Red Pitbulls have a distinctive red coat. They are beautiful dogs, and are considered highly desired by many. They are a rare color, which makes them a bit more expensive than other Pitbull colors.
Red Pitbull Facts
Red Pitbulls are striking, with a copper red coat. They are friendly, and make great pets. However, they may have more gameness than other colors, particularly if they are Red Nose. More on that in a moment. First, what is a Pitbull?
What’s a Pitbull?
Pitbull is often used to refer to the American Pitbull Terrier. However, technically, Pitbull is a term that is used to describe a type of dog.
Pitbulls are bred from English Bulldogs and Terriers. They include the American Pitbull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog, and the American Bully.
Since most people consider the American Pitbull Terrier to be a Pitbull, that’s what we will cover in this article.
What’s a Red Pitbull?
In simple terms, a red Pitbull has a red coat. Their coat is short, shiny, and typically a copper red color. The gene responsible for a red coat is recessive.
This means that a red Pitbull has two copies of the red gene. If both parents are red, all the puppies will be red. If one parent is red, the other must carry the red gene as well for the puppies to be red. In this case, some of the puppies will be red, because some will inherit a red gene from each parent.
Red Pitbulls can also have markings, which are usually white. They are also beautiful, with the white and red offering an eye catching contrast. Red Pitbulls can also be brindle. This means they have a red base coat, with black stripes.
Red Nose Pitbull
The Red Nose Pitbull doesn’t refer to a color. Instead, it’s a bloodline. Any Pitbull with a red coat is a red Pitbull. However, red nose Pitbulls are from a bloodline known as Old Family Red Nose, which originated in Ireland.
These dogs had a reputation for being excellent fighters. For many years, they were prized and bred for their fighting ability, or gameness, rather than their red color.
They get their name because, in addition to having a red coat, they also have a red or pink nose. The skin around the eyes and mouth is red as well. Their eyes are an amber color.
Red Nose Pitbulls are typically slightly larger than the average Pitbull. They have a brick shaped head, and a very muscular thick neck and chest that keeps their larger head in proportion.
Red Pitbull Price
Red Pitbulls are usually on par with other colors in terms of price. The price of a registered Pitbull from a registered breeder is $1,000-$3,000. If you want an Old Family Red Nose Pitbull, you may need to pay a bit more.
Pitbulls without known bloodlines or registration are less expensive. You may pay $200-$800, regardless of color. However, you assume more risk when purchasing one of these pups.
Breeders who sell puppies for low prices may be involved in puppy mills, or be backyard breeders. These breeders aren’t required to meet the requirements that breeders who register their puppies are.
Red Pitbull Rarity
Red Pitbulls are considered one of the rarest colors. In fact, some sources say they are the rarest accepted color, other than white. Old Family Red Nose Pitbulls are even rarer. In addition to their red color, they come from a specific bloodline, which isn’t very common.
Red Pitbull Life expectancy
Red Pitbulls live for 10-16 years, with most living for 12-14 years. Rarely, Pitbulls can live significantly longer. Some Pitbulls live upto 20 years. The oldest Pitbull on record was Max, who made it to 26.
Red Pitbull Size and weight
Red Pitbulls are medium sized dogs. The Red Nose can be slightly bigger than average, but it should still fall within the typical Pitbull height and weight range.
Females can grow to 17-20 inches tall, and weigh 35 to 50 pounds. Males can grow to 18-21 inches tall, and weigh 35-65 pounds.
Red Pitbull Health
Red Pitbulls are considered a healthy and hearty breed. However, they are prone to a few health issues that you should be aware of.
Allergies and Skin Issues
Pitbulls are prone to allergies, particularly skin allergies. These are caused by environmental factors, which include dust and grass, or food ingredients, including wheat and corn.
Symptoms of skin allergies include itching, which causes them to lick or scratch frequently. They may also develop a rash, skin lesions, or hair loss.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common condition in medium and large size dogs. It occurs when the hip joint doesn’t form correctly. This causes the joint to come out of place easily.
Hip dysplasia can cause pain and loss of mobility. The risk of the condition is passed down by parents. However, a healthy weight and exercise can reduce the risk or severity of the issue.
Eye Conditions
Pitbulls are prone to a few eye conditions. They have a higher incidence of PRA, or Progressive Retinal Atrophy.This causes their eyes to stop functioning, usually at 2 or 3 years old.
Cataracts are a common eye issue in older Pitbulls. It causes a film to form over the eye, which impairs their vision.
Red Pitbull Behavior/Characteristics
Red Pitbulls have a reputation for aggression, but this is far from the reality of owning a Pitbull. They are actually very loving and charming creatures.
Red Pitbull Personality
Red Pitbulls are highly affectionate. In fact, they need lots of affection and attention. They may even do things to get your attention, which can be adorable and hilarious.
They are energetic, but they tend to be calm and relaxed when they aren’t playing. They have a live for life that will inspire you. They are very loyal and protective.
Is the Red Pitbull Family Friendly?
Red Pitbulls actually make great family pets. Some dogs develop a close relationship with only one person in the household. Pitbulls are a friendly breed, and will fall in love with the entire family.
