You’ve probably seen them on Instagram. Those striking, ghostly dogs with steel-gray coats and piercing sapphire eyes that look like they belong in a fantasy novel. People call them the blue eyed blue pitbull, and they are currently one of the most sought-after aesthetics in the canine world. But here’s the thing. Behind those viral photos lies a complicated reality involving genetics, health risks, and a whole lot of misinformation from backyard breeders looking to make a quick buck.
Most folks don't realize that "blue" is actually just a fancy word for dilute black. It’s a recessive trait. And those blue eyes? They’re even more complex.
While they look incredible, owning one isn't always a walk in the park. If you're thinking about bringing one home, you need to look past the "cool factor" and understand what’s actually happening under the hood of these dogs.
What Exactly Is a Blue Eyed Blue Pitbull?
Let’s get the terminology straight first. When people talk about a blue pitbull, they’re usually referring to the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) or the American Bully with a "blue" coat. This color is caused by the dilution gene (d). Basically, it takes a standard black coat and clumps the pigment together so it reflects light as a silvery-gray.
Now, add blue eyes to that mix.
In most adult Pit Bulls, eyes are supposed to be brown, hazel, or amber. Blue eyes are a bit of an anomaly. They happen because of a lack of pigment in the iris. While almost all puppies are born with blue eyes, they usually darken by the time the dog is 12 to 16 weeks old. A true adult blue eyed blue pitbull is a dog that retained that puppyhood trait into maturity, or it has specific genetic markers like the Merle gene or Albinism.
It's rare. Really rare.
Because it's rare, it's expensive. You’ll see breeders charging $3,000, $5,000, or even $10,000 for these dogs. Honestly, that's often a red flag. When a breeder prioritizes a specific eye color over temperament or health testing, the dog usually ends up paying the price in the long run.
The Genetic Reality: It’s Not Just Magic
Genetics are messy. They aren't just a "choose your character" menu. The blue coat itself is recessive. This means both parents must carry the dilute gene for the puppies to come out blue.
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If a breeder is "linebreeding"—which is a polite way of saying inbreeding—to lock in that blue-on-blue look, they are also locking in potential health defects.
The Merle Complication
We have to talk about Merle. Sometimes, a blue eyed blue pitbull isn't actually a solid blue dog; it’s a "cryptic merle" or a poorly marked merle. The Merle gene is what gives breeds like Australian Shepherds their splotchy coats and blue eyes. However, Merle is not a naturally occurring color in the purebred American Pit Bull Terrier.
If you see a Pit Bull with bright blue eyes, there is a very high chance that somewhere down the line, another breed (like a Catahoula or a Great Dane) was crossed in.
Why does this matter? Because "Double Merle" breeding—breeding two merle dogs together—is a recipe for disaster. It leads to:
- Congenital Deafness: Many of these dogs are born partially or completely deaf.
- Microphthalmia: This is a condition where the eyes are abnormally small or even missing.
- Blindness: High sensitivity to light and structural eye defects are common.
If you're buying a dog specifically for blue eyes, you have to ask if the breeder has screened for these neurological and sensory issues. If they haven't? Run.
Health Issues Most People Ignore
Living with a blue eyed blue pitbull means you might become very well-acquainted with your local veterinarian. It’s not just about the eyes; it’s about the skin.
Blue-coated dogs are notorious for Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA).
CDA is a genetic condition that causes the hair to thin and fall out. It usually starts along the spine. Because the pigment is clumped irregularly in the hair follicles, the hair shafts become brittle and break. It can lead to itchy skin, flaky patches, and sometimes permanent baldness. It’s not life-threatening, but it’s a pain to manage. You’ll spend a fortune on high-quality salmon oils, medicated shampoos, and specialized diets just to keep them from looking "moth-eaten."
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Then there are the standard Pit Bull concerns. Hip dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia. Heart issues like Subaortic Stenosis.
A responsible breeder—the kind who actually cares about the breed—is going to test for these things using OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or PennHIP certifications. If the breeder says, "The vet checked them and they're fine," that’s not enough. You need to see the paperwork.
