One of the most distinguishing physical features of a dog is its eyes, and for the Pitbull, having beautiful blue eyes is usually preferred by this breed’s enthusiasts due to its unique and striking appeal.
Despite this wonderful trait, this Pitbull variant does come with controversy since this blue eye color is usually associated with health risks and unpure lineage.
This makes it unrecognized by many of the kennel organizations, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC).
If you want to learn more about what causes blue eyes in Pitbulls, what makes it intriguing, and some other useful facts, reading this guide from beginning to end will be helpful.
What Is a Blue-Eyed Pitbull?
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A blue-eyed Pitbull is a rare Pitbull variety that is notable for its unusual eye color. They are more prone to many congenital disorders and eye diseases than their brown and hazel-eyed cousins due to their genetic makeup.
It is essential to differentiate these adult blue-eyed Pitbulls from newborn pups who have the same eye characteristic.
Young Pitbulls and even other dog breeds usually have a light blue eye color that darkens into another color as they mature.
If the pup’s eyes did not turn brown or hazel, only then can it be considered as a rare Pitbull with blue eyes.
Blue-Eyed Pitbull Genetics: How Do Pitbulls Develop Blue Eyes?
You may be wondering what causes blue eyes in Pitbulls. Just like its other features, genetics is responsible for this characteristic.
However, it must be noted that the blue eyeshade of Pitbulls is rare, and it usually remains as such when the dog reaches 9 to 12 weeks.
This section will discuss some of the genetic factors that give the Pitbull’s eyes their unique blue shade.
The Merle Gene
The merle gene controls random pigment dilution in a dog’s coat, nose, and eyes. If you have already seen a pup with intermixed patchwork and an entirely blue nose, this is a typical product of this gene.
Just as this affects the nose and coat, it can also modify a particular dark eye color and make it blue.
The ALX4 Gene
Although the ALX4 gene is considered necessary in mammalian eye development, its presence can make a pup’s eyes blue, according to a study by Embark Veterinary.
This is possible because of a genetic mutation occurring near the ALX4 involving duplication of DNA of the dog’s chromosome 18. This affects the breeds classified as Pitbulls as well.
Levels of Melanin
The melanin production of dogs is also affected by its genes, resulting in a pale brown or blue eye color.
If a puppy has a high level of melanin in its iris, there is a higher chance that it will have darker eyes. On the contrary, a low melanin concentration will make the pup’s eyes turn blue.
Albinism
Another reason why Pitbulls sometimes possess a blue eye color is because of the lack of tyrosinase, which is an enzyme needed to produce melanin.
This is extremely rare, but it is possible because of a recessive gene inherited from both Pitbull parents. Albino dogs do not produce melanin, which leads to a colorless coat and an altered blue eye color.
Are Blue-Eyed Pitbulls Rare?
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Adult Pitbulls with blue eyes are considered rare, but the young ones with this eye shade aren’t. In fact, most dogs are born with blue eyes. If a breeder told you that these are unusual, that is already doubtful.
Some other eye colors that a Pitbull may possess are hazel, brown, grey, and green. The blue eyes of your Pitbull will eventually turn into one of these colors as it grows old. However, among all of these, the brown color is the most prominent.
Will My Pitbull’s Eyes Change Color When Growing Up?
When your pups are born, it takes 8 to 14 days before they can open their eyes and show you their diamond-blue shade. However, a Pitbull puppy’s blue eyes should not be permanent.
By the 9th to 12th week of Pitbulls, their permanent eye color will finally settle in. Note that this doesn’t happen overnight, so you will be able to witness this slow transformation.
Expect most puppies’ eyes to darken into the other acceptable eye colors for Pitbulls. If they do not change, they may have one of the factors discussed that causes eyes to be blue. This is considered undesirable.
Blue-Eyed Pitbull Lifespan and Health Issues
A Pitbull with blue eyes has the same lifespan as its other eye-colored cousins, which is around 8 to 16 years. given the proper care and attention. However, take note that if they experience blindness or deafness, they may be more prone to accidents, too.
