Razor Edge Pitbulls are known for their good temperament and sturdy appearance. They may sound a little scary but as we will see, these dogs tend to be gentle giants and they are becoming more popular as companions in US households.
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Physical characteristics of the Razor Edge Pitbull
Razor Edge Pitbulls tend to be stockier and have larger heads than American Pitbulls. This is a result of the use of English Bulldogs in the development of the breed.
They have small, short muzzles in comparison with their head size. With broad chests, short backs, and thick-set legs, these dogs look sturdy, muscular, and powerful.
Razor Edge Pitbulls measure around 16-20 inches, with males usually slightly larger than females.
They typically weigh between 65 and 85 pounds – as a muscular dog with a big head they weigh a lot for dogs of their size.
An XL variant stands up to 22 inches and a larger XXL variant is even taller. However, the XXL variant doesn’t tend to be recognized by American Bull Breed Clubs as it is considered too far removed from the original Razor Edge Pitbull type.
Razor Edge Pitbulls are usually blue, blue and white, or blue brindle. Some breeders may specialize in breeding dogs of other colors, but they don’t come in a wide range of colors like the American Pitbull.
The temperament of the Razor Edge Pitbull
Razor Edge Pitbulls were bred to be good companions and as a result, they are usually loving and affectionate with family members and sociable with strangers. They just want to say hello!
Unlike other Pitbull breeds, Razor Edge Pitbulls were not bred for their fighting ability and they have a lower prey drive than many other bull breeds.
Like all dogs, it is essential that they are well-socialized as puppies, well-trained, and brought up in loving homes. The use of harsh training methods or punishment may negatively affect their temperament.
Razor Edge Pitbulls can make good watchdogs as they will bark if they hear someone approaching their territory. However their friendly nature means that they don’t make good guard dogs, they are more likely to lick an intruder to death!
Suggested reading: Which breeds make the best guard dog breeds?
Care of the Razor Edge Pitbull
Owning a dog is a big commitment and taking good care of them can help to prevent illness and ensure they live a long, healthy life.
Your Razor Edge Pitbull will need a good quality diet, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and basic training using reward-based methods.
At home you will need a securely fenced yard and a big comfy dog bed inside, these dogs don’t do well if made to live outside.
Many owners report that Razor Edge Pitbulls are couch potatoes! They have short coats and only require occasional grooming, although it is a good idea to get your puppy used to being brushed and handled from early on.
They should have regular vet check-ups and be vaccinated, microchipped, de-wormed, and treated for fleas and ticks.
They may need their nails trimmed if you don’t walk them on hard surfaces.
Vets also recommend regular tooth brushing to prevent periodontal disease, this is also something you should start while your puppy is still young.
Exercise and training requirements of the Razor Edge Pitbull
Although the Razor Edge Pitbull tends to be more laid back and less demanding than the American Pitbull, it still requires regular exercise to keep fit and healthy.
A lack of exercise in any dog can lead to boredom and frustration, which can cause more serious behavior issues.
The Razor Edge Pitbull is a heavy dog and can tire more quickly than its more athletic relatives- it isn’t a breed that will enjoy long hikes in the mountains. It prefers shorter, more regular outings, so 2 half-hour walks a day will usually be sufficient.
If you notice your dog regularly becoming over-excited, destructive or difficult to manage at home, it might be that you need to increase the amount of exercise he is getting.
Remember that mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise so ensure your dog is also having time to engage with you through play and training.
Some Razor Edge Pitbulls can become destructive, especially when they are young. Puppies will chew more when they are losing their teeth and their adult teeth are coming through.
Adult dogs will also chew through boredom or to relieve stress. These are dogs with powerful jaws and they can destroy a sofa in no time at all!
Make sure your dog has plenty of appropriate things to chew on such as robust toys and long-lasting dog chews. Regularly buy new chews or rotate them so the dog always has something new and exciting to chew on.
Regular training is important for all dogs, but especially so for a dog as muscular and powerful as the Razor Edge Pitbull.
A well-trained dog is easier to manage, especially in a family home. Ensure you train your dog using kind, reward-based methods.
