Red Nose Pitbull

Confident, smart and loyal to a fault, the Red Nose Pitbull had an unfortunate beginning.

Fortunately, it was not long until the focus turned and people began bringing them into their homes – they soon became a popular family dog.

Now renowned as an amazing dog for families, the Red Nose Pitbull Terrier is one of the most controversial breeds around.

When raised in the right household with the right training, they can be the most loyal dog you have ever had.

The Red Nose Pitbull is one of the rarest varieties of Pitbull.

red nose pitbull terrier

What is a Red Nose Pitbull?

The Red Nose Pitbull is an exuberant breed that is recognized as a working dog. This pup wants nothing more than a job to do with you by their side.

They need plenty of physical exercise and have even been known to go through obstacle courses.

Unfortunately this beautiful breed’s history is stained as they were once used to bait bulls. However it was not long before the Pitbull was developed as an all-around farm dog.

Once a farm dog, they soon moved into the home and were developed as a companion, although that has not cut down on what amazing athletes these dogs are.

  • Overview: Working.
  • Purpose: Companion dog.
  • Weight: 30-70 pounds.
  • Size: 17-19 inches.
  • Temperament: Loyal, energetic and confident.

History of the Red Nose Pitbull

Red nose pit bulls have a long history that dates back to the 1800s. The breed was first introduced in Ireland, and the breed’s ancestors are the Old Family Red Nose. American Pitbulls, American Pitbull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and most of the Kennel Club recognized pit bull breeds are associated with a history of fighting and violence. 

The Red Nose Pitbull has the most deep-rooted history out of all of the pit bull breeds. Old Family Red Nose dogs are full of tradition, making the Red Nose Pitbull the most famous of the pit bull breeds. 

Red Nose Pitbull Appearance

female red nose pitbull terrier

Despite this breeds somewhat short height, they have a hefty stature.

Red Nose Pitbulls should be stocky with a broad skull and pronounced cheeks. They are a well put together dog with a muscular frame, but are still very agile.

Overall this is a powerful looking breed with broad shoulders and muscular legs.

Coat and Colors

These pups have a copper coat with a matching copper nose and dark brown eyes. Their copper coat can vary in shade, but should never be anything but a shade of red.

You can expect a short coat, which sheds during spring and fall.

Height and Weight

These dogs should stand between 17-19 inches and weigh between 30-70 pounds once fully grown.

5 Fun Facts About Red Nose Pitbull Terriers

  1. They were nicknamed nanny dogs because of their love of children.
  2. Pitbulls do better on temperament tests than most other breeds.
  3. Despite popular belief Pitbulls do not have locking jaws.
  4. Pitbulls used to be the US Army’s mascot.
  5. They have been on the cover of Life Magazine more than any other breed.

Red Nose Pitbull Myths

With a stigma of dogfighting and aggression associated with Red Nose Pitbulls, you can imagine just how many untruths and myths surround this intelligent breed of dog. In this section, we are going to uncover the myths associated with Red Nose Pitbulls. 

  1. Many people believe that Pitbulls have the ability to lock onto prey with their front teeth at the same time as chewing with their back teeth. This is, in fact, a myth and something that is impossible for them to do. 
  2. The second myth is that Pitbulls don’t feel pain. They absolutely feel pain, both physical and emotional pain. They feel the same emotions as we do, and their nervous system is the same as any other breed of dog. One thing they do have is the ability to finish the task, even if they are suffering. 
  3. People have thought that Red Nose Pitbulls have a skull that is too small for their brains in the past. This supposedly causes them to snap and go crazy. Pitbulls’ brains do not swell and become too small for their skulls, making this our third myth. 
  4. Did you know that Red Nose Pitbulls and Blue Nose Pitbulls are the same breeds? American Pitbull Terriers come in all shapes and sizes; however, they are all the same pitbull breed. 

Is the American Red Nose Pitbull Aggressive Towards People?

Just like any dog or person, American Red Nose Pitbulls will not attack you unless they are provoked. With that being said, it is your responsibility to train your pitbull well and ensure they have been socialized from a young age. 

Red Nose Pitbulls are obedient dogs and are less tolerant of other animals rather than humans. Pitbulls need to know who is boss, so taking them to dog training lessons will help you teach your dog the right behaviors. 

Is a Red Nose Pitbull a Good Family Dog?

Their days of being fighting dogs are long gone, and they now make amazing family dogs that are extremely loyal and protective. Families with small children shouldn’t worry about letting a well-trained and obedient Red Nose Pitbull near their children as the breed are well known for getting on brilliantly with children. 

Red Nose Pitbull Personality and Temperament

A pitbull red nose

Outgoing, energetic and friendly, the Red Nose Pitbull is a powerful dog that requires lots of socialization and obedience training.

Provided that their physical needs are met, they can adapt to most living situations. However it is important to note that they are a high energy and super athletic breed.

