Red Nose Pitbull: Breed Info, Pictures, Genetics, Facts & More

Pitbulls are no stranger to dog lovers all over the world. They come in many stunning colors, but one particular variety is getting some well-deserved attention — the red nose Pitbull.

Red nose Pitbulls became a popular variation of the breed for several reasons. It’s not just their cute, rusty-colored noses that make them stand out but also their origin, personality, and other admirable traits.

If you want to know the truth behind the red nose Pitbull, read along. Here, you’ll learn all about the nitty-gritty details regarding the red nose Pitbull’s appearance, genetics, temperament, and more. Let’s dive in!

What Is a Red Nose Pitbull?

A red nose Pitbull is a kind of Pitbull that sports a distinct reddish coat, a liver-colored nose, and a set of striking amber eyes. Its unique features make it easily distinguishable from other Pitbulls. In the past, red nose Pitbulls were recognized as one of the best fighting dogs.

The eccentric physical characteristics of the red nose Pitbull are present at birth and remain until adulthood. 

Unlike other Pitbull variations, they don’t get confused with other breeds because of their unique attributes.

However, some people mistake red nose Pitbulls as a separate Pitbull breed. To set things straight, the red nose Pitbull is only a Pitbull variety, just like the blue nose Pitbull.

If you’re new to Pitbulls, it is also worth knowing that there is no such thing as a full-blooded Pitbull. In fact, the so-called Pitbull is a family of dog breeds with a shared ancestry. 

Red Nose Pitbull vs. Blue Nose Pitbull: What’s the Difference?

A common question that Pitbull novices ask is the difference between a red nose Pitbull and a blue nose Pitbull. 

While the distinction may seem obvious, there’s more to it than you expect. The dissimilarities go beyond their physical appearance. To learn further, let’s describe each Pitbull variety in detail.

Red Nose Pitbull

The main difference between a red nose Pitbull and a blue nose Pitbull is its coat color. A red nose comes in various shades of red, including auburn, copper, and liver. The nose color ranges from pink to an almost red-brown color.

The eye color is also different for each type. A red nose Pittie usually has red or amber or anything in between the shades of yellow, brown, orange, and gold.

In terms of history, red nose Pitbulls have a well-documented origin. They came from a specific bloodline of Pitbulls from Ireland known as the “Old Family Red Nose” or the “Old Family Dogs.” 

In the mid-1900s, the official “Old Family Red Nose strain” (OFRN) made its way to the United States. Until today, red nose Pitbull breeders have been trying to preserve this particular Pitbull strain.

Blue Nose Pitbull

In terms of color, a blue nose Pitbull typically has a gray coat and a grayish-blue nose. Unlike a red nose Pitbull, the eyes of these dogs can be blue, green, hazel, or brown like most Pitbulls. 

However, one similarity between red and blue nose Pitbulls is that they can both have white markings on their chest and feet.

When it comes to its history and origin, there is very little documentation about the blue nose Pitbull’s background. 

It is believed that they were originally a result of crossbreeding Old English Terriers and Old English Bulldogs; however, this is yet to be proven.

Another difference between these two varieties is their price point and availability. Blue Pitbulls tend to be cheaper and more common than red nose Pitbulls.

3 Little-Known Facts About Red Nose Pitbulls

We’ve already covered some pretty interesting aspects about red nose Pitbulls. To further intensify your curiosity about this amazing dog, let’s discuss some little-known facts about the red nose Pit.

1. Red nose Pitbulls are fast runners and great jumpers

Due to their athletic build, red nose Pitbulls are known to be champions on the track field. In fact, they are considered one of the fastest dogs in the world. They can run up to 30 miles per hour.

It’s also no surprise that the red nose Pitbulls have a natural talent for jumping. Because of their powerful hind legs and muscular build, they can jump high walls as part of their extensive training.

2. They make great nanny dogs

Despite the tough look, red nose Pits are true softies at heart. They might not be able to feed or change your baby’s diapers, but they can watch over and protect them like their own. Their loving personality always shines through.

The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are the two Pitbull breeds that usually make wonderful nanny dogs.

3. They are considered illegal in the United Kingdom

Red nose Pitbulls cannot be kept as pets in the United Kingdom. Because of their history as fighting dogs, owning this Pitbull type has been regulated by the law. 

