Pitbulls are well-loved pets by enthusiasts around the world. They are very dashing animals which pose great features on their face and body.
They also come in different colors, each with its own charm and beauty. In the middle of that palette exists an area of black and white Pitbulls.
Black and white Pitbulls are Pitbulls with a specific coat color. They are not that rare since most Pitbulls have a dominant black shade in their genes. These types of dogs love to engage in physical activities such as walks and runs.
This guide seeks to inform you some common facts about black and white Pitbulls. It will also tackle their appearance, rarity, special features, and some commonly asked questions.
What Is a Black and White Pitbull?
A black and white Pitbull refers to a Pitbull with a black and white coat. It can either be black with specks of white or white with specks of black. A common black and white coat is black with a white spot on the chest.
When discussing Pitbulls, we usually tackle major coat shades as well as the red and blue-nosed breeds. A black and white Pitbull falls between the all-black and all-white Pitbull coats.
Another thing that is always seen with a Pitbull is even black and white marks on the face or body. Still, black and white Pitbulls are a sight to behold, and they are very pleasing to the eyes.
What Does the Black and White Pitbull Look Like?
A black and white Pitbull looks like a normal Pitbull with a beautiful bi-colored coat.
Like other dogs in the breed, they have a smooth, short, and glossy coat. Pitbulls are also very muscular due to their athletic nature. These dogs have sharp-looking eyes as well as pointy ears. Pitbull nose colors differ depending on their genetic make-up.
As stated earlier, black and white Pitbull coats can either be small specks, large markings, or even shades throughout the body. There is no specific ratio of black to white or white to black since it all depends on the parent’s genes.
This is video of black and white Pitbull puppies I found on YouTube.
Check out this video I found on YouTube that showcases a litter of pitbull puppies, and some are black and white puppies.
Are Black and White Pitbulls Rare?
No, black and white Pitbulls are not rare. This coat is seen in most Pitbull breeds, and they are not considered as hard to find. Black and white Pitbulls are usually found in American Staffordshire Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers.
Very rare Pitbull colors are those of blue coats and all-white coats. Apart from these two, other color combinations are considered common in the dog breed. But a new tricolored Pitbull breed is on the rise, and it is also seen as a rare color combination.
Can Black and White Pitbulls Have Blue Eyes?
Yes! Black and white Pitbulls can have blue eyes. In fact, any Pitbull can have such eye pigmentation if they inherit their parent’s recessive genes. However, this is more seen in pure white Pitbulls due to genetic preferences.
Many Pitbulls are born with natural blue eyes. But when growth starts and melanin state changes, this can disappear with time.
Melanin is also responsible for pure white coats and red noses. So, you are more likely to see a blue-eyed Pitbull with all-white color.
You should not buy or choose a puppy based on the eye color as it changes. Today, there is a growing stigma of blue-eyed Pitbulls. Some breeders prefer it, while others do not. Still, you should love your Pitbull, blue-eyed or not.
RELATED: Blue-Eyed Pitbull: Do Pitbulls With Blue Eyes Really Exist?
What Makes a Black and White Pitbull Different from Other Pitbulls?
A black and white Pitbull is different from other color variations. While some Pitbulls might have brindle, brown, pure black, pure white, or red, the black and white Pitbulls have a two-color blend.
The main difference between this coloration and other coat colors lies in the parent’s genetic make-up. If both dominant color genes are inherited, then there is a high chance that the offspring will be black and white.
Recessive traits in dogs are defined by pure-white coats. This can be a rare case in Pitbulls.
Another difference between this type of Pitbull and other Pitbulls is the location of specks and marks. White-colored splotches are usually seen in chest regions, with others having marks that extend to the face.
Black and white Pitbulls, especially those that lean more on the darker side, are commonly branded as aggressive. This can be traced back to their days as fighting dogs.
Because of this, such color is stereotyped by many people in a bad way. These are all just controversies since a dog’s behavior is always dependent on training.
Do Kennel Clubs Recognize the Black and White Coloring?
There are only two pitbull breeds that produce black and white coats that are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). These are the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
The AKC does not recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Bully, but they are recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC).
