Ever walked past a dog and just... stopped? That’s usually the reaction a gray blue eyed pitbull gets. It is a striking, almost ethereal look. You have this muscular, powerful frame paired with eyes that look like marbles made of frozen lake water. Honestly, it’s easy to see why people get obsessed with the aesthetic. But here is the thing: that specific color combination isn't just a random stroke of luck from nature. It is actually a very specific genetic "glitch" known as dilution.
While breeders might charge a premium for these dogs, calling them "rare" or "exotic," there is a lot of nuance behind those icy eyes. We’re talking about the dilute gene ($dd$), which affects both the coat and the iris. If you are looking to bring one home, you need to look past the Instagram-worthy photos. There are health implications, temperament realities, and a whole lot of misinformation floating around the bully breed community.
The Science Behind the Gray Blue Eyed Pitbull Look
Most people call them "gray," but in the world of the American Kennel Club (AKC) or United Kennel Club (UKC), that color is officially "blue." It isn’t actually blue, obviously. It’s a charcoal or smoky slate color. This happens because of a recessive gene that clumps pigment together. Instead of a solid black coat, the light reflects off the fur in a way that makes it look dusty or silver.
Now, the eyes are a different story.
Almost all puppies are born with blue eyes. It's a puppyhood staple. Usually, by the time a Pitbull hits 12 to 16 weeks, those eyes darken to brown or amber. A gray blue eyed pitbull is a dog that retained that blue pigment into adulthood. This is relatively uncommon in American Pit Bull Terriers because the breed standard usually calls for darker eyes. When you see an adult Pitbull with permanent blue eyes, it’s often linked to the "dilute" gene or, in some cases, a specific white spotting pattern or even the merle gene—though merle is a controversial topic in purebred Pitbull circles.
Why the Color Matters (More Than You Think)
Genetics aren't just about looks. When you breed for a specific, recessive color like blue-on-blue, you are narrowing the gene pool. Dr. Stanley Coren, a noted canine psychologist and researcher, has often pointed out that breeding strictly for "fad colors" can sometimes lead to unintentional temperament or health issues because the breeder is prioritizing the coat over the dog's internal health.
It’s a bit of a gamble.
Health Issues: CDA and Sensitivity
If you’re serious about a gray blue eyed pitbull, you have to know about Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA). It’s not a death sentence. It’s a skin condition. Basically, the way the pigment is distributed in blue-coated dogs can cause the hair shafts to be brittle. They break. They fall out. You end up with a dog that has thinning hair or "moth-eaten" patches along their back.
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It’s annoying to manage.
You’ll be spending a lot of money on high-quality salmon oils and specialized shampoos. These dogs also tend to have more sensitive skin in general. Allergies? Yeah, they get those. A lot. Environmental triggers like pollen or certain grains in food can turn their beautiful gray skin into a red, itchy mess.
- Sun Sensitivity: Those blue eyes are sensitive. Without the dark pigment to protect them, these dogs might squint or seek shade more often than their brown-eyed counterparts.
- Skin Cancer Risk: Lighter skin, especially around the nose and eyes, means a higher risk of sun damage. You might actually need dog-safe sunscreen for a beach day.
- The "Blue Dog" Syndrome: This is a colloquial term breeders use for the suite of skin issues that come with the dilute gene. It’s manageable, but it takes work.
Breaking Down the "Pitbull" Label
We need to be honest: "Pitbull" is an umbrella term. People use it for everything from the American Staffordshire Terrier to the Cane Corso mix.
When you see a gray blue eyed pitbull, it’s often an American Bully. The American Bully was specifically bred to be a companion dog with a "bully" look, and they embrace the blue coats and blue eyes much more than the traditional American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) registries do. The UKC standard for the APBT actually considers blue eyes a fault.
Why?
Because the APBT was historically a working dog. Darker eyes are less sensitive to light and generally heartier in the field. But if you’re just looking for a couch potato who looks cool while you’re watching Netflix, the American Bully version of the gray blue eyed pitbull is probably what you’re seeing in those viral videos.
