What Is A Razor’s Edge Pit Bull?

By Jason J. Row

What is a Razors Edge Pit Bull?  Quite simply it is a bloodline breed that was began by Dave Wilson of Virginia in the late 1980’s and was mastered by 1990.

In the late eighties Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Bull Terrier did not look like the Razors Edge dogs of today.  The styles were divided into three different worlds.  ADBA dogs which catered more towards the original game Pit Bulls.  UKC dogs who took the Pit Bull into more of a showing direction.  The AKC, who changed the breed into the American Staffordshire Terrier, and they went  into a completely different show world.  All three types stemmed from the original breed, The American Pit Bull Terrier, but all three styles had moved into very different directions.

Razors Edge, Inc. saw the beauty in them all, but they wanted more.  They wanted the drive and muscularity of the original Pit Bulls.  They wanted the size and substance of show Pit Bulls.  And they also wanted a mellow demeanor and clean look of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the beautiful blue color they had only seen in them.  They wanted something all the styles possessed, but with an extra “Edge”.  This is how the concept for the look of Razors Edge began.

They wanted to produce heavier built dogs with heavy bone structure. More of the “bullier look”. The breed was created by a cross of Terrier and Bulldog, and they wanted more of the Bully structure. (NOT re-introduce Bulldogs, but breed to pull heavier traits from within the existing breed.  Mix breeding was NEVER an idea or option! You can breed for traits already prevalent to pull desired genes.)

They also wanted a hard look, a head that was bricked in shaped with a hard chiseled look, and short blocky muzzle.  Size was important and they bred to create larger harder looking heads. Their concept was breed to produce females that look like males; hence one of their tag line quotes, “The place where females out do other kennels males”.

By 1990 Razors Edge was finally mastered in its entirety, and “The Bloodline” was introduced to the world!  For the first time there was a new look and attitude in the breed.  Razors Edge began advertising the line in ways that have forever changed the way people describe the dogs of today. “Home of the bone, heavy bone with substance, blocky brick shaped heads, dogs built with heavy bone and large heads but without compromise to movement, they’re fully built dogs with full body muscularity from head to tail”, the Bully look had begun!

To learn more please contact Taylor Blues Kennel and of course Razors Edge, Inc.

Fish Oil For My American Blue Pit Bull Terrier

By Jason J. Row

Tiburon came to us from Taylor Blues Kennel a little over a week ago and I’m happy to report he is doing well!  The only problem we have had with him was very dry and flaky skin under his coat.  From the research I have done it seems that this is a common problem with his breed.  It’s part of the genetics that contribute to his beautiful, charcoal gray color.  I know from past experience with my other dogs and even myself that Omega-3 fatty acids have helped and even “cured” this problem.

Starting last Sunday, after giving him a bath with aloe vera based dog shampoo, we started treating him with 1 gram (1000 mg) of Nature’s Measure Fish Oil.  Within 2 days, the dry skin flakes were gone and I’m pleased to report that as of a week later it has not returned.  We are giving him 1 g of the fish oil every other day.  From further research I have found that this, just like in humans, promotes overall heart health and good blood circulation.  Supportive, but not conclusive, research shows that consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary artery and heart disease.  His coat has also taken on a shiny and overall healthy look.

I recommend that one consult with their vet or breeder prior to adding or removing anything to their pets diet.  In the meantime, here is a great, albeit partial, list of foods to avoid feeding your dog.

What exactly is an American Blue Pit Bull Terrier?

By Jason J. Row

After reading a few web sites on the subject, I learned that an American Blue Pit Bull Terrier (ABPBT) is quite simply one with a “blue” coat and nose. They can range anywhere from a light gray to deep charcoal, almost black color. Also, ABPBT’s have grayish nose leather rather than the more common black nose. Blue Pit Bulls ARE NOT a separate breed or a distinct bloodline of the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT).

What causes the blue-gray color is a dilution of the color black.  The genetic make-up of a blue dog contains a recessive trait that causes the color pigmentation to gather around the middle of the hair shaft, thus leaving the tips colorless.  What we see with our eyes is the light to dark gray that is commonly called blue.

You may remember, from freshman biology class, that in order for a recessive trait, like blue eyes in humans, to be expressed in the offspring, BOTH parents must carry the gene for the recessive trait.  (If anyone knows where Mrs. Lobby, my highschool biology teacher, is, PLEASE TELL HER TO READ THIS!! I WAS PAYING ATTENTION 🙂 ) If you add to that, the alleles that influence coat and skin color and color patterns are found in several places along the canine genome, you then can truly understand how tricky producing a particular color can be.

Breeders who specialize in ABPBT’s, in order to ensure the production of blue pups, must necessarily limit themselves to a very small gene pool. It’s not uncommon for breeders to use dogs from the same families over and over in repeated breedings to bring the recessive traits to the fore. This practice, when overdone, is associated with both health and behavioral problems. Please contact Taylor Blue’s Kennel for more information on theirs and other kennels breeding practices.

The most common health problems associated with ABPBT’s are dermatological diseases including alopecia, hot spots and mange. These conditions are very treatable and over time, completely resolved if your canine inherits it.

According to The Encyclopedia of the American Pit Bull Terrier, “the cells that create pigmentation interact closely with the neurological and immune systems.” The article suggests that this may explain why dogs with recessive coloration, like the ABPBT, seem more susceptible to neurological conditions and immune disorders.

All breeds of canines have genetic “issues”. I was warned to not get a Dalmatian because they are prone to deafness. At age 7, my Dalmatian, Pixel, has shown no signs of this, however, she still does not listen to me. My point – get the American Blue Pit Bull Terrier if you are moved to do so. I took one look into Tiburon’s baby blue eyes and fell in love – despite his potential to develop skin issues he is a part of our family “in sickness and in health.” After not even a week of ownership he has wiggled his way into my wife’s, Pixel’s, Navajo’s and my heart forever.

Another Taylor Blue Goes To a Good Home! Please Help Name Him!

We are happy to announce today that another one of our males went to a good home near our kennel here in Lake Panasoffkee, FL. The new owners are Elizabeth and Jason Row of Center Hill, FL They have yet to name this little lover and have asked our Razor’s Edge family to help them by Tweeting (@taylorbluepits) or reply to this post with suggestions.

Taylor Blues New Mission Statement And Background Information

We specialize in Blue American Pit Bull Terriers. We have a love for dogs, and providing them with excellent homes is our main priority, and our ultimate goal.

Pit bulls have been given a bad reputation by the public and we are here to try and change that image. The more affection that is given to the dog and the more time spent with the dog, the more love  and affection the dog will show  you!

This kennel is  mostly Razor’s Edge.  We have three 100% razor’s edge dogs, one being male and the other two female. We also have a female that is 70% Edge and 15% Gaff and 15% Gotti.   We are always looking to expand.

Our male is always up for stud  to approved females. Please contact us for more information about stud fees.