Black Pitbull – Everything You Need To Know About These Scarily Beautiful Dogs

Pitbulls are possibly one of the most misunderstood dog breeds out there. A robust and muscular body combined with a name with the word ‘pit’ in it automatically makes people think they’re dangerous and aggressive. Throw in an all-black coat and they’re definitely considered one of the scariest breeds.

But this couldn’t be further away from the truth. Pitties are adoring, caring, and very affectionate dogs that make great family pets. But is the black Pitbull the same? Here’s everything you need to know about this common-colored Pitbull.

But First, What Do We Mean by Pitbull?

Pitbull. American Pit Bull Terrier? Staffordshire Bull Terrier? American Staffordshire Terrier? Which dog breed are we actually talking about?

That really depends on who you ask. Many people think that the breed ‘Pitbull’ refers to any dog that descends from old Bulldogs and Terriers. Others consider a Pitbull to be a shortened name for the American Pit Bull Terrier. The American Kennel Club, for example, doesn’t actually recognize the Pitbull as a dog breed. Instead, they use the name American Staffordshire Terrier which is a slightly different breed. They changed the name as they didn’t want there to be any association between these dogs and the fighting world of the ‘pit’.

In this blog, when we refer to a black Pitbull we’re referring to a black American Pit Bull Terrier. Because they are so similar, a lot of what is mentioned here will be true for a black American Staffordshire Terrier, but there will be a few key differences.

Quick History of the Pitbull

These pups are the descendants of two now-extinct breeds – the Old English Terrier and the Old English Bulldog. Breeders in England initially bred these two together to combine the strength of a Bulldog with the eagerness and energy of a Terrier. 

Unfortunately, as you might guess by their name, Pitbulls were originally bred as bull bait. When this ‘sport’ was outlawed in 1835, these dogs were then used in dog fighting and specifically bred to be more aggressive. 

When dog fighting was also banned, the number of these beautiful dogs declined rapidly. After a while, however, breeders started to breed them as wonderful companion dogs, rather than fighting pups. They were first accepted by the United Kennel Club in 1898.

Is a Black Pitbull Different from a Regular Pittbull?

Despite what some people might think, the black Pitbull is actually the same as a regular Pitbull – they just have a different colored coat (like the brindle Pitbull or the black and white Pitbull). In terms of temperament, size, etc. they’re exactly the same.

Are Black Pitbulls Rare?

Pitbulls come in a huge array of coat colors and patterns. The United Kennel Club accepts the Pitbull as a separate breed and allows these dogs in any color. Merle and albinism are, however, not allowed. 

The black Pitbull is actually quite a common color for these muscular dogs. 

Check out our blog of the best black dog names for your Pitties!

What Are The Genetics Behind a Black Pitbull Puppy?

Pups have two types of pigment that can alter their coat color. The first is eumelanin (black) and the second is pheomelanin (red). Depending on the exact genes they inherit from their parents, the colors can be modified to give different coat colors. 

Black is a dominant color and so it’s pretty easy to get a dog with a totally black coat. It’s also possible for these amazing pups to have a recessive gene that can turn black canines into beautiful blue/gray dogs.

What Does a Black Pitbull Look Like?

Pitbulls are medium-sized dogs that are very muscular and have short, smooth coats. They can weigh between 30-60 pounds and grow to be 18-21 inches tall. A male dog will look and weigh more than a female black Pitbull.

Something that’s fairly unique to the American Pitbull Terrier is that they are both strong and athletic. They have a wide head that adds to their overall ‘intimidating’ appearance but their stocky bodies are surprisingly agile too (thanks to the Terrier in them).

Can Black Pitbulls Have Blue Eyes?

A popular trait that many dog owners want is for their black Pitbull to have blue eyes. And yes, it’s possible! It’s not, however, as common as brown or darker colored eyes.

Are There Black and White Pitbulls?

Black Pitbulls don’t just have a solid black coat, they can also have a black coat with white markings. Black and white Pitbulls will usually have tuxedo markings, meaning the white part will be down the front of their chest and maybe a little on their face.

The Temperament of a Black Pitbull

Both male and female black Pitbulls have similar personalities. They’re incredibly enthusiastic, have a lot of energy, and really want to please their humans. Despite what many people think, Pitbulls are loving, caring, and adoring dogs that make wonderful family pets. They can sometimes be a little stubborn and training may not be easy for first-time pup parents. It’s worth getting them one of the best collars for Pitbulls to help with training – especially on leash!

Something that surprises many people who haven’t been around Pitbulls before is that they are exceptionally kind around kids. They just love them! So much so, in fact, that they’ve earned the nickname ‘nanny dog’. They’re generally slightly more reserved around other dogs but are happy to play with ones they feel confident around.

Black Pitbulls are very alert pups that make excellent guard- and watchdogs. But this isn’t because they’re ‘innately’ violent and aggressive dogs. They just love their humans so much that they’re happy to do everything they can to keep them safe! In fact, according to the United Kennel Club, viciousness is a disqualifying characteristic. Pitbulls make great guard dogs because of the misconceptions around them – not because they’re actually good at guarding! 

If you’re looking for an amazing watchdog that inherits its guarding instincts from one of the best guard dogs around and the adorable personality of the Pitbull, then check out the German Shepherd Pitbull mix!

Are Black Pitbulls Intelligent?

