Pitbull Colors and Markings: Breed Guide

One of the most well-known breeds in America, Pitbulls are also some of the most misunderstood.

With so many different colors and markings available to prospective owners, it is essential to do your research before making a final decision.

In this informative article, we will get into the different Pitbull colors and markings.

We’ll go over how they can make your pet unique, why the color of your dog is essential, and what can cause the color of your beloved pet to change over time.

What Types of Pitbulls Are There?

Pitbulls come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

There are Pitbulls who exhibit the classic “Pitbull” look, and then there are others with a more sleek, elegant appearance.

Pitbulls come from bulldogs and terriers.

The four kinds of Pitbulls include the following:

The American Staffordshire Terrier

Also known as Amstaffs or Staffies, the American Staffordshire Terrier originated in England but was bred by Americans for fighting sports like bull-baiting and dogfighting.

This was before they became popular pets during World War II.

The American Pitbull Terrier

This breed was initially developed in England, where it served as a fighting dog for those who often held illegal contests.

It also has been bred with Mastiff dogs on occasion.

Still, experts do not recommend this practice because doing so creates excessive aggressiveness and can cause issues when handling or training them, especially around children and other animals.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers

These bull terriers are known for their beautiful and spunky personalities and being among the shortest of all Pitbull breeds.

A Stafford gives you a sense that they’re always going to fight back when faced with adversity–it’s in their nature!

The American Bully Pitbull

This breed is the largest Pitbull-type and is a descendant of the American Pitbull Terrier.

The United Kennel Club only recognized the American Bully Pitbull breed in 2013.

Still, this dog is quickly becoming one of America’s favorite dogs because of its gentle demeanor, intelligence, loyalty to family members, and ferociousness when necessary.

Why Is the Color of Your Pitbull Important?

According to a recent study, the color of your dog’s coat can reveal its health and personality.

Researchers at the University of Sydney found that dogs with chocolate or liver-colored coats, for example, are more likely to have issues like musculoskeletal disorders and cancers than Pitbulls with other colors such as black or white.

If you’re trying to decide on the color for your next Pitbull, you may want to take this study into account.

What Are the 16 Different Pitbull Colors?

All told, there are 16 different Pitbull colors according to the major kennel clubs.

Each color is unique and has its own traits and characteristics.

A different color Pitbull may have a higher risk of suffering from specific health issues, so while you’re excited about your new pup, be sure to read the rest of this article.

By doing so, you’ll get a better idea of what you can expect from all the different Pitbull colors and markings available.

Tricolor Pitbull

The tricolor Pitbull has three stunning hues.

Usually, they have black or lilac as their base color and two other colors, which can be tan or white.

Breeders are excited to create more combinations of these dogs because the hype around them has been rapidly growing in recent years, making them rarer than common breeds.

Black Pitbull

When you think of a Pitbull, chances are it’s the Black American Pitbull Terrier.

This dog is bred to be an intimidating protector and guard animal in addition to being used for fighting or police work; this makes them seem like scary animals at first glance, but they’re actually adorable once you get to know them!

They most commonly feature their namesake black coloring but can come in other colors, including brown or white, with patches either of color on the coat.

Black Brindle Pitbull

For people who love dogs, many are familiar with the term “brindle.”

Brindle is a coat coloring pattern that animals such as dogs and cats can have.

If you’re lucky enough to own a brindled cat or dog, then they will be unique in more ways than one.

Cats and dogs both have this rare coloration when their dark stripes on lighter fur create an exciting effect that provides contrast against each other.

The patterns of black streaks throughout lighter fur make these pets recognizable from afar and very attractive.

A brindle Pitbull is similar to other Pitbull varieties.

You can identify it by its muscular build, broad shoulders that make them look shorter than they are when standing next to an average-sized person with wide-set small eyes at various angles from each other.

A black brindle Pitbull has explicitly beautiful, deep black streaks patterned throughout its lighter fur.

Red Pitbull

Red Pitbulls are some of the more expensive varieties because they come in a unique red color.

They can have white marks like other Pitbulls or come with solid red coats.

The eyes, nails, and nose of a red Pitbull are also those same colors that make them rarer to own than the average dog you’re used to seeing.

Red Brindle Pitbull

Red brindle Pitbulls have light base coats because of the dilution of their pheomelanin.

This could possibly range from cream-colored up to black, depending on how much white is present in that dog’s gene pool.

Red markings are usually deep red and can be found along with eyebrows or around eyes, but they should never cross over into an animal’s nose.

The stripes will always remain in a dark shade as well–never changing tone like human hair would when it fades with age.

