Red Nose Pit Bull

Canis lupus

Last updated: January 5, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© David Cohen 156/Shutterstock.com

These copper-colored pups were once known as "nanny dogs" for their playfulness with children.


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Red Nose Pit Bull Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Red Nose Pit Bull Conservation Status

Red Nose Pit Bull Locations

Red Nose Pit Bull Locations

Red Nose Pit Bull Facts

Name Of Young
puppy
Group Behavior
  • Largely solitary
Fun Fact
These copper-colored pups were once known as "nanny dogs" for their playfulness with children.
Most Distinctive Feature
reddish coat and nose
Gestation Period
60-68 days
Temperament
friendly
Training
easy
Litter Size
four to ten puppies
Diet
Omnivore
Average Litter Size
five
Favorite Food
meat, dry kibble dog food
Type
pitbull
Origin
England
Location
United States
Group
Terrier

Red Nose Pit Bull Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Red
  • White
  • Multi-colored
  • Light-Brown
Skin Type
Fur
Height
17-20 inches for females; 18-22 inches for males
Age of Sexual Maturity
Are there any legal restrictions on red nose pit bulls?
Age of Weaning
seven weeks
Venomous
No
Aggression
Low

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The red nose pit bull is not its own breed, but are a type of American pit bull terrier. It was originally bred from the Old English terrier and the Old English bulldog in early 19th-century England. The resulting mixture of these breeds was known as bull and terriers, and they are now extinct. Initially used in bullfighting and kept in pits, these dogs were brought to the United States in the same century and were dubbed red nose pit bulls by the United Kennel Club. They have copper and brownish-colored fur, nose, nails, lips, and amber eyes. Red nose pitties may also have white markings on their face, chest, and feet.

These dogs have a reputation for being aggressive and violent, and are often discriminated against by pet owners. However, time has shown that they are just misunderstood and make lovely, affectionate family pets and companions.

The Different Types of Red Nose Pit Bull Mixes

Here is a list of some common pit bull mixes.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Red Nose Pit Bull

Before purchasing or adopting a red nose pit bull, you have to make sure these animals are suitable for you and your lifestyle.

ProsCons
They are easy to groom. Red nose pit bulls have an easy maintenance routine compared to a lot of other dogs with longer fur. All this breed needs is brushing a couple times a week and other grooming procedures taken care of like their nails, teeth and ears.They are highly energetic. Red nose pit bulls are very athletic dogs. They need a lot of daily exercise to satisfy them so their owners must live a similar lifestyle.
They make affectionate pets. Despite their hardcore reputation as aggressive dogs, the red nose pit bull loves human company. They are fiercely loyal to their owners and always want to be around them.They suffer from separation anxiety. If left alone for more than a few hours, the red nose pit bull will begin to miss its family and experience separation anxiety. They vent their frustration by becoming destructive when this feeling sets in. These are not dogs for people who spend a lot of time away from home.
They are good with children. The red nose pit bull cohabits so well with children that they were given the nickname “nanny dog.” However, they are best kept with older kids who can be taught how to accommodate the dog, rather than young children.They face discrimination. The red nose pit bull has an intimidating appearance and a violent history. This makes them shunned by many dog organizations and owners, and even countries and jurisdictions.

Size and Weight

Red Nose Pit Bull in Front of Large Door

Male red nose pit bulls can stand anywhere from 18 to 22 inches tall.

©Maya K. Photography/Shutterstock.com



Red nose pit bulls are stocky and robust dogs. They are medium-sized with ample muscles and a very agile appearance. These dogs have large, angular heads and a powerful set of jaws. Red nose pit bulls are generally bigger than the average pit bull.

Male red nose pit bulls are around 18 to 22 inches tall and weigh 30 to 65 pounds. They are larger than the females who are 17 to 20 inches tall and weigh 30 to 50 pounds.

Height (male)18-22” Tall
Height (female)17-20″ Tall
Weight (male)30-65 lbs, fully grown
Weight (female)30-50 lbs, fully grown

Common Health Issues

Red nose pit bulls are sturdy dogs that don’t suffer from as many health problems as some other types of dogs as long as they are taken care of. However, due to their physique, these pit bulls are prone to some health issues.

Because red nose pit bulls are muscular and have a stocky frame, their weight can put a strain on their leg joints and ligaments. This can cause wear and tear and eventually lameness. One way to prevent this is by ensuring your dog does not overfeed.

Red nose pit bulls can also suffer from hip dysplasia, skin infections, cataracts, ear infection, and congenital or acquired heart conditions.