On the other hand, it is quite possible to own a blue-eyed Pitbull without any health issues. However, some may have an increased chance of inheriting specific health problems from their parents and acquiring diseases throughout their lives.
Here are some health issues that blue-eyed Pitbulls can get afflicted with:
Blindness: Because of having blue eyes, some dogs, including Pitbulls, may develop vision defects. This is due to the presence of the merle gene that dilutes eye pigmentation. Not all of those who have merle genes will automatically be afflicted with this problem — only those pups whose parents are both carriers of merle genes.
Deafness: Deafness is another medical problem that can affect some Pitbulls with blue eyes. This is still linked to the merle gene’s presence but is also associated with the piebald gene, which causes a lack of mature melanin-producing cells or melanocytes. To ensure that your blue-eyed pup doesn’t have a hearing impairment, you can have it checked through BAER testing.
Other Eye Diseases: Hereditary cataracts, distichiasis or double eyelashes, and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) are other eye conditions that are common in Pitbulls. Although these are not specific to blue-eyed Pitbulls, these conditions can make them more prone to blindness if untreated.
If you notice that your Pitbull’s eyes are turning cloudy, it is best to have it checked by a trusted veterinarian to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
The Controversy Around the Blue-Eyed Pitbull
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Blue-eyed Pitbulls are considered controversial by many breeders and kennel clubs because they do not carry the D locus gene that usually leads to this kind of eye color.
Instead, what they possess is the merle gene, which is not naturally present in their breed. This gene is a common result of crossbreeding in a dog’s bloodline and therefore tagged as a fault.
Since blue eyes are associated with the merle gene, Pitbulls who possess this eye color are believed to be more prone to diseases and congenital defects like blindness and deafness.
How Do Breeders Produce Pitbulls With Blue Eyes?
Even though breeding for this specific eye color is classified as unethical, some breeders still practice this inhumane act for the sake of profit.
To produce blue-eyed variants of this breed, two Pitbulls who are both merle carriers are mated. This results in a double merle (MM) litter, having blue eyes.
Doing this is dangerous because, as earlier mentioned, these dogs have a high chance of being blind and deaf.
However, if your blue-eyed Pitbull was bred through one merle-carrier parent and another non-carrier, there is a high probability that your dog will be healthier than those from a double merle litter.
Stricter rules should be imposed for this breeding practice to prevent dogs with multiple congenital anomalies.
What Does a Blue-Eyed Pitbull Look Like?
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Blue-eyed pups don’t differ much in appearance from other Pitbulls if their eye coloring is due to their young age or if they have inherited the blue gene.
They would still have an extremely wide head with a neck that barely narrows through the shoulders, and their coat color will also not be unusual.
However, if the pup’s blue eyes are caused by genetic reasons like carrying the merle gene, chances are their physical appearance is also altered.
For instance, they may have a unique color pattern set that looks fascinating compared to the breed’s standard colors.
It is fascinating to note that the Pitbull’s blue eye color is not really blue. In fact, its iris is colorless because of the absence of pigments.
The blue color is generated because the light that enters its eyes is scattered back into the atmosphere. Hence, we perceive the color blue just like how we see the color of the sky and sea.
For you to appreciate this better, check out these cute 7-week-old Pitbull puppies with blue eyes!
<a href="https://youtu.be/7FAGrKhxQ2Y" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F7FAGrKhxQ2Y%2F0.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="700"><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Pitbull With Blue Eyes Coat Color Examples (With Pictures)
This section highlights Pitbulls of different coat colors but have rare blue eye coloring. These dogs may have acquired the M locus or have low melanin levels inherited from their parents.
Grey Pitbull With Blue Eyes
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The grey Pitbull is one of the most common coat colors of this breed that has blue eyes. This pup isn’t shy to stare at a camera.