Blue Pitbull

Blue Pitbulls can be very controversial. Some people say that they are a whole different breed, but this is just because of their color, which can be anywhere from silver-gray to a dark charcoal tone that can come with some white patches.

It’s interesting how blue coloring in Pitbulls has become controversial since it occurs when the black coat gene dilutes due to recessiveness.

This means it could make dogs more prone to health problems or behavioral issues if not appropriately bred by professionals like veterinarians should be doing anyway.

Blue Brindle Pitbull

Did you know that blue brindle Pitbulls have a blue striped pattern with a lighter-colored base coat?

A few of them also have white patches, depending on what genes they inherit from their parents.

The color combination is neat because it gives the dog a fascinating look while still allowing for some variation in coloring patterning.

While a black brindle Pitbull will have a black nose with most of its body covered in dark, handsome shades, a blue brindle Pitbull can be grayish-blue with sport brown or fawn striping accompanied by white patches on any given spot.

Blue Fawn Pitbull

When I first saw a blue fawn Pitbull, I thought it was such a beautiful color.

These dogs are unique looking due to their stunning silver-blue coats with deep red noses that set them apart from other types of Pitbull.

If you’re interested in owning this type of dog, make sure you start saving now because they tend to be more expensive than different types of Pitbull.

Blue Fawn Brindle Pitbull

The blue fawn brindle Pitbull is really cool to look at.

The dog’s base is a light color, but it comes with silver-blue stripes and a red nose.

However, it won’t come cheap.

This is the most expensive breed of the Pitbull in terms of price.

These dogs already cost more than $2,000 for just one pup.

Why?

Well, that’s because this mix includes not only two different colors found on other breeds like black or white, but also have patterns that can make them look even more special.

They’re worth every penny if you want something unique and truly rare as a pet.

Fawn Pitbull

The fawn Pitbull is a unique breed of dog that’s often mistaken for being small and fragile.

However, don’t let the innocent eyes fool you–they may be cuddly, but they are loyal beyond comparison.

The most popular color among this type of animal is yellow-tan with some sporting white markings as well.

Fawn Sable Pitbull

The fawn sable Pitbull is a rarer version of the more common fawn Pitbull.

It has a coat that is halfway between yellow and tan, but they also sometimes have some black tips on the hairs to make them stand out from other dogs.

Their coats give you something new and exciting at every glance, especially when you see them in the glare of the sun.

Fawn Brindle Pitbull

The rich color and contrast of the fawn stripes make for a beautiful animal.

The cream color and brindle patterning (stripes across their back) are also unique to these dogs, not as rare but still very special.

Tan Pitbull

When was the last time you saw a tan or beige Pitbull?

That is such an odd color.

I’m not too sure why they call it beige.

They have a coat that could be considered somewhere between fawn and light brown, though some breeders refer to it as light tan.

Their chests may also feature white markings or none at all.

Buckskin Pitbull

A buckskin Pitbull is a special breed known to have yellow tones in its coat, but this isn’t always the case.

Fawn Pitbulls are often mistaken for having similar coloring to the buckskin Pitbulls since they share these same colors; however, that’s not the truth at all.

These two breeds differ, and you can easily distinguish one from another with just a glance.

Whereas buckskin Pitbulls tend to have yellow tones on their bodies, fawn Pitbulls, on the other hand, are more likely to have reddish tones.

Seal Pitbull

When you think of Pitbulls, the first image that might come to mind is a black dog with scars across its face.

But did you know about this other less-known variety?

The seal Pitbull seems to have black fur when you first look at it, but in the sunlight or glow of bright light, their red and brown tones show off as long as it is bright enough for your eyes to capture that color shift.

They can be mistaken for other dog breeds because of this coat type.

Some people confuse seal Pitbulls with chocolate Pitbulls, but they are, in fact, different colors.

Reverse Brindle Pitbull

A rare coloration among Pitbulls is the reverse brindle variety which happens due to the base coat being black or dark; meanwhile, it has light-colored stripes.

Some dogs who have a heavy pattern of lines that appear to be primarily black in coloring may also have another mark on their body, revealing a different underlying skin tone than what appears at first.

Most Common Pitbull Colors

Dogs, including Pitbulls, display a wide variety of coat colors.

Some common coat colors for Pitbulls are black and fawn.

Some other standard colors are chocolate brown and red with white markings on the chest.

These are by far the cheapest options, especially if you’re on a budget, but that doesn’t mean they can’t live up to their reputation as a man’s best friend.

Rarest Pitbull Colors

A pure white Pitbull is one of the most sought-after colors in the world.

Yes, they’re rare and difficult to find.

You’ll be hard-pressed to come across a dog with this color on walks through your neighborhood or at any local shelter.