Using old-fashioned training methods, such as those that are based upon dominance techniques, can cause fear and can damage the relationship with your dog.
Never ever use prong or shock collars, or any other device that causes your dog pain. This is unnecessary and can increase the likelihood of aggressive behavior.
What is a Razor Edge Pitbull?
The Razor Edge Pitbull was created by crossing the American Pitbull Terrier and up to five other breeds.
It is thought these included the English Bulldog, the American Bulldog, the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier and some mastiff breeds.
The Razor Edge bloodline now breeds true to type, meaning all Razor Edge Pitbulls will have similar characteristics and you do not see the random variations that occur with mixed breeds.
This means that it is not simply a Pitbull mix, although there is some debate as to whether the Razor Edge Pitbull is an actual breed in its own right or a separate pitbull bloodline.
The history of the Razor Edge Pitbull
The Razor Edge Pitbull was first created in the 1980s by Dave Wilson and Carlos Barksdale.
They were aiming to breed a muscular and powerful dog with all the athletic prowess of the American Pitbull and the American Bulldog, but with a friendly and sociable temperament.
Dave and Carlos started the Razor Edge Kennel and over many years they selectively bred dogs with desirable physical characteristics and temperament traits until they had created the Razor Edge Pitbull.
The breed is relatively new and it is still being refined and developed, but due to its reputation as a good companion and family dog, the Razor Edge Pitbull is becoming increasingly popular in the US.
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Razor Edge Pitbull – FAQs
Are Razor Edge Pitbulls good with children?
Razor Edge Pitbulls tend to be calm, good-natured dogs. They can make good family pets if they are well-socialized around children from when they are young.
As a breed they are laid back and tolerant, you may see pictures of children sitting on Razor Edge Pitbulls or pulling their ears.
Their good nature means that they will often tolerate this behavior but it is unfair to let children treat a dog in this way and it is important to supervise all interactions between dogs and children.
Are Razor Edge Pitbulls recognized by the American Kennel Club?
No, Razor Edge Pitbulls are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they are recognized by some bull breed clubs including the American Bully Kennel Club.
What is the lifespan of the Razor Edge Pitbull?
Razor Edge Pitbulls usually live up to 10 years old if well cared for. Very occasionally you may find a Razor Edge Pitbull as old as 12 or 13 years.
Do Razor Edge Pitbulls have any health problems?
Originating from a mix of breeds, the Razor Edge Pitbull tends to be a healthy dog. However, there is evidence that more recently some inherited diseases have started to become a problem.
This is most likely due to a smaller gene pool and a lack of mandatory health screening for dogs in breeding programs.
This means that breeders may breed from two dogs with shared ancestors, increasing the likelihood of genetic conditions being passed on to the puppies.
If you are purchasing a Razor Edge Pitbull puppy, make sure the breeder has a good understanding of these issues and has opted to health test their dogs before breeding from them.
Ideally, Razor Edge Pitbull breeders should screen for the following conditions:
- Hip Dysplasia- an inherited condition that causes malformation of the hip joint.
- Elbow Dysplasia- an inherited condition that causes malformation of the elbow joint.
- Congenital Ichthyosis- an inherited skin condition that causes thickening and flaking of the outer layer of skin.
- Cone-Rod Dystrophy 1- an inherited eye condition that causes early onset blindness.
There are a few other health conditions that Razor Edge Pitbull owners should be aware of as symptoms may not show up until the dog is fully grown or even into its senior years.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.
Dogs with shortened muzzles are known as ‘brachycephalic’. These dogs often look appealing, but in extreme cases, the shape of their muzzle can have serious health consequences.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) occurs when the shape of the dog’s face prevents adequate airflow into the airways.
Although Razor Edge Pitbulls have longer muzzles than some other breeds, their shortened muzzle can put them at risk of BOAS. Symptoms include snorting, loud breathing, intolerance of heat or exercise, gagging and vomiting or collapse.
Gastric dilatation and volvulus.
Although this condition can occur in any dog, it is most common in large, deep-chested dogs, and so Razors Edge Pitbull may be at greater risk.
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) occurs when the dog’s stomach fills with gas (also known as bloat).
The stomach can then twist, blocking the entry and exit and causing a life-threatening emergency.
