The Red Nose Pitbull has sometimes been considered a breed of its own.
However, these dogs are actually a variety of American Pitbull Terrier (APBT), that are known for their red coats and noses.
The Red Nose Pitbull is often highly sought after due to this beautiful coloration, and because of this, they can often cost more than other varieties of this breed.
If you are considering adopting a Red Nose Pitbull, here is everything that you need to know about this unique variety of dogs.
The History of the Breed
The American Pitbull Terrier breed stems from the 19th century in England, where these dogs were bred to help keep livestock controlled.
Unfortunately, due to their powerful and muscular structures, this breed was also often used in dog fights, something that was popular in the early 19th century when it was more difficult to control and monitor these activities.
The Red Nose Pitbull — sometimes referred to as the ‘Old Family Red Nose’ — specifically denotes a variety of APBT that came from Ireland during the late 19th century.
While not all Red Nose Pitbulls are part of this line now, due to breeding with other lines, there are some breeders who seek to preserve this direct line as best as possible.
The Reputation of the Breed
Any variety of dog with the term ‘pitbull’ in the name, has unfortunately become synonymous with images of vicious and aggressive dogs.
This scares many people away from adopting these dogs, as many believe they aren’t friendly and good for families. However, this popular image couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Despite having been bred for power and used frequently for dogfighting, these dogs can be exceptionally loving and affectionate.
Any aggression displayed by Pitbulls usually stems from having been trained to display such behavior.
In a loving home with a mindful and caring owner, this breed can be a wonderful addition to any family.
Identifying the Red Nose Pitbull Breed
A pure Red Nose Pitbull will have a fully red-colored coat — although some may have spots of white — with a copper-colored nose and matching eyes.
These attributes make them easy to pick out from other varieties, and it is because of this coloration that they are sought after.
In terms of sizing, this can vary depending on their sex and the line of breeding that they come from.
Usually, they will grow to be medium-sized, weighing between 30 to 60 lbs, and densely muscled.
The Personality of Red Nose Pitbulls
Although we touched a bit on their temperament above, let’s dive further into this subject since it is often a concern due to the popular image of these dogs.
Firstly, it’s important to remember that every dog will have its own unique personality, and if you’ve owned multiple dogs before, you’ll understand what this means.
While some breeds have similarities, just like humans, each individual dog will have its own quirks.
One of the traits most commonly associated with Red Nose Pitbulls is their loyalty to their owners.
These dogs can be exceptionally devoted, social, and loving towards their owners and the people they are around.
They enjoy being shown affection in return and can be some of the most personable dogs a family can adopt.
Red Nose Pitbulls are also very energetic, meaning that they love to play and have a natural curiosity for adventure.
If you enjoy walks and hiking, this dog is the perfect companion.
Although they can have a high prey drive, meaning they’re likely to want to chase small critters, with proper training you can prevent this.
While these dogs are very alert and courageous, making them a good choice for a guard dog, you may be surprised by how social they are when someone comes to your home.
In many cases, these dogs will be more likely to approach a visitor with a wagging tail and enthusiasm.
As a family dog, Red Nose Pitbulls can be very good with children, provided you teach your children how to interact with them correctly.
If a child is pulling or hitting on the dog, it can easily become aggravated after a time and lash out. However, this is true for all breeds, and typically these dogs will get on splendidly with most children.
With all of that being said, this breed is often best kept as a single dog, and if you have other dogs in your family, you’ll want to take care and slowly introduce them.
However, once they get familiar with your other pets, they can be quite social and plaid.
Training
All dog breeds will benefit from training and Red Nose Pitbulls are no different.
Socialization will be important, and gentle exposure to other people and other animals will be essential for shaping their growing personalities and temperaments.
When training, it’s also important that you stay away from the use of force, as this can break the trust between the dog and yourself, and that can lead to negative reactions.
Working with your dog on a leash is also something that you’ll want to do with them.
Because they are so strong, they can be prone to pulling and potentially getting out of hand if you’re unable to reign them in.
Start small, working with them around the house and in your yard, so that they can learn how to walk and listen without becoming a problem.
If you’re having difficulty training or are unsure how to get started, look for certified programs in your area so that you can learn from a professional.
Health
Red Nose Pitbulls have few genetic health concerns, even those that are purebred. In some cases, they can be prone to having more sensitive skin, but generally, a regular wash with a formulated shampoo will manage this issue.
With age, you may start to see the same problems that many other breeds experience, but they don’t have a predisposition towards a specific health difficulty.
In terms of nutrition, you’ll want to monitor what they eat as they get older, as their dietary requirements will change as they advance in age.
If you’re ever unsure about what your dog should be eating, consult with your vet for recommendations.
A Unique Breed to Consider
Red Nose Pitbulls are highly sought after by many dog owners, and they have the potential to be a fantastic addition to any family.
Although they do require some work, this breed is exceptionally loyal, loving, and sociable.
If you are considering adopting a Red Nose Pitbull, consider all of these factors and speak with a breeder or adoption facility to learn more about how you can get started.