An hour of hard outdoor play is the bare minimum to keep your Pit happy and calm.

Typically they are not the best with other animals and will often view anything smaller than them as prey.

They are not big barkers or howlers. Although they will bark to alert to someone at the door, they do not typically bark during play time.

These dogs are intensely protective of their family. Even socializing them with strangers as a young puppy will never totally fix this.

Despite their shortcomings with visitors, Pitbull Red Noses make amazing companions for children. They were nicknamed nanny dogs because of how well they would do with young children, oftentimes being found sleeping with young kids.

They are an incredibly tenacious, strong and loyal breed that require plenty of daily exercise and training.

Is A Red Nose Pitbull A Good Family Dog?

They are amazing with children which is how they earned the nickname nanny dog.

Caring for a Red Nose Pitbull

red nose pitbull

If you prefer to stay home relaxing on the couch, then a Red Nose Pitbull is probably not the dog for you.

These dogs require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.

Apart from their exercise requirements, Red Nose Pitbull Terriers are fairly easy dogs to take care of. They do not have a lot of health issues, or require extensive grooming. As long as you are willing to put in the obedience work and keep up with them physically, they are an easy dog to care for.

They are extremely adaptable dogs that do just as well in the countryside as they do in an apartment.

Exercise Requirements

These dogs are extreme athletes.

Pursuing dog sports such as agility helps tremendously in trying to burn off all of that energy.

A simple walk around the block will not do for this dog. They need a minimum of one hour of walking or running a day, alongside plenty of other exercise at home. Red Nose Pitbulls are terriers, so they do have a high prey drive and need to be kept on leash when walking anywhere that is not fenced in.

Along with a daily walk and run, your Pitbull will also require some at home exercise. Frisbee or fetch are good ways to keep your dog active and get all of that jumping energy out of him.

  • Number of Walks Per Day: 2.
  • Total Exercise Needed Per Day: 60 minutes of walking and 60 minutes of play.

Grooming and Shedding

These dogs shed throughout the year, but will lose the majority of their coat twice a year (spring and fall).

However, thanks to their short coat grooming is fairly easy.

Brushing them down with a slicker brush once a week will help with the shedding and removing any dead fur. You can also take a wet washcloth and run it over their body to remove excess fur and clean them up.

Try not to bath them too often, because they do tend to develop skin problems from too frequent bathing. Once every 4-6 weeks is ideal.

red nose pitbull puppy

Feeding and Diet

Due to the wide weight range (30-70 lbs) of Red Nose Pitbulls, there is a wide range of how much you should feed them.

A good rule of thumb is 30 calories per pound of body weight.

They also do best when fed two to three times a day.

Calories Per Day:Cups of Kibble Per Day:
900-20001-3

Known Health Problems

Although they are generally a very healthy breed, there are still several illnesses they can suffer from:

  • Hip dysplasia.
  • Hereditary cataracts.
  • Heart disease.

If you’re like most dog parents (or parents to be), you care for your pet immensely. Having pet insurance could save you from potential headaches of going to the vets with reimbursement for every vet bill from now on!

Save Massively on Your Pet’s Medical Costs
Never worry about your pet’s health care again. Get reimbursed for your pet’s illness, injury, and wellness expenses!
Complete Sick Visit

Exam fees are included, which saves you around $50-$250 per sick visit.

Comprehensive Dental

PetPlan covers injury and disease in every adult tooth — not just the canines.

Breed Specific Conditions

Not all providers cover hereditary conditions linked to breed. PetPlan does.

How Long Do Red Nose Pitbulls Live?

These pooches can live for about 12-14 years.

How Much Do Red Nose Pitbulls Cost?

Red Nose Pitbull Puppies can range from $500-$2,000 from a reputable breeder.

Socialization 

Socialization is important if you have a Red Nose Pitbull. These pups are great with people but less so with other dogs, which is why socialization needs to be a priority if you are already or will be a Red Nose Pitbull owner. 

Follow these simple tips to socialize your pit bull successfully:

1.Start Socialization Early 

The younger your furry friend is when you start their socialization journey, the faster they will learn patience and to manage their frustration around other dogs. 

2. Show Positive Emotions During Interactions

Interactions should happen in a safe and calm environment so that if you have to interfere at any time, you can do so quickly and easily. Show positive emotions and talk to your dog happily and calmly so that they know you are there and encouraging their positive behavior.

3. Keep Your Pup Active 

Dogs that do not get enough exercise will become agitated and irritated. This will make interactions with other dogs less smooth and maybe even quite stressful. 

4. Train Your Dog to Respond to Commands 

Teaching your dog to ‘sit,’ ‘lie down’, and ‘stay’  is another great way of keeping them in control while they are interacting with other dogs. 

How to Train a Red Nose Pitbull

red nose pitbull playing

To ensure your Pit turns into a well-rounded adult, dog training should be started as a puppy.

Red Nose Pitbulls are also prone to having very bad concentration, so teaching them to look at you is also important.