American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, solidly built, short-coated dog with well-defined, smooth musculature. This breed is powerful and athletic.
The American Pit Bull Terrier comes in all colors and color patterns except merle. Therefore, American Pit Bull Terrier with a black and white coat is accepted.
American Staffordshire Terriers
The American Staffordshire Terrier, otherwise known as the AmStaff, is a very bulky and muscular dog. It reaches about 18 to 19 inches at shoulder height.
It is common to see black AmStaffs, especially black with white patches on the chest. This is due to the genetic mixing of the breed. Originally, these dogs came from English Staffordshire Terriers.
But, U.S. based breeding allowed them to be larger than their English counterparts. This breed was recognized by AKC in the year 1936.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers
Staffordshire Bull Terriers or staffies are the smaller counterparts of AmStaffs. Their average height is only 14 to 16 inches, which is shorter than the AmStaff.
Similarly, they are lighter than their American relatives, weighing only 31.5 lbs on average. When it comes to appearances, they have the same jaws, eyes, and builds as the AmStaff, albeit smaller.
Like their American counterparts, a black coat with splotches of white is common for Staffies.
American Bully
The American Bully is the bulkiest and most muscular among other Pitbull breeds. They have very short legs which makes them shorter than their ancestors, the AmStaff and the Staffy.
The Bully is the shortest of the four, with heights reaching 13 to 21 inches. When it comes to weight, they are the heaviest, ranging from 70 to 120 pounds. Any color combination including black and white is acceptable for American Bullies, except for merle.
Like the previous breeds, it is also common to observe black and white coloring for American Bullies. Such color combination is very prevalent in Pitbulls due to the genetic make-up of the species.
Black and White Pitbull Genetics
The black and white colors in Pitbulls are seen to be the “dominant” trait in genetics. This means that most dogs of such breed will carry the coating characteristic. The “recessive” or the rare trait is the white color as well as blue eyes. This makes a pure-white Pitbull harder to find.
To get a black and white Pitbull with the highest probability, it is recommended to breed two healthy black parents. Since the dominant trait is observable from both parties, there is a high chance that the litter’s color will be the same as the dam and sire.
One thing that is hard to predict is the location of white markings in the body. Some puppies may not show white marks if the dominant trait is strong.
You can expect most of your puppies to have white patches on the chest, which sometimes extend to the face as this is a common occurrence in the breed.
Black and White Pitbull Temperament: Do They Make Good Family Companions?
Back in the days, most Pitbull fighting dogs were on the black side of the spectrum. This made them grow a bad reputation of being very aggressive or hardheaded.
Many people also believe that black Pitbulls are more likely to bite. However, this reputation is only a myth that must be forgotten by many since there are no valid claims to support it.
In reality, Pitbulls are one of the most loving dog breeds that exist. They are very protective of their owners, and they have strong needs to please their families. While the breed has high predatory instincts, this can be easily trained with proper positive reinforcement.
Pitbulls also show high affection to people, especially children. If given good socialization as puppies, they will do well with other dogs.
Pitbulls are very athletic, and you must prepare for some long runs to keep their energy in check. People should not believe the negative stories about this breed. They are great animals to befriend and amazing companions to grow with.
Black and White Pitbull Health
As very athletic dogs that need high amounts of physical activities, black and white Pitbulls tend to live long. Their average lifespan ranges from 11 to 14 years, and this can be considered lengthy compared to other breeds.
But you still need to be wary about certain conditions that can affect your dog. Here are some of them.
- Hip Dysplasia: This refers to a hereditary condition of having an improper hip placement. This can lead to excruciating pain, as well as difficulties in mobility. It is common to see braces or surgeries as a means to address this issue.
- Thyroid Problems: This is a common issue for Pitbulls. Thyroid problems can lead to significant weight gain. It can also create various skin complications due to hormonal deficiencies. It can even lead to unwarranted aggressiveness as well as mood changes for the dog. To detect thyroid issues, there is a need for blood testing and other screening procedures.