They are always ready to play, which makes them a great companion for kids.
Perhaps most importantly, they are very tolerant and patient. They won’t be bothered by a child pulling their tail or laying on them.
These traits have earned them the nickname “nanny dogs”.
Are Red Pitbulls Aggressive?
Red Pitbulls are not aggressive. It is important to note that Red Nose Pits were originally bred for gameness, or willingness and ability to fight other animals, usually dogs. This means it’s important to socialize them at an early age.
The American Temperament Test offers a good understanding of a Pitbulls temperament. 86% of Pitbulls pass the test, which measures friendliness and aggression.
This is slightly higher than German Shepherds, who pass 85% of the time. One of the worst scoring dogs was actually the Chihuhua, who only passes 70% of the time.
This means that Pitbulls are not more aggressive than the average dog. While they aren’t aggressive without provocation, they are protective. When their family is in danger, they will fight to the death to keep them safe.
How to care for a Red Pitbull
Pitbulls are pretty low maintenance in many ways. However, they do need proper care, as all dogs do.
Exercise
Red Pitbulls are energetic, and need about 1 hour of exercise each day. You can give them physical activity by walking, jogging, or playing games like fetch or tug of war.
In addition to physical exercise, red Pitbulls need plenty of mental stimulation. Teaching them new tricks or commands, playing games with them, and giving them puzzle toys are ways to exercise their mind.
Without enough mental and physical activity, Pitbulls can develop unwanted behavioral issues.
Diet
Pitbulls are muscular and energetic, so they need a high protein diet. They do best with a high quality food that is at least 30% protein. Puppies should be fed puppy food 3 times a day. At 1 year old, you can transition them to an adult food twice a day.
Pitbulls can have a big appetite, so you’ll need to feed them proper amounts of food. Overfeeding can cause them to become overweight.
Training and Socialization
Training and socialization are very important for Red Pitbulls. Training will strengthen your relationship with your Pitbull, and keep you and them safe.
It’s also great for the Pitbull. They love to please their owner, and training gives them the opportunity to do that.
They were originally bred for fighting dogs or other animals. Today, they are bred for companionship.
However, their history means that proper socialization is essential. They are rarely aggressive towards humans. In fact, Pitbulls who were human aggressive were often eliminated, because they were dangerous and undesirable.
When socializing your Red Pitbull, be sure to introduce them to both humans and other animals.
How do you buy a Red Pitbull?
If you want to buy a red Pitbull, it’s important to know what you are looking for. Do you simply want a Pitbull with a rich mahogany coat, or do you want a Red Nose Pitbull? Do you want one with the Red Nose appearance, or a clearly established Red Nose bloodline?
Once you’ve determined exactly what you are looking for, you can ensure that the puppy you get meets these expectations.
Remember, red nose Pitbulls have a red nose, eyes, and lips, and amber colored eyes. Red Pitbulls have a predominantly red coat. Old Family Rednose Pitbulls have a high percentage of the Red Nose Line in their pedigree.
Adopting a Red Pitbull
If you want a Red Pitbull, one option is to adopt. Pitbulls are unfortunately common in shelters, so even though red Pits are rare, they aren’t impossible to find.
You won’t know the dogs’ history or lineage, but it’s a great way to provide a needy Pitbull a home.
In addition to checking out your local shelter, you can search for Pitbull rescue groups in your area. Pitbull Rescue Central is a national Pitbull rescue that you can check out as well.
Finding a Breeder Through a Breeder Registry
The best way to find a Pitbull is through a breeder registry. These registries hold breeders to certain standards, which helps ensure that they are ethical.
The AKC doesn’t register Pitbulls. However, you can find Pitbull breeder registries at the American Dog Breeders Association(ADBA), or the UKC (United Kennel Club).
Searching for a Breeder
You can also find a breeder through an internet search. However, you’ll need to use caution to be sure that the breeder is ethical.
If the breeder registers their dogs or puppies, they are probably ethical. Registered dogs must meet the breed standards, and the extra work involved means that most breeders who register their dogs are ethical.
If you choose to purchase an unregistered pooch, you should be very careful to choose an ethical breeder.
One way to determine if a breeder is ethical is to ask questions. How do they determine which dogs to breed? How do they ensure that the dogs are healthy?
Reputable breeders will always choose breeding pairs based on health and temperament first. Unethical breeders are only concerned with profit, and will breed dogs for colors which bring more money, with little concern for their health or temperament.
You should also be prepared to answer some questions. Reputable breeders will want to know that their puppies are going to good homes. Expect them to ask about the dogs’ living conditions, and what you plan to do with them.
Ensuring You get the Dog You Pay For
Lastly, you’ll want to be sure that the breeders claims are true. If you want an Old Family Red Nose Pitbull, you can expect to pay a bit more. This can lead breeders to claim their dogs are from the Old Family bloodline, even if they aren’t.
An Old Family Red Nose Pitbull should have a pedigree that includes the Old Family bloodline. If you want a Red Nose Pit, but aren’t particularly concerned with the bloodline, you can confirm their genuineness simply by their appearance.