The Pitbull is a bit of a mysterious dog with humble beginnings. Today the breed has a loving and loyal fanbase that’s growing, but this hasn’t always been so.
Historically, this breed has been used for pit fighting and bull-baiting, giving it a vicious reputation.
Careless breeding as property and personal protection for criminal groups and drug operations brought many Pitbulls into the world with no training, love, or care to help them be their best.
Neglect and abuse have caused these dogs to get a bad reputation which they are slowly overcoming through the efforts of Pitbull clubs and loving dog owners.
This guide will explore the Brindle Pitbull, its beautiful coat, and this breed’s personality traits.
What Is a Pitbull?
A Pitbull isn’t a specific breed that the AKC recognizes.
A few other kennel clubs accept it, but this lack of AKC breed registration and pedigree has made it difficult to pin down what exactly makes a Pitbull.
The most generally recognized Pitbull is the American Pit Bull Terrier which has a medium-sized muscular frame, alert, pointed ears, a strong, square jaw, and small, close-set eyes.
However, many variations on this body type are also considered Pitbulls.
The United Kennel Club, UKC, began registering the American Pit Bull Terrier, but the UKC perpetuated the harmful and abusive breeding practices for gambling on dog fights. However, this is the only real source for a breed standard.
The AKC allowed the American Staffordshire Terrier registration, often considered a Pitbull, but with the caveat that the dog could never be bred for fighting.
The AmStaff is considered the perfect standard for Pitbull form, though it has come to be a larger dog through divergent breeding practices.
What Is a Brindle Pitbull?
A brindle Pitbull has a brown coat with light or medium brown “tiger stripes” over the top. The stripes can be very distinct or have a more mottled appearance.
This is the most common coat color on an American Pit Bull Terrier, aside from a soft brown and all-white with brown spots.
The brindle coat can also be over a darker brown or black coat color. Due to the lack of AKC breed standards, any amount of brindle can be considered a brindle Pitbull.
The aggressive appearance of the brindle Pitbull hides the gentle, trainable, and loving personality inside.
These dogs are prized for their intuitive nature, distinguishing between family, friends, and strangers who intend to harm.
This has won them prestigious work as working guard dogs for the military, presidents, and celebrities.
Are Brindle Pitbulls Purebred?
Breed purity can not be proved by AKC pedigree registration, but it may be proven by other kennel club documents such as the UKC.
A purebred dog is the product of a union between two other purebred dogs of the same breed.
The wide variation in ear structure, tail position, and overall body shape in dogs considered Pitbulls can make it difficult to determine if a specific dog is purebred.
The breeder should be able to provide paperwork if desired.
Widely varied breeding practices for Pitbulls and the lack of oversight have made the breed more controversial, with some breeders maintaining parallel registration paperwork for American Pit Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier on the same dogs.
Pitbull Divergence
Most breeders acknowledge that several decades of distinct breeding have brought the dogs to a much different end.
Further breed mixing to produce different color variations of the Pitbull has also served to widen the available range of traits and features that are considered to be Pitbull.
Another way to get an idea of the dog’s breed is to have a vet perform a DNA test.
This can yield unpredictable results for a Pitbull, but give some insight into the genetics of the dog.
For instance, the dog may return American Staffordshire genes, which would be in line with Pitbull breeding.
Brindle Pitbull Color and Coat Types
The brindle Pitbull coat is short, stiff, and glossy. It doesn’t require much care beyond brushing to catch loose hairs before they fall.
This can be done with a brush or grooming glove and is a wonderful opportunity to bond regularly with the dog.
The short coat doesn’t trap many odors, so bathing isn’t needed more frequently than a couple of times a year or when the dog is filthy or has rolled in an undesirable smell.
How Much Does a Brindle Pitbull Cost?
Pitbulls can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500 depending on the breeder.
Dogs that are loosely defined as Pitbulls or Pit Bull Terriers fetch a much lower price and usually don’t have the iconic Pitbull ears, tail, and stance.
These dogs may be called Pitbulls but may not look like one.
Pitbulls that look more like the mean, alert dogs that fit the stereotype fetch a much higher price.
These tend to be the dogs that Pitbull fanatics seek so they’ll pay much more.
Puppies should include deworming, shots, and the vet care that you expect from reputable breeders.
The dog should include some pedigree from a kennel club.
Brindle-coated Pitbulls are common, so the coat color shouldn’t cost more than a different color.
How Long Do Brindle Pitbulls Live?
The mixed breeding heritage of the Pitbulls has given them robust genetics, and they tend to live longer than most other breeds.
The average Pitbull lifespan is 12 to 14 years, with many Pitbulls living significantly longer.