Some reports even say that these dogs go as far as killing people to protect their families. Unsurprisingly, this stirred up the controversy that these dogs are aggressive and dangerous to the public. 

As an alternative to red nose Pitbulls, some Pitbull fanciers in the United Kingdom opt to own Pitbull mixed breeds, such as the Doxie-Pit, Dogo Pit, German Pit, and Golden Retriever Pit mix, among others.

Red Nose Pitbull Appearance

A true red nose Pitbull should have the physical traits coming from the “Old Family Red strain.” 

The dog should have a full-on red or copper coat with a similar shade of nose to match. Red or amber eyes are also a distinguishing feature of this Pitbull variety.

White markings can also be present on the chest, face, and feet. However, solid colors are preferred since this is considered the default characteristic of the red nose Pitbull.

The rest of the red nose Pit’s appearance should resemble a normal Pitbull. The overall build is stocky and muscular. 

The shoulders are broad and well-defined. It has a wide, deep muzzle and muscular neck.

The red nose Pitbull also has a lustrous, short coat that is stiff to the touch. Meanwhile, their rosebud-shaped ears are small to medium in size, set high on their wide, flat skull. They may be maintained intact or cropped.

To see how majestic a red nose Pittie looks, watch the video below:

Red Nose Pitbull Size and Weight

Red nose Pitbulls are medium-sized dogs that can grow between 14 and 24 inches in height and range from 30 to 60 pounds in weight. As expected, there are slight size differences between male and female Pitbulls.

However, both are expected to reach their mature size at around 12 months old. That said, they may continue to fill in their chest and shoulders until about 18 months old. 

Despite their size, red nose Pits love to think of themselves as lap dogs. However, in reality, they require a large space in the house and, of course, a large yard for playtime and other activities. 

​​The Genetics Behind Red Nose Pitbulls

The distinctive coat of the red nose Pitbull can be explained through genetics. In principle, a gene called the liver gene is responsible for exhibiting the brownish-red color of these dogs.

The brown locus (B), in particular, is directly linked to the brown, chocolate, and liver coat color. It consists of a dominant brown allele (B) and a recessive brown allele (b).

It requires two copies of the recessive brown allele (bb) to dilute the black pigment or eumelanin in a Pitbull.

Aside from turning the coat into a red, copper, or liver color, the recessive brown allele also changes the color of the nose and under paws to a pink or liver color and the eyes to amber or copper.

The Pitbull family has a lot of interesting color variants. These include the tri-color, black & white, blue fawn, champagne, merle, grey, and brindle. 

However, despite that, the red nose Pit remains to be one of the most sought-after due to its uniqueness. 

Red Nose Pitbull Temperament and Personality

Like any other dog, a red nose Pitbull has its own personality. Even though not every dog ends up with the same temperament, it’s always good to know what to expect before owning one. 

As for red nose Pitbulls, you should know that they are great family pets. They are warmhearted and loyal dogs who love having company. They also get along well with children but may not always be welcoming to other pets.

Pitbull breeds, including American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers, all have a reputation for being aggressive due to their dog-fighting background. 

Despite being used as fighting dogs in the past, these Pitbull breeds are truly gentle and affectionate dogs. 

In general, the red nose Pitbull is an intelligent breed that is eager to please its owner. With enough patience and consistency, you can train your red nose Pitbull Terrier to become a guard dog.

Early socialization should also be carried out as puppies so that they can interact freely and comfortably with people and other animals. They should also be exposed to different sights, sounds, and experiences.

In the end, the red nose Pit’s coat doesn’t directly affect the dog’s personality. The dog’s upbringing will always depend on how it was trained and cared for by its owner.

Red Nose Pitbull Lifespan and Health Issues

Red nose Pitties are healthy dogs that can live for about 12 to 14 years. This is comparable to the lifespan of most Pitbull-type dogs. However, despite their longevity, they are still prone to various health problems. 