Personality and Temperament: The "Velvet Hippo" Factor
Despite the flashy looks, a blue eyed blue pitbull is still a Pit Bull at heart.
They are high-energy. They are incredibly strong. They are "velcro dogs" who want to be exactly where you are, preferably sitting on your feet or trying to be a 70-pound lap dog. They don't know they're big.
Training is non-negotiable.
Because of the stigma surrounding the breed, a blue Pit Bull has to be an ambassador. They can’t just be "okay" dogs; they have to be the best-behaved dogs on the block. This means socialization from day one. You need to expose them to different people, sounds, and other animals.
Many Pit Bulls have a high prey drive. That’s just the nature of the beast. If you have cats or small "pocket pets," you need to be extremely cautious. Even the sweetest blue-eyed pup can have instincts kick in during a game of chase.
Finding a Reputable Breeder (Or Rescuing)
Look, I’m going to be real with you. If you go to a website and the first thing you see is "EXTREME BLUE EYES" or "RARE BLUE COLOR" in big bold letters, you are likely looking at a greyscale puppy mill.
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A good breeder talks about:
- Structure: Is the dog built correctly?
- Temperament: Are the parents stable and friendly?
- Longevity: How long did the grandparents live?
- Working Ability: Does the dog have a job or a title?
Color should be the last thing on the list.
Alternatively, check the shelters. You might be surprised. Because these dogs are so "trendy," people buy them on impulse and then realize they can’t handle a high-energy power breed. Shelters and rescues like Bad Rap or Villalobos Rescue Center often have blue-coated dogs looking for homes. You might find a blue eyed blue pitbull there for a fraction of the cost, and you’ll be saving a life instead of lining the pockets of a backyard breeder.
The Cost of Ownership
Owning this dog is an investment. You aren't just paying the initial sticker price.
- Food: Don't buy the cheap stuff. These dogs are prone to allergies. You’ll want grain-free or limited-ingredient diets, which can run $80-$100 a bag.
- Training: Professional obedience classes are a must. Budget at least $200-$500 for a solid foundation.
- Insurance: Get pet insurance early. Since they are prone to skin issues and joint problems, insurance will save you thousands when they hit age six or seven.
- Containment: These dogs can jump. You need a secure, six-foot fence. They are also notorious chewers. Think "indestructible" rubber toys, not plushies that will be stuffing in five minutes.
Why the Blue Eye Craze Is Controversial
In the world of dog showing, specifically with organizations like the UKC (United Kennel Club) or the ADBA (American Dog Breeders Association), blue eyes are actually considered a fault in the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Standard colors range from dark brown to amber. Blue eyes are often penalized because they are frequently linked to the Merle gene, which isn't part of the breed's historical genetic makeup.
So, if you want a "show quality" dog, the blue eyed blue pitbull isn't it. But if you want a companion, it doesn't matter what the judges think—as long as the dog is healthy. The controversy exists because the demand for the color drives bad breeding practices. When people pay for "rare," they encourage breeders to ignore health and focus only on the "look."
Making the Right Choice
If you've done the math, checked the genetics, and you're ready for a high-energy companion, a blue eyed blue pitbull can be an amazing addition to your life. They are goofy, loyal, and incredibly affectionate.
Just don't let the blue eyes blind you to the reality of the breed.
They need exercise. They need a job. They need a leader who understands that a powerful dog requires consistent boundaries. If you can provide that, the color of their eyes is just the cherry on top.
Actionable Steps for Potential Owners
- Request Health Clearances: Specifically ask for OFA heart and hip results. Do not accept a "clean bill of health" from a general vet exam as a substitute.
- Verify the Merle Gene: If the dog has blue eyes, ask if either parent was a Merle. If the breeder doesn't know what that means, walk away immediately.
- Check for Deafness: Perform a simple "startle test" with a clap or a whistle behind the puppy's head to ensure they have full hearing.
- Budget for Skin Care: Set aside a monthly fund for high-quality supplements like Omega-3s to get ahead of potential coat thinning or dermatitis.
- Socialize Early: Aim for 100 new people and 50 new dogs in the first three months of ownership to ensure a stable, friendly adult temperament.