Grey Pitbull’s are rarely seen due to the coloring being caused be a recessive gene. This dilutes the more common black color found in Pitbull’s leaving the lighter grey hue. Typically a Grey Pitbull Puppy will start off as a lighter shade and darken over it’s lifetime.
How do they get their Grey coat?
Grey Pitbull’s are rare and highly sought after due to their impressive coloring. A grey Pitbull occurs when it inherits the recessive gene from the D locus. The impact of this depends on what color the Pitbull would have been without this gene. It turns any black fur grey, this can lead to some beautiful mixes from Pitbull’s who would have been either fawn and black or red and black. It also has an effect on brindle dogs in which their stripes will turn into a shade of blue/grey.
This gene also changes the colour of other features in the Pitbull. You can expect a grey Pitbull to also have differing pigment in it’s lips, around the eyes and the highly popular blue nose.
Grey Pitbull – Breed Overview
Pitbull’s are a term which include 4 different breeds recognised by the AKC (American Kennel Club) the below are the breeds which are classified as Pitbull’s
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Bully
Whilst the above breeds differ in shape and size they all possess the same traits when it comes to coloring. Due to this you are not any more or less likely to find a Grey Pitbull in any of the Pitbull breeds. The below is an indicator of the breed’s qualities.
| Child Friendliness | |
| Canine Friendliness | |
| Training Difficulty | |
| Grooming | |
| Breed Health | |
| Exercise Needs |
Do Grey Pitbulls have blue eyes?
Pitbull’s will often be born with beautiful blue eyes, so it isn’t rare to find a grey Pitbull puppy with blue eyes. This however is usually short-lived with the eyes color darkening as they age. It is possible however for this to stay through their whole life due to a couple of reasons. First the same gene which leads to merle coloring has an increased chance of blue eyes, if a dog gets this gene twice there is a high likelihood it will have blue eyes. Unfortunately the merle gene comes with high risks of deafness and blindness and any breeding to achieve this is highly irresponsible and dangerous. Blue eyes can also appear due to Albinism and Leucism, again these are genetic defects. I cover these in more detail in my White Pitbull Guide if you want to learn more.
How much does a Grey Pitbull Puppy cost?
You can expect a grey Pitbull puppy to cost around $2,500, however you should expect this to double to $5,000 if buying from a well known bloodline. When searching for a grey puppy you may also find them under a different name. A lot of breeders will advertise them as Blue Nose Pitbull puppies so when looking it is important to check for these listings also.
Grey and White Pitbull
Whilst a number of Grey Pitbull’s will have a small amount of white markings on them, it is also possible to get Pitbull’s which have roughly a 50/50 split. This occurs in the same way as a full grey Pitbull but when the non-diluted coloring would have been that of a Black and White Pitbull. These types of Pitbull are sometimes referred to as Moo-Moo Pitbulls due to their close resemblance with the traditional dairy cow. You should expect to pay a premium for a Grey and White Pitbull puppy with prices being over $3,000.
How much exercise do they need
Pitbull’s are strong and athletic dogs. It is therefore important that they get sufficient physical and mental exercise each day. You will need to walk your Pitbull at least once a day and it is recommended that they get at least 60 minutes of exercise each day, they will however be more than happy to have more than this.
When walking your Pitbull it is important that sufficient caution is in place to stop pulling, if this is an issue you should seek out a trainer to assist with training as due to their high strength they can easily overpower you. Pitbull’s are not suitable for apartment living and it is preferable to have a yard. This allows them to stretch their legs and further burn off energy to avoid both over excitement and anxiety. Pitbull’s can be prone to overheating so it is important to keep them sheltered from the sun on hot days.
Common Health Issues
Grey Pitbull’s don’t suffer any additional health risks to what you would expect from any other color. The below are common health problems across the breed with advice on how to prevent and treat where appropriate.
Hip Dysplasia – This is a common issue amongst a number of dogs and is especially present in larger breeds, this will usually present itself in more elderly dogs. The easiest to spot symptoms will relate to a reduced range of movement of the hind legs along with a reluctance in jumping, running and climbing stairs. Whilst this issue isn’t avoidable for a number of dogs there are steps you can take to help reduce the effect and these start from early in your pups life. A well balanced diet when they are a puppy will ensure stable growth and allow the joints time to develop fully. Ensuring they are at a healthy weight as to not put unnecessary stress on the joints.
Heart Disease – Pitbull’s can be prone to heart disease including a congenital heart disease in the form of aortic stenosis. It is important that you buy from a reputable breeder and discuss this issue with them to ensure your dog has been bred to have a healthy heart. Symptoms of heart disease can be displayed in a large number of ways of which vary from mild to severe. If your dog is showing any signs of illness it always best to consult with a vet for tailored medical advice. Whilst it may not be possible to avoid heart disease in dogs there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk, these include regular exercise and feeding your dog a diet which contains enough taurine and omega 3.
