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White Pitbulls: Genetics, Controversy, Pictures & Puppy Prices

Are you considering adopting a White Pitbull but aren't sure why they cost so much? Learn about the White Pitbull, including genetics, puppy costs, health, care needs, and more.

Emma Braby Picture

Last Updated: December 14, 2023 | 10 min read

White Pitbull with different colored eyes.

Is the white Pitbull a rare color, or are they just as common as the rest? Some breeders charge more for a Pitbull with a white coat, but what’s the reasoning behind that? Pitbulls with white coats inherit that color from birth and are often bred by breeders specifically for this reason.

The American Pit Bull Terrier (American Pitbull Terrier) has a wide variety of coat colors. From silver, fawn, brindle or reverse brindle, red, or blue, he pretty much has a choice of the whole doggy rainbow spectrum. Brilliant white is one of the most beautiful and popular colors.

We look at this snow king in all his glory. From his looks to his temperament and what makes him different from any other American Pitbull Terrier. We discuss the genetics behind his beautiful jacket and the difference between White Pitbulls and dogs who suffer from albinism and leucism.

History

Pitbull puppy dogs together.
Pitbulls can come in a number of different colors.

To understand what to expect from a White Pitbull, you need to know a little about the American Pitbull Terrier’s history. In the 19th Century, the British favored dogfighting. They crossed Terriers and Bulldogs for their incredible strength and fighting ability. And it is these guys that were the Pitbull’s ancestors. Dogfighting was banned, but humans sailed them to America to continue the sport.

There, the biggest and most powerful dogs were bred to create bigger dogs, and it was these larger dogs that became known as the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT). They were first recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1898. The APBT’s dogfighting and rat-pitting history has led to his unfair reputation today. But thankfully, he is becoming more popular and recognized as a favorite for many families. White versions of Pitbulls have always been around, as they are just the same as any other color Pittie. They are just rarer than other colored Pitbulls.

Sometimes American Staffordshire Terriers fall into the White Pitbull category. These bull-type terriers are called the AmStaff and are also under the Pitbull type of dog. Some registries consider them the same breed as the American Pit Bull Terrier. The American Kennel Club (AKC) registered them as an independent breed in 1936.

Many breeds can be referred to as Pitbulls, and several of them can be light or white in color. In this article, we are referring to the APBT, though much of this information is relevant to all bully breeds.

White Pitbull Color Genetics Explained

White Pitbull in grass.
White Pitties have a unique genetic combination.

The white-colored Pitbull is rarer than, say, a pure black or a pure brown Pitbull. But why is he? Well, it’s all to do with the genetics behind his coloring. To understand his white color, we need to get into some of the science behind genetics.

All animals get their genetic makeup from both parents. For a particular characteristic, each parent contributes one-half of a gene, and together, they make a whole gene. Each aspect of his body is determined by the makeup of each gene, including his coat color. There are dominant genes and recessive genes, and a dominant gene always prevails over a recessive one.

All colored Pitbulls have two base coat colors determined by the locus ‘A’ allele, also known as the agouti gene. The two colors are black and red, and although this color can be affected by other genes, all dog’s coats are one of these colors. The ‘S’ allele determines the white-colored coat.

There are four types of the ‘S’ allele:

  • S – Solid color
  • si – Irish spotting
  • sp – Piebald spotting
  • sw – Extreme piebald spotting

The Pitbull is a carrier of all four ‘S’ alleles. Essentially, a White Pitbull has either a black or red base, but the ‘S’ allele covers his entire coat color with the color white. His other features, such as skin, nose, lips, and eyes, are the same as any other Pitbull, which can be blue, brown, black, etc. And it is the color of his features that allows you to identify between a true White Pitbull versus a Pitbull suffering from albinism or leucism.

Albinism vs. Leucism

Albino Pitbull Terrier face up close.
Pitbulls that carry an Albino gene are genetically different than a Pitbull with a white coat.

When it comes to White Pitties, you also need to understand what albinism and leucism are. That beautiful white pup that you have your eyes on could be an albino dog rather than a true White Pitbull. Albinism comes with a variety of health problems, so you need to know how to identify them.

Albinism is a very rare genetic mutation, and it affects all living things, including plants and humans. An albino Pitbull has a complete lack of pigmentation in their hair, skin, eyes, and blood vessels. For a Pitbull to be an albino, both parents have to pass on the mutated gene. By inheriting two mutated genes, his body is unable to produce melanin.

Leucism is a condition that inhibits the pigmentation in certain skin cells. Leucistic Pitbulls find themselves between albino Pitbulls and true whites. And because not many people are aware of leucism, leucistic Pitbulls are commonly mistaken for albino Pitbulls. They have no melanin in their fur, but they have very low levels of pigmentation in all of their other features.

Albino Pitbulls are unfortunately susceptible to many health concerns because melanin doesn’t just control the pigmentation of the features. They are also less likely to survive without intense help because of these health concerns. Thankfully, there isn’t a significant link between leucism and additional health concerns.