White Pitbull With Blue Eyes
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White blue-eyed Pitbulls are often affected by albinism. The absence of any pigment on this dog’s coat tells us exactly its condition.
Blue Nose Pitbull With Blue Eyes
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This blue-nosed Pitbull may have gained its blue eyes because of low melanin levels. It is considered fascinating because it has two distinguishing features: the color of its eyes and its nose.
Brown Pitbull With Blue Eyes
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The brown Pitbull with blue eyes looks as adorable as its other Pitbull cousins. This may be a result of medium to low levels of melanin.
Red Nose Pitbull With Blue Eyes
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This is another rare color combination for a Pitbull. Red-nosed Pitbulls are unusual, and when combined with a piercing blue eye, you’ll get this robust variety.
Blonde Pitbull With Blue Eyes
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Although the blonde Pitbull is not considered the rarest among all Pitbull colors, it is still uncommon to see one with blue eyes. This is possible because of low melanin levels on the Pitbull’s skin.
Brindle Pitbull With Blue Eyes
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The brindle Pitbull is notable for having a coat pattern that resembles tiger stripes. This is a result of a genetic mutation which also includes having blue eyes.
Tri-Color Pitbull With Blue Eyes
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The tri-color Pitbull possesses varying shades of grey, tan, and white. It becomes more unique with the presence of blue eyes.
Merle Pitbull With Blue Eyes
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The merle Pitbull is tagged as the rarest Pitbull color. Many people think they are the same as the brindle Pitbull, but they are actually very different.
The merle Pitbull has splotches of another color in its coat and unpredictable eye colors, just like what is shown above.
Blue-Eyed Pitbull Temperament and Personality
A blue-eyed Pitbull has the same temperament and personality as its other cousins.
According to the American Temperament Test Society, Inc. (ATTS), they are considered one of the top canine companions since they have consistently achieved high temperament scores.
Here is a detailed list that describes a blue-eyed Pitbull’s temperament:
They are known to be strong, agile, and powerful.
They are very determined and accomplish what they are asked to do. This makes them good service dogs.
They love human attention and are very affectionate.
They like pleasing their owners, so they are very obedient dogs.
Although Pitbulls, in general, are not aggressive to humans, they tend to be less tolerant of other breeds. It is vital that they are given proper training to avoid inappropriate aggression.
How Much Does a Blue-Eyed Pitbull Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
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Since blue-eyed Pitbulls are rare, you may be charged a significant amount of money when purchasing them from local breeders.
However, this price is most of the time not reasonable because the origin of their blue eyes can be from inbreeding, which is highly anomalous and frowned upon.
The average price of a blue-eyed Pitbull from a reputable breeder is between $1,000 and $2,000. But if the Pitbull comes from an excellent bloodline, it may cost up to $20,000.
If the breeder selling you a blue-eyed Pitbull is asking for more than this amount, you should start investigating. Ask for a record that will prove that the dog is not a result of two Merle parents and doesn’t have any genetic defects.
On the other hand, when getting a Pitbull, you must also prepare for the initial cost of its maintenance, especially its health care. Here is a list of items you need to consider for your blue-eyed pup:
Take note that a lot of these items are one-time purchases. Hence, going for food bowls, beds, and crates that are made of sturdy materials should save you money in the long run since these will last for a longer time.
Places to Find Blue-Eyed Pitbull Puppies for Sale and Adoption
If you are looking for a blue-eyed adult Pitbull, you will probably find it hard to find one because they are extremely rare. In fact, they are not often advertised because they are considered to have faulty genes.
You may come across Pitbull puppies with blue eyes, but the chance that they will eventually change their eye color once they mature is quite high.
If you are interested in taking home a blue-eyed Pitbull, you may check these reputable sites:
Bossy Kennels – Bossy Kennels is one of the top breeders of Pitbulls in the United States. They have given a home to numerous Pitties, and a lot of sports personalities have adopted from them. Their XL bullies have muscular builds and are trained and given the best care in their facility. You can ask them to ship the pup to your doorstep because they offer air shipping anywhere in the country.
