
The Colby Pitbull bloodline has been revered for its distinctive and impressive qualities for centuries. These dogs are known for their strength, loyalty, and wit, which make them deserving of their proud heritage.
If you want to know more about Colby Pitbull, keep reading. In this guide, we’ll touch on some important information regarding this breed’s bloodline.
You’ll discover information about its origin and history, physical traits, health, pricing, and more. So, keep reading!
Breed Overview
Height: | 17 – 19 inches |
Weight: | 40 – 50 pounds |
Lifespan: | 12 – 14 years |
Coat Colors: | Black, black brindle, blue, blue brindle, blue fawn, red, red brindle, fawn, fawn brindle, fawn sable brindle, tan, buckskin, seal, tricolor, and reverse brindle. Meanwhile, merle, black and tan, liver, liver brindle, white |
Temperament: | Intelligent, athletic, confident, loyal |
Suitable for: | Families with children; being a guard dog; active people |
What Is a Colby Pitbull?

The Colby Pitbull bloodline is considered to be one of the oldest Pitbull bloodlines in existence, which has been around for over two centuries. This Pitbull lineage has a short coat and muscular build and is known for its athleticism and agility.
They are incredibly trainable and devoted to their families. Furthermore, they are a smart breed that can perform admirably in agility, obedience, and defense.
Colby Pitbulls are a smart breed of dog that may succeed in various sports, including agility, obedience, and protection. They display a vigilant demeanor and radiate confidence, loyalty, and friendliness.
History and Origin of the Colby Pitbull Bloodline
John Colby was 13 years old when he first acquired a Pitbull. He started breeding dogs in 1889 and crossed his dog with Pitbull from England and Ireland.
The Colby Pitbull was originally bred with a lean but powerful build and gameness. John Colby’s first Colby Pitbull first appeared in 1896 and was considered unbeatable in the pit.
Colby’s Pitbull is believed to be the ancestor of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed. Today, most American Pitbull Terriers are descended at least partly from Colby’s Pitbull.
Although many of these dogs still have some former fighting dog impulses, they are often gentle, devoted, and loving family companions.
Are Colby Pitbulls Rare?

Coly Pitbulls are not as rare as others proclaim. In fact, John Colby claimed that he produced about 5,000 dogs throughout his career, most of which stayed in the United States.
Therefore, the Colby Pitbull bloodline is present in the pedigree of many Pitbull-type dogs in the United States. Nonetheless, it is still one of the most challenging Pitbull bloodlines to find.
The Colby family still breeds these dogs, but on a much smaller scale, making these ‘authentic’ Colby dogs relatively uncommon. Still, hundreds of breeders now produce dogs with the Colby bloodline.
Why Are Colby Pitbulls Controversial?
Pitbulls, especially the Colby Pitbull bloodline, have long been controversial. This dog breed was originally developed by selective breeding tenacious and strong Pitbulls to be great fighting dogs.
Due to their history as fighting dogs and intimidating physical appearances, Colby Pitbulls are often misjudged and seen as aggressive dogs. Some also think their strong bite and broad necks make them more dangerous than other dog breeds.
Due to this, various towns and nations have passed breed-specific legislation that forbids or places restrictions on the ownership of Pitbulls, including the Colby bloodline.
Colby Pitbull Appearance

Being a powerful dog, the Colby Pitbull has a muscular build, a large neck, a medium-length head, and well-toned shoulders with broad, sloping blades. This dog is known to have a powerful build, owing to its fighting dog origin.
Moreover, the Colby Pitbull has a medium-length muzzle and a powerful jaw. Its tail is short compared to the dog’s extremely strong construction, which is usually set low.
It has a brief, lustrous coat like the American Staffordshire Terrier that sheds moderately. As for coat color, this breed cans port numerous color combinations, including patterns like brindle, reverse brindle, and tricolor.
Their noses should be black since most breeders claim that a Colby is not fully Colby if it has a red nose.
Colby Pitbull Size and Weight
Colby Pitbulls are medium-sized canines. They are well-proportioned and weigh between 40 and 50 pounds. They also have heights ranging between 17 and 19 inches, with males being slightly bigger.
For comparison, Colby’s top Pitbull, which was born in 1935, was 18 inches tall at the shoulders and weighed 45 pounds when it was a year old.
In contrast, the American Pit Bull Terrier weighs between 30 and 75 pounds according to ADBA guidelines.
Colby Pitbull Temperament and Personality

