 weeks. Make sure you have a range of visitors, of a range of backgrounds, both male and female. Every visitor should give the pup a treat, and some rewarding positive interaction.
Take your puppy to every possible location you might want to visit. Get strangers to pet your American red nose Pitbull and give him a treat if you can. Stand outside local school gates and get the kids to say hi your puppy. Carry him around busy stations and dog friendly shops, even before his second jabs and he is ready to be put on the ground. Make this your sole purpose until your pup is about 16 weeks old. Do something that involves strangers away from and inside your house every single day until this point. Then keep it up as a regular activity from then onwards. A confident dog is a safer dog.
Are Rose Nose Pitbulls Healthier?
Although clearly more physically sound than some other breeds, red nose Pitbulls are sadly not without their own health issues. Their signature stance may have an adverse effect on their joints. Coupled with their often heavy frames the actual positioning of their legs puts strain on their ligaments.
The cranial cruciate ligament is particularly affected, chronic damage to this ligament can cause hind leg lameness later in life. It is therefore important to make sure your red nose Pitbull does not become overweight, so as not to exacerbate this condition. Regular exercise and well balanced diet can both play a crucial role.
Pitbulls also seem to face issues with their eyes more than some other breeds. The likelihood that a Pitbull will suffer retinal degradation makes it seem likely that this is inherited from dog to dog. Issues with vision might make a dog more easily confused, and can certainly mess up a game of fetch.
Terriers in general are more likely to suffer from skin ailments. Pollen allergies in particular are a cause for concern. It doesn’t sound serious, but these allergies often present as dermatitis in dogs. Skin irritation can lead to secondary infections that if left untreated could have serious ramifications for your dogs health.
Diet can do a lot to minimize the harm caused by allergies. It doesn’t appear to be that there are any red nosed Pitbull specific ailments. But all of the conditions that affect Pitbulls in general may pose a risk to them.
Red Nose Pitbull Puppies
Most Pitbull breeders will occasionally have red nosed puppies, and some claim to be old family red nose Pitbull breeders. It’s important to restate that just because a Pitbull has a red nose does not mean it’s any more related to the old family strain than a Pitbull with a different color nose. For this reason red nose Pitbull price can be the same as any Pitbull.
Often the price of a red nose Pit depends on what they are intended for. Purpose bred protection dogs can sometimes reach six digits! There are some breeders who continue to breed dogs directly related to the old family strain and their credentials should be evaluated on a case by case basis. Due to the limited supply and rarity of these dogs they can be more expensive, but as with other Pitbull prices vary.
It’s really important to do some research into the reputation of the breeder you plan to use. Some Pitbulls are bred specifically for defense, and qualities like aggression may well be bred into them. Your best bet for a family pet may be with a dog bred for the show ring.
Breeding Healthy Dogs
Make sure you meet both parents and that they are both relaxed in your company. As with any closely bred pedigree dog, inherited diseases may be an issue.
Make sure your breeder will guarantee the health of your puppy, and take the puppy to your vet in the first day or two, for a clean bill of health. In the case of old family red nose Pitbulls this is even more pertinent.
Breeding from a smaller gene pool within a breed means inherited disease becomes all the more likely. Upstanding breeders will take measures against this and try and add some genetic variety to their dog’s lines. As with any sought after dog, there will always be breeders who sacrifice the health of their dogs for profit.
Trina Hoppe says
I believe I have a red nose pitbull . She was giving to me by a friend. She is two years old I believe as well. She is like a reddish brownish grey color. I’ll enclose at picture. If anyone can tell me about her it would be great.. THANK you
June Harris says
I have 2 red nosed pits and 1 is mixed with mastiff love them dearly. Lost my cat due to posioning and got my second pit her name is queeny very loving.
