The Colby Pitbull is among the most ancient bloodlines that exist today, and it is often regarded as the ultimate pitbull. Despite being a Pitbull, the Colby has an unwarranted reputation similar to other breeds.
Colby Pitbulls are known for their intelligence, strength, and good health. They form strong bonds with their owners and require ample companionship.
Colby Pitbull Facts
Although Pitbull owners adore the Colby Pitbull, their past is surrounded by controversy.
What is a Colby Pitbull?
At present, there are four Pitbull breeds recognized, namely the American Pitbull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, and American Bulldog.
All of these breeds share a common ancestry, originating from a mix of bulldogs and terriers.
The term Colby pertains to a lineage or particular ancestry, and Colby Pitbulls are American Pitbull Terriers that trace their roots back to the Colby bloodline.
Pitbull History
Initially, we will examine the background of the American Pitbull Terrier, commonly known as Pitbull.
After the outlaw of bull baiting in England in 1835, bloodsports were driven underground, and fans resorted to fighting dogs against rats or each other in pits dug for the purpose.
Although the English Bulldog was ideal for bullfighting, it was not suitable for pit fights due to its size; therefore, resourceful people bred it with English Terriers.
As a consequence, the Colby Pitbull possesses exceptional pain tolerance and a strong inclination to hunt, while also being nimble, more compact than Bulldogs, and having well-developed muscles.
Consequently, the pitbull breed was created due to their suitability for pit fighting.
Colby Pitbull History
At the age of 13, John Colby acquired his initial pitbull, and within a year, he started breeding them after importing some from England and Ireland and crossbreeding them with his own dog in 1889.
Regrettably, Colby’s objective was to engage in dog fighting, and his canines rapidly gained a reputation as some of the most skilled fighters due to his breeding for temperament, agile but well-built physique, and gameness.
The year 1896 marked the emergence of Colby’s Pincher, who was unbeatable in pit fights and gained immense popularity to the extent that Colby utilized him both as a fighter and a stud dog.
Nowadays, Pincher is considered to be the basis of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed, and most American Pitbull Terriers possess some Colby lineage in their ancestry.
Although the American Pitbull Terrier and the Staffordshire Terrier are usually seen as distinct breeds, the AKC employed this label to dissociate these canines from their history of combat. Colby’s Primo, one of Colby’s dogs, was utilized as the benchmark for the Staffordshire Terrier breed.
Colby Pitbull Appearance
The distinctive appearance of the Colby Pitbull serves as the foundation for both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pitbull Terrier, featuring a short, glossy coat and a black nose; breeders generally consider a red nose to indicate impurity in the Colby bloodline.
Determining a pitbull’s bloodline is most accurately done through examining their pedigree.
Colby Pitbull Price
Typically, the price range for pitbull puppies is from $800 to $3,000, which varies based on their lineage and coat color.
Highly regarded pedigrees can raise the cost significantly, with a range of $2,000 to $20,000 for a famous lineage. As Colby Pitbulls are widely recognized, they typically fall towards the upper end of this price bracket.
Colby Pitbull Rarity
When it comes to Colby Pitbulls, their rarity or commonness depends on one’s perspective as most pitbulls, especially American Pitbull Terriers, have a Colby ancestor.
Locating purebred Colby Pitbulls can be challenging.
Colby Pitbull Life expectancy
The life expectancy of Colby Pitbulls is around 12-14 years, which is comparable to other Pitbulls, as the average lifespan for pitbulls in general ranges from 10-16 years.
Colby Pitbull Size and weight
Colby Pitbulls are dogs of moderate size, with females standing at 17-18 inches tall and males reaching 18-19 inches tall, and they typically weigh between 40 to 50 pounds when fully grown.
On average, the American Pitbull Terrier reaches a height of 16-20 inches and a weight of 30-65 pounds.
Colby Pitbull Health
Although Colby Pitbulls are generally healthy, they have a tendency to develop certain health issues.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia affects many medium and large sized dogs, including pitbulls.
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not develop properly, which can result in varying degrees of discomfort and limited movement.
The condition is hereditary, and genetic testing can determine the likelihood of developing it. Nevertheless, adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine can also aid in decreasing the risk.
Allergies
Colby Pitbulls are susceptible to allergies, particularly skin allergies that can be caused by environmental allergens such as dust or certain foods like dairy and wheat.
Allergies can result in itching, which may cause the affected animal to scratch or lick. Additionally, they might experience skin lesions or hair loss.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland fails to function correctly, resulting in an inadequate production of hormones that regulate metabolism.
An inactive metabolic rate may result in weight gain that cannot be explained, sluggishness, and a lackluster coat.
Eye Conditions
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, commonly known as PRA, is a disease that can lead to blindness in pitbulls. This condition usually manifests when they are around 2 or 3 years old. Additionally, these dogs are prone to developing cataracts, which results in the formation of a thin layer over their eyes.
Colby Pitbull Behavior/Characteristics
The Colby Pitbull is a smart, loving, and impressive breed that develops strong connections with their owners and is known for being highly defensive, earning them the moniker “nanny dog”; if you’re looking for a dog to watch over your family, the Colby is an excellent option.
Are Colby Pitbulls Aggressive?
It is true that the Colby Pitbull was initially bred for fighting, which leads to many people assuming that they are a violent breed or bloodline.