Below are some of the health issues common to red nose Pitbull dogs:

• Skin Allergies: Skin allergies or “atopy” is often caused by fleas, mold, and dust. The feet, belly, skin folds, and ears are usually affected and may often look reddish and inflamed. Some of the common symptoms include frequent licking of the paws, face rubbing, and ear infections.
• Bone and Joint Problems: Some red nose Pitbulls are predisposed to degenerative bone and joint problems that are often passed on from their parents. Some of these skeletal issues include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and osteoarthritis. Most of these issues often develop during old age.
• Heart Disease: The most common heart disease in red nose Pit Bulls is aortic stenosis. This condition is characterized by the narrowing of the aortic valve, where the blood exits the heart and travels to the rest of the body. This is present at birth and usually doesn’t show any clinical signs.
• Cataracts: This is an eye condition that causes the lens of the eyes to become blurred or opaque. Most cataracts are inherited. However, some may be caused by other health issues like diabetes mellitus or just old age. Severe cases often lead to partial or total blindness.

Making sure that you have a fit and healthy Pitbulls entails providing your dog with a healthy diet, sufficient exercise, and regular vet check-ups.

It is also worth familiarizing yourself with the most common symptoms of the above-listed health conditions. If spotted early, your dog will have a better chance of recovering from these health problems.

How to Take Care of Your Red Nose Pitbull

Owning a red nose Pitbull requires fair knowledge about feeding, grooming, training, and exercise. You should also pay attention to some of the special requirements your dog may need.

To help you become a red nose Pit expert owner, read along.

Food and Diet

Your red nose Pitbull’s diet and amount of food should depend on its age, size, and daily routine. 

As a puppy, you can give it high-quality dry kibble formulated for puppies. A quarter to half cup of serving should be divided into four to six meals a day.

When your pup reaches six months old, you can switch to a high-protein diet with essential fats and calcium for bone growth. You should also change the feeding schedule to accommodate three meals per day.

Once your red nose Pittie reaches 18 months old, it is already considered an adult. At this age, they only need a maximum of two servings of dog food a day. The amount of protein and fat in their diet should also be decreased.

A healthy and nutritious diet is not enough to maintain a healthy dog. You should also refrain from giving them too many treats.

Cleaning and Grooming

As active dogs, red-nosed Pitbulls will often come home dirty from outside. Depending on your dog’s activities, you should limit bath time to once a month or whenever needed.

Vet-approved shampoo should be used to make sure that your dog’s coat remains shiny and healthy.

Their short coat should be brushed daily to get rid of dead hair. This will also help redistribute oils evenly throughout the coat.

Since this Pitbull type is prone to skin allergies and infection, always check for signs of irritation, such as scabs or wounds on the skin, particularly in the ears. To prevent infections, clean the ears every week.

The nails should also be maintained at a comfortable length so they can easily do their physical activities.

Training and Exercise

To ensure that your red nose Pitbull will be a well-tempered adult dog, you should start obedience training and socialization at a young age. 

Make sure to use positive, reward-based training instead of forceful methods for effective results.

As an active dog, your red Pitbull needs a good amount of exercise each day. Otherwise, it may develop behavioral problems in the form of barking, chewing, and digging. This dog will surely benefit from an hour of outdoor activity.

You can also channel their energy into fun and interactive dog sports. Weight pulling, dock jumping, wall jumping, and agility are just some of the physical activities you can train your pet to do. 

Staying active can also help prevent and lessen the severity of joint conditions such as hip dysplasia.

How Much Does a Red Nose Pitbull Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

Due to their popularity, the typical price of a puppy from red nose Pitbull breeders ranges from $2,000 to $3,000. Those registered to the American Kennel Club (AKC) or any kennel club are priced even higher. 

Meanwhile, adoption fees in rescue groups fall anywhere between $350 and $650. 

Aside from the puppy price, there are a couple of things you should invest in for the well-being of your new pet. 

This usually covers food, treats, collars, leashes, feeding bowls, and a whole bunch of stuff that you need to include in your budget.

To prepare your finances accordingly, I’ve included the initial expenses in the table below:

The initial cost is just one part of your red nose Pitbull’s overall expenses. You should also familiarize yourself with the nitty-gritty details of your dog’s monthly and yearly ongoing expenses.

Places to Find Red Nose Pitbull Puppies for Sale and Adoption

So you’ve decided to add a red nose Pitbull to your family. The next step is to find a reputable breeder or adopt from a local shelter or rescue organization that offers these precious Pitbull puppies.

