The blue eyed Pitbull is a rare Pit Bull variety that is notable for its unusual eye color.
Pit bulls are prone to many congenital disorders and eye diseases than their brown and hazel-eyed cousins due to their genetic makeup.
That said, blue eye color in Pit Bulls is often associated with conditions that affect the blood vessels of the eyes, the intraocular pressure, and the pigmentation of the eyes.
Why Do Pit Bulls Have Blue Eyes?
In order for a Pitbull to have blue eyes, there is a lot that must occur during the early stages of puppy development. First, both parents must carry a gene that can produce these blue eyes. If a black-eyed Pitbull mates with a blue-eyed Pitbull, their offspring could have either brown or blue eyes.
The second factor is the position of the embryo in the womb after conception. While most puppies are positioned head down, which makes it easier for their eyes to develop to a normal brown color, some puppies are positioned sideways in the womb, which may cause their eye color to remain blue.
In addition, if these puppies are delivered via C-section and take longer than usual to withdraw from their mother’s womb, they may also be born with blue eyes.
Additionally, there are another three reasons for Blue Eyed Pitbull.
Merle Gene
Pitbull that carry the Merle gene (M-locus), are more likely to develop blue eyes. This gene is responsible for the random pigmentation of the nose, eyes, and fur. However, being a carrier does not always guarantee blue eyes in pit bulls or any dog.
ALX4 gene
Analyzing the complete genetic profiles of 6,000 dogs, a study by Embark Veterinary (one of the largest dog DNA testing companies) found that a gene called ALX4 was closely linked to blue eyes in nearby dogs. Pit bulls with this genetic mutation are more likely to be blue-eyed.
Melanin levels
Melanin levels can also affect eye color in pit bulls.
Melanin (pigment found in the iris) is another factor that determines the color of a dog’s eye.
Generally, dogs with brown eyes have high levels of melanin in their iris. In contrast, the lower the concentration of melanin, the lighter your dog’s eye color will be.
How Long Can Pitbull Puppy Eyes Be Blue?
You can get a first glimpse of the adult eye color of your pigeon under 4 months of age.
When they are 6 months old their puppy coat will be replaced with a much thicker and darker larger coat.
Will My Pit Bull Puppies Eyes Stay Blue Forever?
Pit bulls, some retain their blue eyes, usually change eye color with age. And very similar to most breeds, blue eyes disappear when they are not puppies.
Why do blue eyes disappear in Pitbulls?
Color, like everything else, is determined by genetic makeup and is developed by the amount of melanin production in your dog.
Melanin is a natural skin pigment that determines how bright or dark your skin, hair, and eyes are. Low melanin production can lead to light blue eyes, pale skin, or blonde hair. The complete absence of pigmentation is called albinism.
Also Read: Red Sable German shepherd Puppy Vs Belgian Malinois: A Quick Look
In dogs like Pitbulls and Huskies, the low production of melanin can cause a white coat, blue eyes, or a pink nose. Melanin production begins only a few weeks after birth and increases slowly with age.
That is the sole reason that puppies are born with thick blue eyes and a light coat.
Are Blue-Eyed Pitbulls Rare?
Blue-eyed pitiful puppies are not uncommon and their eye color changes over time. So do not choose a bright-eyed pit bull in the litter depending on his appearance.
Even if a breeder sells them as “rare” for a premium, the color will almost disappear (if it is a pure breed, more on the ones below).
Needless to say, while blue eyes are very rare for pitiful puppies, not every puppy has blue eyes.
Blue eyed Pitbull price
The Blue-Eyed Pitbull is a pure American Pitbull Terrier, but its eye color is shaded as blue.
The blue-eyed Pitbull is not at all different from other pit bulls and still is popular with breeders, and at the same time, it is still very rare to find.
Blue eye Pitbull puppies range in price from approximately $ 1,000 to $ 3,000 depending upon the choice of the buyer.
Though the Blue-eyed pitbull is rare and very hard to find, the color is not permanent and so the price also is not that high.
Pit Bull Blue Eyed Appearance
Are Blue-Eyed Pit Bulls and Brown-Eyed Pit Bulls Different?
Blue-eyed vs. brown-eyed pit bulls
The main noticeable difference between pit bulls and brown-eyed rivals with blue eyes is their eye color.
Typically, the pit bull has a strong, muscular build and a short, soft coat that comes in a variety of colors. Pit bulls look athletic, short at one point, and strong with a whip-like tail.
