If you are planning on getting a Pitbull, you may be interested in a rare tri color Pitbull. These dogs are starting to become very popular!
Gorgeous and unique, tri color Pitbulls are gaining more notoriety and popularity.
But what exactly is a tri color Pitbull. How do they differ from any other variety of Pitbull dogs?
In this article, we’ll help you decide if this is the right dog for you.
What is a Tri Color Pitbull?
Tri color Pitbulls are a new and rare color variety of American Pitbulls and bully breed dogs.
Rather than being an entirely new color, tri color Pitbulls are a new coat pattern.
Instead of the usual one or two coat colors, these Pitbulls have three colors in their coat. The colors come in various patterns.
Breeders have been developing a wide variety of tri color Pitbulls including combinations of:
- black,
- white,
- tan,
- lilac,
- red,
- fawn,
- chocolate,
- blue,
- and more!
History and Origins of Pitbulls
Pitbulls themselves have a bit of a muddled past, and are not actually a specific breed. They are an umbrella term for several related “bully” breeds.
Breeds currently considered to be Pitbulls include:
- American Pitbull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier,
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
- and the American Bully.
Sometimes even the American Bulldog is included. Once upon a time, Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs were considered Pitbulls too!
Many of these varieties of dogs were originally bred to be fighting dogs, bull baiting dogs, working terriers. They were also bred as hunting dogs for large game such as wild hogs or feral cattle.
The various breeds considered “Pitbulls” are usually, squat, muscular dogs with a wide head, strong legs, and a barrel chest.
Coat and Colors Varieties
Coat and Colors VarietiesPitbulls already come in a wide range of colors. The color of Pitbull coats can include:
- black,
- white,
- brown,
- fawn,
- grey,
- tan,
- lilac,
- buckskin,
- champagne,
- red,
- chocolate,
- blue,
- and seal.
The coat patterns have been seen to include:
- solid,
- masked,
- brindled,
- ticked,
- freckled,
- spotted,
- merle,
- piebald,
- and patched.
Contrasting color splashes are commonly seen on the chest, nose, face, paws, legs, and even the tail.
The most common coat color combinations found in tri color Pitbulls has tended to be combinations of black, brown, and white. However, any combination of the Pitbull colors is possible!
Tri color Pitbulls are considered rare because in general breeders have not been trying to make them until very recently.
The gene that creates the three colored coat is a recessive gene.
This means that both parents must have this recessive gene in order for any of their pups to end up with the three colored coat.
Intentionally breeding dogs with recessive genes is considered risky for a lot of breeders. It can potentially increase the risk of disease and genetic disorders.
Are Tri Color Pitbulls Show Dogs?
The United Kennel Club (UKC) was the first to recognize the American Pitbull Terrier.
However, The American Kennel Club (AKC) didn’t recognize the Staffordshire Bull Terrier until 1974. To date it has not recognized the American Pitbull Terrier.
Even within the organizations that recognize the Pitbull breeds, there is still a narrow range of “acceptable” coat colors.
Tri colored Pitbulls have not to date been added to any of those lists.
With this in mind, if a tri colored Pitbull is the dog of your dreams, don’t expect to be able to enter them into any shows.
Health of Tri Colored Pitbulls
Many breeders feel that intentionally breeding tri color Pitbulls is risky.
The gene that creates the tri color variation is recessive. It requires putting two parents with the recessive genes together.
Breeders’ main concern is that tri color Pitbull puppies with two sets of recessive genes are at greater risk for disease and genetic disorders.
However, the tri color Pitbulls are still relatively new and rare. Therefore, there has not yet been enough time for researchers to conduct any in-depth scientific studies. Certainly these studies would help to investigate any potential health risks.
In general, you should expect the same health risks for tri color Pitbulls that you would be ready and aware of for all the Pitbull color varieties.
The most common health issues that Pitbulls face can include:
- Allergies (mostly skin)
- Bloat (gastric dilation)
- Cancer (bladder, lymphoma, melanoma)
- Cataracts
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
Remember to always refer to your veterinarian or animal health care professional with questions and concerns!
Intelligence & Training of Tri Color Pitbulls
Pitbulls tend to be very family oriented dogs, with confident and loving personalities.
Many dog lovers refer to them as the “clowns” of the dog world. They are well known for their silly and entertaining antics!
They are sweet, smart dogs who want to please their humans, and respond well to proper and consistent training.
Pitbulls, like any breed of dog, are entirely trainable with the right tools and patience!
