American Pit Bull Terriers are now recognized as the lovable and playful dogs that they truly are. Their popularity backs this up. They have one of the biggest capacities for joy out of any dog breed.
When looking at a Pit Bull, you’ll notice - other than how cute they are - that they don’t seem to have that much fur. This means that you won’t have to worry about dog hair on you and every surface of the house, right? Wrong. Despite what they look like, the answer to the question ‘Do Pit Bulls shed?’ is a YES. Like other single coat breeds, these dogs are low to moderate shedders, and shed more twice a year as the seasons change.
In this article, we’ll break down all of the different ways that you can safely manage your Pit Bull's surprising amount of shedding.
A Pit Bull’s Coat
When we discuss Pit Bull Terriers, we’re actually talking about a few different breeds that are now commonly referred to under the ‘Pit Bull’ umbrella. One question often asked about this breed is whether or not they’re hypoallergenic. For those that don’t know, a hypoallergenic dog is one that is less likely to carry the allergens that are caused mostly by shedding and dog dander.
Although some think that because of their thin coats these dogs do well with allergy sufferers, one thing that the group of Pit Bull bully breeds have in common is that they are NOT hypoallergenic. While they are far from the worst dogs for allergies, they shed too much to be recognized as one of the most hypoallergenic canine pals available.
One of the biggest reasons why Pit Bulls don’t shed as much as a lot of other breeds is because they have a single-coat instead of a more shed-heavy double-coat. Without an undercoat of fur, the amount of shedding is greatly reduced, although never completely eliminated. Their short hair is also much less noticeable on clothes and furniture than what comes from longer-haired breeds.
Like most single-coated dogs, Pit Bulls will shed a little bit throughout the year with their two biggest sheds coming as they put on their winter coat at the end of the fall and when they shed their winter coat during the blossoming of spring.
Here are the four most common pit bull breeds and what to expect of their coats:
- American Pitbull Terrier - You can expect a nicely cropped, firm coat that hugs this terrier's body. These terriers can also have coats in a wide range of colors, often boasting a nice mix of colored fur.
- American Staffordshire Terrier - These pups are very similar to the pit bull terrier, and their coat is no exception. Their coats are similarly short, smooth, and stiff.
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Here, we have a much smaller dog than the first two we mentioned. However, their coats are generally pretty similar, only differing in that they’re a little less stiff.
- American Bully - This dog breed will have the same short, stiff coat as the others, though the Bully’s fur can also have a smoother, wavy quality to it than the first three. Though all bully breeds are relatively muscular, the American Bully trumps all of the others with its bulk.
While all bully breeds have their eccentricities, the differences are not generally apparent in the coats of the different breeds, which are mostly similar.
Excessive Shedding
Depending on the type of dog you have, excessive shedding can either be a regular occurrence, or something brought on by stress or medical issues. Your veterinarian is always the best place to go if you’re ever unsure about something happening with your pup. Shedding could be normal, but it could also be a symptom of an underlying disorder which only a veterinarian can diagnose.
Excessive shedding can also be avoided by feeding your canine a better or different type of food. Good quality dog food manufacturers work hard to put in the right mix of nutrients so that most dogs can avoid the need for supplements.
There are a few reasons why a dog can begin to experience excessive shedding, including parasites, fungal infections, allergies, sunburn and as a reaction to medication among many others. If your dog’s skin problem continues for over a week, you should consult your vet. Skin irritation, rashes, scratching, constant foot-licking, frequent face-rubbing, and open sores are a few of the conditions that require a visit to the veterinarian.
Managing Pit Bull Shedding
There are many ways to maintain a beautiful, clean, smooth coat of fur for your Pit Bull, even during peak shedding season. In this section, we will outline the four most efficient and safe ways to keep your pit bulls’ coat and skin healthy while also saving your nice clothes and furniture from layers of little Pit Bull hairs
Pet Hair Vacuum
One of the best ways to clean up after your shedding Pit Bull Terrier is with a good old vacuum. Well, not really an old vacuum. The new appliances made for the specific purpose of cleaning up pet hair these days are pretty impressive. There are a few features to look for, especially when shopping for a vacuum for your pet hair.
A trim made of rubber as well as raised ‘fingers’ on the vacuum’s floor nozzles are crucial to help combat and break static bonds so then the fur can be more easily vacuumed. A tangle-free brush roll is also helpful so you can avoid clipping long strands of hair that get twisted up in the brush. Easy-empty dust cups are a nice addition for frequent dumping as you go along, not to mention that the newer models help to trap odors as well.
Recommended Product: Shark TruePet Upright Vacuum
When it comes to vacuums aimed at solving the problem of pet shedding all over the house, you can’t get much better than this impressive machine from Shark. This appliance comes complete with a HEPA filter, a Pet Multi-tool, and a power brush.