It is crucial to comprehend that breeders who produce dogs for fighting do not desire a dog that exhibits aggression towards humans. Instead, they prefer dogs that are easy and safe to work with, dogs that aim to please them and develop a strong bond with their owners.
Aggressive dogs, especially towards their owners, were not bred and were frequently removed.
Colby Pitbulls were specifically bred for fighting, making them potentially hostile towards other animals, including fellow canines.
Although Colby’s have been selectively bred for many generations to have a more amiable and relaxed disposition, it is still essential to acknowledge their past temperament.
Colby Pitbulls can be non-aggressive if they receive proper socialization and training, but without it, they may exhibit aggression or other problematic behaviors.
Are Colby Pitbulls Good Family Dogs?
Colby Pitbulls can make excellent family pets as they are very resilient and can tolerate children laying on them or pulling their tail without getting upset, thanks to their tough nature and fearlessness.
Colby Pitbulls are excellent guard dogs for children due to their protective nature.
How to care for a Colby Pitbull
It is important to have an understanding of the necessary care for a Colby Pitbull before bringing one home, as although they are generally easy to maintain, there are still some important considerations to keep in mind.
What a Colby Pitbull Needs
For a Colby Pitbull, having ample room to exercise and enjoy is crucial, making a spacious enclosed yard the perfect setting. However, if you reside in a city area, it’s recommended to schedule regular trips to a dog park or any open-air location.
Colby Pitbulls need a firm and capable owner as they were initially bred for fighting, although they are willing to please and easy to train. While they can be loving companions, proper training and an experienced owner are necessary.
Finally, it is important to note that Colby Pitbulls require a significant amount of human interaction, as they may experience loneliness if left alone for extended periods of time, making them an ideal pet for families or individuals who can dedicate ample time to their care.
Exercise
Colby Pitbulls are highly active, thus necessitating a considerable amount of physical activity. To keep them healthy and happy, they require a minimum of one hour of exercise daily, preferably two hours.
If you choose to exercise for 2 hours daily, it is possible to divide it into multiple sessions instead of one prolonged session.
Engaging your Colby in walks, runs, and games like fetch is an excellent method to ensure they remain physically active.
Aside from physical activity, mental stimulation is also necessary for Colby Pitbulls. Engaging their minds can be just as exhausting as physical exercise, which aids in expending energy.
Providing mental stimulation to your Colby Pitbull can be achieved through training, teaching new commands, and engaging in games.
Setting up an obstacle course can be a beneficial way to provide both mental and physical exercise.
Providing puzzle toys and chews to Colby Pitbulls can serve as a source of entertainment when you are not around, although they should not be considered a substitute for human interaction.
Training and Socialization
Training is crucial for all dogs, especially for the Colby Pitbull, which is known to be energetic, excitable, and strong. Therefore, it is imperative to start their training early and ensure that they are well-trained.
Colby dogs usually don’t show aggression towards people, but it’s crucial to provide them with appropriate training and socialization to avoid undesirable conduct.
Colby‘s are known for their strong protective instincts and may exhibit discomfort around unfamiliar people, making early socialization crucial. Additionally, they have a tendency to display aggression towards other animals, necessitating early socialization with other dogs and any other animals they will regularly interact with.
Diet
Colby Pitbulls require a diet rich in protein to maintain their muscular and energetic physique. It is recommended to feed puppies high-quality puppy food three times daily for optimal health.
After reaching the age of one, you can transition Colby Pitbull to a high protein adult diet and it is recommended to feed them twice daily, although once a day is also acceptable.
How do you buy a Colby Pitbull?
It is crucial to verify that the dog you are purchasing is a genuine Colby, and it is equally important to confirm that your breeder follows ethical practices.
Adopting a Colby Pitbull
Pitbulls are prevalent in animal shelters, and it is possible to find a Colby-looking pitbull with some Colby lineage.
It is highly improbable to find a shelter that houses full-blooded and proven Colbys.
If your intention is to have a loyal companion, then adopting a shelter Pitbull can be an excellent choice. Nevertheless, if you desire a purebred Colby either for breeding purposes or due to your fondness for the Colby lineage, then it is necessary to approach a breeder.
Colby Pitbull Breeder Registry
If you want to find a trustworthy breeder, the best way is to use a breeder registry since these breeders have been screened and are required to meet specific standards, which increases the likelihood of finding an ethical breeder.
If you’re looking for a breeder through a registry, the American Dog Breeders Association and the UKC (United Kennel Club) are both great options.
Determining if a Breeder is Ethical
If you cannot find a Colby Pitbull breeder in your vicinity or prefer an unregistered one, you can conduct a basic online search for breeders located nearby.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to conduct thorough investigation to ensure that the breeder follows ethical practices.
Ethical breeders prioritize the well-being and disposition of their dogs, as well as the breed’s welfare, over financial gain. While they operate a business, their decision to breed Pitbulls is driven by their affection for the breed.
Unethical breeders prioritize profit over the well-being of their dogs and disregard proper care and breeding practices.
When determining the ethics of a breeder, it is important to inquire about their methods for assessing the health and suitability of their dogs for breeding, as well as their criteria for selecting breeding pairs and whether the puppies have undergone a health examination.
Expect the breeder to inquire about your plans and living conditions for the Colby Pitbull, as a responsible breeder is concerned about their puppy’s future home.
