Crump’s Bullies Blog

Check out our blog for real‐world advice on caring for Pitbulls and American Bullies. You’ll find easy‐to‐follow tips on health checks, feeding schedules, and basic training that actually works. We also dive into breeding best practices – everything from planning a litter and whelping puppies to preparing for your first dog show. Socialization is huge, so our posts cover how to introduce your Bully pup to new people, pets, and environments. And don’t worry if you own another breed – we’ve got general puppy care, nutrition guides, and behavior advice that applies across the board. At Crump’s Bullies, we know that staying informed is the best way to raise healthy, happy dogs. Browse our blog, pick up a few pointers, and get confident about every step of owning, breeding, and showing your Bully or Pitbull.

Read more about the article Interesting Facts About Pit Bulls

Interesting Facts About Pit Bulls

The term “Pit Bull” often causes confusion. Rather than referring to a single breed, it can mean several related dogs, including the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. Here are some surprising and factual insights to help you separate myth from reality.

Origins and Early History

Bred in England, Not America
Pit Bulls trace back to early 19th-century England, developed by crossing Bulldogs with terriers. Colonists later brought these dogs to America, where they evolved into versions we know today as the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier.

From Bull- and Bear-Baiting to Ratting
Originally, breeders paired the tenacity of terriers with the strength of Bulldogs for blood sports. These early dogs were used in bear baiting and, after that was outlawed, ratting contests. Despite those brutal origins, breeders prioritized dogs that were gentle with people, so handlers could safely intervene in the pit.

Farm Dogs and Family Companions
On American farms, Pit Bulls wore many hats: hunting small game, guarding property, and even herding livestock. Their reputation for loyalty and courage earned them nicknames like “Nanny Dog,” as they were considered reliable around children.

Patriotic Mascots
During World War I, Pit Bulls became national symbols of American strength and determination. Posters used their images to encourage enlistment and sell war bonds. In fact, Pit Bulls appeared on the cover of Life magazine more than any other breed—another testament to their popularity in early 20th-century America.

Breed Traits and Characteristics

What “Pit Bull” Really Means
Some people equate Pit Bull solely with the American Pit Bull Terrier, while others include the American Staffordshire Terrier and similar-looking dogs under the “Pit Bull” umbrella. That broad label explains why so much confusion surrounds the breed’s size, temperament, and appearance.

Size of the Population
It’s estimated there are over 2 million Pit Bulls in the United States, making them one of the country’s most common dog types. Their prevalence means you’ll find these dogs living in city apartments, rural farms, and suburban neighborhoods alike.

Wrinkled Foreheads
As Pit Bull puppies grow, the loose skin on their foreheads often smoothed out. That wrinkle near the brow straightens with age, giving adult Pit Bulls a clean, alert expression without the puppy-hood folds.

Excellent Temperament Scores
Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier rank highly on the American Temperament Test Society’s evaluations—often outperforming smaller breeds like Miniature Schnauzers. This demonstrates their reliable nature when properly socialized and trained.

Athleticism and Escape Artists
Thanks to their lean, muscular build, Pit Bulls are among the best climbers in the dog world. If you’re containing one in your backyard, expect them to scale fences unless your barrier is tall and secure.

Myths about Pain Tolerance
You might hear that Pit Bulls don’t feel pain, but that’s simply false. All dogs can focus on other tasks and temporarily ignore discomfort; Pit Bulls are no exception. Their determination during play or work can make them look like they “don’t notice pain,” but they feel it just like any other dog.

Not Ideal Guard Dogs
Despite their reputation, Pit Bulls aren’t naturally suspicious of strangers. Many are so people-oriented that they’ll greet an intruder with a wagging tail. If you need a watch dog, you may want a breed with a stronger protective instinct.

Blue Nose and Other Color Lines
“Blue Nose” refers to Pit Bulls with a diluted black coat that looks slate-gray. It’s not a separate breed—just a color variation. Equally striking is the “Razor’s Edge” line, prized for its robust build and affectionate temperament, though these dogs often carry a higher price tag.

“Locking Jaw” Myth
Pit Bulls do not have a special jaw-locking mechanism. They simply have very strong jaws. Their bite force can pull very hard, but mechanically speaking, it’s the same jaw structure you’d find in other breeds.

Notable Pit Bulls in History

Sallie at Gettysburg
During the Battle of Gettysburg, a female Pit Bull named Sallie stayed with Union soldiers, tending to the wounded. A statue and memorial in Pennsylvania honor her loyalty and bravery.