Here is a concise list of possible health conditions red nose pit bulls face:

  1. Joint problems
  2. Hip dysplasia
  3. Skin infection
  4. Cataract
  5. Eye infection
  6. Congenital or acquired heart conditions

Temperament

Red nose pit bulls have a friendly temperament and warm disposition toward their family members. They are known to be sweet and caring dogs. Although some people still believe these dogs are naturally aggressive, all dogs have the potential to be unless properly cared for. When a red nose pit bull is raised in a loving home, it will be an ideal house pet.

Red nose pit bulls are expressive with their facial expressions and vocalization. They are good communicators and will bark, whine, and scream to get your attention. However, this doesn’t mean they are noisemakers.

Because of their violent history in bullbaiting and dogfighting, pit bulls are banned in a number of countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and several European countries. They are also banned in some parts of the United States. Some pit bull groups actively fight against the stigma these dogs face by proving how lovable and friendly they truly are.

How To Take Care of Red Nose Pit Bull

Red nose pit bulls are easy dogs to maintain, but this doesn’t mean that they don’t have their moments. While grooming them is relatively stress-free, a lot of effort goes into training them and their upkeep isn’t cheap either.

The Best Dog Food for Red Nose Pit Bull

Best for Muscle Gain
Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food
  • Improve your pit bull’s muscle strength
  • A fantastic choice for growing puppies
  • Contains chicken meal and fat
  • 5 Star rated performance dog food
Check Amazon

Your red nose pit bull is from an athletic breed of dogs so its diet should be tailored to meet the needs of an active dog. Because pit bulls are naturally stocky, it’s a common mistake for owners to overfeed them. Your fur baby needs more protein than carbohydrates to maintain its muscle without putting on excess weight in fat. If you are worried about your red nose pit bull getting overweight, just know that you should still be able to feel your dog’s ribs. The pit bull’s waistline should also remain tapered.

Dry kibble is the best type of dog food for red nose pit bulls because of its high nutrient content. Be sure not to give your dog grainy meals in order to prevent bloating. At A-Z Animals, we have researched the best food for your fur ball and our verdict is clear. The Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food is the best choice for the red nose pit bull. Specially formulated for bully breeds, this five-star dog food will improve your pup’s muscles and nurture your pit bull puppy.

Check Amazon for this product.

Red Nose Pit Bull Maintenance and Grooming

Red nose pit bulls are very easy to groom and maintain because they have very short, fine fur. Their coat is not hypoallergenic and they shed twice a year during the spring and fall seasons. These red pitties should be brushed two to three times a week and bathed once a month or whenever they get too dirty from playing. Frequent bathing can lead to dry skin and other skin issues for your furry friend.

Because red nose pit bulls are prone to skin infections, they are best washed with organic shampoo. At A-Z Animals, we find that Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo is a good choice for your red-nosed friend.

Check Chewy or Amazon for this product.

Best Budget
Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo
  • Formulated from high-quality natural ingredients
  • The gentle formula nourishes dry, itchy skin
  • No artificial fragrance added
  • For dogs with sensitive skin
Check Chewy Check Amazon

During bathing sessions, you can also check their skin to make sure it is in good condition.

It is also important to keep your dog’s nails trimmed regularly, and to clean their ears and brush their teeth. Red nose pit bulls can be given chewable dental sticks to clean their teeth, or you can use dog toothpaste. The Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Toothpaste is designed to be swallowed by your dog and is recommended not just by us, but by veterinarians as well.

Check Chewy or Amazon for this product.

Best Toothpaste
Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Dog & Cat Toothpaste
  • Reduces plaque and is formulated to prevent the formation of future plaque
  • Recommended by veterinarians
  • Poultry flavored
  • Designed to be swallowed without harming your pup like some other kinds of toothpaste
  • Brightens teeth
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Red Nose Pit Bull Training

Red nose pit bulls are very intelligent dogs which makes them delightful learners. They pick up cues fast and benefit greatly from a commanding trainer and firm instruction. Because red nose pit bulls tend to be stubborn and strong-willed, you need to establish order by letting them know who is in charge.

These dogs do not like harsh tones or negative reactions such as punishment. They respond well to positive reinforcement, such as giving them praise or treats when they succeed at a task or when they learn a new cue.

Red Nose Pit Bull Puppies

Red nose pit bulls are very athletic animals and they require loads of daily exercise to keep themselves fit. If you are considering getting a red nose pit bull, then you better be ready to keep up with their physical demands.