Good care is central to elongating the lifespan of the Pitbull. Healthy food, good shelter, a loving family, regular veterinary care, and frequent exercise are all necessary for helping a Pitbull live a long and productive life.
Common Brindle Pitbull Health Problems
The wide variety of dogs that have contributed to the Pitbull breed has contributed to genetic abnormalities in the breed.
These aren’t unusual complications, but the Pitbull can suffer from a variety of them.
- Hip and knee joint dysplasia. The Pitbull breed has a higher rate of hip and knee displacement injuries than most other breeds.
- Thyroid dysfunction.
- Congenital heart defects.
- Puppies are very susceptible to Parvovirus.
- Demodex Mange which causes fur to fall out and leaves the skin bloody and scabbed. Many Pitbulls suffer from immunodeficiency disorders which leaves them more susceptible to this type of complication and makes them harder to treat.
- Contact dermatitis from various allergens that can contact the skin through the short coat.
It’s not likely to encounter all of these complications in one dog, however, a higher possibility exists that the dog may suffer from one or more of these health conditions.
A complete veterinary health check for puppies is a must.
Regular vet checkups can catch some of these conditions and treat them before they get out of control.
Do Brindle Pitbulls Shed?
Pitbulls have a short coat which makes many people believe they don’t shed.
However, Pitbulls shed quite a lot, though the fur is short and fine so it’s less noticeable.
The dog has a single coat, so it sheds to some extent all year.
There are circumstances that can make Pitbull shedding worse:
- Contact dermatitis, seasonal allergies, and food allergies can cause skin irritation which makes more fur fall out. Have a vet conduct skin allergy testing to find out what irritants are causing the excess shedding so they can be eliminated.
- Mites and mange can cause excessive shedding.
- Stress causes Pitbulls to shed more fur. Despite their aggressive stance, Pitbulls suffer from separation anxiety which can cause them to shed.
A happy, well-socialized, healthy Pitbull will shed somewhat all year, and fur piles can be kept to a minimum with regular brushing.
What Kind of Temperament Do Brindle Pitbulls Have?
This is a controversial question with a controversial answer.
The fact is that each Pitbull is different, and irresponsible breeding has brought many undesirable traits into certain individuals within the Pitbull family.
The focus on dog-fighting and bull-baiting that originated the Pitbull breed family made breeders focus on breeding dogs with aggressive tendencies.
This resulted in dogs with irrational temperaments, aggressive personalities, and unpredictable thought patterns.
The majority of Pitbulls today are bred for their good traits, but there are still irresponsible breeders selling puppies that are bred for aggression.
However, the majority of Pitbulls today are bred to be protective family pets, and they do a fantastic job in this role.
Read our related article, Why Are All Shelter Dogs Pit Bulls? Learn why so many Pit Bulls end up in shelters.
The Ideal Pitbull Temperament
The ideal Pitbull, which makes them beloved by people all over the world is a regal dog with a high level of intelligence, character, intuition, and a big heart.
They’re great family dogs, enjoying play and exercise while offering protection and stability.
They’re well-known for intuition and having an even temperament unless they recognize a clear threat.
This quality has made them prized as companion dogs for high-level officials and celebrities.
They must be socialized from day one to get along with other dogs and animals.
They’re naturally drawn to people, but they can be aggressive toward other dogs and pets if not properly socialized.
Consistent socialization draws out their need for companionship and helps to eliminate regression toward paranoid behaviors.
They require obedience training from day one. If they’re not taught to obey as small puppies, they’re likely to remain headstrong and stubborn for life.
If they’re given firm obedience training as puppies, they’re highly trainable, smart, loyal, and obedient.
What are a Brindle Pitbull’s Exercise Needs?
Pitbulls are great running companions and on-field companions, and they love to play games.
They’re excellent at dog sports and agility training and can be taught to work, giving them mental and physical stimulation at once.
DVG is an all-breed dog sports organization. If your dog can do the sport, they allow your dog to play and compete.
The Pitbull’s predisposition to knee and hip dysplasia warrants frequent vet checks.
If the dog starts limping, holding up a leg, or seems to be in pain after exercise, have it checked immediately.
There are ways to strengthen your dog’s knees to avoid injury, so be sure to check out those tips in our quick guide.
The Pitbull is energetic and intelligent and will resort to destructive activities like chewing if not given enough play and exercise time.
They’re emotionally reliant on human interaction and suffer from separation anxiety when left alone all day.
When all of the work and play is done, the Pitbull is a loving cuddle companion and will value this time as much as the owner does.
Do Pitbulls Make Good Pets for First-Time Dog Owners?