Sergeant Stubby, the Most Decorated Dog of World War I
Stubby served in 17 battles, alerting soldiers to poison gas attacks and even capturing a German spy. He returned to the U.S. a national hero, often featured in parades and newsreels.

Bud and the First Cross‐Country Auto Trip
In 1903, Horatio Nelson Jackson and Sewall K. Crocker set out on America’s first cross-country car journey, taking along their Pit Bull, Bud. Bud’s calm demeanor made him the perfect road trip companion.

Petey from The Little Rascals
Petey the Pit Bull, with his distinctive ring around one eye, became a beloved character in the Our Gang/Little Rascals film series. His friendly, easy-going nature helped shape the public’s perception of Pit Bulls as family dogs.

Famous Owners
Pit Bulls have counted notable figures among their owners—Theodore Roosevelt had a dog named Pete, while Helen Keller owned a Pit Bull called Stubby (not to be confused with Sergeant Stubby). Modern celebrities like Jessica Biel, Alicia Silverstone, and Jamie Foxx continue to show their love for the breed.

The Pit Bull Controversy

Pit Bulls and Other Dog Bites
Statistics often list Pit Bulls among breeds involved in serious bite incidents. But many experts warn these numbers are skewed by factors like population size, owner behavior, and misidentification of mixed breeds. What matters more is a dog’s upbringing, training, and socialization than its breed.

Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL)
Numerous municipalities have passed laws targeting Pit Bulls or “Pit Bull-type” dogs. Critics argue BSL is ineffective because it focuses on appearance rather than individual dog behavior. Instead, many advocates push for “dangerous dog” laws that evaluate each dog on its own conduct.

Misunderstood Temperament
Pit Bulls don’t always warn before biting and may show prey drive toward other dogs. That’s less about aggression and more about instinct, so early socialization and responsible ownership are essential. A well-socialized Pit Bull is unlikely to pose a threat to people—though owners must still supervise interactions with small animals.

Not Hardened Watch Dogs
Because Pit Bulls usually love people, they’re not the best guard dogs. They’re more likely to treat a stranger as a potential friend than a threat, so banks or jewelry stores generally choose breeds with a stronger protective instinct.

Popularity and Misuse
Increased popularity has brought both good breeders and bad actors into the scene. Some people seek Pit Bulls for intimidation or dog fighting—activities that remain illegal but persist underground. Pit Bulls become “America’s Most Abused Dog” when forced into rings or neglected by irresponsible owners.

Ban and Renaming Efforts
The UK banned Pit Bulls in 1991, and several U.S. cities still restrict ownership. There have been attempts to rebrand Pit Bulls under new names (e.g., “American Bully”), but no alternative has gained widespread acceptance.

A Closer Look at Blue Nose Pit Bulls

Blue Nose Pit Bulls Today
“Blue Nose” Pit Bulls stand out for their slate-gray noses and coats. They’re not a separate breed—just a color variation. Despite their striking appearance, they share the same lovable, tenacious nature as other Pit Bulls. If you’re considering a Blue Nose, remember that temperament, genetics, and upbringing matter far more than coat color.

Final Thoughts

Pit Bulls remain one of the most misunderstood dog groups. By learning about their history, characteristics, and real-world behavior, you can move past misconceptions. Whether you want an affectionate family companion, reliable farm helper, or devoted service dog, a well-bred and well-trained Pit Bull can excel in any role. For responsible ownership, focus on health testing, positive training, and socialization—your Pit Bull will thank you with loyalty, energy, and that unmistakable “nanny dog” devotion.

Read more about the article Facts About Merle Pit Bulls

Facts About Merle Pit Bulls

Merle is a genetic pattern that produces patches of darker color on a lighter background, often with ticking (small spots) and blue eyes. Because merle acts as a color diluter, it can lighten the base coat. When a dog’s primary color is white, merle often shows up as heavy ticking on the white areas.

Although merle is clearly hereditary, researchers haven’t pinpointed a single gene responsible. At first, merle was thought to be controlled by one dominant gene, but now it appears to involve multiple genes working together. That complex interaction explains why merle can skip generations and show up unexpectedly in some litters.

History of the Merle Pit Bull Terrier

Merle has been part of Pitbull history since the breed’s earliest days. When the American Pit Bull Terrier earned its first formal recognition, breeders like John Colby kept merle dogs. In Louis Colby’s “Colby’s Book of the American Pit Bull Terrier” (1922), a famous merle female named Goldie appears in a photo with John and young Louis Colby. Other early references to merle appear in Richard Stratton’s breed books.