Cynthia says
We have had are red nose pit Nala since she was 5 weeks she is so lovable has to give everyone that comes to are home a hug. She is so well behaved and super lovable and protective of the younger children constantly on guard with them if I raise my voice to the children to have a time out she is right on top of me I’m thankful we only do time ours in are home cause I honestly think if we whipped the kids she might snap at me or possibly bite.she nites the sweeper when I use it with the kids close by also…lol… Her trigger is most definitely people getting loud or arguing.. She goes straight into defense mode …she does not like it so she makes are home a safe peaceful loving environment. She is most definitely a blessing in are life can’t imagine her not being a part of it . and I was skeptical about getting anothor dog after having to put are dog Pugsy to sleep after 19 years I was very distant with her for the first few months but now she is my dog 🐕 more than anyone else in the house she stole my heart ❤ and my life is so blessed with her being a part of my journey… I hope we have many more years of happiness and memories to add to are story ..we love you Nala …
Dave says
Omg!! Do you still have Nala ? We just rescued from the rescue center a dog named Nala and she is all tan with tan eyes 7 months old.
Rose Cooper says
We just got a red nose pit Bull and she’s 8 weeks old. She’s loving and likes to play. Some of my cats are not used to her but it’s only been a few days. My multipoo is a bit nippy and doesn’t like her. I guess she just need to get used to her slowly. Any help of info on raising my baby Emma would be appreciated. Thank you
Steven mccoy says
My red nose pit “Remi”is 8-9 years young. I picked her up from the local
humane society when she was 3 -4. I have never had a more well behaved, gentle, loving and just over all amazing dog in my life. She loves my kids and meeting new people. She did not get along with my wife’s american pit when we introduced them at first. Both same age and female. They were to much alike. My mother inlaw kept her american pit at her house so they would stop fighting. We just picked up a 12 week old american xl bully, he is a male and his name is hank. Remi loves him and she was always a little food aggressive torwards other dogs only. But hank is the first ever she was able to shove his head in her bowl while she is eating, and she just backed up and watched him. She is being kinda like a mother figure to him. I would be lost with out my little girl Remi.
Stacy says
My red nose pit has his tail. I don’t believe in docking them. He’s beautiful when he is in hunt mode for a squirrel. His tail goes up in the air with a curve to it. He has a half inch of white on the very tip of his tail.
Stacey says
I was blessed with my Red nose pit bull when we were at the shelter looking for another member for our family. He picked us. Avery was NOT what we were looking for by any means, he was battling heart worms, skinny as can be and wanted nothing to do with me. He, however took right up with my husband. Which was/is not the normal for us. All the dogs we looked at were about me an wanted nothing to do with him. Avery went to him wouldn’t listen to me and stayed by his side. So, we brought him home. Finished up his heart worm treatment and he made it through 100% fine, he has now started putting on weight and is filling out. …. Oh and the not wanting to come to me thing…He was just that smart. He took up with the hubs at the shelter … the minute we got him home, it was all about me. He will not let me leave his sight. Follows me EVERYWHERE, sleeps by my side and rides shot gun in the car and growls at me if he doesn’t get buckled in before I start the car. He fit right in with our cat and other dog, of course she went with us to make sure they were gonna get a long before we got him. But as for hubs, Avery just cocks his eye and looks at him like hmm should I listen to you? He is amazing and Im so in love with him. Could never imagine a better dog.
Debi says
I got my red-nosed mix “Moca” from the Fairfield County Rescue in CT. She was from SC, and about 3 months old. My son and I fell in love with the photo and took the risk! We trained her extensively from day 1 and she is an amazing house pet. She sleeps with me and two little white kittens. Her only lingering issue is leash reactivity towards other dogs (unless I let her go over to them… we canNOT pass by without a reaction) and sometimes certain men in very dark clothing or who make direct eye contact. So specific right? But these are her fears. She is now almost 4 years old and I am still working on these issues with a treat system and also respecting her boundaries so she doesn’t get to full throttle upset level. She is the best companion, natural watch dog, cat sitter, running partner and all around goofball that I’ve ever seen. Worth the time and effort to save a red-nosed pit’s life and have the greatest reward of unconditional love back from her.
