Your Complete Guide To The Black Pitbull

Pitbulls are incredibly popular dogs, well known for their adoring temperaments and unique appearance. They have a large fanbase that spans across the globe, so it’s no wonder you’ve found yourself here looking into the black Pitbull specifically.

And while Pitbulls come in all kinds of colors and color combinations, we agree there is something special about a beautiful black dog.

That’s why today’s article is dedicated to the black Pitbull. Let’s get started!

But First, Here’s A Bit About Pitbull Dogs

Pitbulls are wildly misunderstood, but in truth they are wonderful dogs and make great companions.

Pitbulls have a long history of being misunderstood, but in recent years they’ve become more and more popular. The more we learn about them, the more we come to see that they are wonderful, affectionate, friendly, and intelligent canines that should not be judged on a past that was not their fault.

There are many misconceptions about Pit Bulls, and one of them is that a Pitbull is its own breed. In fact, the Pitbull is not a breed and instead a term used to describe a few different breeds that fall under the Pitbull category.

The most popular Pitbull breeds include dogs like the American Pitbull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Cane Corso, and the American Bully.

While all Pitbull breeds are different and unique in their own way, they do have a few things in common.

Pitbulls come from a lineage of Old English Bulldogs and Terrier types, and were bred and perfected in England during the 16th and 17th century for bull baiting and other blood sports.

Sadly, Pitbull dogs made good fighting dogs not because they were aggressive, but because they were devoted to their owners, fearless, and had a high tolerance for pain. Their wide jaws and muscular bodies also helped establish them as fighting dogs, though in truth their actual temperament is loving, sweet-natured, and playful.

Unfortunately, modern-day Pitbulls still struggle to rebuild their reputation after their long history in bloodsports in spite of the practice having long since been outlawed.

Today, Pitbulls and bully breeds must contend with Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), which applies laws and restrictions to Pitbull owners throughout the United States.

This means that Pitbull dogs and mixes may not always be legal in some regions in the US. It could also mean that as a Pitbull owner you may be required to register your dog or pay a certain fee to obtain a special license to own one of these breeds.

With all that said, most experts agree that Pitbull dogs are no more aggressive than any other dog breed. In fact, there are many dog breeds that rank higher than Pitbulls when it comes to bite propensity, and when pitbull dogs are properly raised, trained, and socialized, they are excellent companions for families.

With all that noted, it’s time now to talk about the adorable black Pitbull!

The Black Pitbull – The Genetics Behind Black Coated Dogs

Black Pitbulls are not a breed, but a color variation of Pitbull.

The black Pitbull is a color combination of any variation of Pitbull breed, and can be described as being either all black from nose to tail, or black patterned. Some black Pitbulls also have white patches on their chest and paws.

Black Pitbulls are popular for a number of reasons, but they are also one of the more commonly feared coloring types of Pitbull dogs.

The reason has to do with what is known as Black Dog Syndrome. This is not a real syndrome, but instead a term that is used to explain the phenomenon when people tend to fear black dogs (and other black animals, for that matter) more than they fear dogs of other, lighter colors.

The reason for this could be two fold. First, some speculate that black dogs are more difficult to read, meaning that their facial expressions and mannerisms are confusing and could lead to people seeing them as more unpredictable.

Black dogs have also long been used throughout history in folklore and Hollywood to depict evil, scary, and even vicious dogs.

In truth, there are no studies that show the color of a dog has any impact on its overall temperament. And while some studies do point to health being possibly impacted by coat color, (white dogs are more predisposed to deafness, for example), black Pitbulls are no less healthy than their other colored counterparts.

But are black Pitbulls rare?

Not at all! In fact, black is one of the most common Pitbull color types. The color black is a dominant gene in dogs that comes from a mutation in a gene known as TYRP1, which is responsible for creating an enzyme known as tyrosinase-related protein 1. This is the enzyme needed to create eumelanin, which is responsible for the dark color pigmentation in black Pitbull dogs and other animals.

Myths And Misconceptions About Black Pitbulls

Black Pitbulls are surrounded by myth and misconception.

As we touched on above, there is not only a misconception that Pitbulls are more aggressive than other dogs, but that black Pitbulls are especially aggressive. This could not be farther from the truth, as we now know that coat color has no implication on a breed’s temperament.

What is more likely to impact your black Pitbull’s temperament are going to be in part his genetics, (Pitbulls are known for being high energy, outgoing, and social), as well as his environment.

