Champagne Pitbull: Get to Know This Rare Pitbull Color

Champagne Pitbull puppy standing in the field

Compared to standard coat colors, champagne Pitbulls are genuinely something that catches the eye.

These dogs are bred specifically to have a pale shade of yellow coat at birth — which is only produced if a Pitbull inherits a coat dilution gene from both of its parents. Accordingly, a stunning champagne color is considered rare in the breed.

If you want to find out more, read on as we jump straight into the world of unique champagne Pitbulls! 

This article will serve as your guide in caring for champagne Pits and becoming an expert on their possible health issues, costs, and general temperament.

Note: The word “Pitbull” is a blanket term for several breeds that descended from bulldogs and terriers such as the American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

What Is a Champagne Pitbull?

Champagne Pitbulls refer to various Pitbulls that don a light fawn color, with some having pale yellow to cream-colored coats. In canine genetics, the champagne color is considered diluted red.

One popular variation includes the blue champagne Pitbulls. Although often confused for and mixed up with other coloration, these stunning dogs have silvery-blue coats resulting from a homozygous recessive gene. 

At first glance, these dogs look like they have matte-like fur. Though champagne Pitbulls are a rare sight, their unique coat color is not linked to specific canine illnesses. 

Ethical dog breeders are always cautious when breeding these bullies to keep them in prime condition.

Are Champagne Pitbulls Rare?

Champagne Pitbulls are a unique variety in the breed. They are not as common as other standard Pits in black and fawn shades, as their coloring is a product of gene dilution.

Expect to shell out some more bucks in purchasing one since they are considerably hard to find and have intricate breeding procedures. It’s the price every prospective owner needs to pay if they want a one-of-a-kind Pitbull.

Champagne Pitbull Appearance: What Does a Champagne Pitbull Look Like? 

Champagne Pitbull outdoors in the forest
Photo by @mr.melu (IG)

Perhaps the most defining physical characteristic of a champagne Pitbull is their unique color and red/blue nose. 

Their fawn coat occurs in varying shades: pale tan, pale fawn, and dark deer-red. Generally, the champagne color adds a touch of elegance to their robust appearance.

Just like other Pits, they also have broad, flat skulls and deep muzzles. Their wide, strong jaws make them look intimidating to many, and their nose color could be blue or red, depending on their genetics.

As for their build, expect champagne Pits to be somewhat muscular and stocky. With their long body and whip-like tail, their overall appearance portrays power and strength. It’s the reason why many dog owners consider these dogs as ideal guard dogs.

To help you visualize what these dogs look like in real life, here’s a video of a champagne Pitbull playing with its owner: 

Champagne Pitbull "Blitz"

READ NEXT: Pitbull Colors: 23 Coat Color Variations Explained (With Pictures)

Do Champagne Tri-Color Pitbulls Exist?

Technically, a champagne Pitbull cannot be tricolored. In canine genetics, champagne refers to the recessive red color that is diluted by the D-Locus. This genotype produces coats ranging from pale yellow hue to cream or pearl shades.

Because their recessive red color hides any patterns expressed from the “A” Locus, any tan points are impossible. 

Tan-colored markings are required for a Pitbull to be considered tri-colored. Therefore, champagne tri-color Pitbulls are impossible to breed.

For your reference, check out the table below for a breakdown of canine coat color variations:

ChocolateDiluteBasic Color
B/B or B/bD/DBlack
B/B or B/bd/dBlue
b/bD/DLiver/Chocolate
b/bd/dFaded Liver/Lilac
e/eD/DYellow
e/ed/dChampagne

Perhaps what many people in the community commonly call champagne tri-color Pitbull is the lilac tri-color. 

These Pitbulls often have three colors in their coat. The lilac tri-color variation is possible since tan points are not hidden by chocolate, given that this color is chocolate with dilution.

RELATED: Tri-Color Pitbull: The Rare Pitbull Color Everyone Wants to Have

Champagne Pitbull Genetics: What Makes Them Exhibit the Champagne Coloration?

The champagne Pitbull got its coat color from a recessive dilution gene. This gene is called MLPH, with a primary role to transport and fix melanin-containing cells. 

MLPH mutation affects both eumelanin and pheomelanin pigments, both of which control a dog’s color. It leads to a light or diluted yellow coat color like what we observe in champagne Pits. 

According to Animal Genetics, a pup’s gene must be recessive (d) to get this dilute coat color or champagne. 