You can reduce the risk of your dog developing GDV by feeding two smaller meals instead of one big one and leaving at least an hour between feeding and exercising your dog.
Symptoms of GDV include retching and vomiting, a bloated abdomen, pale gums, drooling, whining, and collapse.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is caused by an underactive thyroid gland and along with other pitbulls, Razor Edge Pitbulls can be prone to developing this condition.
Symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, and hair loss as well as behavioral changes including aggression.
Heart disease.
Razor Edge Pitbulls can be prone to various inherited heart defects, including aortic stenosis (narrowing of the left ventricle and aorta), heart murmurs, and problems with the heart valves.
These conditions may be asymptomatic so regular vet checks are a good idea.
What is the best food for a Razor Edge Pitbull?
Like all dogs, Razor Edge Pitbulls thrive on a well-balanced diet that has been designed to meet all their nutritional needs.
This might be dry kibble or canned food, or a combination of the two. Make sure the food is the best quality you can afford, with meat as the primary ingredient.
Razor Edge Pitbulls like their food and care should be taken not to overfeed them as they can quickly become overweight.
How much do Razor Edge Pitbulls cost?
Razor Edge Pitbulls are not cheap! You can expect to pay at least $2000 for a puppy. Very well-bred puppies may cost $10,000 dollars or more.
Where is the best place to buy a Razor Edge Pitbull?
It is always recommended to go to a reputable breeder who has a good understanding of genetics and is committed to breeding healthy dogs with good temperaments.
Suggested reading: How to find a reputable dog breeder
Avoid backyard breeders at all costs, their puppies may be cheaper but you may pay with heartache in the long run if your dog turns out to be unhealthy or has a poor temperament.
Ask to meet the parents of the puppies and preferably dogs from previous litters. Read reviews from owners that have previously bought puppies from the breeder.
Be prepared to walk away if you feel at all unsure about a breeder, their dogs, or their premises. A good breeder will ask you lots of questions about the home you can offer one of their pups.
If you are looking for an adult dog, a breeder would still be a good place to start. They sometimes have dogs returned to them through no fault of their own, or they may be aware of dogs in the area needing a new home. Some Razor Edge Pitbull breeders will also take in rescue cases.
Can you find Razor Edge Pitbulls in a rescue center?
It would be highly unlikely to find a Razor Edge Pitbull in a rescue center. If one did find itself in rescue, it would probably be called a pitbull mix if it did not come with registration papers.
If you are set on rehoming a Razor Edge Pitbull, it would be a good idea to contact a bull breed rescue organization and leave your details with them.
Suggested reading: Adopting vs buying a dog, ways to identify a reputable dog rescue shelter, best pet adoption websites
Are Razor Edge Pitbulls good for first-time dog owners?
Despite their scary name, these dogs are actually big softies and are different in temperament to American Pitbulls or American Bulldogs.
Razor Edge Pitbulls can be a good choice for a first-time dog owner, as long as they have the support of a qualified dog trainer to guide them.
Puppy training classes can be invaluable for puppies and owners and are especially important for first-time dog owners.
It is worth remembering that although they tend to have good temperaments, they are big strong dogs and so won’t suit everyone.
Pros and cons of owning a Razor Edge Pitbull
Pros
- They have a good temperament as long as they are well-socialized and trained
- They don’t require huge amounts of exercise
- Their short coat is easy to care for
- They are generally healthy dogs if well cared for
- They are food motivated so are easy to train
Cons
- They can look intimidating
- There are some health issues to be aware of
- They can cost a lot of money
- Their large size and stature may not suit everyone
- It can be difficult to find a Razor Edge Pitbull in a rescue center.
Razor Edge Pitbull – final thoughts
The Razor Edge Pitbull is still a relatively new breed and consequently, many people haven’t heard of it.
Because of the association with pitbulls and dog fighting, some people may be put off by the name and physical appearance of this dog.
However, a bit of research soon reveals that this dog has been bred to be a companion and they can make affectionate and loving pets.
Providing they are well socialized, well cared for, and trained to respond to basic commands, Razor Edge Pitbulls are great dogs to have around.