Pit Bulls are probably the most misunderstood of all the dog breeds. Not only are they often confused for other breeds, but there’s also plenty of misinformation about them out there (no, they don’t actually have locking jaws).
So, when you add different bloodlines into the mix, a confusing breed can get even more confusing. However, many Pit Bull enthusiasts rave about the differences between the various bloodlines, so if you’re a huge fan of the breed, you might want to understand some of those differences.
We’ll walk you through some of the most popular Pit Bull bloodlines out there today.
What Is the Difference Between a Breed and a Bloodline?
A breed is a specific type of dog; Rottweilers, Chihuahuas, and Labradors are all different breeds.
A bloodline, on the other hand, is a specific dog’s lineage. It includes their parents, their grandparents, and so on, as far back as their heritage can be traced.
Each dog has both a breed and a bloodline. The breed is much more important in determining their characteristics and personality, but many breed aficionados take a close look at a dog’s bloodline to try to determine the finer aspects of their appearance and temperament.
In the world of high-end dog breeding, each breed has a few bloodlines that stand out; these are usually the ones that clean up at dog shows.
The 10 Different & Popular Pitbull Bloodlines
1. Colby Pitbull
This is one of the oldest and most popular Pit Bull bloodlines. It originated in 1889, the handiwork of a breeder named John Colby. While he was based in America, Colby bred his animals using the finest dogs that he could get from Ireland and England.
Colby Pit Bulls have bulky heads and short tails and are generally built in proportion in terms of height and weight. They’re known for being loyal and charismatic pets, and they tend to do well in canine competitions. They also have lustrous coats and shed frequently, so they’ll require regular grooming.
2. Jeep Pitbull
The Jeep bloodline has a dark history, but it has nevertheless managed to produce some wonderful dogs. The name refers to the progenitor of the bloodline, a dog named “Crenshaw’s Jeep.” Crenshaw was his owner, and he wasn’t much of one at that: He used Jeep as a fighting dog. Jeep excelled in the ring, and as a result. his genetic material was in high demand among unsavory types.
Jeep Pit Bulls are extremely muscular, with deep-set eyes and short, bristly coats. Despite their bloody history, though, they aren’t naturally predisposed to violence, and instead, they can be quite sweet and loving, provided that they’re shown love and respect in return.
3. Gottiline Pitbull
This bloodline was created in 1997 by Richard Barajas at his West Side Kennels in Los Angeles. It’s named after the father of the line, a dog named The Notorious Juan Gotty.
Gottilines are some of the easiest Pit Bulls to spot. They’re much bulkier than other lines and tend to be quite stocky and low to the ground. Their necks are thickly muscled, and the overall look is quite intimidating. Despite this, they’re known for getting along well with people and other dogs, provided that they’re socialized properly.
4. Monster G Pitbull
Another line that originated in Los Angeles, Monster G is named after the progenitor of the line. The original Monster G was an intimidating guard dog, but he also loved to run and play in his backyard. He was even known for doing service in his community.
Monster G Pit Bulls definitely earn the name “monster,” as they have wide bodies and huge heads. They look like they could stop an army, but they have a gentle nature. Their favorite thing is to run and play, but they will protect their families if they need to.
5. X-Pert Pitbull
An old bloodline, the X-Pert dates back to Texas in 1930. The line was started by two breeders, Clifford and Alberta Ormsby, who saw that the breed was full of deformities and other physical issues. They set out to improve the breed, and they started by buying a female named Ormbsy’s Madge.
X-Perts are bulky and muscular and they mix agility with power. This makes them natural athletes, and they’re known for being able to jump out of their skin. They tend to be humble, so they’re not likely to start trouble with dogs or people.
6. Razor’s Edge Pitbull
The Razor’s Edge line has an extremely aggressive name, but it doesn’t fit these dogs. They’re known for being sweet and affectionate, and in fact, they were bred to be companion animals. These dogs are known for being clingy and loving, and they make great family pets.
These dogs are known for having large heads with short muzzles, and they have slim bodies with broad chests. They also have extremely glossy coats and are among the most beautiful bloodlines you’ll find anywhere.
7. Old Family Red Nose Pitbull
The “Old Family” in this line’s title is no joke — these dogs date back to the mid-19th century in Ireland. The “Red Nose” part isn’t a joke either. They have both a red nose and red toenails, and they tend to have coppery coats.
They make wonderful family pets and even better athletes. These dogs can run and jump as well as any other breed, and their keen intelligence makes them quick learners. If you want to win an obedience or agility competition, they’re a great choice to help you do just that.
8. Budweiser Crusher Pitbull
You won’t find a line with a more colorful name than the Budweiser Crusher, but they’re not known for being heavy drinkers. They have a red nose, but their coats can be just about any color, including brindle and blue.
These dogs are generally sweet and amiable, and they do well with children. They’re also accomplished show dogs, so if you’ve wanted to try your hand in the ring, they’re a good line to start with.
9. Carver Pitbull
The Carver line is one of the most popular, and many other bloodlines have Carver in them. In fact, they’re so prevalent that it’s hard to find a purebred Carver.
Given their ubiquity, they’ve been used for just about every purpose — including unsavory ones. They’re tough, stout, and muscular, but they’re also loving and easygoing. As with most other bloodlines, it all comes down to how they’re raised.
10. Goliath Pitbull
This line has definitely earned the moniker of “Goliath.” These dogs can tip the scales at 150 pounds or more, and every part of their body is accordingly massive.
The progenitor of this breed was named Mugleston’s Blue Goliath, and he was a big, sweet baby. His offspring have a similar temperament, so don’t be surprised if you end up with a giant, intimidating dog that’s scared of his own shadow.
What’s Your Favorite Pitbull Bloodline?
This is only a brief smattering of the available Pit Bull bloodlines, as there are over 120 known bloodlines that are currently active. Each is responsible for making wonderful dogs, but some have murkier histories than others.
You can get a great dog with any Pit Bull bloodline, of course, or you can just get a random pup out of the pound. At the end of the day, it’s your dog — and your dog is always the best one in the world.
Featured Image Credit: thewrightmoment2016, Pixabay