The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the most misunderstood breeds, but also one of the most loving dogs around. There are two types of people. Those who do not understand the breed. And those who cannot get enough of Pitbulls. No matter which category you fall into, you need to know a bit about the Colby Pitbull and its legacy in the canine world.
In fact, Colbi Pitbulls were among the first pitbulls produced. The history of the American Pitbull Terrier cannot begin without talking about one of the oldest bloodlines in the canine world. Let’s talk more about it.
Is the Colby Pitbull Recognized?
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a dog breed recognized by the United Kennel Club and the American Dog Breeders Association. Yet, because of its history in dog fighting, it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Nowadays, many people think of the Pitbull as an umbrella term. There are four dogs that fall into, the American Bully, American Staffordshire Terrier, the American Bulldog, and the American Pit Bull Terrier.
The AKC recognizes the American Staffordshire Terrier, and it puts all other types of pitbulls under that term.
What is a Colby Pitbull Exactly?
We can describe this breed as any dog that is within the original Colbi Pitbull bloodline produced by the Colby Kennels. They are prized for their bulky, muscular stature and agility.
Bred with temperament, conformation, and gameness in mind, they are highly respected and sought-after pitbulls.
One thing we have to note. Because they were bred to be part of dog fighting rings, cropped ears are a must in the Colby bloodline.
Legacy of the Colby Family
The roots of the Colbi bloodline can be traced back to the 19th century. It was then that John P Colby, a renowned breeder and dog enthusiast, came up with the idea of the American Pitbull terrier.
The Colbi family’s commitment to breeding pitbulls was characterized by a meticulous and purposeful selection process, focusing on breeding dogs with athleticism, strength, agility, and intelligence.
Originally, the Colbi Pitbull bloodline was developed for dog fighting. At the time, the practice was legal and popular. Yet, as the attitude toward the bloody sport changed over time, the Colbi family transitioned their breeding program into versatile working dogs.
The legacy of the bloodline lies in the historical significance, but also in the dedication that the family put into breeding exceptional dogs.
Colby Pitbull History
Here is a fun fact. John P Colby was only 13 years old when he got his first Pitbull. That happened in 1889. Just one year after getting his first pooch, he became a breeder. John Colby imported pitbulls from England and Ireland, breeding them with his dog.
In the beginning, his goal was dog fighting. His dogs quickly became known as some of the best fighters in the ring. And that is maybe the sad part about it. But nobody can deny his dedication to breeding the best dogs.
Colby bred for temperament, agile, yet, at the same time, well-muscled build and gameness. In 1896, Colby’s Pincher came onto the scene. The dog was considered undefeated in the pit. Pincher was so popular, that John used him as a stud dog and fighter as well.
Many canine experts believe that Pincher was the foundation for the American Pit Bull terrier breed. Nowadays, most pitbulls have some Colby blood in their pedigree.
You can judge John Pritchard Colby, who was only a young boy, for developing a breed for dog fighting purposes. Our modern sensitivities might be quick to judge. Just the thought of breeding dogs for the purpose of making them tear each other apartment for entertainment sounds silly nowadays.
But John Colby lived in different times. And there is no denying his dedication, business sense, passion, and tenacity. He set on a journey to make the best Pitbull possible. And many people consider him one of the most respected breeders in history.
Appearance
When you think of a Colby Pitbull, you think of a famous black-nosed Pitbull. The true Pitbull breeds with Colby blood have these characteristics.
- They stand between 17 and 19 inches at the shoulders, with males being an inch taller
- They weigh between 40 and 50 pounds when they are fully grown
- The head, along with the muzzle, should be medium-length, with a bulky and broad skull
- Dogs should have a short, lustrous coat that requires constant grooming to reduce heavy shedding
- The shoulders are toned and muscular, and the dog has wide, sloping shoulder blades and a heavy, medium-length neck
- They have a short, tapered tail that is held in a low position
- Ears are often cropped in the Colby bloodline
- Dogs usually have a black-and-white color
Colby Pitbull Temperament
Now let’s talk about Colby Pitbull temperament. The big misconception nowadays is that these dogs are dangerous and aggressive. It is easy to think that, given the fact they were bred for fighting. But they are known for their remarkable temperament, with personality traits like loyalty, affection, and incredible devotion to the family.
These dogs have a deep desire to please their owners. They thrive on the companionship and love they receive in return. I often say that Pitbulls are driven by affection, and you should use that in your training.
With proper training and early socialization, these dogs turn out to be amazing family pets. You can shape their temperament to make them the most loving dogs around.
Are They Rare?
Given the fact that they were originally bred in the 19th century, no, Colby Pitbull breeds are not rare. John Colby himself bred around 5,000 dogs, most of which remained in the United States.
Many PItbull-type dogs in the US have part of the Colby bloodline. And there are still 100% pure Colby Pitbulls out there.
To this day, the Colby family continues to breed dogs. But they are making them on a more limited scale.
What Is The Rarest Type of Pitbull?
If you want to talk about rare Pitbull dogs, then, we have to mention the blue nose Pitbull. This dog has a dilute version of the black coloration.
They look stunning, and they have beautiful blue eyes that match their dusky coat. We cannot lie. Blue Nose pitbulls look more appealing than regular pitbulls.
Because of the higher price of Blue Nose Pitbull, and its rarity, you have to be careful. Get your dog from a reputable breeder, not from backyard breeders.
