Many families love the Pitbull breed for many reasons! They have quite a reputation for being aggressive dogs, but a large part of this is due to their history of dog fighting.
The Colby Pitbull is one such bloodline, and we’re going to explore its history in this guide. We’ll also discuss owning a Colby Pitbull to help you decide whether this breed is a good fit for you.
Before you adopt any dog of any breed, you’ll want to research what you’re getting into. Different dog breeds have differing needs, and Pitbulls need more TLC than some other breeds of a similar size.
Finding a reputable breeder is also important, so we’ll give you a few pointers on how to choose a kennel that has cared for your puppy appropriately in his early weeks.
Before reading this guide, “Colby Pitbull – Everything You Need to Know,” check out: Gator Pitbull – Everything You Need to Know! (2023)
The History of Colby Pitbulls
The Colby Pitbull and the American Staffordshire Terrier are one and the same, though a genuine Colby Pitbull will have a distinguishing bloodline.
Backing up, the Colby Pitbull was first bred in the early 1900s by John P. Colby from Newburyport, Massachusetts. The breed has a long history as a working dog. Unfortunately, the Colby Pit also has a history as a fighting dog, though this was presumably never Mr. Colby’s intent.
The Pitbull Colby breed originated from dogs imported from Ireland and England. Initially, bloodlines were carefully chosen to create a strong, smart hunting and herding dog. Some dogs even perform police work. On the other hand, those with ill intentions used the Colby Pitbull in dog fighting rings.
Overall, the Colby Pitbull was a respectable breed recognized by the American Kennel Club in the 1930s. Later, because of the dogs’ ties to fighting and aggression, the AKC permitted breeders to register their Colby Pitbulls — but only under the name of the American Staffordshire Terrier.
That said, when you purchase or adopt an American Staffordshire Terrier, you’re bringing home a dog that’s exactly the same as — or very closely related to — the Colby Pitbull.
In order to ensure you’re getting a puppy with a Colby bloodline, though, you’ll need to seek out paperwork from the breeder dating back to when the dogs were first intentionally bred.
Colby Pitbull Characteristics
Despite the Colby Pitbull’s history of combativeness, due in large part to those who had no concern for the health and safety of dogs, many families invite this breed into their homes.
Even as late as the 1980s and 1990s, Colby Pitbull dogs were used in fighting, and they have a reputation for being aggressive, mean dogs. So you may be wondering whether this breed is right for you.
Well, they can absolutely make good family pets and get along well with children. It’s critical to note that, in order to successfully introduce a Colby into your family, training is of the highest importance.
Given socialization with humans and with other animals and firm training through a professional dog trainer, the Colby Pitbull can learn to be a docile, friendly family pet.
If you’ve never had a dog before, it’s essential to bring your Pitbull in for professional training. And if you have small children, a Pitbull isn’t recommended. Older children can learn how to handle dogs, but young kids may be too rough, causing unpredictable behavior.
Finally, should you have existing dogs, it’s important that you introduce them to your new dog gradually and at your dog’s own pace. They may be resistant at first, so take the process slowly.
Colby Pitbull Physical Appearance
When your Colby Pitbull is fully grown, he’ll weigh between 40 and 50 pounds. A large male may weigh a little more. Broad shoulders and a wide head and chest give the Pitbull an intimidating appearance, and their powerful jaws make them dangerous when provoked.
The American Kennel Club allows for any color to be registered but you’ll most commonly find the Colby in white, tan, brindle, or tan. Every Colby Pitbull has a black nose — red and blue noses are not from the Colby bloodline.
Your Colby Pitbull will only shed minimally, and you can avoid a “fur carpet” in your home by brushing your pup regularly to remove dead hair. This is not a hypoallergenic dog, despite its low-shedding trait, so if you suffer from pet allergies, this may not be a good fit for you.
Caring for Your Colby Pitbull
Properly caring for and feeding a Colby Pitbull isn’t that difficult so long as you take precautions to train and socialize your dog.
Your Pitbull will require about an hour of exercise each day, so take them for a walk or a jog. These dogs have a long lifespan — between eight and 15 years — and can live longer with appropriate exercise.
Feed your dog quality food, and ask your vet for recommendations should you have questions. Speaking of your vet, you’ll want to take your dog for regular checkups. There are a few health conditions that can affect these dogs, including obesity, hip dysplasia, dental issues, and hypothyroidism.
Your vet can help detect these conditions early, as can your groomer. As part of their routine, your groomer will brush your Pitbull’s teeth and clean his ears. She can alert you to any unusual findings.
Overall, if you’re paying attention to your Pitbull’s needs, he’ll have a good chance at a long and healthy life. Even brushing your dog’s coat can help you detect skin conditions.
Socializing Your Colby Pitbull
Socializing a Colby Pitbull is so important that it deserves its own section. Proper socialization will help make sure that your dog gets along well with each of your family members for many years.
A good breeder will begin socialization and basic puppy training early on. Through this process, your dog will begin to learn boundaries, proper play, sharing, and other essential skills.