However, while some people think that the rarest Pitbulls come in white, others disagree with this sentiment.

A tri-colored pit is just as beautiful and distinctive to own, even though it may be one of a kind (and also an expensive pup).

But if you want something unique for your home, then there are many other colors available, including blue or buckskin puppies.

Of course, these varieties are going to be more expensive than the ordinary color Pitbulls.

Why Are Pitbulls Different Colors?

Why is it that Pitbulls are often seen in blue and black coats?

It turns out there’s an excellent scientific reason for this.

The two essential pigments responsible for the color of a Pitbull’s skin are eumelanin or pheomelanin.

The combination of these two pigment types determines what shade your dog will be wearing–whether they’ll have more dark hairs with hints of red and copper or light grey mixed in their fur.

The interesting thing about dog coats is that they accumulate a pigment called eumelanin, responsible for diluting the dark pigment, therefore producing light colors like blue or silver.

Due to the differing amounts of eumelanin in a Pitbull, you can have dogs with coat shades that are much different from others.

The other pigment found in a dog’s coat is called pheomelanin, which is a red pigment.

There are dogs with varying shades and concentrations of this color, ranging from light to dark depending on where it falls within that spectrum.

Can Pitbulls Change Color as They Grow?

One of the most noticeable changes you’ll notice from your Pitbull pup is that it will begin to change in color as it matures.

The coat colors can range, but don’t be surprised if a blue puppy turns brown after just weeks old.

This kind of transition is totally normal and primarily brought about by the progression of their pigment.

It can be fascinating to see how dogs’ fur color changes over time, from when they’re first born and don’t have any pigment in their coat.

It is also interesting to compare your pet with another of the same breed–you may notice that one has grayer hair than the other or different coloring on their face that might make them look like two entirely different breeds.

A Pitbull can change color over time due to various reasons, including their nutrition, skin diseases, different types of medication, and exposure to sunlight.

Nutrition

While all dogs need protein to be healthy, it’s crucial for your pup if she has skin or hair issues.

The best sources of proteins are ones that break down easily and come from quality sources.

Eating foods with unsaturated fats can also help support the development of a beautiful coat–and you’ll want reasonable amounts of omega 3s as well as 6s in their diet so they can manage any itching without irritation.

A full range of vitamins will protect against external factors like UV light and other allergies, but make sure she gets plenty of vitamin D when possible.

This nutrient is essential for maintaining proper function within cells throughout her body.

Skin Diseases

Skin diseases can affect Pitbulls differently.

One disease to watch out for especially is black skin disease.

Black skin disease is also known as Alopecia, which usually manifests in dogs between two and three.

Typically, they will have a regular coat as puppies, but their coats start to thin out tremendously with bald or wooly-looking patches by age three.

Another disease that can affect a Pitbull’s skin color is called zinc-responsive dermatosis.

This disease is related to nutrition, where your Pitbull needs more zinc in its diet.

When there isn’t enough zinc present, your dog could develop this skin condition.

Signs of this disease might include red irritation on the skin, especially around the mouth, chin, eyes, ears, footpads, or nose.

If your dog develops this illness, you will need to feed him carefully regulated amounts of zinc or figure out why he’s not absorbing the zinc he is already getting in his diet.

One of the more common skin diseases is atopic dermatitis when your dog’s skin is inflamed, irritated, and dry.

The inflammation can cause the skin to become red or scaly, which causes bald patches on their skin that might be different colors.

This disease will need to be treated by a vet with medications, ointments, and moisturizers so your pet isn’t uncomfortable.

Medication

In addition to its other side effects, taking certain types of drugs can also change your dog’s color.

Some people believe that administering ketoconazole and vitamin E can cause generalized changes in coat colors.

When it comes down to injections like glucocorticoids, they are known for causing localized loss of pigment on spots or patches.

Exposure to Sunlight

Another factor that can cause a Pitbull’s skin to change color is exposure to sunlight.

While fur tends to protect a Pitbull’s skin from the sun, areas of the skin with less fur (the nose, paws, and underbelly) will be more affected.

For example, Pitbulls like to lie on their backs while the sun is shining.

As such, their bellies will be more exposed to the sun, which means that their skin in that area can turn darker.

Conclusion

As you can see, Pitbull colors and markings come in a wide range of combinations.

Some are common; others less so.

There are various reasons for this to happen–some have genetic causes, while others may be due to their environment.

If you have any questions about these variations or anything else related to breeding and raising dogs as pets, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

We love answering your dog-related queries.

The more we learn about these fantastic dogs with such a diverse history behind them, the better equipped we will be to care for them as they become increasingly popular pets.

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