Red Nose Pitbull Facts - 30 Things You Never Knew About Them (2024)

Love Red Nose Pitbulls? Want To Know More About Your Favorite Dog?

Then Check Out These 30 Fascinating Red Nose Pitbull Facts!

Red Nose Pitbulls remain a favorite breed of dog in the United States of America despite their controversial reputation.

But is their bad press deserved?

And what else do we know about this loyal and brave breed?

Here we bring you all the Red Nose Pitbull information and facts you need, separating the myths from the facts.

1. What is a Pitbull?

The Pitbull is a term used for a type of dog.

The most common types of Pitbull are the American Pitbull Terrier, and the American Staffordshire Terrier.

Because of the American Pitbull Terriers’ reputation, the American Kennel Club only recognizes the American Staffordshire Terrier.

In 1898, Chauncy Bennet formed the United Kennel Club as an alternative registry for performance dogs, representing the American Pitbull Terrier breed.

2. Why are Pitbulls called Pitbulls?

The Pitbull descends from an English bull-baiting dog that would bite and hold bulls and other large animals around the head and face.

These fights would often take place in pits!

Hence the name Pitbull.

Baiting large animals was outlawed during the 1800s, so owners took to breeding these dogs for dogfighting instead.

An equally unpleasant pastime, that fortunately has also now been banned in most regions.

3. What is a red nose Pitbull?

The American Pitbull terrier comes in a variety of colors with either a blue or red nose.

The Red Nose Pitbull is not a separate breed but just one of the many variations of the American Pitbull Terrier.

As their name suggests, they have a red nose, but this can also be pink or a deep brown-red along with red toenails, red mouth and, sometimes, red eyes as well.

4. What color is a red nose Pitbull?

Most red nose Pitbulls have a copper-colored smooth coat, but they can also be fawn and white, tan and white or solid brown.

It is also possible nowadays to also find a white red nose Pitbull!

5. History of the Red Nose Pitbull

The red nose Pitbull has a longer history than the blue nose.

The red nose developed because of inbreeding specifically for dogfighting during the mid-1800s in Ireland, mainly in the counties of Kerry and Cork.

This strain was known as the “Old Family.”

A champion fighter was worth a small fortune to its’ owner, so breeding was kept a closely guarded secret using a small gene pool of dogs owned only by trusted acquaintances and family members.

They bred the dogs due to their gameness rather than color. Because red is recessive to all colors, except for white, the “old family” eventually became the “old family red nose” or OFRN.

Many of these “old family reds” made their way to the USA via immigrants from Ireland.

6. Red nose Pitbull appearance

The red nose Pitbull is medium-sized and has a potentially intimidating look.

It has a stocky and muscular body frame, strong legs and a stubby tail along with a squished typeface.

They are slightly larger than the average Pitbull.

7. Red nose Pitbull weight

The average weight of a red nose Pitbull is 35 to 65 pounds with females weighing slightly less.

8. Red nose Pitbull height

The average height for both male and female red nose Pitbulls is 18 to 22 inches.

9. Lifespan of red nose Pitbull

The lifespan of a red nose is the same as any other Pitbull, living for an average of 12 to 14 years.

10. Is the American Red nose Pitbull aggressive towards people?

The American Red nose Pitbull is often misunderstood having received bad press over the years for aggressive behaviour towards people.

However, The American Temperament Test Society, which has conducted a ten-step exam on nearly 31,000 dogs, found that the American Pitbull Terrier was one of the most tolerant breeds.

In a 2008 study on Breed Differences in Canine Aggression, the American Pitbull Terrier was found to be less aggressive towards their owners compared to some other breeds of dogs.

11. Is the red nose Pitbull aggressive to other dogs?

The same can’t be said for other dogs.

The same 2008 study showed that over 20% of Pitbull Terriers were aggressive to dogs they don’t know.

Which is understandable considering that they were bred to fight large animals and other dogs.

12. Red Nose Pitbull Bites

The Pitbull might not be as aggressive as some people think, but an issue you need to be aware of is their bite nature.

Although Pitbull dogs might not be more aggressive than some other breeds, the way in which they bite have a far higher mortality rate.

This is something you need to consider, especially if you have children.

Fortunately, you can help to reduce the chances even further of your Red Nose Pitbull biting through proper training and socialization.

13. Red nose Pitbull training

It is worth mentioning that today’s red nose is far removed from the original fighting bloodline.

Red nose pitbulls are known to be kind, friendly and intelligent, displaying great loyalty towards their owners and make loving pets.

They are accepting of others so long as they do not pose a threat, but are incredibly protective when the need arises.

And when they do bite, their bites can be fatal more often than other dog breeds.

It is essential though that these dogs are trained to be obedient and socialised from an early age to prevent them being aggressive to both people and other animals.

Using positive reinforcement is essential.

Punishing an aggressive dog can cause them to mask their concerns, and make it more likely that they might bite without warning in future.

Pitbulls are also tough and stubborn, so you want to train without confrontation. Use motivation instead.