The Colby Pitbull is devoted to its family and is courageous, brave, and loyal. This dog breed is among the easiest to train since it is highly intelligent and eager to please its owner.
However, if not properly socialized from a young age, they are notorious for their propensity to be extremely protective of their people and property.
Although they have a reputation for being fierce guard dogs, Given the proper training and care, these Pitbulls may make wonderful family pets because they are inherently happy and sociable dogs.
To prevent dominating tendencies that can result in hostility toward other animals or people, they must be trained while they are puppies. They can get along nicely with kids and other animals with the right socialization.
Colby Pitbull Lifespan and Health Issues
It is well known that Colby Pitbull breeds are usually healthy breeds. Their life expectancy is 12 to 14 years. If given proper care, some might even live longer than the given range.
This powerful dog breed is healthy in general. Nevertheless, Colby Pitbulls are still susceptible to common canine illnesses, especially when their needs are neglected.
Here are the common health issues a Colby Pitbull can acquire:
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a joint-related health issue fairly common for large dogs, such as Pitbull-type breeds. It arises from the abnormal development of the hip and socket joints in the hips, which could degenerate into more serious complications if left untreated.
- Eye Disorders: Colby Pitbulls are also susceptible to eye problems such as retinal dysplasia. Various factors, including viral infections, exposure to toxins, and heredity, may cause this condition.
- Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is also fairly common for Pitbulls. This disease’s common signs and symptoms include unnecessary weight gain, hair loss, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
A Colby Pitbull must have routine veterinary visits and up-to-date immunization records to maintain their health and avoid developing health problems.
Giving your Colby dogs enough activity, food, rest, and frequent vet visits is crucial to keep them fit and healthy.
How Much Does a Colby Pitbull Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

A Colby Pitbull from a reputable breeder usually costs between $2,000 and $20,000. The large range gap is influenced mainly by bloodline, but other factors could also impact the pricing.
Naturally, the richer the bloodline, the higher the price will be. Prices may be higher or lower depending on the breeder’s reputation, bloodline history, and appearance.
Besides the costly puppy price, you should also factor in the initial supplies and items you must acquire before taking home a Colby Pitbull.
Here is a breakdown of the initial expenses associated with Colby Pitbull ownership:
Type of Expense | Cost |
Food and Treats | $70 – $110 |
Bowls | $10 – $30 |
Toys | $30 – $60 |
Beds | $40 – $200 |
Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
Crates and Carriers | $50 – $370 |
Grooming Essentials | $50 – $160 |
Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
Dog License | $10 – $20 |
Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
Total Initial Cost | $505 – $2,710 |
As you can see, purchasing a Colby Pitbull is quite pricey at first. But bear in mind that these are only projections. The pricing in your location and your lifestyle will determine your spending.
Places to Find Colby Pitbull Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Due to the popularity of the Colby bloodline, numerous breeders have started breeding it. However, this also encouraged a lot of shady breeders to falsely advertise Pitbulls as Colby even if they are not.
Hence, you should be careful in choosing which breeder to transact with to avoid getting scammed.
Here are some reputable breeders and places where you can find a Colby Pitbull puppy available for sale:
- AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace should be your go-to place if you are looking for a purebred dog. This advertising platform is monitored and run by the AKC. All breeders in this marketplace are registered with the AKC and other major kennel clubs.
- Ability Made Pits (AMP) Kennels – This Pitbull breeder focuses on purebred Colby and Colby mixes. They believe that the American Pit Bull Terrier is the ultimate dog breed. They have been hosting dog shows that showcase Pitbulls for years.
- Zarate Bulldog Kennels – Zarate Bulldog is a breeder who is passionate about working with the oldest Pitbull bloodline, which is the Colby. All their pups come from pure Colby bloodlines. With the help of Mr. Jack Colby’s advice, they have been successful in breeding this popular Pitbull bloodline.
Meanwhile, here are some of the organizations and rescues where you can look for an adoptable Colby Pitbull:
- Born Again Pit Bull Rescue (BAPBR) – Pitbulls and other Pitbull mixes are the focus of the nonprofit group BAPBR, the longest-running rescue in Portland Metro. They take in numerous Pitbull-type dogs, including Colby Pitbulls.
- Petfinder – Petfinder is a searchable online directory affiliated with more than 11,000 adoption agencies and animal shelters in the US, Canada, and Mexico. They also provide information about the breed and share knowledge with prospective on how to care for Pitbulls.
- Adopt-a-Pet – This online pet adoption site has a unique system that lets users describe the pet that fits their lifestyle and personality, ensuring that they will adopt the best canine friend that suits them.
Full-blooded Colby Pitbulls might be tricky to spot, but if you are eager to find a Colby Pitbull, all the efforts to find one will be worth it.
Nonetheless, although all rescues and breeders listed here are reputable and screened, you should still do your due diligence in checking the background of the breeder or rescue you will transact with.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Colby Pitbull