This versatile machine is also made with convenience in mind. The many different functions allow you to vacuum everywhere from your carpets, to your stairs, to under the couch, to your window blinds and curtains. It also comes equipped with a set of LED lights that can be used to help you navigate darker areas.
Anti-Shed Shampoo
When it comes to the shampoo that you’re going to put on your beloved pup, you will want to make sure that you’re going with a product that incorporates a safe recipe using all-natural ingredients.
There are a few ingredients to look out for when shopping for a good shampoo to help reduce your Pit Bull’s shedding:
- Omega Fatty Acids - A right balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is important for your dog’s skin and coat health. In addition to helping to reduce shedding, these acids help to soothe skin allergies and similar conditions.
- Vitamin E - This is a key ingredient in dog shampoo that helps with a lot more than shedding. It is also a crucial vitamin for skin and coat health.
- Moisturizers - Your Pit Bull’s skin needs moisture just like yours and mine, so moisturizers are essential for a good dog shampoo. A healthy skin and coat help to reduce shedding, so natural moisturizers such as aloe vera and oatmeal are good.
- Deodorizers - Helping to get rid of that wet dog scent that all dog owners know and hate is an essential job of dog shampoo. Ensure that the shampoo you choose uses natural deodorizers like coconut and other herbs instead of synthetic versions.
Recommended Product: FURminator deShedding Shampoo for Dogs
There are many good anti-shedding shampoos out there for dogs, but this option from FURminator is our top choice. Not only will this shampoo’s lovely blend of natural ingredients help to maintain healthy skin and coat for your Pit Bull, but it will also help to reduce your doggie’s shedding.
This shampoo is made without any of the parabens and chemicals you’ll find in many other anti-shedding shampoos. It’s so safe that you can use it yourself as confidently as you do with your pup. This recipe uses omega-3 and -6 fatty acids as well as chamomile and aloe vera to give the product a perfectly soothing and comforting mix.
Brushing
Brushing is one of the most time-consuming aspects of dog-grooming. Still, it’s also arguably the most important, so knowing what you’re doing with your brush and which brush to use is important. There are four main brushes, two of which (the pin and the slicker) we won’t discuss because they’re mainly used to untangle long hair, which isn’t a consideration for pit bull owners.
First, we have a deShedding brush. These kinds of brushes do precisely what their name suggests: collect fur. They’re designed to gather the loose hairs before they fall from your Pit Bull’s body.
Recommended Product: FURminator Long deShedding Dog Brush
The shedding brushes from FURminator are specifically made for canines. This makes them ideal for any dog, including pit bulls. The stainless steel deShedding edge goes deep underneath your pitbull’s single-coat to gently remove loose and dead hairs.
The product was designed with an ergonomic handle as well as a curved edge that conforms to your Pit Bull Terriers shape, so long brushing sessions shouldn’t be a problem for you or your pooch. Thanks to its patented technology, the shedding brushes reduce the number of loose hairs by up to 90 percent when used regularly. If you’re looking for proven results, look no further.
The other type of brush that can help to maintain your pups shedding is a bristle brush. Possibly the most commonly used on pit bulls, bristle brushes are made of nylon, and they are great for gently cleaning short coats to add some shine.
Recommended Product: Safari Bristle Dog Brush
Cleaning your Pit Bull Terriers lovely coat with this soft-bristle brush will have your dog’s fur shining in no time. Quick brush strokes at an angle help remove any dirt and debris that have lodged under that single coat. Longer strokes are good for distributing all of the natural oils that give your pooch its smooth, sleek and shiny coat.
Diet
Another great way to ensure that your dog’s skin and fur remains at top health is with a proper diet. Like humans, what a dog puts into its body has an effect on its health, specifically its fur and skin. It has come time to upgrade their food finally and to give your pooch the good stuff. Better quality dog food will save you on vet visits and bills, while also keeping your Pit Bull healthier and happier!
Recommended Product: Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Dry Dog Food
You’re paying a premium for higher quality dog foods like this option from Hill’s Science Diet, but it is well worth it for your dog as well as your wallet. Better food means fewer health issues for your pup, which means fewer veterinarian bills.
This recipe contains prebiotic fiber to boost your fur buddy's digestive health. It is also highly digestible to promote nutrient absorption and to render stools that are easier to pick up. The natural ingredients in this food — Vitamin E, Omega-6 fatty acids — help boost your dogs skin and fur health, which helps to reduce shedding!
Final Thoughts
It’s wonderful to see the burgeoning popularity of pit bulls all over the country. Now that they’re so popular, people learn that although their coats look slick and short, pit bull terriers do indeed shed and are not hypoallergenic, as some may have told you.
They don’t shed the most, but they don’t shed the least either, so managing your Pit Bull Terriers shedding is important. We broke down the four main components to limit your dogs shedding from what they eat to what you wash and brush them with to what you use to clean the carpets. We hope that after reading this guide, you feel confident when it comes to handling your Pit Bull’s worst shedding moments.