Pitbulls can be a good choice for first-time dog owners, provided the owner will follow through with dog training from day one.
A Pitbull will quickly become the alpha dog and exhibit problem behaviors for owners who don’t intentionally train the dog to understand his place in the pack.
Obedience training is a must.
First-time dog owners who plan to leave the dog at home while they’re at work, leaving the dog in the yard, or not completing obedience training and socialization measures would be better off choosing a dog with fewer needs.
If this training is completed well, the Pitbull is a fantastic dog for a single, couple, or family with older children.
The dog will be loyal, friendly, protective, and playful.
Are Pitbulls Good with Children?
Pitbulls are usually fine with older children.
Child maturity levels vary with each individual, but a good rule of thumb is to avoid having a Pitbull puppy around children younger than 6.
There are two keys to training Pitbulls and children to enjoy each other:
- Train the Pitbull puppy from day one to play gently and respect small people. A Pitbull will feel naturally dominant over children. A well-socialized and well-trained Pitbull will adore children and feel protective of them.
- Train children from day one to respect the personal space of the dog. Pitbulls do not like to be pulled, pinched, or poked more than any other dog. However, the powerful nip of a Pitbull may cause serious injury to an unsuspecting child.
A well-trained Pitbull loves to kiss. These are large dogs with an affectionate disposition that can overwhelm small children.
When the dog and children are well-trained, the Pitbull is an energetic and protective play companion.
Pitbull puppies are powerful and have sharp teeth that can cause unintentional, yet serious, injury to small children during play.
Older children and well-trained Pitbulls can get along fine and enjoy each other’s affectionate dispositions.
Read our related article on How to Protect a Child From a Dog Attack. If you’ve adopted an untrained or abused Pit Bull, attacks are possible.
How Can You Find a Brindle Pitbull Terrier?
Brindle Pitbulls are usually very easy to find in local and online classified ads. They can also be found through Pitbull club websites.
It’s vital to get to know the breeder and the dogs that are used for breeding.
The puppy will exhibit the characteristics of its parents. If the parent dogs are sweet, sociable, and intelligent, then the offspring will be also.
Do not put down a deposit on the first puppy you find or pick one out of a Pitbull litter in the grocery store parking lot without becoming acquainted with the seller and their dogs.
It can be hard to find a Pitbull in a rescue shelter, but not impossible.
Some rescued Pitbulls are the sweetest ones, but it’s not recommended to have them around children because it’s impossible to know what the dog has been through that may trigger aggression toward children.
Foster or Adopt a Brindle Pitbull Terrier
There are Pitbull rescue shelters in every state that are looking for loving homes to foster care and adopt abandoned Pitbulls.
Getting involved in the care and adoption of Pitbulls is a wonderful way to get to know this greatly misunderstood breed.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Brindle Pitbull
The pros of owning a Pitbull can outweigh the cons. This dog is loving, affectionate, patient, loyal, trainable, and protective.
It’s a perfect play companion for older, energetic children yet loves gentle interaction and cuddle time with family members.
The cons of owning a Pitbull are its reputation and lineage.
Due to breed-specific legislation, this dog is often barred from entering public places where it may act aggressively toward people or other pets.
Pitbull owners argue that individual dogs should be held responsible, not entire breeds, but there’s no way to vet individual dogs for sociable behavior.
This controversial type of legislation aims to minimize the risk of irrational behavior in social situations by dogs who may have been abused or neglected due to abusive breeding or prior care.
Unfortunately, Pitbulls are a breed that has been abused this way, so legislation often bars them from certain public spaces.
This can make Pitbull ownership difficult and sometimes illegal.
How Fast Does a Brindle Pitbull Grow?
The wide variety of dogs that contributes to the Pitbull breed has created a wider genetic pool that affects the growth rate and the ultimate size of the mature Pitbull.
As a general rule of thumb, the Pitbull will grow to nearly full size by 12 months old. The dog will likely weigh between 40 and 50 pounds.
It will add another 5 pounds or so during the next year, growing slowly and filling out.
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Weight | 40 to 60 pounds |
| Height | 18 to 21 inches tall |
| Suitable For | Singles, couples, families with older children |
| Grooming Requirements | Weekly brushing |
| Health Concerns | Hip dysplasia, mange, thyroid disorders, and congenital heart defects |
| Temperament | Loyal, protective, playful, loving, intuitive |
Pitbulls can be the perfect dog for many families who have the desire and time to train the dog and let it be a constant companion.
Pitbulls are friendly and feel secure when they’re with their pack all day.
Much of Pitbulls’ undesirable behavior can be completely avoided with socialization, training, and companionship.