Owning a Colby Pitbull can be tremendously satisfying, but before committing, it’s vital to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of owning one.
Here are the pros of owning a Colby Pitbull:
- Excellent family pets: Colby Pitbulls are known for being highly loyal and devoted to their families. They’re extremely loving, patient, and affectionate with children.
- Great watchdogs: These dogs make excellent watchdogs because of their size and fearless nature. They have a strong protective instinct towards their owners, which makes them great at alerting them to potential danger.
- Easy to train: Colby Pitbulls are highly intelligent and have a strong desire to please their owners. This makes them relatively easy to train compared with other breeds.
- Versatile breed: These Pitbulls can be trained for agility, obedience, and protection sports competitions. They also excel in search and rescue operations.
Having a Colby Pitbull, however, might not be the best option for everyone. Here are the cons of owning a Colby Pitbull:
- Stigma: Unfortunately, these dogs are often associated with negative stereotypes that can make them difficult to place in homes. Other people might also shun you if you own a Colby Pitbull.
- Requires dedicated exercise: Colby Pitbulls have a lot of energy and need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Failure to provide enough exercise may result in destructive behaviors like chewing, digging, or barking.
- Aggressive tendencies: These Pitbulls have a strong protective instinct and can display aggressive behavior if not trained properly. This breed is also known for being dominant, so it’s important to establish yourself as the alpha from the start.
- Expensive: Colby Pitbulls are relatively expensive to purchase or maintain due to their size and needs. They also require specialized food, training, and veterinary care, which may add up quickly.
Considering the pros and cons of owning a Colby Pitbull is essential before committing to this breed to avoid encountering problems and having another dog surrendered to a rescue.
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Pitbull Bloodline?
The bloodline represents inherited contributions and traits from ancestors that are handed along through mating. A dog’s family genetics have a significant impact on its personality.
A carefully bred pedigree can provide precise details on temperament, behavior, and traits and enables the successful inheritance of desirable characteristics.
Razors Edge, Colby, Chevy, and Carver and Gator Pitbull are just a handful of the popular developed Pitbull lineages.
How to Determine a Pitbull’s Bloodline?
Your dog’s official family tree can be found in an American Kennel Club-certified pedigree, allowing you to research your dog’s origins.
Knowing your dog’s pedigree will enable you to predict the temperament, traits, and dispositions that it might exhibit.
How Many Pitbull Bloodlines Are There?
The history of the American Pitbull Terrier dog breed is lengthy and intricate. Within the breed are numerous Pitbull bloodlines, some of which are lesser known.
Generally, the most well-known bloodlines include Colby, Razors Edge, Johnson, Redboy, Gatorhead, Jeep/Rascal, and Greyline (or Gotti).
These lineages were originally intended to produce a dog with exceptional agility and endurance to thrive in various jobs, including protection, farm work, hunting, dog fighting, law enforcement, and companionship.
Final Thoughts
With its rich history and majestic appearance, the Colby Pitbull is really a one-of-a-kind Pitbull bloodline. Through proper training, this Pitbull can excel in different tasks and environments.
However, it’s important to remember that these dogs need experienced owners with the time and willingness to commit to providing them with proper care and attention.
Make sure you know about the bloodline and everything it includes before you take home one to ensure you can adequately address and provide for their needs.
What are your thoughts about the Colby Pitbull? Let us know in the comments if you plan to take one of these dogs home!