Misbehavior from Pitbulls comes mostly from destructive chewing or dog-aggression. This can easily be mistaken for people-aggression.
History
The truth about Pitbull’s history is some were originally bred to be fighting dogs.
This means that the dogs with aggression towards other dogs were favored.
However, this also means that dogs with aggression towards humans were unlikely to be kept in the gene pool. A fighting dog that attacks it’s human handler isn’t desirable.
While many modern Pitbulls live happy and healthy in multi-dog and multi-pet households, some do better being the only pet.
This distinction, however, should be taken on an individual basis, and not as a sweeping generalization of the breed!
Many Pitbull owners claim that Pitbulls make wonderful additions to multi-pet homes. As always, it is of the utmost importance to properly socialize your dog.
Temperament of Tri Color Pitbulls
Some breeders feel the tri color Pitbulls are calmer and have less of a prey drive than other Pitbull varieties.
The tri color variety of Pitbulls are still new and rare. Therefore, this cannot be confirmed. But, there simply hasn’t been enough time to see real trends and patterns of behavior.
In general, many breeders, trainers, and dog lovers find Pitbulls undeserving of their reputation as mean, aggressive dogs!
There have been no peer-reviewed studies that concluded Pitbull type dogs to be inherently more dangerous or aggressive than other dog breeds!
In fact, a study conducted by the American Temperament Test Society placed Pitbull Terriers as the second most tolerant breed!
The Pitbull Terriers tested passed with an 86.8% rate when it came to the tests of low aggression, panic, and avoidance behaviors.
To sum up, any dog of any breed has the potential to be aggressive if not properly trained and socialized. Or if they are subject to neglect or abuse.
Is a Tri Color Pitbull the Dog For You?
So, are you still wondering if a tri color Pitbull is the right dog for you?
These lovable dogs are still in the early stages of breeding. As a result, we don’t yet know if the genetics of tri color Pitbulls are risky.
You should expect the same health risks as any Pitbull, and plan to train and socialize your puppy early.
Talk to your veterinarian with questions you have about the inherent risks Pitbulls face for disease and genetic disorders!
Choosing the right breeder is very important. Good breeders will be able to tell you about the pup’s upbringing. In addition, a good breeder should be happy to provide you information on the parents. You might even get a chance to meet them. You can read our guide to phoning a breeder here. Consider adopting from rescues and shelters, too!
Remember to check out our other articles if you need advice on the Supplies and Equipment that Dogs Need, or if you want an in depth list of the the Best Toys for Pitbulls!
Lastly, don’t forget to check out Total Recall and “The Happy Puppy Handbook” by Pippa Mattinson for great advice and tips for training your pup!
Do you have a tri color Pitbull? Let us know in the comment section below!
References
PitBullInfo.Org, “Dog Bite-Related Scientific Studies”, 2019
Patronek G.J., Sacks, J.J., Delise, K.M., Cleary, D.V., Marder, A.R., “Co-Occurrence of Potentially Preventable Factors in 256 Dog Bite-Related Fatalities in the United States (2000-2009)”, Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association, 2013
United Kennel Club, “American Pitbull Terrier” , Jan 2017
Coile , D. Caroline “Pit Bulls For Dummies” , April 2011
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, “The Truth About Pitbulls” , Oct 2013
Pitbulls.org, “A Brief History of the American Pitbull Terrier” , Feb 2012
American Kennel Club, “Breeds by Year Recognized”, 2019
United Kennel Club “American Pitbull Terrier”, 2017
TriLine Kennels “Tricolor in the American Bully” , 2019
Langohr, Ingeborg M., Occelli, Laurence, Dornbusch, Peterson T.,“Retinal Dysplasia in American Pitbull Terriers” , Dec 2014
Glickman, L.T., Glickman, N.W., Perez, C.M., Schelllenberg, D.B., Lantz, G.C. “Analysis of Risk Factors for Gastric Dilation and Dilation-Volvulus in Dogs” , Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, May 1994
Shannan Paynter says
I have 13 year old tri colored pit. She is mainly a buckskin with fawn markings and white socks and a perfect white colar. I saved her fro. Being bate from a fighting ring. ( and yes the breeder was prosecuted). She was6 wks old and was only 2.5 lbs. I took her home and she has been by my side since.she has been very healthy and has been a clown. She is not totally calm as ppl tendvto believe and she is very prey driven . In her hay day was known to snatch low flying birds out of the air. This was un no way ever encouraged . It was just something she did given the chance and only age has stopped her from doing it. However now she tends to try to catch the random bumble bee buzzing around the yard. She has always been good natured and despite being an only child for 5 years accepted a brindle boy pit i rescued. Introduced them at my local shelter and they’ve been best friends since. Then 5 years after that rescued 2 sisters at 2wks old from someone who bred a dog to sell the puppys. Rescued mom and the only 2 survivors. Had mom fixed and was adopted. Ended up keeping the two girls. After they wereweened frk. Mom and bottle my Ginger became their trainer and serogant mother. Never being exposed to small pups and being fixed young i was impressed but not surprised how suited she was with the position. We have been a 4 fur kid house since.