Over the years, some people have tried to dismiss Goldie’s photo as “Colby’s Goldy,” a different dog entirely. But Louis Colby himself never corrected the image in later editions. He even refused to change it when persuaded that an error might make his book more valuable. Documentary evidence and side-by-side photo comparisons confirm that Goldie was indeed a merle Pitbull.

In 1936, the first written breed standard for Pitbulls stated, “Any color, solid, parti, or marked is acceptable.” Fourteen years later, the American Kennel Club’s standard echoed the same openness: “Any color or marking is permissible.” Those early rules prove that merle was an accepted color for Pitbulls—long before modern debates began.

The Merle Controversy

In recent decades, some registries have stopped recognizing merle Pitbulls despite decades of historical acceptance. This shift often comes down to a few influential individuals who criticize merle based on their own biases. One prominent opponent of merle supports heavy inbreeding, even though many health problems blamed on merle actually stem from tight inbreeding.

Critics sometimes call merle “impure” or “mixed,” but no solid evidence links merle to other breeds. If you argue that introducing merle “dilutes” purebred Pitbulls, then by that logic every dog breed would be in jeopardy—because all dog breeds have some history of crossbreeding. Even the United Kennel Club acknowledges that many historic Pitbull lines carried genes from other bulldog-type and terrier-type breeds. Removing merle would mean erasing hundreds of years of documented variety.

Health Considerations for Merle Pitbulls

Since 2005, the American Pit Bull Registry (APBR) has reviewed health claims about merle Pitbulls to separate fact from fiction. After a decade of study—examining written records, old photographs, and lineages—APBR found that merle Pitbulls do not suffer more health issues than non-merle Pitbulls when responsibly bred.

Merle is a dilution pattern, so breeding two merles together can produce “double merles,” which carry a higher risk of vision or hearing problems. Because of that, most experienced breeders pair one merle with a non-merle to avoid double dilution. A few breeders have safely bred merle-to-merle with careful testing, but those litters require close monitoring and a willingness to manage any potential health challenges.

In our research, we also found cases where a merle gene skipped generations before reappearing in a litter. This confirms that merle can hide for several generations, and why breeders must rely on DNA testing rather than appearance alone.

Merle Pit Bulls Today and Tomorrow

Despite ongoing controversy, merle remains part of the Pitbull’s documented history. The APBR believes it would be unethical to rewrite that history or erase a color that’s been recognized for nearly 100 years. Every Pitbull line has faced challenges—reds, whites, blues, and merles each had times of doubt. If breeders let personal bias dictate which colors to accept, the entire breed would risk losing its rich diversity.

True Pitbull fans and owners embrace this variety. In a country that values freedom, it’s unfair to deny anyone the choice to own a merle Pitbull. Climate, local laws, and personal preference will always influence whether someone picks a merle dog, but no one should try to ban merle altogether.

At APBR, we celebrate the merle Pitbull’s future. With responsible breeding—meaning health testing, minimal inbreeding, and ethical practices—merle Pitbulls will continue to thrive as part of the breed’s vibrant legacy.

Read more about the article Factors To Consider In Buying An American Bully

Factors To Consider In Buying An American Bully

An American Bully is primarily a companion dog, bred for friendly, family-oriented temperaments rather than protection work. If you’re thinking about adding one to your household, there are a few key things to look for before bringing home your new Bully puppy.

Breeder Reputation and Transparency

Start by researching potential breeders. A reputable Bully breeder will share health records, lineage information, and updates—sometimes even photos or videos of the puppies with their dam and sire. If a breeder only offers photos of a puppy without clear background details, that’s a red flag. Quality breeders are proud to show you how their dogs live and grow, and they’ll answer questions about health testing, socialization, and care routines.

American Bully Cost Comparison

American Bully prices vary depending on bloodline, color, and breeder reputation. Compare several breeders to understand typical price ranges. Be wary of unusually low prices, since exceptional quality and proper health screenings usually come at a higher cost. On the flip side, a very expensive puppy doesn’t always guarantee a better dog, so balance price against breeder transparency and health guarantees.

American Bully Size and Type

American Bullies come in different classes—Pocket, Standard, Classic, and XL – each with its own height and weight ranges. Decide what size best fits your living space and lifestyle. If you want a lap-friendly Bully, a Pocket or Standard might be ideal. If you prefer a more imposing build, an XL Bully could be a better match. By focusing on these factors – breeder credibility, fair pricing, and the right Bully size – you’ll be well on your way to finding a healthy, happy companion that fits your family for years to come.

That's All Folks!