14. Red nose Pitbull socialization

Your red nose puppy should be exposed to a variety of experiences to ensure he is sociable and accepting of others.

They should be taught early on to be obedient and kind, socializing them daily from eight weeks old with other people and animals visiting your home and on outings.

Ask any visitors to give your puppy a treat, so it is a positive experience. Also, take him to various locations allowing strangers to pet him.

Do this as a regular part of his schedule, so he grows up to be a confident and sociable adult dog that is confident and accepting around others.

15. Red nose Pitbull exercise

Pitbulls are energetic and playful dogs requiring a lot of exercise.

They need at least one long walk per day and the chance to run around and play or go swimming.

These active dogs excel at agility and make great hiking partners.

16. Housing a red nose Pitbull

Red nose Pitbull dogs do well in busy households, with a large floorplan and enclosed back yard.

A house with a garden is most suitable for any Pitbull but make sure it is secure as they are competent climbers!

You will want to be around for much of the day, as these clever loyal pups get bored and destructive if left too often.

17. Red nose Pitbull health problems

Although the red nose Pitbull is a healthy dog, it is prone to genetic and non-genetic health problems.

Because of their heavy frame, the red nose is prone to orthopaedic issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and luxating patella (loose knee joints).

The Michigan State University Thyroid database also revealed that 25% of Pitbulls suffer from hypothyroidism.

Other issues that the red nose is prone to include allergies, hereditary cataracts and heart disease.

18. The Pitbull has not got a locking jaw

The fact that Pitbulls have a locking jaw is just a myth as proven in a study by the University of Georgia, revealing they have no unique mechanism.

The danger of the bite is caused by the fact that when a Pitbull bites down on something, it is determined not to release it.

19. Banning of the Pitbull

Owning a Pitbull is legal in the USA, but is banned in the US territory of Puerto Rico, along with other countries that include the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, France, Denmark and Belgium.

20. Red nose Pitbull breeders

When buying a puppy, make sure that you go to a reputable breeder.

You may find some alleging to be old family red nose Pitbull breeders so that they can ask a higher price, but their credentials should be clarified.

Be aware that breeding over the years with other strains has made the old family red nose Pitbull less common.

Some breeders that have red nose puppies often claim that they are an old family red nose Pitbull

21. Red nose Pitbull puppies

Red nose Pitbull puppies are some of the cutest you can find!

Feed your puppy a high-quality, nutritious food, feeding small amounts throughout the day.

Training and socializing should start early using positive reinforcement.

Taking your baby red nose Pitbull to puppy socialization classes is a good idea as it gets him used to other dogs and people.

Speak to your veterinarian about which vaccinations he requires.

22. How much does a red nose Pitbull puppy cost?

Because of their rarity, a red nose is likely to be more expensive than other Pitbulls.

The average puppy price starts at $1000.

23. Red nose Pitbull mix

A red nose Pitbull crossed with a blue nose typically produces blue nose puppies as the genetic is more dominant but with 25% resembling the red nose.

24. What is the difference between a blue and red nose Pitbull?

The only difference between these two are the coat and nose color.

However, a blue nose is more prone to skin issues as the blue is a diluted black gene.

25. Big red nose Pitbull

The biggest Pitbull in the world is a red nose Pitbull named Hulk.

Weighing an incredible 175 pounds (12 and a half stone), he is believed to be the biggest red nose Pitbull that has ever existed!

26. Pitbulls can be good with children under supervision

Yes, Pitbulls are excellent with children!

They are known as “nanny dogs” due to their high level of patience and tolerance towards children but must always be supervised by an adult.

Leaving a child alone with any dog is irresponsible.

The worry with Pitbulls is often not the children in their home, but their friends.

This point requires careful consideration due to the mortality rates attached to Pitbull bites.

27. It’s not true that Pitbulls don’t feel pain

This is just a myth and Pitbulls feel just as much pain as any other dog.

Due to their “gameness,” they don’t tend to show when they are in pain and believe in completing a task to the end, which is why they made good fighters.

28. Can red nose Pitbull dogs have friends?

The red nose will get along with other animals if introduced to them at a young age.

Socialization is key here though, and teaching your pup that other dogs are no need for concern.

29. Red nose Pitbull shedding

Although the red nose has a short coat, it does shed a moderate amount of hair and requires daily brushing.

30. Pitbulls can make good pets

Whether a red nose Pitbull is right for your home depends on you and other family members.

A red nose requires training and socialization from a young age to ensure he doesn’t grow up to be aggressive.

They are energetic dogs so require adequate space and plenty of exercise so are quite time-consuming.

If you have the time, patience and experience for a red nose, then they will reward you as a loving and loyal companion for many years.

Check out the blue nose Pitbull for even more fun facts!

Extra Reading/References

• Duffy and Serpell. 2008. Breed differences in canine aggression. Applied Animal Behaviour
• The American Temperament Test Society
• Bini et al. 2011. Mortality, mauling and maiming by vicious dogs. Annals of surgery.
• Sacks et al. 2000. Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.