Despite their unjust reputation as tough and violent dogs, pit bulls are not inherently aggressive, and if given enough love, they grow up to be loving and loyal companions.
So if you are considering adopting one (and you should!), below we answer questions such as: “Do pitbulls shed?” and “How to clean up after them?”
Let’s get to it!
What Are Pit Bulls?
In the U.S., ‘pit bull’ is a type of dog with a mixed bulldog and terrier ancestry, and it includes several breeds: the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Bulldog, and the modern American Bully breed.
In comparison, the UK and many other countries use the abbreviated term ‘pit bull’ when talking exclusively about a specific breed: the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Do Pit Bulls Shed?
Since the popularity of pit bull-type dogs and their adoption rates have been slowly increasing recently, dog lovers have become more interested in learning more about them.
The first and most important question requiring an answer is: ‘Do pitbulls shed a lot?’
Typically, all pit bull-type dogs have short (and often shiny) coats that rarely shed unless when they are growing in their heavier winter coat that they lose a few months later.
That said, some pit bulls may lose more hair than others as the amount of shedding they do may vary slightly from individual to individual and breed to breed.
So if you’re considering adding pit bulls to your family, rest assured that shedding is not going to be an issue, and you will only have to brush them to manage their shedding.
Note: Pit bulls have been slowly shedding the stigma of ‘savage dogs’ as various advocacy organizations, such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, have claimed that upbringing is the main factor in influencing their alleged aggression.
How Much Do Pitbulls Shed?
With only a short single-layer coat, pit bulls are far from heavy shedders, especially when compared to long-haired and double-coated dogs like huskies.
Be that as it may, they do tend to shed more before and after winter since the temperatures drop, and they need a thicker coat as protection against the cold weather.
Then, come springtime, as the weather starts to warm up again, pit bull-type dogs shed their winter coats in favor of lighter ones, which are better suited for summer.
So how much do pit bulls shed during these periods? While it varies from dog to dog, most will lose anywhere from a few extra hairs to a small handful per day.
Why Is My Pitbull Shedding So Much?
In addition to their seasonal coat change, several other factors may exacerbate the amount pit bulls shed, and we take a look at the most common ones below:
- Allergies—pit bull breeds are susceptible to allergies just like most dog breeds, and they are a valid reason for extreme shedding, especially if accompanied by dandruff;
- Stress—your pitbull terrier shedding (or any other pit bull breed) might also be a sign of increased stress levels, which typically manifest on the dog’s skin and coat;
- Skin conditions—various skin conditions, including hot spots, skin dryness, and fungal infections, cause increased shedding and require vet treatment;
- Grooming routine—you must brush your pit bull at least once a week since both excessive and insufficient grooming may cause irregular shedding since you are either stripping away their natural oils or leaving in dead skin cells and hair build-up;
- Hormonal changes—you should have your pit bull breed spayed or neutered as soon as possible since fluctuations in hormonal levels may affect its shedding amount, especially in female dogs going through pregnancy;
Note: Until you rule out more serious health conditions that cause your pit bull’s increased shedding, tweak its grooming routine and the food it consumes.
| If you just got a new puppy, go through these dog care essentials as soon as possible. |
How to Stop My Pitbull From Shedding?
Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but that does not mean that you have to put up with hair all over your home, especially if you or your family members suffer from allergies.
The first step towards reducing shedding and keeping your dog’s coat smooth, healthy, and lustrous is getting a good shedding brush for pitbulls. You can try various products to see what works for you and your doggo: from grooming gloves to pin and bristle brushes.
Since brushing removes loose and dead hair and helps distribute the skin’s natural oils, you need to brush your dog at least once a week, using long, gentle strokes.
Another effective approach to reducing shedding is ensuring your pit bull gets quality dog food, including sufficient protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and other tasty treats.
Giving your pit bull regular baths is also a good way to reduce shedding, as it removes dirt and debris from the coat and helps hydrate the skin and condition the hair.
However, get a shampoo appropriate for your doggo’s coat type and only do it once or twice a month since excessive bathing also removes healthy oils and causes irritation.
Finally, it’s essential to keep your dog well-hydrated at all times, especially after walking, exercising, or playing with it, as dehydration worsens shedding.
Note: If you’re not interested in pit bulls specifically and want a dog that doesn’t shed a lot, here’s a comprehensive list of the most popular hypoallergenic dogs available.
How to Clean Up After a Pit Bull?
Having a pit bull can be fun, but as any owner knows, they do make quite a mess (not necessarily by shedding), so you need to stay on top of them to keep your house clean:
- Vacuum regularly—this one is self-explanatory: since pit bulls shed (more so during shedding season), the more you vacuum, the less hair you’ll find around your home;
- Use a lint roller daily—another way to remove pet hair from anything from clothing to couches is to regularly use lint rollers as they pick up most loose hair;
- Use furniture covers—you can even reduce the time you spend cleaning by using furniture covers since they keep pet hair off your furniture in the first place.
Note: Invest in a robot vacuum to streamline the tedious process of cleaning pet hair, which are nifty little devices that do all the work for you, leaving your floors clean and free of hair.
Key Takeaways
At the end of the day, pit bulls lose hair throughout the seasons like most dogs do, albeit less than other long-haired breeds. Thankfully, maintaining their coats and keeping your home hair-free is fairly easy since you only need to brush them and vacuum now and then.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do blue nose pitbulls shed?
Yes, all dogs shed to a lesser or greater extent, and Blue Nose Pit Bulls are no exception.
Do pitbulls shed in the summer?
The pitbull shedding season takes place before and after winter, similar to that of most other breeds, since they prepare their coat to endure lower temperatures; that said, if you notice your pit bull shedding excessively during summer, contact your veterinarian for help.
Are pitbulls hypoallergenic?
No, pit bulls are not a hypoallergenic breed despite shedding less than other breeds since they still produce dander and saliva, which can cause allergic reactions in some people.
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