They respond best to positive (but firm) reinforcement training. This is not the kind of breed that you can go easy on.

Red Nose Pitbulls do require a lot of mental stimulation as well. They are not the type of dog that will be happy sleeping on the couch and going for a walk around the block. Training them in obedience or Rally are good ways to help with this need for stimulation.

Teaching them focus work and also how to control their impulses can be made into fun games that also help out with everyday life. One way to teach impulse control is to hold treats in your hand. Close your hand if the dog tries to steal them, and do not reward him until he is sitting peacefully away with your hand open with the treats.

If your dog still has energy, you can even set up obstacle courses for them to go through.

It is amazing how well they can do – they can even scale walls if given the chance.

Breed Limitations 

Due to their dangerous reputation, Red Nose Pitbulls have been outlawed in many countries around the world. In fact, they are banned in 12 countries around the world to date; New Zealand, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, France, Finland, Denmark, Poland, Norway, and the U. S. territory of Puerto Rico.

Some countries also have rules and regulations associated with owning a pit bull breed, such as keeping them on a leash at all times or wearing a muzzle when out of the house. It is essential to read up on your area’s rules and limitations before introducing a Red Nose Pitbull into your family. 

Red Nose Pitbull Rescue 

There are a number of pit bull rescue centers dotted around the United States. Unfortunately, Pitbulls are one of the most abused dogs in the world. Many irresponsible owners keep them for their strength and fighting abilities and participate in illegal dogfighting. These dogs rarely receive medical attention or the love and care they deserve. 

Rescuing a Red Nose Pitbull is a rewarding experience. Most of the time, the dogs who need rescuing have some trust issues and fear at first, but with the right training and a lot of love, they will become irreplaceable members of your family.

You are unlikely to find pitbull puppies in rescue centers as the majority of dogs are adult dogs that need a caring home full of warmth and love. If you are interested in getting a Red Nose Pitbull and making them a part of your pack, call your local rescue center for advice. 

Buyer’s Guide

ProsCons
Amazing with children.
Banned in many places.
Very smart and easy to train.
A high prey rive.
Extremely loyal to their family.
Do not do great with other dogs.
Adaptable and can live in apartments.
Outgoing and confident attitude.

Quick Breed Summary Table

Breed Characteristics
Size:17-19 inches
Weight:30-70lb
Lifespan:12-14 years
Coat:Short coat
Color:Red
Do They Shed:Yes (only a little)
Temperament:Goofy and loyal with their family, standoffish with strangers
Intelligence:High
Socialization:A must (especially with other dogs)
Destructive Behavior:Chewing
People Skills:Wary of strangers (socialization can help with this)
Good with Children:Amazing with children
Activity Levels:High

Summary

The Red Nose Pitbull is an adaptable breed that would do well in most situations – from apartment life, to out in the country.

To be an amazing dog they require a lot of positive reinforcement training, but also a firm handler that won’t let them step out of line.

Living as a family dog with kids or just with adults, they are an amazingly adaptable breed.

They need lots of physical and mental stimulation and often needing more than just a simple walk around the block.

This is not the type of breed to take on lightly but if you are looking for a bit of a challenge and a running partner, this could be the perfect breed for you.

About Thomas Woods 224 Articles
Thomas has been a dog lover since he was 6 years old when his parents got him a rescue Labrador. Since then his love for dogs has lead him to study Animal Behavior & Welfare. He now keeps a six year old English Bullmastiff and educates pet parents through his online publication Perfect Dog Breeds.

7 Comments

  1. This site was very helpful. According to our vet, we believe this stray we found several weeks ago is a Red Nose Pitbull Terrier. After reading this site and seeing all the photos, I am convinced he is. What a character he is and he’s got ears for years..LOL!

  2. (I VERY much want to purchase/rescue a young male American Staffordshire Pitbull. Any reasonable price up to $2,000 or higher depending. We will fly anywhere in North America to pick up. We have a lifetime of experience with pitbulls. “Cyrus” was everything to me, my heart and soul. Please help us if you can. Thank you.

  3. In the UK they are unfortunately banned, but because they are not an officially recognised breed in the UK, there are loads of pitbulls in the UK. I don’t even think most breeders realise their dogs probably are eighty percent pit. It’s funny.
    You can’t ban the bully.

  4. Almost like a husband. He gets between and gets her done. In December I’m expecting. Never imagined myself and a liter! I guess my daughter (human) felt for everyone.

  5. I was in wendover (golden nugget) where they found an adult of this breed without tags or chip seemed to be a lost dog we didn’t have the heart to leave him and every bystander said not theirs. If you are the owner of this red nose pit come get him. He is in west Valley city. I am not compatible with it.. His breeder or owner spent numerous hours making him obedient and calm I agree that he is not aggressive so far. Do they usually sleep all day and nite? Because according to the study he is opposite of… contact derrick loomer for information. Thanks

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*