A puppy will only have a champagne coat if it inherits the recessive gene from both parent dogs since a dominant allele will always override a recessive one. If a dog is given two copies of this gene, it generally lightens out its coat color. 

The color of champagne Pitbulls is not considered a fault as it does not lead to any severe congenital disability. It only controls the color of your dog’s skin, which adds to its overall appeal.

Are Champagne Pitbulls Recognized by AKC and Other Kennel Organizations?

Cute champagne Pitbull looking at the camera
Photo by @mr.melu (IG)

Kennel organizations with registry recognition for champagne Pitbulls are the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC)

The UKC’s American Pit Bull Terrier and American Bully breed standard clearly state, “Any color, color pattern, or combination of colors is acceptable, except for merle.” Other variations, such as the blue champagne Pitbull, are also recognized.

Another kennel club that acknowledges the champagne coat color is the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) which states, “All colors and patterns are permissible.” 

All but the merle pattern for the American Pitbull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier are acceptable.

However, American Pit Bull Terriers are not acknowledged by the American Kennel Club (AKC)

They recognize American Staffordshire Terriers with any color, solid, parti, or patched, but all white, more than 80 per cent white, black and tan, and liver are not encouraged. Therefore, you can register your champagne American Staffordshire Terrier with AKC.

Champagne Pitbull Temperament: Are Champagne Pitbulls Aggressive?

Champagne Pitbulls are highly sociable. Their one-of-a-kind coat color doesn’t affect their temperament or make them aggressive towards other dogs in any way.

To give you an idea, here’s how they typically behave with others at home:

  • With Children: Out of all dog breeds, Pitbulls are known to be patient and tolerant with toddlers. You can count on your new champagne Pitbull to be a great companion to the children in the household, as they love to play and cuddle for hours.
  • With Other Dogs and Pets: Champagne Pits are aloof and standoffish around the presence of new dogs and pets during their first meeting. However, they can learn to live peacefully with other dogs and other pets (such as cats) once given proper socialization.
  • With Strangers: Your champagne Pitbull will generally consider new, unfamiliar faces as friends — unless their actions prove otherwise. When they feel threatened or provoked, these dogs can be very vicious and aggressive. Their courageous personality makes them one of the best guard dogs. 

Before you adopt or buy a champagne Pitbull puppy, make sure to get an idea about their overall disposition first. It will help you determine whether the puppy fits your lifestyle or not.

Champagne Pitbull Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Champagne Pitbulls Healthy Dogs?

Your champagne Pitbull can serve as your loyal friend for about 12 to 14 years, as long as you take good care of them and bring them to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. 

However, just like any other breed, champagne Pitbulls are also prone to common health issues such as the following:

  • Color Dilution Alopecia: Canine color dilution alopecia is a hereditary skin disease often seen in champagne Pitbulls, as well as other color-diluted dogs. An initial sign to look out for is the gradual onset of a dry and dull hair coat. Extensive partial hair loss can also be observed on the skin.
  • Hip Dysplasia: Severe hip dysplasia may affect your champagne Pitbulls if their hip joints do not grow correctly. Hence, this limits the movement of their bones and sockets. It may be treated through weight reduction, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and joint supplements. 
  • Cerebellar Ataxia: Cerebellar ataxia in dogs is often characterized by poor muscle coordination. Specifically, it impacts 1 in every 400 Pitbulls. If your champagne Pitbull has this disorder, it will be prone to tremors, uncoordinated movements, and inability to move.

Large-sized variations of this dog, such as champagne XL Pitbulls, may be more prone to canine health conditions associated with obesity. Hence, be careful not to overfeed them.

RELATED: How Long Do Pitbulls Live? Average Lifespan & Causes of Death

How Much Does a Champagne Pitbull Cost? Are They More Expensive Than Other Colors?

Champagne Pitbull puppy going out for a walk
Photo by @mr.melu (IG)

Champagne Pitbull is one of the rare color variations of the breed, making them a little bit more expensive than the common ones. 

The champagne Pitbull puppies typically cost around $2,000 to $2,500. It is a striking comparison to the tri-color Pitbull, commonly priced between $650 and $850.

If you’re keen on adopting this rare-colored dog, here’s a breakdown of the average monthly and yearly expenses in keeping a champagne Pitbull as a pet:

Type of ExpensesYearly Estimate
Routine Vet Visit$700 – $1,500
Dog Food and Treats$250 – $700
Beds and Crate$50 – $200
Toys$50 – $100
Leashes and Collars$20 – $50
Preventive Medication and Supplements$200 – $500
Grooming Essentials $50 – $500
Dog Training Equipment$30 – $100
Total Monthly Expenses$113 – $304
Total Yearly Expenses$1,350 – $3,650

After adopting or buying your puppy, expect to shell out $113 to $304 (monthly) to provide for all the needs of the new member of your family. Accordingly, these costs can accumulate up to $1,350 to $3,650 in a year.

