Are you interested in learning more about the Gator Pitbull bloodline? It’s a specialized sub-breed within the Pitbull breed with all sorts of extraordinary traits.
Historically speaking, a Gator Pitbull is a kind of Pitbull that was explicitly bred as a fighting dog.
This breed can be black, blue, brindle, red-nosed, and blue-nosed. They have short glossy fur and can weigh 65 lbs (29 kg) and 15-20 inches (38-51 cm).
Despite being prone to some health problems, they are intelligent, tough, and affectionate. Still, they can be aggressive and hard to keep in your backyard due to being excellent escape artists.
What is a Gator Pitbull?
When you hear the title, this particular kind of dog sounds like a pretty scary hybrid, but it’s just a name alone. It is a special kind of Pitbull within the general dog breed of a Pitbull. Their name comes from their past.
Unlimited claims, No credit checks, No upper age limit & Multiple pet discounts
Compare the best rates on pet insurance
Where do Gator Pitbulls come from?
The origin of Gator Pitbulls is dogfighting. Back in the day, dogfighting was a trendy pastime for many engaged with different kinds of fighting themselves.
The Gator Pitbull gets its name from Plumber’s Alligator Pitbull and Rodriguez’s Gator Mouth Pitbull. The offspring that came from this breeding experience was the Gator Pitbull.
The goal of breeding these dogs was to create a bloodline of exceptional fighters and be able to make more offspring with even better-fighting skills.
Of course, most authorities now are quick to denounce dogfighting, and it’s even outlawed in many countries. The need for these kinds of dogs as fighters has mostly fallen to the wayside.
From one generation to the next, the bloodline of these parent dogs, both incredible fighters, has become somewhat diluted.
What does a Gator Pitbull look like?
Generally, they have short coats with glossy fur that is soft to the touch. Most have visible skin wrinkles and peaked ears like a classic Pitbull would have.
With very little fat content, these are solid, muscular dogs. As mentioned, they tend to weigh about 65 lbs (29 kg), making them thoroughly “durable” dogs! Ranging 15-20 inches (38-51 cm) for height, they are a strong dog breed for their size, especially when playing tug-of-war or going for a walk!
As far as coloring is concerned, the most popular types of coats, and other features, to look for in your Gator Pitbull are:
- Black
- Blue
- Brindle
- Red-nosed
- Blue-nosed
The most sought-after Gator Pitbull is most often the blue-nosed one, simply because of its coloring.
How long do Gator Pits live?
Like most dogs their size, they tend to live around 12 years or so, assuming they have their immunizations and are kept in good health.
This includes physical health as well as details like diet and emotional/mental health.
The Gator Pitbull temperament
Despite being bred as a fighting dog, there’s a lot to love about the Gator Pitbull bloodline as a typical household dog!
The main trait that initially caught the interest of breeders is that they can withstand a significant amount of physical pain from fighting and still can keep going. With dedicated endurance, this is a trait that still follows the breed!
Another trait to follow along from their historical roots is that they are fearless. In a situation where they need to defend themselves or their humans from a threat, they are courageous. They will have an exceptional ability to continue to protect even if they are injured.
Modern-day Gator Pitbulls are also social dogs, especially with humans. They love being around their humans and will follow them everywhere as their very best friend. They are affectionate and playful. They love to go for walks and generally keep active, thanks to their muscular build.
They are also intelligent dogs and are great candidates for training with fancy tricks. Even with courses, where you can almost create your very own obstacle course for them. Intelligence blended with a love of physical activity makes them great for these very kinds of activities!
Gator Pitbull health issues
As with many purebred dogs, some health issues are prevalent for Gator Pitbulls to be aware of. These include:
- Knee problems
- Thyroid concerns
- Skin issues
- Hip dysplasia
Knee problems
Since these dogs love to run, jump and play, knee problems are widespread with all of the movement and overuse of these joints.
It will often need a bit of attention both preventatively and after injury to help your Gator Pit keep on moving. As the dog gets older, these will become more pronounced, which may mean that you need to limit physical activity.
Thyroid concerns
In many kinds of Pitbulls, the thyroid causes significant problems. Since it impacts hormones, it can lead to issues from the skin to even aggression and other behavioral issues.
In cases where there isn’t the possibility of regulating the thyroid, most will need medication to control the situation throughout their life. It can often make many people think that they need to put their dog down since the aggression is stronger. An adequately qualified vet can help you manage it with medication, though.
Skin issues
Skin conditions are common due to their short fur. It could be allergies, which are common in many dogs with short fur. It could also be something more serious such as cancer, tumors, and even severe itching long-term.
