Do pitbulls shed?
Dogs shed their fur occasionally and Pit bulls are no exception.
This might come as a shock to most people, but just because Pitbull terriers have a short coat doesn’t mean they don’t shed like other dogs. The good news, however, is that they shed lightly, unlike the German Shepherd and other dog breeds with long hair.
So if you’re looking to buy a pitbull puppy or maybe you want to adopt one from a shelter, you don’t have to worry too much about having dog hair all over your furniture and clothes. Read on to find out how much pitbull terriers shed and how to manage it.
Pitbulls are lovable and loyal pets. With simple tips and tricks, you’ll learn how to care for their skin and coat to avoid excess shedding.
But wait, since Pitbulls shed, does that mean they’re hypoallergenic?
The answer is No.
Even though Pitbulls shed, they’re not a hypoallergenic breed. So if your allergies to dog hair or other dog breeds have been preventing you from owning your furry creature, you’re safe to do so now with a Pitbull.
So now that you’ve made up your mind to get yourself a new pet, let us share with you how to deal with your pitbull’s shedding. Here’s what we’ll be looking at in today’s article.
- Does Pitbulls shed differently based on breed?
- Shedding frequency: How much do Pitbulls shed?
- Excessive Shedding: other reasons Pitbulls shed
- Ways to manage your Pitbull shedding
- How to keep your home clean from dog hairs
- Frequently asked questions
Does Pitbulls Shed Differently Based On Their Breed?
The name ‘Pitbull’ is used to identify a certain dog breed. Four types of Pitbulls fall under the pitbull terrier family and each has short coats that shed (loose fur) minimally throughout the year.
- American Pitbull Terrier: The American pit bull terrier is probably the most popular among the Pitbull breeds. They come in a variety of colours and their coat sheds at an average amount.
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier: The Staffordshire bull terrier is slightly smaller than the American Pitbull. They have a shiny short coat that they shed seasonally.
- American Bully: The American bully is the shortest of the Pitbull breed. However, what they lack in height they make up for in strength. The American bully also has a close coat that shines and sheds seasonally.
- American Staffordshire Terrier: Lastly, the American Staffordshire terrier is an average-sized Pitbull option and has a similar coat to other breeds.
Looking at these breeds of Pitbulls, you can see that the difference between them is most in size and appearance and they share the same coat qualities.
We’ve now come to terms with the fact that Pitbulls actually do shed and although some Pitbulls might appear to shed more than others, that is not the case.
The difference in shedding is usually due to the color of their coats or fur. White or brown Pitbull dog fur will be more easily noticed than black or grey fur on surfaces and furniture.
Shedding Frequency: How Much Do Pitbulls Shed?
Pitbulls are single-coated dogs which means they don’t have a layered undercoat. Unlike some double-coated dog breeds like the Labrador that have to shed heavily twice per year to get rid of their undercoat.
With Pitbulls, you don’t have to deal with the stress that comes with the twice-per-year blowout of a double-coated dog.
If we’re to rate the shedding frequency of Pitbulls over 10% we’d say it’s probably around 6/10.
Pitties are average shedders. Since they’re single-coated, they’ll shed less hair than other long-haired dogs. They also do not have as much fur per square inch as other single-coated dog breeds and will shed less compared to others.
But this still does not put them in the category of “low shedders”. If you’re extremely allergic to dog hair, you might want to go for other low-shedding breeds like the Miniature Schnauzer or the Bichon Frise.
Excessive Shedding: Other Reasons Pitbulls Shed
Generally, Pitbulls have a very fine and short coat that is coarse. Although they may grow in a heavier coat during the winter and shed this off during spring, you should expect a little more shedding than usual during this period. But regardless of how much fur they shed, Pitbull coats are easy to care for and maintain. They don’t require regular haircuts or special trips to the dog salon.
Since it’s natural for Pitbulls to shed a little bit of fur, it can be a cause for concern when you start to notice excessive shedding. Pitbulls like most dogs are sensitive creatures and if their shedding is not based on the changes in the season, then there could be something wrong. Let’s take a look at some other reasons your pittie might be shed a lot more than usual
- Stress: dogs can experience anxiety and stress making it hard for them to adjust to their new home. This can cause excessive shedding.
- Routine Change: related to our first point. Changes in your dog’s routine can stress them out, resulting in excess shedding. If your dog is used to being indoors and you suddenly go on a camping trip for a few days, they might find it hard to adjust and shedding is just the body’s way of reacting to the new changes in your dog’s environment.
- Nutrition and Allergies: changes in your dog’s diet can result in food reactions. They may be having an allergic reaction to the new dog food or even grass and sometimes, certain nutrition products can lead to fur loss such as poor diet.
- Bathing: Frequent bathing can strip the essential oils of your dog’s coat leaving it dry and more prone to shedding. Dogs also tend to react to the chemicals in the bathing soap and may shed more as a result.
- Skin Conditions: Dogs may also shed more than normal due to skin conditions like ringworm and mange. Mites, ticks, and fleas can also cause loss of fur.
Some of these issues can be easily managed at home while others may require a visit to the veterinarian. But in all fairness, if you notice your dog’s been shedding a lot more than usual lately, it’s best to schedule an appointment with the vet for a proper diagnosis and to rule out the possibility of a serious medical issue.
