Pitbulls, also known as American Pit Bull Terriers, are a popular breed known for their loyalty, strength, and affection towards their owners. However, one question that many potential pitbull owners have is 'Do Pitbulls shed?'
Read on to find out the answer!
Do Pitbulls Shed?
Unfortunately, Pitbulls shed year round and pretty consistently at that. Pitbulls are single-coated breeds, though, and won't have the same “blown-coat” (read: even more shedding!) that double-coated dogs will have.
The good news is that their short hair is also much less noticeable on clothes and furniture than what comes from longer-haired breeds. Before you grab your vacuum and give it a pep talk, scroll down to learn more about a Pitbull's coat and some tips and tricks to help control the shed.
Like all dogs, pitbulls have a coat that grows and sheds, but the amount of shedding can vary depending on the individual dog and their specific coat type. In this article, we will explore the shedding patterns of pitbulls, and what you can expect in terms of grooming and maintenance if you decide to bring a pitbull into your home.
Why Do Pitbulls Shed
Shedding (or molting as some call it) is to be expected with almost all dogs, though some do this to varying degrees as part of their natural hair growth cycle. While Pitbulls are far from low to no shedders, it could certainly be worse. Other breeds like Goldens and Labs for example, shed so bad it’ll make your Pit Bull look like a hairless cat.
Of course when we talk Pit Bulls, theres a few different varieties we're talking about here in the US: American Bullys, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldogs, or any mix in between. They're easy to identify with their short, stocky, and muscular body with a short snout.
Do pitbulls have hair or fur?
Pitbulls have dog fur, not dog hair (there actually is a difference). Dogs that tend to shed less like a Maltese or Poddle have dog hair, which has a longer cycle of growth and sheds less often. Of course, the dog's genetics also matter, and your dog might be a bit different from others of the same breed or if they're not a pure bred Pit Bull. Ultimately dogs with hair shed less because it’s longer and less dense.
What time of year do pitbulls shed most?
As with most dogs, Pittys tend to shed more heavily during certain seasons, typically in the late spring and early summer as they lose their winter coats, and during late fall when they begin to prepare for winter again. While this can increase the fur you see flying around, it’s perfectly normal, they are simply adapting to the changing season.
Dog breeds that shed the most
Here are some of the dog breeds who shed the most (way more than Pitbulls!)
Alaskan Husky
Alaskan Malamute
Labrador Retriever
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Siberian husky
Akita
Chow Chow
St. Bernard
Dog breeds that shed the least
Here are some of the dog breeds who shed the least (way less than Pitbulls!)
Komondor
Airedale
Saluki
Poodles and Doodles
Irish Water Spaniels
Giant Schnauzer
Portuguese Water Dog
Belgian Malinois
Black Russian Terrier
What can I do if my Pitbull sheds a lot?
Unfortunately, you're not going to be able to ask your Pit Bull nicely and get them to stop shedding, it's just what they do. They've been doing it for thousands of years and it's been working just fine. You can though learn to manage it and improve it so it's not taking over your house. There's a few important elements to pay attention to: Proper Diet, Exercise & Hydration, Grooming, and Bathing.
Diet
There's not a special 'anti-shedding food' available yet, but feeding your Pit Bull a high quality dog food rich in nutrients and light on the fillers is definitely worth planning for. Keeping your dog healthy overall is of course the idea, but a diet rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are known to help when it comes to shedding in check and their coat in optimal condition.
Exercise & Hydration
It's always a great idea to make sure your dog is getting enough exercise to keep them in the best physical and mental shape. Plenty of walks and ample opportunity to run around is the best. Of course, things like the Fi Collar can help you track this exercise and make sure they're getting enough on a daily basis. Make sure they're provided enough fresh water throughout the day too with increased activity to keep them properly hydrated.
Grooming
For grooming, a Pit Bull is quite low maintenance. Give them a quick brush once or twice a week to maintain their coat and keep it looking in tip top shape, it also helps to proactively remove any loose fur. Using a circular motion with the brush also stimulates circulation and distributes the natural oils available in their skin, removing any dead hair and dead skin cells. We've had a lot of success using a ribbed glove you can buy at pet supply stores that fits over your hand and makes this process even easier if your dog is not loving the brush option.
Bathing
Giving a Pit Bull a bath is easy with their relatively short coats, so you don't have to dunk them in the tub frequently, but when you do make sure you're using a high quality shampoo free from chemicals and pesticides. Experts recommend that you only use shampoo formulated for dogs (no herbal essences here!) as Human Shampoos might have fragrances or ingredients that can irritate your pup's skin. Avoid alcohol or other cleaning products, but in a pinch human baby shampoos can be great (and make them smell wonderful)
Are they hypoallergenic?
Pit Bulls are NOT considered to be a hypoallergenic dog breed despite their short coats. This is because their coat produces lots of dander and when they shed. So if you have pet related allergies, you may find that there are more suitable breeds.
When to call the vet
Sometimes shedding can be caused by things such as fleas, food allergies, or any number of potential underlying health issues. Of course if you have any concerns, it's always great to check in with your vet to ensure they're in top shape first.
Dermatological issues
It's totally possible for a short-haired Pit Bull to have skin issues like hot spots and sores. If your buddy suffers from allergies (especially food) or fleas especially, you might see them trying to scratch or bite at it frequently in an attempt to alleviate the itching feeling. Dry and flaky skin is also an indication that something might be wrong and is worth checking in with your vet on.
Conclusion
Pitbulls do shed, but the amount of shedding can vary depending on the individual dog and their coat type. Short-haired pitbulls will shed less than those with longer hair, but all pitbulls will shed to some degree.
It's important to note that regular grooming and brushing can help to minimize shedding and keep your pitbull's coat looking shiny and healthy. Additionally, a healthy diet and regular exercise can also help to reduce shedding.
If you're considering adding a pitbull to your family, it's important to be prepared for some shedding and to be prepared to do regular grooming to keep your home and your pitbull's coat looking clean. With proper care and attention, your pitbull can be a loving and loyal companion, who will bring joy and happiness to your home.
For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi.com.
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