The list below shows some of the reputable breeders that may have red nose Pitbull puppies for sale:

• Bryant’s Red Devils – For over two decades, this breeder has been producing and preserving the traditional red nose Pitbull bloodline. All of their dogs are registered at both the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA). They are currently based in Georgia.
• Rhino Kennels – This is another breeder that focuses on providing “Old Family Dogs” for Pitbull enthusiasts in Tennessee. They’ve been breeding red nose Pit Bull Terriers for over 35 years, aiming for continuous improvement in their line of work. You can view the pedigree of all their active dogs on their website.
• Real Deal Chocolates – This Florida-based breeder offers the red nose American Pit Bull Terrier breed. They specifically train their puppies to become working dogs. They’ve also been able to produce champion dogs that competed both within and outside the United States.

Due to high demand, you might not be able to secure a puppy from the breeders mentioned above. Luckily, you can also try your luck with dog adoption.

If you’re on a budget, you can check out the rescues below to find red nose Pitbulls for adoption:

• Biggies Bullies – This Pitbull rescue gives new hope to abandoned and neglected Pitties of all breeds and colors. They require a $150 adoption fee covering dog food, a harness, heartworm and flea/tick prevention, and training lessons for your pup.
• Hello Bully – This organization started as a small rescue back in 2005. They are dedicated to saving American Pit Bull Terriers that are used in dog fights. After years of experience, they were able to rehabilitate and place their rescued dogs in permanent homes. 
• Born Again Pit Bull Rescue (BAPBR) – This rescue became a full non-profit organization in 2011 and has now rehomed countless Pitbulls and mixes. You can view their available dogs on their Petfinder page. The adoption fee for each dog varies depending on its age and breed.

If you fail to find a match or are rejected to adopt a red nose Pitbull from the rescues mentioned, drive around your community to search for local shelters and rescues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Red Nose Pitbulls Rare?

One of the reasons why red nose Pitbulls are in demand is because they are considered one of the rare Pitbull colors. 

Since they are produced from a recessive gene, they do not naturally occur as easily as the more usual colors.

Finding a red nose Pitbull breeder can be quite a pickle since there are only a few of them. Most of them offer dogs that come from the original “Old Family Red Nose” bloodline.

Are Red Nose Pitbulls More Aggressive?

It is a common misbelief that red nose Pitbulls are more aggressive than other Pitbull colors. This is because they were stigmatized as the “best fighting dogs” in the earlier years of their discovery. 

However, nowadays, these dogs are just a different color variation of the breed, which has very little to do with their temperament. The only time they will show aggression is when they feel threatened.

How Do You Tell If Your Pitbull Is a Red Nose?

Identifying a red nose Pitbull is no complicated task to handle. You just need to examine the color of their coat, nose, and eyes. 

The coat should be an auburn, copper, or liver color, while the nose should be reddish-brown. The red nose Pitbull’s amber eyes are the last giveaway.

Is Red Nose Pitbull a Bloodline?

The red nose variety actually comes from a separate bloodline of the Pitbull breed. 

This bloodline is referred to as the “Old Family Red Nose,” which originated in Ireland in the 19th century. This specific strain was known to show ferocity and gameness in the dog pit.

Are Red Nose Pitbulls Dangerous?

Pitbulls, regardless of whether they have a red nose or not, are not dangerous breeds.

Whether you have a red nose American Pit Bull Terrier or a red nose American Staffordshire Terrier, these dogs won’t show aggression to other dogs or humans unless trained to respond violently. 

Red nose Pitbulls are not responsible for any case of dog attacks. In fact, they are mostly used as family guard dogs.

Do Red Nose Pitbulls Shed?

Like other Pitbull types, red nose Pitbulls are moderate shedders. They shed consistently throughout the year and blow their coats during spring and autumn. Because they have short coats, fallen hair is barely visible and easy to manage. 

Final Thoughts

If you have always been an admirer of the Pitbull breed, you won’t regret getting a red nose Pitbull. 

This medium-sized dog is a unique pup with a lovable personality. However, they are not well-suited for beginner owners.

This dog should be in a household where it can have enough physical and mental stimulation. When trained properly, a red nose Pit can make the perfect guard dog.

Aside from owning an eye-catching canine, you also get a loyal dog that will protect your family for life. Considering both looks and temperament, you can’t go wrong with this dog. 

So, are you adding this red-nosed pooch to your family? Let us know what you think about the red nose Pitbull in the comments below!