Don says
I owned a wonderful red nose pit. He was the smartest, friendliest, caring, and most protective of children I ever raised. Kind to everyone unless anyone raised their voice at me.
Ava says
My cleo is so friendly n lovable! She loves to give people hugs but hates to see other dogs. She also loves my 2 cats Pumpkin and cuddles! She is so energetic and we’ll behave! We love her
John G Chisholm says
My humane society adoption pup, was nzmed Mr Cuddles ! Lol
65 pnd rednose pit. Full of love
bangie b says
Our pit acts like a guard dog. If my daughter is home he doesn’t like for me to go in her room. If my husband goes near me he barks as if he wants to attack. Is this normal? Because when we’re not there he loves my husband.
Alex says
Mi American pit bull Terrier Buster Red Nose 👃 is the love boy I love him to bit he not go Staffordshire bull Terrier but I have American bull dog x2 come soon she little princess keta she age 14 weeks Christmas I am looking forward to get her so American pit bull Terrier got friend and new girlfriend in 3 years so I am got tell her and him have puppy 🐶 together that me after this so I am looking after them no more after 64years ord Playing yes he is lovely 3 years American pit bull Terrier
Wendy Marcucci says
I fostered a red nosed Pitbull Terrier and she is the best dog ever! She was abandoned in the woods in the south and found by a hunter. She was only six months when I started to foster her. She was funny when I first got her because she would panic if I took her collar off to bathe her and also would run after every car that went by and tries to sniff the tires. Which leads me to believe that someone just let her go. I’ve worked with her with pennies in a can to break her of chasing cars for fear she would get runover and she is doing much better. She was adopted into a family that has 3 other dogs and a 2 year old human brother. She gets along great with other dogs and loves to play. They had her dna done and she is a full bred Pitbull terrier. This is the second pit bull that I have fostered and I was nervous bc of their reputation but I can assure you that both dogs have been the sweetest dogs. I have ever had and Ive had dogs my entire life. This week has been great because I actually got to dog sit my adopted foster dog. Our family misses her so much but she went to a great home. So it makes it so worth it. One thing that I did with both Pitbulls was to socialize them as much as possible and even though they didn’t have a great start in life they both are doing so well! They both are so lovable and great dogs. I’m glad I took the chance to foster them because they are by far my favorite dogs. They have the scary Pitbull look but are just big cuddle bugs!
Susan Underwood says
I rescued a young red nose, Bensji mix 4 months ago.He was homeless .He was starved , losing his hair , full of tape worms and terrified of people.Now he is 60 lbs , so full of love for everybody he meets.He likes to do circles when he sees my friends.I have had people wanting him.He is beautiful and I love him.There isn’t a mean bone in his body.He is a love bug.Such a smart boy.We are attached to each other.
Dana Burton says
I was told my dog is a Queensland heeler. Or Austrian stumpy tail cartel dog. But she is all red with red nose and golden eyes. Has the built of a pit bull. She is four years. My grand daughter got her from a rescuer when she was 6 months. I have had her only 3 months. She is the smartest sweetest dog ever. Loves people but will totally ignore other dogs. We are in obedience 1 class now moving on to class 2 in a couple of weeks. Agility trading will be coupled with that. She is fast and agile. I do believe she has heeler in her. Her feet are molted with white. Her name is Primm. I will send a picture.
Amanda Shackelford says
I have a reduced red nose pit bull and she is the sweetest loving dog. She loves my husband and has very good temperament. She is good around our children, growls at new people she doesn’t know. She likes men more than women until she warms up to u. She isn’t baby girl. You may publish
Jodeen Frank says
I rescued my red nose pit at 2 WEEKS and know nothing about his parentage (none around and possibly stolen pups). I bottle fed him and after recovering from pneumonia and 4 days in the hospital….have a great pup. BUT at almost 20 lbs, carrying him outside until vaccinations are completed would be impossible….so I got a child’s stroller and now when I say, “wanna go for a walk” ….he sits next to the stroller. We have learned Come, Sit and now the Down. He is 14 weeks old and all I knew about pits was that they were to be avoided! I am already becoming an advocate for them and am awaiting his DNA test!