Proper care for your dog’s skin will be essential to help the dog stay comfortable.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia becomes a problem with many large dog breeds, including Gator Pitbulls. It originates from lots of physical activity in this specific breed itself. It’s thought to be a hereditary issue passed down from both parent breeds.
While help is available in the form of a brace, most dogs will need to have their physical activity limited. They will struggle with keeping muscle mass on their hind end as the condition progresses.
Pros and cons of Gator Mouth Pitbulls
There are significant pros and cons to having this excitable dog breed in your household! Some of the highlights and consideration points are below to look at and use in making your decision.
Pros
- Playful dogs
- Active throughout their whole lives
- Love to be with their humans
- Courageous and persistent in protecting themselves/others
Cons
- Can be prone to aggression
- Physically strong and stubborn
- Needs lots of attention and supervision
- Must have dedicated socialization training
Pro considerations
When you have a household with kids and an active family, a Gator Pitbull is going to enjoy being a part of the group. It could be a day playing with toys or a hike in the mountains. They love to be around their humans and stay active as much as possible.
Since they are so protective and can “fight through the pain,” they also offer peace of mind. When it comes to the idea of your dog ever needing to defend someone in your household from any threat, they are the ideal dog.
Con discussion points
Before deciding whether or not a Gator Pit is suitable for you, however, you’ll want to consider the cons mentioned above seriously.
Due to their origins as a breed, they are naturally aggressive. It means that they may not do well with other dogs or even household pets. It’s something to think about when properly introducing your current dogs to a potential new addition!
Similarly, they can be physically strong and somewhat stubborn. When walking and training to walk on a leash, the human in charge will need to be strong enough to control them, if and when needed. This is especially so with the idea of being around other dogs at first. A leash is a must for these kinds of dogs in most public situations, too.
Between their strength and their tendency to be aggressive toward other animals, it’s essential for Gator Pits to get plenty of socialization training from the beginning of their time with you. This will help them learn how to behave around other animals and minimize any natural aggression in them. From dog parks to playdates to simply being out and about, a Gator Pit will need lots of attention just in that element of the dog’s personality!
Then there’s the fact they do like to be active. So active that the dogs are notorious escape artists! It isn’t so much that they hate being confined; it’s just that they love to move. All. The. Time. If you have a fenced yard for your Gator Pit, you’ll need to keep an eye on him or be prepared to build your fence higher so that he can’t jump over it and go for an adventure!
Where to buy a Gator Pitbull?
When looking to buy a Gator Pit, you’ll have two main options that you can consider: from a breeder or a rescue organization.
If you are looking at a breeder, you’ll want to be careful where you look. The breeder you choose should be an officially registered one and have the various certifications and licenses needed.
It can be a little “sketchy” because there are still some people in the business of breeding and then selling Gator Pits specifically to do dogfighting. These are often “under the table” kinds of people, of course, so doing your due diligence on sourcing your breeder is very important.
Not only does it help you stay away from any grey area issues, but it also makes sure that you are getting a responsible and healthy dog!
Since most breeders will look for you to be paying anywhere from $2 000 – $10 000 per puppy, depending on coloring, breeding, paperwork, etc., you’ll want to ensure that your dog is what you think it is!
Due to their somewhat recent change from fighting dogs to classic household dogs, you can find several rescue organizations explicitly dedicated to rehoming seized Gator Pits.
Focused simply on making sure that each dog gets a great home, they may not always have access to the same kinds of records or paperwork. Still, they will ensure that you take in a dog who needs a loving home.
The cost will be anywhere from $100 – $ 6 000, all of which will go back into that organization of rescuing more dogs in the future.
A word on puppy sourcing
As mentioned, the changeover from fighting dogs to household dogs is relatively recent. When you do end up going with a breeder or even a private adopter of so-called “rescue” puppies, you’ll want to be especially careful in checking them out.
Not everyone will always be focusing on being above board. It means that you could be implicated as well and possibly have your new furry addition removed if anything were to come of it.
In general
Gator Pitbulls were initially fighting dogs and can be black, blue, brindled, red-nosed, and blue-nosed.
They are medium-sized dogs and very muscular with short fur. They are social, intelligent, very active, and can be aggressive without proper training.
Due to their protectiveness and courage, they make great family dogs, but require strict socialization to help keep everyone safe.
The bloodline of the Gator Pitbull is undoubtedly one that comes from a genuinely horrific past for most dog lovers.
However, the mixed breed that came out of it was undoubtedly diverse, energetic, and full of nothing but love for humans. It’s pretty reassuring when you think about how far the breed has come!
Know someone who will find this story inspiring and informative in this often misunderstood breed? Could you share it with them?
Unlimited claims, No credit checks, No upper age limit & Multiple pet discounts