It’s very important for any dog to be properly raised, trained, and socialized at an early age to help reduce behavioral problems, and Pitbull dogs are no exception.

Without proper training and early socialization, your black Pitbull could grow up to be fearful of strangers or even strange sounds, sights, or objects. This fear can lead to fear-based aggression, which can happen with any dog and simply means that if a dog is fearful enough of something then he could attempt to protect himself by growling or even biting at it.

To avoid these behavioral issues, begin socializing your black Pitbull during puppyhood. Socialization is the act of exposing your dog to new situations, people, places, and things as early as you can and in a gentle, positive way.

It’s very important to ensure your Pitbull has positive associations with new experiences, as these associations will stick with him throughout his life.

It’s never too late to begin socializing a dog, though doing it during puppyhood does seem to have a greater impact on it’s overall effectiveness.

Along with early socialization, it’s also important to make sure you keep up with training. Training your black Pitbull should begin from the moment you bring your dog home and it should continue on throughout his lifetime.

Though Pitbulls in general can be stubborn, it’s important to avoid using aversive training methods like fear or punishment to hold your dog’s attention or get him to obey.

This could actually harm the bond built between the two of you and even backfire in the long run by making your Pitbull fearful of you.

Instead, use positive reinforcement like treats and praise when training, and keep training short, fun, and gamelike.

Because Pitbulls are intelligent dogs, they can easily learn to enjoy training sessions with you and are often some of the most trainable dogs when training is done properly.

To help with training, we suggest using high quality training treats like Zuke’s Mini Training Treats, listed below.

Zuke’s Mini Training Treats

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We like Zuke’s Training Treats because they are small, chewy, low in calories, and highly palatable, which are a winning combination when it comes to choosing the best dog treats for your black Pitbull.

You can use these treats not only for training, but also for helping socialize your dog during puppyhood to ensure he has a positive association with new experiences.

We also like that these treats come in a variety of flavors, so you can easily find the one your dog loves most.

The Black Pitbull Temperament

Like all Pitbulls, black Pitbulls are social and energetic.

With all this talk about training and socializing your black Pitbull, you’re likely wondering about this dog’s overall temperament.

Remember, black Pitbulls are not a breed, but instead a type of dog, so there are many specific breeds of Pitbull you have to choose from. Each one of these breeds has unique temperamental traits.

However, Pitbulls do have a few traits in common. Overall, Pitbulls are known to be energetic dogs, so they are best suited for more active families and owners who are able to devote time to exercising them each and every day.

They are also known to be a bit stubborn, so an owner who is patient will be ideal. Pitbulls love their families, and won’t do well left alone for too long or they can become bored and destructive.

Your black Pitbull is also likely to be very people-oriented, and he’ll love meeting new human friends. However, depending on the type of Pitbull you have, some Pitbulls do not always get along with other dogs, so make sure you keep this in mind.

Overall, Pitbulls can make wonderful family companions and get along well with children. They may be a bit overwhelming for very small children due to their high level of energy, but this is often easily trainable and you can work with both children and your black Pitbull to ensure they get along safely and happily.

How To Properly Exercise A Black Pitbull Dog

These dogs require routine exercise each and every day to stay healthy.

We touched on how much energy Pitbulls have, and this will be no exception for a black Pitbull. These dogs are quite energetic and will do best with active dog owners who enjoy being outdoors.

Pitbulls love hiking, jogging, and long walks, so make sure if you do invest in a black Pitbull that you’re able to dedicate at least an hour or more of exercise time to your Pitbull. This could include two walks a day, or one walk a day and free play time in a large backyard or, if your dog gets along well with other dogs, a visit to the dog park.

Along with physical exercise, your black Pitbull should also be kept mentally stimulated. Remember, black Pitbulls are intelligent dogs, so you might consider investing in puzzle toys to help keep their brains active.

Quality chew toys are also a must, but make sure the toys are safe for your dog and will not come apart or become a choking hazard. Pitbulls in general have stronger jaws than most and can often chew through even the most indestructible dog toys.

KONG Toy For Large Breed Dogs

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KONGS make great chew toys for Pitbulls. These toys are made of high quality rubber that will not break or come apart. You can buy them in different shapes and variations, but we like the classic KONG listed above.

We also like that you can choose the toughness level based on your dog’s age. Puppies will do well with puppy KONGS that are made with slightly softer rubber for teething, while adult dogs do well with KONGS for large breed dogs.

You can also stuff your KONG with treats or peanut butter to help hold your dog’s interest for even longer.

