Different Pitbull Bloodlines

The pit bull terrier --- or simply, pit bull --- has developed a bad reputation due to highly reported incidents of violence toward people and other dogs. Pit bulls were originally bred as vicious fighters. Still, many people own and love their pit bull and claim that they are friendly and docile. As of 2011, more than 80 varieties of pit bull bloodlines exist.

  1. Bloodline

    • A breeder chooses a particular breed of dog for the unique qualities it possesses. She takes into account the history of the breed and the qualities valued in that breed; she then chooses a dog by analyzing its health, balance, proportions and temperament. Bloodlines derive their names from a particular male or female dog that possessed desired qualities and was therefore highly bred, or they are named for a breeder who was able to breed high-quality specimens.

    Carver Bloodline

    • The Carver bloodline originated in Carver Kennels, run by the famous breeder Maurice Carver. Maurice Carver, a breeder in the mid-20th century, has a reputation in some circles as one of the top breeders of all time. His breeding instinct has produced one of the most popular and enduring pit bull bloodlines. Carver bloodline pit bulls embody top qualities in terms of power, health, strength and definition. Breeders proudly display their Carver bloodline pit bulls, and these dogs often fetch top dollar.

    Colby Bloodline

    • John P. Colby was a breeder in the early 20th century. His son Louis continued to breed high-quality dogs after his father passed away. The Colby bloodline is one of the oldest pit bull bloodlines. Colby would test dogs before crossbreeding them with his original stock. These tests often involved pitting one dog against up to three other dogs. If the single dog survived, it was clearly a powerful specimen, and he would then breed that dog. The lineage of Colby pit bulls originated in England and Ireland.

    Other Bloodlines

    • Bourdreaux and Mayfield are two other well known bloodlines named after breeders. Carlos Barksdale and Dave Wilson created the Blue bloodlines --- also known as Razor's Edge. Some consider Blue pit bulls highly desirable, but according to Rio's Pit Bull Kingdom, Blue bloodline pit bulls are prone to various infections as well as dermatitis and allergies. The red nose pit bull is not actually a bloodline; a pit bull's coloring does not indicate its bloodline.