Pitbulls are a popular pet, and for good reason. They may look tough, but they are very loving and playful. Black and white pitbulls have a striking look thanks to the contrast of colors.
Black and White Pitbull Facts
Black and white pitbulls are white and black. This is known as bi-color. They may be an equal mix of black and white, or have more of one color than the other.
The breed originated from English bulldogs and terriers. They were smaller and more agile than the English bulldog, while still being strong and muscular.
Black and White Pitbull Price
Pitbulls typically cost between $500 to $3,000. Black and white pitbulls are fairly common, with their average price being $1,200. However, prices can go much higher.
A pitbull’s price will vary based on several factors. Color is one factor. Rare colors are more expensive than common colors. Black and white pitbulls are common, so this color doesn’t raise the price.
Registration can also affect the price. Pitbulls can’t be AKC registered, but they can be registered with other organizations. Registered dogs typically cost a bit more than unregistered pooches.
Generally, puppies sold with breeding rights will also cost a bit more. Not all dogs are suitable for breeding. A puppy who doesn’t meet the breed standard or has a health problem may be a great pet, but not suitable for breeding.
Lastly, the bloodline of the pitbull has a large impact on price. Pits from prestigious bloodlines can go for $10,000-$20,000.
Black and White Pitbull Rarity
Black and white pitbulls are very common. Pure white or pure black pitbulls are rare, but the black and white combination isn’t.
However, being common doens’t make it undesirable. It’s a beautiful combination that can make the pitbull stand out from the pack.
Black and White Pitbull Life expectancy
Pitbulls have a life expectancy of 10-15 years. They are a relatively long lived breed. The oldest pitbull is Bluey, who lived to a stunning 29 years old. The former record holder was Max, who made it to 26.
There are several factors that affect how long your pitbull will live. Genetics play a big role in your dog’s health and life expectancy. Genetic testing before breeding can help keep the breed healthy.
Lifestyle is also important. A healthy diet and exercise can improve your pooch’s longevity. Living indoors also increases life expectancy. This is because indoor dogs are less likely to have accidents or injuries. They typically receive more care and attention as well.
Black and White Pitbull Size and weight
Pitbulls are medium-sized dogs. Females are a little smaller than males, at 17-20 inches tall, and 30-50 pounds. Males grow to 18-21 inches tall, and 35 to 60 pounds.
Keep in mind that these pooches are compact. They aren’t large dogs, but they are very muscular, which gives them a lot of strength.
Black and White Pitbull Health
Black and white pitbulls are a healthy breed. However, like all dogs, they are prone to a few health conditions.
Many health problems are passed down genetically. Genetic testing before breeding can help prevent dogs with these conditions. However, this doesn’t apply to all health problems.
Allergies
Allergies are a common issue for pitbulls. They can be allergic to things in their environment, like dust or grass. They can also be allergic to foods, including corn or dairy. They can also be allergic to bites or stings, particularly flea bites.
Allergies can cause sneezing and ear infections. They can also cause skin issues.
Sensitive Skin
Pitbulls are prone to skin issues. These can be caused by allergies, or chemical sensitivities. Common symptoms include itching, frequent licking or scratching, and hair loss. They may also develop a rash or skin lesions.
Keep your pooch away from household chemicals, and use products designed for sensitive skin when grooming them.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is common in large breed dogs, as well as pitbulls. It occurs when the ligaments around the joint are too loose. This causes the hip to move out of place. This leads to pain and loss of motion.
Hip dysplasia can’t be cured, but medications can help manage the symptoms. A healthy diet and adequate exercise can reduce the risk of the condition.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, also known as PRA, is a genetic condition. Pitbulls with the condition will lose their sight, usually at 2 to 3 years old. The disease isn’t painful. The eyes are simply programmed to stop working at a certain age.
Bloat
Bloat is a life threatening condition. It can occur in any breed, but large or barrel chested breeds are at a higher risk, along with pitbulls.
Gas is a normal product of food digestion. Normally, this gas is released through farting or burping. When bloat occurs, the gas from the stomach can’t be released.
As the gas and pressure increase, the stomach can twist. This can be fatal. A dog with bloat can die within a few hours of symptoms beginning if they don’t get treatment.
Symptoms include extreme stomach pain and bloating. They will also gag or retch, without productive vomiting.
Obesity
Obesity is a major issue for dogs, with over half of all pooches in America being overweight or obese. Black and white pitbulls are prone to obesity.
This is partly due to their appetite. They will typically eat whatever is available, and tend to overeat if they are free fed.
Their body type can make it difficult to notice the extra pounds. Pitbulls are meant to be muscular and streamlined. If they are overweight, they may simply look well fed to a well-meaning owner.
Black and White Pitbull Behavior/Characteristics
A black and white pitbull may appear intimidating, but they are actually charming. They are playful, yet they enjoy lying around and cuddling as well.