Now her twighlight years have brought challenges and health isdues. However they are the standard fir any breed. She slow but still healthy and still good natured and silly. Even when i know shes having a difficult day she still has had not one behavior issue.
So if youve actually spend the time reading my shirt novel of my best friend and the live of my life i would say to you. If you happen to find a tri colored pit( which i say look at shelters etc before having one bred ) they are out there i promise. But if you find one they will be a shining star and an amazing friend for a long time.
Bo-Lo Goodie the Tornado says
you have breeders that mix in other breeds like Rottweiler to get tri colors, true tri color pitt bulls are rare, i have been breeding pitts for years and came up watching older men breed pitts, i have seen mabe 3 tri in all those years, they might roll them but they never bred them. this is why you arejust seeing them, they were never bred in the past when they popped up.
Joseph says
My blue fawn and my blue bully just had 10 pups 7 boys and 3 girls 6 are 3 colors I am curious to know what if the price of selling hey tri color Pitbull
Chip says
Try to find one, I’ve been trying
Shelby says
I have a male chocolate tri piebald Pitbull and he’s amazing with my kids and a great family dog 🖤
Melissa McElroy says
I have a mix breed pit female. She has been tested and is half American Bulldog and pit. She is chocolate, fawn and white
With freckles in the white. While chocolate, fawn mask and chest and white and fawn stockings on all legs. She is beautiful. But was born with renal displasia. The whole litter had it.
Jeff says
I have a dog that looks identical to this dog, but nobody can tell me or even guess what breed he is, it’s crazy!
Charles says
Hi I have a 4 year old American pitbull bully female that I believe to be a tricolor pitbull but she is just now get her 3rd color she is black,white, and she has Blond coming in under the black fur is this normal
Caitlin donohue says
I have a male blue nose and a mostly white and red brindle female(she literally has Mickey mouses head in brindle on her butt). They just had puppies 5 almost 6 weeks ago. This is her second litter. She had 7 females and 3 males. 2 all white with a Mickey mouse spot on their butt(ones male and ones female), then she had a beautiful blue fawn tri-color male, a brindle and white male, a blue nose and white female, a blackish blue and white female, and a all white with fawn spot on butt and a heart shaped fawn spot on its side female. They are absolutely gorgeous puppies.
Sun says
Stop breeding. So many dogs in the shelters, especially bully breeds. Adopt, don’t shop.
Cleo says
I have a 3yr old Tri Blu (blu, tan, and white) mixed pit thinking of breeding her with also another tri blue pit (black, tan, white) do you all think with just 1 color difference that the pups will face growth deficiencies? Cancer, hips, blatter,etc.??? *Even with parents being up to date on shots and everything
Chris says
I have an 18 month old tri American pitbull,7year old male & a 12week puppy. She is well behaved n very protective of my family, 11&9year old daughter. She only show aggression towards strangers and outside of our home animals
Veenie says
I have a purebred blue American stafford shire terrier with white chest and white feet and I’m thinking of putting her over a tan rednose purebred American pitbull terrier what do you’s all think what coloured puppies are they likely to create? Just curious
Robert Mcgill says
Champagne lilac
Jasmine says
I have a blue nose pit bull named Jersey who is blue, light brown, and white and recently has ended up pregnant from the neighbor’s dog, who is pit bull mix. Is there any way the puppies will look like her?
Jackie says
I would assume it’s the same as 2 people having a child it may come out looking more like one or the other or a mixture of both.
Shelley says
Our TCB came to us with a couple of different, severe skin rashes, sensitive digestion issues, & wasn’t properly socialized. We cleared up her skin & social issues & found that she is incredibly brave, intelligent, & loyal. We still have to monitor her diet, b/c stomach upsets are fairly frequent.
Mike says
the Facebook group of Embark DNA begs to differ. They say that they’ve seen too many tri’s for them to be considered rare. What are your thoughts?