Temperament: Is the Blue Eye "Crazy"?
There is a weird myth that blue eyes in dogs signify a "wild" or "unstable" temperament.
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That's total nonsense.
The color of a dog's iris has zero correlation with its brain chemistry. A gray blue eyed pitbull is just as likely to be a "nanny dog" as a black one. What does matter is the breeding line. If a breeder is "line-breeding" (a polite term for inbreeding) just to get that blue-on-blue look, they might be accidentally doubling down on nervous or aggressive traits.
These dogs are high energy. They are "velcro dogs." They will try to sit on your lap even if they weigh 70 pounds. They need a job. If you don't give them a job—like hiking, weight pulling, or advanced obedience—they will find a job. Usually, that job is "deconstructing your sofa."
Finding a Responsible Breeder (The Hard Part)
Avoid anyone using words like "rare," "exotic," or "silver" to jack up the price. A gray blue eyed pitbull shouldn't cost $5,000. That is a predatory price point based on a trend.
A good breeder will show you health clearances. Ask for OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) results for hips and hearts. If they get defensive when you ask about Color Dilution Alopecia, walk away. They should be honest about the fact that blue dogs have skin issues.
- Ask to see the parents. Are they stable? Do they lung at the fence? Or are they wiggly and happy?
- Check the environment. Is it a "kennel" in a backyard or a home?
- Health Guarantees. A reputable breeder will take the dog back at any point in its life if you can't keep it.
The Rescue Option
Believe it or not, you can find these dogs in shelters. Because the "blue" look is so popular, many "backyard breeders" produce them, realize they are a handful, and then dump them. Organizations like Bad Rap or Villalobos Rescue Center often have blue-coated dogs. You might have to wait for those specific blue eyes, but saving a life is a lot cheaper—and more rewarding—than paying a trend-chasing breeder.
Training and Life with a Gray Blue Eyed Pitbull
Socialization is everything. Between 8 and 16 weeks, your dog needs to see the world. Not just the park. They need to see umbrellas, bikes, bearded men, children, and different floor textures.
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Pitbulls are prone to dog reactivity. It’s part of the breed's history. Even a gray blue eyed pitbull with the softest expression can develop a high prey drive.
- Positive Reinforcement: They are sensitive. If you yell, they shut down. Use treats, praise, and consistency.
- Leash Manners: They are incredibly strong. Invest in a good front-clip harness or a head halter early on.
- Chewing: They have massive jaw strength. Standard rubber toys won't last. You need "indestructible" rated gear.
Actionable Steps for Potential Owners
If you’re dead set on this specific look, here is your roadmap. First, verify the breeder's ethics by asking for specific genetic testing for the $D$ locus (the dilution gene) and skin health history. Ensure you have a monthly budget for high-end skin care; you'll likely spend $50–$100 more per month on specialized food and supplements than you would for a standard-coated dog.
Second, check your local legislation. BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) still exists in many cities. Some insurance companies will drop your homeowners' policy for owning a Pitbull, regardless of its eye color. Call your agent before you sign the papers.
Finally, prioritize temperament over the "cool factor." A gray blue eyed pitbull is a 10 to 15-year commitment. The blue eyes might fade or cloud as the dog ages, but the personality is what you’ll be living with every day. Focus on finding a dog that matches your energy level—whether that’s a marathon runner or a professional napper.
The aesthetic is just the icing. The dog is the cake. Ensure the cake is made of good stuff.
Key Takeaways for the Future Owner:
- Research Color Dilution Alopecia before committing; it is the most common health hurdle for this color.
- Prepare for social stigma and check local BSL laws in your zip code.
- Invest in high-quality fats (Omega-3 and Omega-6) to support the dilute coat's barrier.
- Focus on professional training early to manage the breed's natural strength and prey drive.