- Cataract: This is prevalent in Staffordshire Terriers due to their genetic make-up. You should always try to go to an ophthalmologist if you notice vision problems in your Pitbull. Cataracts can either be hereditary or developed as time passes by. To remove such complications, eye surgery is a must.
- Heart problems: This is a deadly condition that must be detected as early as possible. Heart problems are responsible for many Pitbull deaths and should be addressed. A great way to avoid this is to visit the vet for check-ups.
Black and White Pitbull Price: Do They Cost More Than Other Pitbulls?
The cost of black and white Pitbulls in the market ranges from $800 to $1,500. However, getting one from a champion bloodline, which is eligible for competitions, can cost you a whopping $10,000 or more.
Compared to other Pitbull colors, the black and white price is in the middle part. An expensive coat color belongs to the famous tricolor, ranging from $2,000 up to $20,000. Red noses are also considered rare, and they can cost up to $2,000 and more.
The rarest Pitbull color that is sought-out by most enthusiasts is the bluenose and blue coat color. This can cost an owner up to $3,000 and more. Remember that such prices can drastically increase depending on the bloodline of the dog.
Where to Find Black and White Pitbull Puppies for Sale?
When it comes to Pitbull sources, three types exist in the market. We have puppy mills, backyard breeders, and reputable breeders.
Puppy mills act as a dog factory, and they only produce puppies for the sake of money. Such establishments are not concerned about a Pitbull’s wellbeing.
They are in it for quick transactions that disregard health protocols. Always refrain from purchasing in these businesses.
Another source is backyard breeders. These are people who have a litter but no proper experience or know-how in raising a Pitbull.
They just want to remove the responsibility of additional dog care. Again, avoid being a patron of backyard breeders as they do more harm than benefits.
The sources that you should always seek are reputable breeders. These are people with ample experience in the industry, and they are licensed by AKC to operate. Here are some Pitbull sources that you should check out.
American Kennel Club Marketplace
The AKC Marketplace offers the best of the best in Pitbull breeding and caring. All breeders at this source are respected, evident in the certificates that they have earned throughout the years.
Furthermore, having full AKC certification and requirements is a must to be part of this marketplace. This increases reliability on the breeder’s side. If you get your puppy from the AKC marketplace, you will surely have healthy ones.
The only downside is that you can’t find American Pit Bull Terriers on AKC Marketplace as AKC does not recognize them.
Bossy Kennels
Bossy Kennels is one of the most trusted, both locally and internationally. They have provided dozens of healthy Pitbulls to aspiring dog owners. They have a wide collection of differently coated Pitbulls, as well as rare blue noses.
The Incredibullz
This privately-owned kennel is sanctioned to operate by the United Kennel Club as well as the American Bully Kennel Club.
They have been active for more than a decade, building a good reputation and respectability in the industry. If you want to have high-quality Pitbulls, visiting their site is a must.
Where to Find Black and White Pitbulls for Adoption from Rescues and Shelters
Purchasing is not your only choice if you want a Pitbull. You can also opt to go for adoption from rescues and shelters. While this can be a challenging task, it is truly a fulfilling one. Here are some famous rescues and shelters that you can try.
PAWS Adopt a Pitbull
PAWS is a non-profit organization that focuses on rescuing and finding new homes for Pitbulls. Pitbulls that have been rescued from fighting rings are up for adoption. The site is a reliable and trustworthy avenue to adopt a Pitbull.
Pit Bull Rescue Central
Pit Bull Rescue Central or PBRC is a virtual shelter for Pitbulls. They offer listings for dogs that are up for adoption.
The group aims to remove suffering and cruelty to dogs, especially to Pitbulls, by giving them conducive homes. There are lots of Pitbulls that are up for adoption on their site, and you should check it out.
Final Thoughts
Having a black and white Pitbull as a companion means that you will have a friend for life; you should take care of it to the best of your abilities. It will give you love and respect for as long as it stays with you.
Always remember to watch out for health conditions and get your Pitbull from a respected breeder. This way, your journey as a dog owner will be secure and enjoyable.
Keep in mind that it’s not about the color of your Pitbull; it is about the relationship that you build with it.