While their maintenance costs are similar to other dog breeds, the defining factor lies in a champagne Pitbull’s hefty price tag. 

It would be best to save a couple of bucks ahead of time if you want to buy this rare-colored Pitbull variation, especially if it comes from a reputable breeder.

RELATED: How Much Does a Pitbull Cost? (2023 Price Guide)

Places to Find Champagne Pitbull Puppies for Sale and Adoption

If you’ve decided to add a champagne Pitbull as the newest member of your family, it’s now time to locate a reliable breeder or the nearest animal rescue facility in your neighborhood.

Here’s a list of reputable breeders if you’re planning to buy a champagne Pitbull puppy:

  • Champagne Kennels – This Pitbull breeder based in Palmetto, Florida, boasts over 20 years of combined breeding, training, showing, and prestigious breeding experience. All of their dogs are United Kennel Club (UKC) and American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) registered. If you’re interested in buying a champagne Pitbull puppy, you can fill out an application on their website.
  • Manmade Kennels – Located in Felton, Delaware, this Pitbull breeder is home to the world’s most enormous Pits. If you’re eyeing champagne XL Pitbulls, this is the right choice for you! Interested buyers are screened thoroughly to ensure responsible owners can provide a loving home for their prized puppies. 
  • MVP Bullies – This breeder also specializes in XL American Bullies, offering tri-color, blue nose, red nose, fawn bullies, and champagne Pitbulls for sale. They have earned a reputation for preserving the breed’s integrity, providing care and development that is second to none.

Like many rare-colored dog breeds, champagne-colored Pits can be rather expensive than standard ones. 

RELATED: 10 Best Pitbull Breeders (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!

If you want to save money and allot your funds for your new dog’s maintenance fees, consider browsing local rescues instead. Most importantly, you will also be giving a loving home to a Pit in need.

Here are some reliable Pitbull rescues and adoption websites where you may land a champagne Pitbull: 

  • Bobbie’s Pitbull Rescue & Sanctuary – This Virginia-based sanctuary focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing neglected dogs including overlooked champagne Pitbulls. You can find their adoption requirements on their website. One of their requirements is a home visit to screen if your household is ready to adopt a new family member.
  • Rescue Me! – Dog owners can post their pets up for adoption on this website without additional costs. You can browse different dog breeds on their online directory, not only limited to Pitbulls. Look for available champagne Pitbulls on their page and contact the former owner personally.

RELATED: 10 Best Pitbull Rescues for Adoption (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Pitbull Colors Are There?

According to major kennel clubs, the Pitbull breed has a total of 23 colors which are divided between 16 standard colors and 7 non-standard colors. 

All of the standard Pitbull colors include: black, black brindle, blue, blue brindle, blue fawn, red, red brindle, fawn, fawn brindle, fawn sable brindle, tan, buckskin, seal, tricolor, and reverse brindle.

The non-standard coat colors include: merle, black and tan, liver, liver brindle, white or albino, and 80% white color.

Do Champagne Pitbulls Have Blue Eyes?

Yes, champagne Pitbulls have blue eyes as puppies similar to most dogs. They are born with bright blue eyes that slowly darken as they grow older. Others may have blue eyes that display flecks of grey, green, or brown.

What Is the Rarest Pitbull Color?

Most colors apart from black, white, and brown are rare among Pitbulls. These include white, merle, tricolor, blue, tan, buckskin, seal, lilac, and champagne coats.

What Is the Most Expensive Pitbull Color?

In particular, the white Rhino Pitbull is dubbed as the world’s most expensive American Bully. Its unique coat color has a much higher price tag ($65,000) than other standard Pits.

Final Thoughts

The champagne color tends to bring on warmth, happiness, and joy — since the color is so closely associated with the bubbly beverage served on different celebrations.

If you want to get your first champagne Pitbull, you can count on these dogs to fill your life with joy! 

Make sure to give your new pup the most loving home filled with your TLC, regardless of whether you bought it from a breeder or rescued the dog from a shelter.

However, if you believe this rare-colored Pit is not the right fit, continue to browse our page for your pet journey. Be patient, and you’ll find the perfect match for you soon!

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