Once you get your puppy home, continue training and make sure you establish yourself as the pack leader. Once your puppy has learned basic commands and received all his vaccinations, you can begin to bring him to the dog park or doggy daycare.
Finding a Reputable Colby Pitbull Breeder
As we mentioned, the Colby Pitbull and the American Staffordshire Terrier are the same dogs.
The American Kennel Club designated the American Staffordshire Terrier to help separate the dogs from their reputation as aggressive animals. As such, you can search for local American Staffordshire Terrier breeders on Google, social media, or through word-of-mouth recommendations.
Visit the kennel in person, when possible. This will give you a sense of how the puppies, dams, and sires live in the kennel care.
Even today, these dogs’ fierce and intimidating presence is appealing to puppy mills and backyard breeders who wish to breed and sell the dogs for quick cash. Avoid puppy mills at all costs; they have a reputation for producing unhealthy, under-socialized dogs that may not transition well into your home.
Not all breeders advertising a Colby Pitbull have dogs with the Colby bloodline. If you’re married to the idea of getting a Colby Pitbull, you’ll want to ask your breeder for paperwork showing those bloodlines.
Finally, don’t hesitate to ask your breeder questions. Gather details about health guarantees, training, and other specifics of your puppy’s earliest weeks to help you decide if the breeder is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve still got questions, we’ve got answers! Here are common topics surrounding the Colby Pitbull.
There’s a vast range of prices for Pitbulls. You can find puppies for as little as $500 or you can find breeders who charge upwards of $20,000 for a dog!
As you shop, keep in mind your intended “use” for your dog. If you’re searching for a companion only, you can save a bit of cash by forgoing full AKC registration. Full registration is only required if you intend to breed or show your dog, so it’s not necessary for most families.
Often, you get what you pay for. Read reviews and ask others in your area for recommendations. Work of mouth is an excellent way to find an affordable, yet responsible, Pitbull breeder.
Just as you have probably caught wind of the Pitbull’s reputation for aggression, you probably have heard that these dogs make good “nanny dogs.”
We implore you not to use your dog as a nanny. Children are unpredictable, and so are animals. The most innocent attempt at picking up a Pitbull or even grabbing for your Pittie’s toy can lead to injury. John Colby himself bred a dog that ultimately killed his own young nephew.
There’s no such thing as a nanny dog, and children — especially young ones — should be supervised when playing with your dog.
In a word, maybe. When you first get your Pitbull puppy, it’s going to be important to socialize him gradually with your other animals. This will give each dog time and opportunity to establish boundaries and will help prevent jealousy.
If you have an adult Colby Pitbull and wish to get another puppy, the same is true. Introduce your Pittie to your puppy slowly. There’s a solid chance your Pitbull will be gentle and affectionate with your puppy. However, food aggression, jealousy, and toy-sharing can be problematic.
Remember that your Pitbull is just a dog. He doesn’t always know his own strength and can injure children, cats, and other dogs in innocent play. An important part of pet ownership is supervision.
You’ll need to check local laws to determine whether Pitbull ownership is legal in your area. Many jurisdictions have breed restrictions, and dogs like Dobermans and Pitbulls are illegal to own.
Similarly, your rental company or HOA may not permit Pitbull ownership. Read through your lease agreement or covenant to learn whether Pitbulls are okay, and always get permission in writing.
This is a question only you can answer! Generally speaking, you’ll do just fine with a Pitbull if you:
Have experience with dogs, including all of the necessary training.
Are willing to give your Pitbull the exercise he needs to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Have a fenced yard where your Pittie can safely potty and play.
Do not have small children.
Are willing to do the research required to find a reputable Pitbull breeder.
Overall, the Colby Pitbull has the potential to be a loving and friendly dog. However, this is going to take work in training and socialization on your part.
Conclusion for “Colby Pitbull – Everything You Need to Know”
The Colby Pitbull, now known as the American Staffordshire Terrier, has over a century of history.
Initially bred for work, hunting, and other tasks, the dog breed eventually became known as an aggressive fighting dog. Today, with dog fighting outlawed, Colby Pittbuls are bred for working and companionship.
Finding a responsible Colby Pitbull breeder is the absolute best way to ensure that your puppy will become a healthy, well-socialized family dog.
If you find this guide, “Colby Pitbull – Everything You Need to Know,” helpful, check out:
- What Is the Largest Pitbull Breed? (2023)
- 10 Best Pitbull Rescues in the United States! (2023)
- Bulldog vs Pitbull – What Are the Differences? (2023)
Learn more by watching “What Are Colby Pitbulls?” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
Why Trust We Love Doodles?
At We Love Doodles, we’re a team of writers, veterinarians, and puppy trainers that love dogs. Our team of qualified experts researches and provides reliable information on a wide range of dog topics. Our reviews are based on customer feedback, hands-on testing, and in-depth analysis. We are fully transparent and honest to our community of dog owners and future owners.