It can be hard to tell if a Pitbull is albino or leucistic, but there are a few things to look for. Because the blood vessels of an albino Pitbull are translucent, their eyes are translucent or very light blue. Leucistic Pitbulls have deeper pink features and ever so slightly bluer eyes. Unfortunately, even the experts get it wrong sometimes, so it’s unlikely that you can distinguish between the two without medical testing.

How To Tell If A White Pitbull Is Albino Or Non Albino

At first glance, it is easy to confuse a White Pitbull for an albino Pitbull. Albino dogs are not very common, so most often, you are looking at a white dog. However, one very notable feature is that albino dogs have little to no pigment in the skin and have pink eyes, lips, skin, and nose.

Dogs with white coats have some patches of non-pigmented skin but will also show patches of darker-colored skin. They will often have darker-colored noses, lips, and spots on the ears.

Color Controversy

Along with the controversy surrounding Pitbulls, White Bullies face even more scrutiny. This comes from the higher risk these dogs have for congenital deafness.

Congenital Deafness & White Pitbulls

White dogs have a higher risk of congenital deafness. The risk is higher due to the lack of pigmentation in their coats. Research from Louisiana State University has shown that hereditary deafness is associated with the loci for white pigmentation in several species, including dogs.

A hearing-impaired or deaf dog will need an extra special level of care. You will need to learn hand signals and smells to train them. They will need a closer level of supervision and must always be kept in a secure area. You must also be careful never to scare or surprise a deaf dog.

Appearance

White pitbull with cropped ears outside.
White versions of Pitties look similar to every other Pitbull, minus their coat color.

The white-colored Pitbull is essentially the same as any other Pitbull when it comes to his appearance. His nose, lips, and other features typically are black or dark brown. His eyes are usually brown or blue. Remember, though, that this is dependent on the other genes that he inherited from his parents.

A White Pitbull is a medium to large dog who is muscular and stocky. He should measure between 17 and 21 inches tall, and he should weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. His white coat is double-layered, and it is short and sleek. Because it is very tight to his body, his jacket requires minimal grooming. His tail is long and thin, and his grin is wide and cheeky.

Temperament

White Pitbull outside with cropped ears.
Pitbulls that are truly white do not have a difference in temperament from other colors.

Just like all Pitbulls, the white variety has a vicious reputation. But those who have been educated on Pitbulls know they are one of the sweetest dogs around. To put his fierce reputation to rest, the American Temperament Test Society tested all dog breeds. They tested nearly 1,000 Pitbulls, and almost 90% of Pitbulls passed the personality test. This is a very high score and much better than many other “family-favorite” canines out there.

The White Pitbull’s temperament tends to be loving and sweet. Most adore their family and love nothing more than to spend every minute with them. This dog is always ready for a game, snooze time, or adventure, whatever you want to do. This Bully dog is lots of fun and a great source of entertainment for most families. He is eager to please his master, and as such, he is very trainable.

This breed is so friendly that he makes a terrible guard dog. His reality is worlds apart from his unjust reputation. He is also great with other dogs if he is socialized well as a pup. If not, he does struggle to trust other dogs and can display fear and aggression (but this is the same as any dog). He does not, however, like rodents and smaller animals, considering his ratting history.

Exercise & Training

Pitbull with white coat exercising.
They need at least 60 minutes of exercise each day.

This breed is an energetic ball of fun. He needs at least 60 minutes of exercise every day, come rain or shine. Whatever you like to do, he will like it too, making him a great exercise partner. Because he is very intelligent and lively, he will appreciate it if you can mix up his exercise sessions, including visits to the local doggy park, if it is permitted.

He also needs plenty of stimulation throughout the day, be it solo play with indestructible toys, interactive games with his family, or training sessions with his master. Without an outlet, he can become problematic and destructive. So, please don’t take him on unless you can commit to his exercise needs.

He is loyal, eager to please, and intelligent, meaning he is a trainable dog who picks up commands quickly. Using the positive reward training method, he’ll become your favorite pet in no time. It’s also essential to socialize them with other dogs from an early age. If you plan to have a walking or running partner, make sure that you train your Pitbull with a proper harness so you don’t run into any issues.

Health

Healthy White Pitbull on couch.
These pups are generally very healthy dogs.

The White Pitbull is almost the same as all other Pitbulls when it comes to his health. He is a very healthy dog breed who enjoys a lifespan of 12 to 16 years. The two most common health concerns are hip dysplasia and skin conditions.

A big concern for this breed is that because of his lack of pigmentation, he is more at risk of UV rays. You need to take precautions and keep him out of the sun. If this is not possible, he needs doggy sunscreen on the areas with less hair, such as his ears and muzzle. You can also consider a T-shirt or other clothing to block the sun.

His health is a significant factor in why you should work with a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder would never sell an albino dog as a real white Pitbull, whereas puppy mills will. Albino Pitbulls are at higher risk of many additional health concerns, such as eye conditions, deafness, skin cancer, and more.