Kevin barnett says
We’ve had rocky for 2 years and he is the most loving and playful dog I’ve ever seen. He is very protective and can be hard headed but is awesome with my children and is truly my best friend. He is av2 year old red nose.
Janie Russell says
I have a red nosed pit I rescued at 2 years. I have had her for almost a year. Initially she was very frightened and timid but slowly she relaxed and will even play now. She is precious but she particularly likes my teva shoes to tear up. 😂
Don says
I owned a wonderful red nose pit. He was the smartest, friendliest, caring, and most protective of children I ever raised. Kind to everyone unless anyone raised their voice at me.
Scott says
Found my red nosed in the street at 6 months according to doctors with a wire his neck full of worms . Several doctors visits later all is well . He’s became a lap dog and going to start training for search and rescue in coming months .
Nancy Mailand says
My red nose pit is hands down the most loving dog I have ever owned!!! She’s a total sweetheart.
Crystal says
Hi my fellow pittie owners, My husband and I are new red nose pit owners as if yesterday. Nyla, 5 months given to us by a neighbor who moved and couldn’t take her. Having had my kitty cat baby lucky pass away after 11yrs, in my arms I never wanted another pet. My husband however wanted a dog and now we’ve got Nyla She’s copper and beautiful, kind, playful and needs every shot, deworm, anal gland checkup, fix nail clip etc. Then trying food simply nourish for pups and pet botanics training treats just praying this is correct. Spent 500 already on bed, food, toys, tooth care kit, collar and leash,name tag, shampoo and now have to purchase a nice dog house feels a little overwhelming. This is our first dog and we want to be great parents. We love Nyla already. If there’s any tips on caring for our newest family member it’s appreciated in advance. God bless
jorge Padilla says
I had a beautiful red nose the most loyal and disciplined dog ive had i couldnt bring with me because base policy he was considered “aggressive” breed
Klutch says
Honey.
My amazing and beautiful Female Rednose American pitbull terrier!
Hands down the very best dog I have ever had the honor of having. Most loyal and smartest dog I’ve ever seen so far. I’d love to share her photo with all of you!
Pippa Mattinson says
Hi there, you can send your photo to [email protected] (put Red Nose Pitbull Photo in the subject line) We’d love to consider it for inclusion in this article 🙂
Kevin barnett says
We’ve had rocky for 2 years and he is the most loving and playful dog I’ve ever seen. He is very protective and can be hard headed but is awesome with my children and is truly my best friend. He is av2 year old red nose.
Vicki Roberts says
I have a red-nosed Pitt, her name is Wendy. She is very affectionate, loves to play, and is very good with other dogs. I also have a Yorkie poo, and a tea cup poodle. They ( the little dogs) call the shots. Wendy is great with them. She is a beautiful fog.
Becky Nelson says
I have a red nose pitbull named Twinkle. She was born April 7th 2016.
We believe she is mixed with a greyhound as she is leggy. Lovable goofy sweetheart!
Robbin says
Looking for a red nose pitbull puppy
Vivian E Kelley says
Check at shelter or rescue. They have/ puppies too.
Robbin says
I’m looking for a red nose pitbull puppy for free
Viviana says
You should add more about red nose pitbulls
michelle says
will my red nose look wierd if I don’t dock her tail?
Saif ur Rehman says
My favorite dog is red nose pitbull and I like them very much.
Hailey coulston says
I think that they are the cutest little things in the world and the people that owns a pit bull is amazing.
Summer says
Pitbulls are not vicious. No dogs are vicious, only the person who trains it
Hailey coulston says
I like that a lot
Machelle Hinthorn says
Amen to that….
Some Humans should put on the list of most vicious Dr their iorance.