Black Pitbulls are intelligent and relatively easy to train. They need consistent obedience training if they’re not to let their guarding instincts take over (which could make them territorial and standoffish around other people and dogs).

Black Pitbull Puppies also need a lot of early socialization. You should slowly expose them to new sights, sounds, smells, dogs, and people so that they get used to being around new things. Pups that haven’t been well socialized and trained could be skittish, sky, and even aggressive. Puppies can also be big chewers, so you might want to get them an indestructible dog toy.

How Much Exercise Do Black Pitbulls Need?

You can expect to exercise a black Pitbull for at least an hour a day. They need lots of fun play sessions and cute toys to keep them fully engaged and healthy. As with all pups, it’s not just about their physical activity. Keeping them mentally stimulated is very important. By ensuring that they’re not bored, you can prevent unwanted behavior, such as excessive barking. 

Health and Care – Does Color Affect The Health of a Black Pitbull?

There’s no reason to suggest that black affects the health of a pup. A well-bred black Pitbull should have a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years (provided they’re taken to the vets often, are fed nutritious food, and get plenty of exercise).

All dog breeds can suffer from a couple of common illnesses and Pitbulls are no different. These adorable pups can suffer from:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Skin problems
• Allergies
• Retinal dysplasia
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Hypothyroidism
• Heart disease

Taking your black Pitbull for regular checkups at the vet can help to minimize the risk of disease developing and catch anything early on.

Does Color Affect Personality and Temperament?

As is the case with health, there’s no research to prove that color affects the personality of a dog. Training, early socialization, lots of love, and ensuring you get your black Pitbull puppy from a responsible breeder will affect their temperament much more than the color of their coat.

Are Black Pitbulls Aggressive?

Pitbulls are not naturally aggressive – especially if they’re brought up in a loving home with lots of good training. That’s not to say, however, that there aren’t aggressive Pitbulls.

Unfortunately, these dogs have been the victims of bad breeding over the years (which is why they have a bad name). Because these pups have a history of dog and bullfighting they’re still a popular choice for many underground dog fighters. Bad breeding means breeders actually choose aggressive dogs and aim to breed these traits onto black Pitbull puppies. Because black is considered a more aggressive/intimidating color, black Pitbulls can be even more susceptible to unethical breeding. 

This is why it’s so important you do your research and find an ethical breeder who thinks about the future of the breed. That’s true of all dog breeds, but especially those who are known to have a fighting past. If you’re thinking about getting a Pitbull mix, such as the Pitsky, it’s also really important to ensure the health and temperament of the parent dog. Past unethical breeding can be a problem for mixed puppies too.

Are Black Pitbulls Friendly?

Pitbulls are generally extremely friendly dogs. They love people and love attention! As is the case with other dog breeds, all pups are different, but a well-bred and well-loved Pittie will be very friendly!

Grooming a Black Pitbull

Pitbulls have short, single coats – regardless of the color. They don’t require a huge amount of grooming but they can shed, so weekly brushing is recommended. Most Pitties have a shiny coat that’s relatively easy to keep clean. Brushing and wiping down with a wet cloth will help it to keep its shine and look healthy.

As with all breeds, it’s important to trim their nails (ask a vet or groomer if you’re not sure how) and make sure you keep their ears dry and clean to prevent infection.

How Much Does a Black Pitbull Cost?

There are lots of factors that will affect the price of your black Pitbull. Location, demand for black Pitbull puppies, and known breeders will all have an influence on the end price. Even though black Pitbulls are very popular, they shouldn’t cost any more than other colored Pitties. There’s also no reason why male Pitbulls should cost any more/less than females.

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere between $800 and $1100 for a black Pitbull puppy. Some well-known breeders may charge more (some for several thousand dollars)!

Again, just because a dog is more expensive doesn’t mean the quality of breeding is better. It’s really important to research breeders who are committed to breeding healthy and well-balanced dogs. Likewise, breeders offering pups for much cheaper prices are likely to be breeding unethically and it’s possible that the animals have suffered, will be aggressive, or unhealthy.

Of course, you may also find your new best friend down at the local shelter which is a great way to give a pup a second life. When it comes to Pitbulls, however, talk to the carers working at the shelter as to how the dog behaves. It can be risky adopting a black Pitbull when you don’t know their past. They may have been a fighting dog and therefore have aggressive tendencies. Of course, they may not have done too!

Who Should Own a Black Pitbull?

Because Pitties are such active dogs, they’re not the best choice for first-time pup parents. They require lots of attention and strict but engaging training sessions. It’s important for an owner to establish themselves as the boss so that the dog doesn’t become dominant.

Pitbulls are a great option for families with kids as there is nothing more that this dog breed loves than to play with their little owners! They’re not, however, a good choice for multi-pet households. Some Pitties can get along with other dogs they’ve grown up with, but this isn’t always the case. 

The Bottom Line

A black Pitbull can be an amazing addition to the right family. Like most Pitties, they love human contact and affection and dish it out too! They’re high-energy dogs that like lots of play and exercise and need plenty of puzzle toys to keep them occupied and engaged. 

As is the case with any dog, but especially Pitbulls, it’s really important you research your breeder well. These pups have been mistreated in the past and it’s essential breeders work ethically together to stop aggression from being a personality trait in these pups. But from a good breeder, you’ll be getting a gentle, affectionate, and doting pup that will love nothing more than to spend time with you!

Not sure about the differences between an American Bulldog vs Pitbull? Find out!