4 Ways To Manage Your Pit Bull Shedding
Now you know that Pitbulls shed and you still want to have this furry creature as a pet in your home, then you need to learn how to care for their coat to minimize shedding and keep it shiny and clean. Some ways to do that are:
1: Regular Brushing
This is probably the easiest and simplest thing you can do to keep your dog’s shedding at a minimum but most dog owners overlook it. Pitbulls fit since they’re very short, are easy to brush through, and should be brushed at least three times per week.
You can make use of a regular brush or if you can afford it go for a de-shedding tool, especially if your dog’s been shedding more than normal and your vet has ruled out other medical issues. De-shedding brushes are designed to collect fur. They pick up the loose hair and dead hairs from your dog’s body before they fall off.
Another great brushing tool is the soft bristle brush which is made of nylon. They are great for cleaning short coats. When using a soft bristle brush on your pitbull, brush in quick strokes at an angle to remove debris and dirt that have gotten stuck on their single coat, and use longer brush strokes to help distribute the natural oils on the skin which will give your pittie a shiny and sleek coat.
2: Using the Right Shampoo
Pitbulls have sensitive skin so the use of harsh bathing soaps or shampoo should be avoided.
We recommend sticking to a shampoo that has been handpicked for Pitbulls or oatmeal shampoo. It’s also best if you stick to natural dog shampoo with all-natural ingredients. Here’s a list of ingredients to look out for when you’re shopping for a shampoo that will help reduce your dog’s shedding
- Vitamin E: vitamin E is a crucial ingredient for dog shampoos as it not only helps with shedding but is also great for healthy skin and coats.
- Omega Fatty Acids: a mixture of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in dog shampoo helps with shedding and is good for your dog’s skin and coat. It also helps to soothe skin allergies and other skin conditions.
- Moisturizers: just like humans, Pitbull skin needs moisture. Shampoos with harsh chemicals tend to dry out the skin, leading to more shedding. This is why moisturizers are an essential ingredient of dog shampoo. An ideal shampoo would have a natural moisturizer such as oatmeal or aloe vera.
- Deodorisers: bathing your dog is one thing, but getting them to smell nice afterward is another. Get rid of that wet dog smell with a good shampoo that has natural deodorizers such as coconut or other herbs as part of its ingredients.
3: Bathing
Bathing your Pit bull terrier is one way you can manage excessive shedding. How often you bathe your dog will depend on whether your dog spends most of its time indoors or outdoors. The general rule of thumb here is to bathe your dog once per month, and twice per month if they are overly active.
You might want to establish a routine. Some dogs may be able to handle frequent baths and others not so well as it may strip their coats of their natural oils
4: Proper Diet
Another way to ensure that your dog’s skin and fur are healthy is through a proper diet. Just like humans, the kind of dog food you feed your dog matters a lot. We recommend high-quality dog food rich in ingredients like sweet potatoes and oatmeal. While this may be a bit expensive. Going on a budget and feeding your dog foods that lack the nutrients it needs will harm its skin’s health. Nutritional deficiencies can result in dry skin and increased shedding.
Additional Supplements:
If you want to take your dog’s diet a step further, you can introduce supplements. Supplements are a great addition to your pitbull’s diet and there are many options but you can start by using a fish oil supplement. You can also buy high-quality dry dog food that contains omega fatty acids or get it in the form of a supplement in addition to your regular diet.
How To Keep Your Home Clean From Dog Hairs
Even when you follow the above steps in caring for your dog, you’re still bound to find bits of dog fur lying around your house which you’ll need to clean up.
And from my experience, cleaning up dog hairs can be not so easy, especially when you have hairs stuck in tight spaces where your regular brush or vacuum cleaner can’t reach.
A great choice would be to invest in a pet hair vacuum cleaner. Here’s what to look out for when shopping for one:
- A trim made of rubber with well-raised ‘fingers’ on the vacuum’s floor nozzles to help break apart static bonds so that the fur can be easily vacuumed.
- A tangle-free brush roll. This will help you to avoid clipping long strands of hair that get twisted up in the brush.
- Easy-empty dust cups for frequent dumping as you clean.
- Some new models have features that can trap odor and LED lights to help you navigate dark corners of your room.
If you want to take your home cleaning a step further, you can get an air purifier. This helps pick up dust, hair particles, and other pollutants in the air. This might be more of a necessity if you suffer from allergies or asthma.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: Do Pitbulls have a shedding season?
No. Pitbulls do not have a shedding season. They are single-coated dogs and would shed the same amount throughout the year. However if you notice your dog’s been shedding a lot more than usual, you might want to visit your vet.
2: My Pitbull is shedding too much, what should I do?
If your Pitbull is shedding too much than normal, the best thing you can do is to visit the veterinarian. The vet is in the best position to rule out any serious medical conditions that may need treatment.
3: What can I do to reduce my Pitbull’s shedding?
If you have confirmed that your Pitbull’s shedding is not a result of an underlying medical condition, then you can follow our guide on how to care for your dog’s skin and fur by brushing regular 3-4 per week, switching their bathing shampoo for one with natural ingredients and feeding them high-quality dog food.
Final Thoughts
Do pitbulls shed? The answer is Yes.
While some people may not want to adopt a Pitbull for other reasons, their coat is not one of those reasons, as they don’t shed much and are easy to care for.
All you need do is stick to a regular brushing routine of 3-4 times weekly, bathing your dog once or twice a month, and feeding your Pitbull high-quality dog kibble to ensure that they stay healthy.