Skin Infections – There are a wide range of different skin issues which can affect a Pitbull such as Dermatitis, Mange, Dry skin and Allergies. Common signs of skin issues will often display themselves as red irritated areas on their skin, if these are spotted you should contact a vet for tailored advice. The best way to prevent skin conditions is to ensure preventative measures are put in place.
Hypothyroidism – Hypothyroidism is where the thyroid produces incorrect hormone levels, this will present itself in the form of increased weight or lethargy and is often first identified in middle-aged dogs. If these signs are showing then a vet should be contacted who will perform blood tests to identify if the issue is thyroid related. This is often treatable using medication and will likely also be combined with a diet plan.
Effective Training Techniques
It is vital to start training early in puppyhood as this is when your Pitbull is most receptive, in addition to this as soon as they have received their vaccinations you should begin socialization with other dogs. A great option to tick both of these boxes is to enrol in puppy play time activities (Often held by local pet stores) or puppy training classes. To successfully socialize it is important that you are in control at all times. Good early training techniques also include grooming your dog from a young age, getting your puppy comfortable with nail clipping, paw touching and teeth cleaning helps them learn tolerance.
Consistency – Consistency is a word you will here a lot when it relates to training and it is true that consistency is key. Your Pitbull needs to understands the consequences of it’s actions and if this changes each time it can be very confusing. Setting expectations and enforcing these are important for it to understand how it should interact in different situations. This means if you want to train your Pitbull to stay off the couch, you should not make exceptions.
Positive Reinforcement – Positive reinforcement is proven to be comfortably the most effective method of training. It also has the added benefit of being the most pleasant for both the trainer and trainee. Whenever your Pitbull displays the correct behaviour they should be rewarded, this is most commonly reinforced using treats but can also be done using other means such as clicker training. Pitbull’s are loyal and eager to please so will be very receptive to training when young, if left to late it will be more difficult to overcome behaviours which are already bedded in.
Keep them engaged – Keep them engaged by combining both physical and mental stimulation. If your dog is not getting enough exercise or mentally engaging activities they are likely to be less responsive. Hiding treats in toys for them to find, introducing them to new smells by visiting new places and making them follow commands are just as effective as letting them run around when it comes to meaningful engagement.
How to groom a Pitbull
Coat – It is important to brush your Pitbull regularly this helps control shedding by removing dead skin cells. When brushing it is recommended to use a rubber curry brush weekly. When brushing it is important to do so gently when on more sensitive areas such as the bottom of its neck, stomach and back of it’s legs.
Ears – Pitbull’s are susceptible to ear infections, especially if cropped. Keeping your pets ears clear of wax can help reduce this risk, do this with a mild canine ear cleaner. Whilst cleaning you should look out for signs or infection such as redness, rashes, discharged or foul smells. If you see signs of this then you should make an appointment with your vet for tailored advice.
Nails – You should aim to cut you Pitbull’s nail twice a month. The ideal time to do this is when they are tired and relaxed as to reduce the amount of squirming. If they haven’t been trained to have their paws touched it may be prudent to get assistance doing so. You should look for the quick (nerve on the underside of the claw) and only clip beyond as to not hurt them. If you do catch the quick then firmly press styptic powder to contain the blood flow, this will ease in a matter of minutes and the pain will quickly pass.
Teeth – These should be brushed at least once a week and can be done so using a canine toothbrush or a finger brush which you can wear. It is important to use special canine toothpaste as human toothpaste is not appropriate. These are usually a meaty flavour which is appealing to your dog. You should brush your Pitbull’s teeth in the same way you would your own by making circular motions along the gum line. You also only need to do the front side of their teeth. It is advisable to feed your Pitbull dry kibble as this helps dental health along with the occasional dental chew.
What to feed a Pitbull Puppy/Adult
It’s important to feed your Pitbull a high quality diet which is based around Meat/Fish packed with amino acids. Whilst plant based diets can replicate the protein needed it will lack the amino acids required for their needs. High quality meat will also bring glucosamine into their diet to help protect against joint problems.
Fruit and vegetables will also form a part of a high quality food. This infuses probiotics naturally into their diet which promotes a healthy gut. In addition to this is will also add vitamins to boost their immune system and promote a healthy skin and coat.
Omega 3 and other omega oils are important for your Pitbull’s health. If you are feeding them a food which contains fish they will be receiving this in their diet but it is important to supplement if this isn’t the case.
If you are unsure what food to feed If you are unsure what food to feed your Pitbull we recommend Taste of the Wild – Wetlands Dry Dog Food. We also have a guide outlining more options with more in depth information (Food Guide)