They are highly intelligent and endlessly curious. They even have a exhibitionist streak, and can get into antics just to get your attention.
When it comes to affection, you won’t find a more loving breed. In fact, they require lots of companionship. They get lonely without human interaction.
Are Black and White Pitbulls Aggressive?
It’s common to wonder if pitbulls are aggressive. They certainly have a reputation for aggression, but it’s undeserved. They were originally bred to fight rats and other dogs. However, dogs who were difficult to control or aggressive towards humans were not bred. They were often eliminated.
Despite this bloody start, pitbulls quickly became loved companions. They became pets, farm dogs, and even nanny dogs.
Pitbulls can be aggressive towards strangers and other animals if they aren’t trained and socialized properly. However, this is true for any breed, not just pitbulls.
The American Temperament Test is a great indicator of a pitbull’s temperament.The test measures several characteristics, including aggression and friendliness.
86% of pitbulls pass the test, compared to only 85% of German shepherds, which don’t have a reputation for aggression. This suggests that pitbulls are well behaved and non-aggressive.
How to care for a Black and White Pitbull
Pitbulls are a low maintenance breed, but they do require some basic care. Before you choose to get a black and white pitbull, you should know how to care for them.
Black and White Pitbull Needs
Black and white pitbulls have a few needs you should be aware of. They can do well in a variety of homes, including apartments. However, you will need to be sure to provide them with plenty of exercise and outdoor time.
They also require lots of attention. They don’t do well if they are left alone for long periods of time. They can develop separation anxiety, and lots of alone time also increases the odds of boredom.
Exercise
Pitbulls are a high energy breed. This means they need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. They should get at least 1 hour, and up to 2 hours, of exercise each day.
In addition to physical exercise, pitbulls need plenty of mental stimulation. They are intelligent, so mental exercise is as important as physical activity.
You can provide mental exercise by teaching them new tricks or commands, playing games, or walking them in new areas.
If you can’t play with them, doggie TV and puzzle feeders are great ways to occupy them. However, this shouldn’t replace you interacting with them.
If they don’t get enough activity, they will become bored. They may become destructive, have house accidents, or bark or howl excessively. Over time, boredom can even lead to depression.
Diet
Your black and white pitbull will need a high quality diet to be at their best. Puppies should be given puppy food 3 times a day. Once they are a juvenile, you can feed them adult dog food 2 times a day. Senior pitbulls do well on a food designed for senior dogs.
Training
All dogs need training, but this is particularly true for pitbulls. When they reach adulthood, they are very strong. This makes them hard to control physically, so you’ll need to be able to use commands rather than force.
They can also be aggressive towards other animals, including other dogs. They may also be wary or aggressive towards strangers. Proper training and socialization will prevent these issues.
How do you buy a Black and White Pitbull?
If you want to buy a pitbull, you have two options. You can adopt one from a shelter, or purchase one from a breeder.
Adopting a Black and White Pitbull
Adopting a pitbull is a great way to provide a home for a dog in need. Pitbulls are very common in shelters, and black pitbulls in particular. Odds are good you’ll find the black and white pooch you are searching for.
However, there are a few things to consider. Most shelter dogs are adults. Puppies are pretty rare, but they can be found. Adopting an adult pitbull isn’t necessarily a bad idea. However, how they were treated by their former owner and shelter can cause behavioral issues.
Interact with the pooch before bringing them home. Ask the shelter about their personality and behavior. You’ll need to be prepared to work through any issues or bad habits they may have.
Buying a Pitbull from a Breeder
There are many pitbull breeders, but they aren’t all ethical. One way to find an ethical breeder is to check a pitbull registry. The AKC doesn’t allow pitbull registration, but a few other organizations do. These registry organizations have standards that help weed out unethical breeders.
Take a look at the American Pitbull Registry, and the American Dog Breeders Association American Pit Bull Terrier, also known as ADBA.
You can also find breeders through a Google search. However, you’ll need to vet the breeder carefully to determine if they are ethical.
Ethical breeders put the health and temperament of their dogs, and the breed as a whole, before profits. They do their best to only breed healthy and well behaved dogs.
Unethical breeders and puppy mills are focused on profits, with little regard for the dog’s well being.
To determine if a breeder is ethical, you’ll need to ask questions. How do they ensure their dogs and puppies are healthy? Do they do genetic testing? Are the puppies checked by the vet?
It’s also a great idea to visit the dog’s home if at all possible. Their living conditions says a lot about the ethics of the breeder. Generally, well cared for dogs indicates an ethical breeder.
An often overlooked sign of a reputable breeder is the questions they ask you. Good breeders will be concerned with where the puppies are going to live. They will ask about your home, and why you want a dog.
They may sell some puppies as pets, without breeding rights. Unethical breeders don’t care what you do with your pooch. Ethical breeders want the best for the breed as a whole. They will only provide breeding rights if you are knowledgeable about breeder, and the pooch is suitable for breeding.