You may want to consider pet insurance for your White Pittie. It can help reduce costs in a covered emergency, and some policies offer wellness plans to support your pup’s overall care.

Nutrition

Pitbull with white coat outdoors exercising on leash.
Pitbulls need high-quality dry kibble in order to match their energy levels.

A white Pittie needs a high-quality kibble that provides him with a well-balanced diet and keeps his energy levels up throughout the day. Because he is an energetic dog, we would advise feeding him a kibble with at least 25% protein. It should also be rich in omega fats to keep his beautiful coat healthy and gleaming. He should consume around 2 1/2 cups of food every day.

Grooming

White Pitbull with blue flower crown.
You’ll want to stay on top of regular grooming as the white dog’s coat is quite visible.

A white colored Pitbull only needs a minimal amount of grooming. He will only need a brush once a week. During the shedding seasons, or if you have dark-colored décor, you may want to brush him twice a week to keep his shedding manageable.

Look to wash him once every 8 to 12 weeks to keep him smelling and looking fresh. Most Pitbulls have sensitive skin, so it’s a wise choice to invest in a gentle doggy shampoo. Alternatively, many white dog owners choose a whitening shampoo to keep their fur babies gleaming. If you choose to do this, select a high-quality whitening shampoo made with gentle or natural ingredients.

Breeders & Puppy Price

White Pitbull puppy face looking up at camera.
Expect to pay upwards of $1,000 for a puppy.

White Pitbulls are a rarer color than other Pitbulls, so you can expect to pay a little more for him. The average price of a puppy from a reputable breeder is between $1,000 and $3,000. Always look for a breeder who can show you the puppies and their parents in person and who readily shares health screening information.

Avoid puppy mills because not only are their pups much less healthy, they will likely sell you an albino pup disguised as a true white. Or, they will inbreed their dogs, which increases the chances of unhealthy dogs. So, please avoid puppy mills at all costs if you want a healthy Pittie.

If you’re set on a White Pitbull, the only way to determine if you have a healthy pup and a non-albino is to meet the puppies and their parents in person before you commit financially. Alternatively, considering how many Pitbulls there are in rescue centers across the country, you could also consider rescuing one. They are the top breed euthanized in the United States, which shows just how many end up in shelters.

What Else Should I Know About Pitbulls?

Have you raised a White Pitbull? We’d love to hear about your sweet pup in the comments.

Bully breeds are amazing pets but can be a handful. Despite their aggressive reputation, these pups are famous for being trustworthy, and most are sweet enough to be used as nanny dogs. Before bringing a Pittie, or any pup, into your home, make sure you have the time, energy, patience, and budget to support them. Dogs are a great joy but also a major responsibility. Pitties are not small dogs, and they eat a great deal. Along with that, they require daily exercise and plenty of attention.

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The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety or care advice. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, insurance expert, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only.

11 Comments

  1. Wonderful information to help familiarize our pits with other breeds! I have a beautiful girl that I “foster failed” & adopted instantly when she was 1 year old. She is the sweetest, most loyal, protective & loving dog we have ever known. She will be 9 yrs old this June. We have had skin issues with her, as well as a couple cysts that our vet was common in white dogs in general. Skylar has a baaaad grass allergy so she has to be on allergy meds or get steroid shots in the spring and summer if she’s outside for any extended amount of time. She is so loved & we can’t imagine her not being a part of our family.

  2. I have a white pit and she has some skin problems but I love her very much. She is so sweet. Thanks for the article.

  3. Mitchell C Wagner

    Thank you for the knowledge you have given. “Sugar” is almost 4 months, and is deaf. She’s on point with everything I have read.. thank you again.

  4. I loved your story on the white pit bull,I have one his name is Nikko, we love him but he is too hard to handle we rescued him from a bad house,2 years ago. He weighs about 100 lbs and has a brown and pink nose and a lot of pink around his snout area red eyes, with pink around the edges and medium brown eyes, his eyes look like they glow at night, it looks cute. It’s nice to have someone that has the knowledge of the white pit if that’s what I have could you let me know.

  5. Michelle Houston

    First thing I’d like to say is, Well done. I just wanted to mention, that on the nutrition part that pitbulls are prone to excessive eating and so to watch what they eat and pay special attention when their pups and your weaning them to stop any food aggression or territorial behavior over their food. They also aren’t a destructive dog breed but very prone
    to developing separation anxiety. They feel hurt and abandoned when they are left behind by their Person.
    This leads to chewing a clawing in an attempt to escape to find their person or a coping mechanism to deal with their feelings of stress and abandonment.

  6. This was great! My dog is the best. Rescued at 2, from a kill shelter in Georgia.
    Trying to teach him that not everyone likes to be jumped on! 57 lbs of muscle. Can’t have that. I know that he would protect if he sensed I was in danger. But he is not comfortable with rodents, bunnies or dogs. He loves all people, every race religion or color! Just walk and train your dog!

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