Males are 11 to 13 inches long and weigh 20 to 28 pounds. Female pit bulls have almost the same dimensions. However, pit bulls vary in size and weight due to the racial mix between different types of bulldogs and terriers.
Their “broad square-like” head and jaws are a trademark feature of the breed.
Blue Eyed Pitbull General Information
Breed Name | American Pit Bull Terrier |
Origin | United States |
Other Names | Pitty, APBT, Pit, Pitt Bull, Pit Bull |
Lifespan | 12 -14 years |
Breed group | Terrier dog breeds (UKC) |
Height | 17 – 22 in (43 – 56 cm) |
Weight | Male: 35-65lbs ; Female: 30-60lbs |
Temperament | Stubborn, Clownish, Affectionate, Friendly, Intelligent, Obedient |
What to Feed | Recommended daily amount is 1.5 to 2.5 cups of nutritious dry food per day, which is divided into two meals |
Shedding | This dog sheds regularly. Regular brushing will reduce shedding as well as make the dog’s coat cleaner and softer. |
Litter size | 5 – 10 puppies |
Health Problems | Generally, a healthy breed, although prone to some health conditions like hereditary cataracts, hip dysplasia, allergies to grass, and congenital heart disease |
Breed Group | Terrier dog breeds (UKC) |
Coat Colours | Blue, Black, Fawn, White, Red, Brindle, Tan, Grey, Brown |
Tendency to | Drool – Low |
Snore – Low | |
Bark – Low | |
Dig – Low | |
Hypoallergenic Breed | No |
Space Requirements | They do okay in an apartment if provided sufficiently exercised |
Train-ability | Easy to train |
Energy Level | These dogs are very active indoors |
Grooming | Their smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. They are average shedders. |
Exercise needs | 20-40 minutes/day |
Bred for | Hunting, Drive livestock |
Club recognition | UKC Classification: Terrier |
Breed Overview | Low Maintenance, Moderate Shedding, Easy Training, Low Watchdog Ability, Low Adaptability, Very Active |
Blue eyed pitbull health problems
It is quite possible to own a blue-eyed pit bull without any health issues. However, some are more likely to inherit specific health problems from their parents and inherit diseases for the rest of their lives.
Here are some of the health issues that plague Blue-Eyed Pitbulls:
Blindness
Because of the blue eyes, some dogs, including pit bulls, may develop vision defects. This is due to the presence of the Merle gene, which dilutes eye pigmentation.
Not everyone who has the Merle gene will automatically suffer from this problem — only children whose parents are carriers of the Merle gene.
Deafness
Deafness is another medical problem that affects some pit bulls with blue eyes. It is still linked to the presence of the Merle gene but also to the piebald gene, which causes a deficiency of mature melanin-producing cells or melanocytes.
To make sure your blue-eyed puppy is not hearing impaired, you can test him with a BAER test.
Eye diseases
Eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma are more common in blue-eyed children. If you notice that your pitiful eyes are becoming cloudy, it is a good idea to have him checked by a trusted veterinarian. He may prescribe eye drops to protect and hydrate your dog’s eyes.
The controversy surrounding the Blue-Eyed Pitbull
Blue-eyed pigtails are considered controversial by many breeders and kennel clubs because they usually do not contain the D locus gene, which leads to this type of eye color.
Instead, they have the Merle gene, which is not naturally present in their species. This gene is a common result of cross-breeding in dog kinship and is therefore incorrectly tagged.
Because blue eyes are linked to the Merle gene, it is believed that pigeons with this eye color are more prone to diseases and congenital defects such as blindness and deafness.
How do breeders produce blue-eyed pitbulls?
Although breeding is classified as unethical for particular eye color, some breeders still practice this inhumane practice for profit.
They raised two pit bulls together, the Merle carriers, to produce double Merle (MM) litter, usually with blue eyes. Doing so is dangerous because these dogs are susceptible to genetic diseases such as blindness and deafness.
For example, if your blue-eyed pit bull is raised by one Merle-carrier parent and another non-carrier, your dog is more likely to be healthier than a double Merle litter.
Strict rules should be imposed on this breeding practice to prevent dogs from having multiple birth defects.
Pit Bulls with Blue Eyes for sale
If you are looking for pit bulls with blue eye puppies, start by looking at your local shelter.
AKC Marketplace and Puppy Find are great resources to start browsing for your next Gray Pitbulls with blue eyes. Also, check with your local breeders.