White Pitbull – Genetics, Temperament & More

What causes Pitbull’s to have their stunning white coat? We will explore their genetics, temperament and more to give you a complete understanding of how white Pitbull’s come about and how to raise them.

White Pitbull’s have a unique and stunning coat which makes them an incredibly desirable coloring for Pitbull owners. Pitbull’s currently make up around 20% of dogs in the USA and pure white Pitbull’s are only a small percentage of this amount. Due to the rarity of this color they usually fetch a higher price than their counterparts.

How do Pitbull’s get their white coat?

There are typically three different ways a Pitbull can come to have a white coat, it is important to try and identify why they have their white coat as some could be down to genetic disorders with higher health risks.

True White Pitbull – This relates to a specific part of the genetic code which determines both the color and pattern. The Pitbull has access to the S (Spotting) Locus of which there are four types.

• S – Solid Color
• si – Irish Spotting
• sp – Piebald spotting
• sw – Extreme Piebald spotting

by breeding Pitbulls with the S gene it is more likely to get white Pitbull puppies, the other genes still produce Pitbull’s with a primarily white coat but will also have spotting. These are often referred to as Moo Moo Pitbull’s due to the patterns similarity to that of cows. You can identify a white Pitbull which doesn’t have Albinism/Leucism by it’s other features. Other than it’s white fur it will have all the same colorings that a regular Pitbull would have such as eye and nose color. It is important when buying a white Pitbull that you can establish that it is not white due to the two conditions below.

Albinism – Albinism is a very rare genetic disorder which can effect all living things and this is also the case with a Pitbull. This leads to a lack of production of melanin this can lead to a number of additional health issues, these include a much higher risk of skin conditions, deafness, eye conditions and more. Albinism is usually identifiable by blood vessels being visible in the iris and retina in their eyes of which will be light blue in color

Leucism – This is a more likely to be the reason a Pitbull is white over albinism whilst still being incredibly rare, Leucism will likely display many of the same features as albinism and it can be very difficult to tell them apart, Leucism is caused by a lack of pigmentation in the hairs, they will appear almost identical to Albinism and even medical professionals are known to have misdiagnosed Lecuism for Albinism. Leucism does not have the same health risks as Albinism but it still carries additional risks.

White Pitbull – Breed Overview

Key Characteristics

• Strong and Stocky – More muscle per pound than any other breed
• Pitbull’s require plenty of attention and are not suitable for those who can only give little or no attention
• Should be socialized and trained early, consistency needed as the breed can show stubbornness
• Despite a reputation as aggressive they are a calm and friendly breed
• Incredibly affectionate and cuddly

Breed History

Their history can be tracked back to the early 1800’s in the UK where they were bred from English Bulldogs, they were originally bred for the cruel sport of bull baiting before this was outlawed in 1835. As people migrated across from Europe they brought these dogs along with them to introduce them to America. Their skills as working dogs were put to use for a large variety of roles especially on the frontier, they were commonly used for herding cattle and sheep as well as guarding live stock and families from the various dangers on the frontier. Their versatility in roles along with their loyal and loving demeanour led to this becoming a hugely popular dog.

The modern Pitbull is a loving and caring family dog, a number of newspaper reports have fostered a reputation that they should be considered dangerous but there is no evidence to support this. As of today people are again starting to understand the true nature of the Pitbull being a loyal, loving family dog.

What are their personality traits?

• Highly affectionate and despite it’s size will consider itself to always be a lapdog
• Very loyal and always alert as it watches out for it’s family
• Can be unsure about other dogs, this can be avoided with early socialization
• Eager to please making them easier to train
• Highly energetic requiring regular exercise and engagement

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 where they can stretch their legs this will allow them to further burn off energy to avoid both over excitement and anxiety. If you are walking your Pitbull where there will be high exposure to the sun it is important sufficient protection is in place due to it’s increased sensitivity to sunlight.

White Pitbull – Breed information

Pitbull’s are a group of dogs which contains 4 or 5 different breeds according to different Kennel Club organisations worldwide, whilst they all share similar characteristics and descendants they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. All are able to come with in white coloring and below we outline their different information.

White American Bully	Statistics
Weight	65 – 85 Pounds
Height	13 – 20 Inches
Lifespan	10 – 12 Years

White American Pit Bull Terrier	Statistics
Weight	30 – 65 Pounds
Height	17 – 20 Inches
Lifespan	10 – 12 Years

White Staffordshire Bull Terrier	Statistics
Weight	24 – 38 Pounds
Height	14 – 16 Inches
Lifespan	12 – 16 Years

White American Staffordshire Terrier	Statistics
Weight	50 – 80 Pounds
Height	17 – 19 Inches
Lifespan	12 – 14 Years

White American Bulldog	Statistics
Weight	60 – 120 Pounds
Height	20 – 28 Inches
Lifespan	10 – 15 Years

Common Health Issues

White Pitbull’s are more prone to skin conditions but it is an ailment which affects them all. I will cover the most common health issues below with advice on any preventative measures that can be taken. Albinism is a unique condition that can affect all living creatures, I would suggest you read this article if you have any specific concerns about albinism in your Pitbull. For more in depth information on each ailment click on the headers below.

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, this includes regular flea treatment, controlled exposure to the sun due to the increased risk from their pale complexion.

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, this should be done 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 is to infuse 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 this into their diet 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)

Pitbull Colors and Cost

When buying a Pitbull you should always look for a reputable breeder. This help ensures that the dogs are bred for their health rather than pure profit. It also gives you peace of mind that their parents are being kept in humane conditions and not part of a puppy mill. Before purchasing a puppy you should always check on the conditions they are currently being housed in and ask to see the parents.

Color	Estimated Cost
White Pitbull	$1,000-$2,000
Black Pitbull	$500-$100
Brindle Pitbull	$500-$1,000
Red Nose Pitbull	$500-$1,000
Blue Nose Pitbull	$1,000-2,000
Blue Fawn Pitbull	$4,000-$10,000
Fawn Sable Pitbull	$1,000-$2,000
Tan Pitbull	$500-$1,000
Merle Pitbull	$15,000-$30,000
Tri-Color Pitbull	$2,000-$5,000