Animal-World > Dogs > Terrier > Red-Nosed American Pit Bull Terrier

Red-Nosed American Pit Bull TerrierRed-Nosed Pit Bull

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Canis lupus familiarisPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Amber Bates

    The Red-Nosed Pit Bull is known for its gameness and pleasant disposition.

    The Red-Nosed Pit Bull is a variation of the American Pit Bull Terrier. These dogs are athletic and non-aggressive toward humans, including children, when trained and handled properly. They excel at obedience and make good guard dogs. When choosing a Pit Bull, it is important to check its bloodline. Cataracts, heart disease, and hip dysplasia are common hereditary problems.

Common Name(s)     Red-Nosed American Pit Bull Terrier, Red-Nosed Pit Bull

Breed Type     The Red-Nosed Pit Bull is a variation of the American Pit Bull Terrier. Originally bred for bull baiting and dog fighting, they have also functioned as working dogs on farms. The Red-Nosed Pit Bull prefers warm weather. Some localities have banned the breed.

Background     The Red-Nosed Pit Bull is a result of close inbreeding of the "Old Family" strain of Pit Bulls in Ireland in the mid-1800s. These dogs made their way to the United States through immigration with their owners. Efforts have been made throughout the years to preserve the strain, but breeding with other strains has made Old Family Red-Nosed Pit Bulls less common.

Description     The Old-Family Red-Nosed Pit Bull is usually red in color. Red-nosed dogs of other strains, or that are products of the breeding of various strains, may be any color. These dogs are stocky, and tend to be on the large side of normal for Pit Bulls. Average height is 18-22 inches for males and females, and average weight is 35-65 pounds, with females weighing slightly less than males.

Care and Feeding     The Pit Bull diet should contain beef, poultry, brown rice, and corn. This breed needs lots of fiber and few carbohydrates. Essential fatty acids are good for the Red-Nosed Pit Bull's coat. Red-Nosed Pit Bulls shed moderately, so they require regular brushing. Baths should be given as needed. Red-Nosed Pit Bull owners sometimes have their ears clipped, but it is not customary to do so.
    Annual checkups are recommended, with vaccinations as follows:

• 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
• 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
• 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
• Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster

    Pit Bulls shed moderately, so regular vacuuming is required if they are to be kept inside.

Housing Your Dog     The Red-Nosed Pit Bull can be kept inside or out. They can live in apartments as long as they get plenty of exercise. These dogs prefer warm weather. They need durable toys, beds, and food and water containers.

Social Behaviors     Old Family Red-Nosed Pit Bulls tend to have friendly temperaments due to the quality of their breeding. They may, however, be aggressive to unfamiliar animals. They are very protective of their owners and the owner's property, but are friendly when there is no threat present.

Handling and Training     Red-Nosed Pit Bulls must be well socialized when they are young. They excel at obedience, tracking, and agility training.

Activities     The Red-Nosed Pit Bull needs daily exercise and long walks. They love vigorous exercise, and they are great hiking partners.

Breeding/Reproduction     The rarity of the Red-Nosed Pit Bull may make it difficult to find others of the strain for breeding purposes. A good breeder can help you find a suitable mate for your dog.

Common Health Problems     The Red-Nosed Pit Bull is a healthy dog overall, but some have genetic and non-genetic health problems. These include heart disease, joint problems, cataracts, and allergies.

Availability     Old Family Red-Nosed Pit Bulls are rare, and may be difficult to find. They often sell much higher than other Pit Bulls. The Old Family Red-Nosed is a Red-Nosed Pit Bull whose lineage goes back to the original ones from Ireland.

References "American Pit Bull Terrier", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
"American Pit Bull Terrier", Answers.com, Copyright 2007, Referenced online, 2008
Stratton, Richard, "About the Red, Red Nosed", Copyright 1975, and "The Color of Gameness", Copyright 2003. Referenced online, 2008
Harwelik, Mary, "Temperament", "History", The Real Pit Bull, Copyright 2000-2004
Cusick, William D., "What to Feed an American Pit Bull Terrier", Referenced online, 2008
Mann, Jason, "Pass the Fat! Or Why Essential Fatty Acids Are Vital to Pitbull Health", Copyright 2005, Referenced online, 2008
"Pet Library: Grooming Your Dog", Best Friends Pet Care, Referenced online, 2008
"Pit Bull Rescue", PitBullLovers.com, Copyright 2005, Referenced online, 2008

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Some of the coolest comments:
Pit Bulls are not dangerous animals. They are a reflection of their owner. If the owner is aggressive then the dog is mean. It's like the old saying, "The gun doesnt kill people, people kill people". Its not the dogs fault if it's trained to kill, it's the person that trained it. Chris H. SD Chris Holloway 2009-07-09

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