Tips On Grooming And Health For A Black Pitbull

Pitbulls are prone to suffering from skin and coat issues.

Black Pitbulls have a naturally sleek coat, and while they do shed, they only shed lightly year-round. They may shed more heavily during the shedding season, which is in Spring and Fall, but even then it is mild.

Still, Pitbulls can be problematic for those who suffer from allergies. You can help reduce shed hair by keeping up with routine brushing and grooming methods, as well as occasional baths.

We should note that Pitbulls can be prone to a number of health issues, which we will talk about in a moment, but some of these health issues include skin allergies, food sensitivities, and skin issues overall.

Diet can play a major role in your black Pitbull’s skin and coat health, and you might also consider investing in supplements your dog can take that contain fish oils to help promote a healthy skin and coat.

When it comes to the best dog food for Pitbulls, we recommend a dog food made with quality ingredients and that is made with real meat animal proteins like fish, lamb, or beef. Avoid poultry in your dog’s food, as this can lead to digestive issues and skin issues for dogs with food sensitivities.

You might also want to choose a limited ingredient diet, like the Wellness brand dog food listed below.

Wellness Simple LID Dog Food

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If your black Pitbull does wind up having some food sensitivities, you might want to try a dog food like the above Wellness Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food. This dog food is made with salmon and potato, and includes natural grains that are easier on your dog’s digestive system.

We also like that it is specifically designed to help support skin and coat health, so it is great for dogs who struggle with skin issues the way many Pitbull breeds do.

And speaking of skin issues, let’s talk more about your black Pitbull’s health overall.

In general, most Pitbull breeds are healthy dogs with a decent lifespan of between 10 and 14 years. However, this could vary depending on which breed of Pitbull you have as well as his genetic history.

On average, Pitbull dogs tend to suffer from some common health conditions, including but not limited to:

• Skin Allergies
• Mange
• Yeast Infections
• Skin Cancer
• Hip Dysplasia
• Hyperthyroidism
• Patella Luxation
• Thyroid Disease
• Ear Infections
• Ichthyosis
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Pulmonic Stenosis
• Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy
• Cataracts
• And Cerebellar Hypoplasia

Though it’s impossible to completely prevent certain genetic health issues in your black Pitbull, there are a few steps you can take to help reduce potential health issues and to ensure your dog lives his happiest, healthiest life.

The first step to ensuring your black Pitbull is healthy is to make sure you get him from a reputable source. Choose breeders or rescues you trust, and avoid buying a dog from someone who is not licensed or who cannot provide a certification of health for your dog.

Maintaining a quality diet is also important, as we’ve touched on above, as is keeping up with proper grooming. Make sure you brush your dog’s teeth at least once a day using a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste, clean his ears, and trim his nails at least once every few weeks.

It’s also a good idea to bathe your black Pitbull at least once a month or so using a quality dog shampoo that is hypoallergenic and made for dogs with skin sensitivities. Avoid over bathing your dog, as this can worsen skin issues down the road.

We also recommend considering pet health insurance for your black Pitbull. This will make keeping routine vet visits easier and more affordable.

Like people, your black Pitbull should be seen regularly by a trusted veterinarian for routine checkups to ensure he stays happy and healthy.

Last, make sure you keep up with proper exercise for your black Pitbull. Not only will this help reduce potential behavioral problems and obesity, but it can also help keep your dog from struggling with the early onset of bone and joint issues like arthritis as he ages.

Is A Black Pitbull Right For You?

Pit Bulls are affectionate, people-oriented dogs overall.

Pitbulls make excellent companions for the right family or owner, but they are certainly not the ideal dog for everyone.

Remember, the black Pitbull is a high-energy dog that is best suited for active dog owners and households with a large, securely fenced yard where they can run and play freely. They will also do best with owners who have time to dedicate to training and socializing them, and owners who are patient when they become stubborn during training.

Overall, Pitbulls can get along well with children and even other pets when well trained and socialized at an early age.

Still, sadly it is important that you are aware that owning a black Pitbull may not be legal in your area. Make sure you do plenty of research to ensure you are not violating Breed Specific Legislation by investing in a PItbull, as this could lead to fines or even you being forced to give your Pitbull up.

If you do think you’re the right owner for a Pitbull, you’re in luck. These dogs are quite popular and easy to find either through breeders or through rescues!

Just make sure you do plenty of research and find sources you trust.

Best of luck and thanks for reading!