Big Gemini Kennels – Big Gemini Kennels offer XXL blue Pitbulls that come from a reputable bloodline. Their facility is located in Southern California, so you can pay them a visit if you live near that area. They also offer training for your dogs.
Manmade Kennels – Manmade Kennels has been breeding Pitbulls for over ten years. They encourage pet buyers to visit their facility and consistently video call them to stay informed regarding their dogs’ status. Their facilities in the United States are located in Louisiana, California, Texas, Alabama, Delaware, and Mississippi.
Though these breeders have excellent reputations, always ensure that you research the lineage of the Pitbull puppy you are purchasing because blue-eyed Pitbulls are prone to congenital diseases.
If you are more interested in adopting a blue-eyed Pitbull, you can take your chances and visit the following adoption and rescue centers:
Misspits Rescue – Misspits is a foster-based rescue that promotes responsible dog ownership. They accept dogs from local owners and pet owners who can no longer look after their dogs. Pitbulls in their facility are given shots, neutered, and microchipped. They were also treated for any diseases and parasites before adoption.
Pit Bull Rescue Central (PBRC) – Pit Bull Rescue Central does not maintain a shelter, but they provide exposure to dogs who need new homes through their website. They are also advocates of breed education, so they train their volunteers and potential adoptive furparents on how to handle Pitbulls properly.
Bobbie’s Pitbull Rescue and Sanctuary – This sanctuary was created in 2016, and its mission is to find permanent homes for Pitbulls after rescuing and rehabilitating them. Their website specifies how you can adopt from their facility, including the requirements, policies, and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Blue-Eyed Pitbulls More Aggressive?
Blue-eyed Pitbulls are not aggressive to humans, just like their brown-eyed cousins.
However, like any other dog breed, they may develop aggression if they suffer from non-ideal living conditions and are not trained properly.
What Other Breeds Can Have Blue Eyes?
The other dog breeds that can have blue eyes are the following:
Border Collie
Siberian Husky
Catahoula Leopard Dog
Australian Shepherd
Dalmatian
Weimaraner
Shetland Sheepdog
German Shepherd
Dachshund
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Australian Cattle Dog
Great Dane
Cocker Spaniel
Alaskan Klee Kai
Old English Sheepdog
Neapolitan Mastiff
Shih Tzu
Boxer
Check out this awesome video to learn the ten most common blue-eyed dog breeds.
These Are 10 Blue Eyed Dog Breeds<a href="https://youtu.be/YdlH4WTFXhE" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FYdlH4WTFXhE%2F0.jpg" alt="These Are 10 Blue Eyed Dog Breeds" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Do Blue-Eyed Pitbulls Need Sunglasses?
Any kind of dog, regardless of eye color, doesn’t need sunglasses. However, if your dog is old and you want to protect its eyes, you may have it sport a pair of sunglasses when you bring it outside.
Are Blue-Eyed Pitbulls Good Police Dogs?
If your blue-eyed Pitbull’s overall health is excellent and they are free from eye diseases upon vet examination, your pup can be trained as a police dog.
Pitbulls are known to have very stable temperaments; that’s why they can quickly learn how to be effective and reliable bomb or drug-sniffing dogs.
Final Thoughts
Adult blue-eyed Pitbulls are among the most controversial dogs out there because many kennel clubs do not recognize them. In fact, they are considered faulty and undesirable by many pet owners.
Despite this, many dog enthusiasts still find themselves searching for these dogs because of their rarity and unique appearance. They tend to overlook the fact that adult Pitbulls with blue eyes can carry congenital anomalies because of their genetic makeup.
Regardless, they deserve the proper care, regular veterinarian attention, and the right environment for them to stay healthy.
How do you feel about blue-eyed Pitbulls? We would love to hear your opinion on this controversial feature through the comments section below!
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