These dogs love to play, run, hike, jog, and jump around. They need at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day. Red nose pit bulls need intensive physical workouts so they don’t get too bored and start destroying things in the house.

These pitties have super strong jaws so they love to chew things up. It’s important to get them a strong chew toy or two to keep your favorite furniture and shoes intact. We recommend gifting your red nose pup the Benebone Chicken Flavor Wishbone Dog Toy. This toy is durable enough to withstand the crushing bite of your pit bull and is also made with real chicken flavor. Also, a percentage of the profits from this product goes to animal welfare charities!

Red Nose Pit Bull Exercise

Red nose pit bulls are very loving animals and crave human attention and companionship. However, the same cannot be said for other dogs. These pups don’t usually like to be around other dogs or animals and can become quite unpleasant when faced with the situation. The best way to remedy this is by introducing them to unfamiliar situations as a puppy and training them to be accommodating of other animals. It is easier for them to make animal friends when they grow up with the animal around in a loving environment.

Best Entertainment for Red Nose Pit Bull

Benebone Rotisserie Chicken Flavor Wishbone Tough Dog Chew Toy
  • A tough chew toy for dogs.
  • Infused with real chicken flavor.
  • Available in small, medium, large, and giant sizes.
  • Sold in chicken, bacon, and peanut flavors.
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Red nose pit bulls are sociable animals around people and love large families. The more people to play and snuggle with them, the merrier. They are also notoriously fabulous with children, hence their nickname “nanny dogs.” Nevertheless, they should still be trained properly before being left alone with children.

Red nose pit bulls do have living preferences, however, such as space. These are not dogs to get if you live in cramped quarters. They like freedom of movement and need space to exercise and zoom around. They might be able to tolerate your small apartment or house if they are taken outdoors frequently to exercise.

Red nose pit bulls also experience heavy separation anxiety if left alone for more than three to four hours at a time. They tend to exhibit destructive behavior like chewing things and digging. In order to keep them entertained while unattended, they need plenty of toys.

Dogs Similar to Red Nose Pit Bull

American Bulldog – American bulldogs and red nose pit bulls are similar because they are both bully breeds. They also have similar features such as strong jaws and stocky bodies.

Labrador Retriever – Labradors are not territorial dogs, just like the red nose pit bull. They are also medium-sized dogs used for service work, similar to the red nose pit bull which is used as a therapy dog.

American Staffordshire Terrier – The American Staffordshire terrier is similar to the red nose pit bull because both are pit bulls. The red nose pit bull is generally considered to belong to the American pit bull terrier breed.

Popular Red Nose Pit Bull Names

  • Amber
  • Tawny
  • Rouge
  • Autumn
  • Cherry
  • Copper
  • Daisy
  • Chestnut

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About the Author

Hi! I am a writer, actor, and filmmaker. Reading is my favorite hobby. Watching old movies and taking short naps are a close second and third. I have been writing since childhood, with a vast collection of handwritten books sealed away in a duffel bag somewhere in my room. I love fiction, especially fantasy and adventure. I recently won the James Currey Prize 2022, so now, naturally, I feel like I own words. When I was 11, I wanted to be a marine biologist because I love animals, particularly dogs, cats, and owls. I also enjoy potatoes and chocolate in all their glorious forms.

Red Nose Pit Bull FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is the lifespan of a red nose pit bull?

Red nose pit bulls usually live around 14 to 16 years old.

Are there any legal restrictions on red nose pit bulls?

Yes, in some countries and jurisdictions. In the UK, Australia, and certain parts of the USA, the pitbull is banned under breed-specific laws. This is because the dogs are deemed to be too dangerous for ownership in these areas.

Are red nose pit bulls good with kids?

Red nose pit bulls are very good with kids, so much so that they are nicknamed “nanny” dogs. However, they should always be supervised with very young kids because of rough housing.

Are red nose pit bulls dangerous?

Contrary to popular belief, pit bulls are not dangerous animals, not if raised well in a loving environment. Because of their history in bullfighting and dogfighting, people have this misconception about them. Pit bulls make affectionate and loyal companions.

How much does it cost to own a red nose pit bull?

Depending on the breeder, these copper-colored sweethearts can go for $500 to $1,400 as puppies. You can also visit a breed-specific shelter to adopt one for much less.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources

  1. Animal Corner, Available here: https://animalcorner.org/dog-breeds/red-nose-pitbull-terrier/
  2. Wikipedia, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Pit_Bull_Terrier

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