Do Pitbulls Shed? How To Manage Shedding
Pitbulls are a loving breed that is gaining popularity. Asking yourself do pitbulls shed may be a common question if you've begun to consider them for your own home.
The simple answer is yes. Pitbull breeds do shed, and they aren't a hypoallergenic breed. Read on for more information about their coats, how to manage pitbull shedding, and how to keep your home clean.
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The term pitbull is a broad term used in America. There are four specific breed names that can give us a better understanding of the coats.
Generally, pitbull coats are short, which is one of the reasons many people ask do pitbulls shed. Their short coats do shed, but often less than other longer-haired dogs.
Pitbulls tend to shed a minimal amount throughout the year. They have their main shedding periods during the winter when they grow in a heavy coat and the spring when they shed that out.
American Pitbull Terrier
First, the American Pitbull Terrier is probably the breed of dog that comes to mind immediately when hearing the term pitbull. The short coat sheds at an average rate and comes in plenty of colors.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Next, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is slightly smaller than some other pitbulls. The Staffordshire bull terrier sheds seasonally and has a close coat that shines.
American Bully
The American Bully is one of the shortest pitbull breeds, but American bullies make up for it in their strength. These dogs have short coats that are glossy and easy to maintain. They still shed an average amount throughout the year.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Finally, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized pit bull option. The American Staffordshire terrier has a similar coat to the other breeds. It will be easy to maintain and is a shiny, short coat.
Methods to Control Pitbull Shedding
Even though pitbulls do shed, there are plenty of options for managing their shedding. Their coats only need light grooming to stay at their best.
Brushing
Pitbull coats shed very little, so a great way to stay on top is to brush their coats. It will help remove the dead hair before it winds up loose around the house.
Pitbulls have a single-layer coat instead of a double-layer coat, which means that fur generally falls out by itself and doesn't get trapped between the layers. It also means when they blow out their coats for the seasons, there is usually less hair overall.
Brushing helps maintain their coat and can keep it shiny. Generally, a soft bristle brush is a good choice for pitbulls' short coats.
Brush the coat first against the direction of the hair to loosen any dead hairs. Then, work the brush back going with the direction of the coat to work it all out. It's easy to brush dogs outside, so you don't have to worry about the mess!
Grooming gloves are another option that works well for pitbulls. Wear these gloves and brush over the coat going in a circular motion. This helps loosen hair and spread the natural oils of your dog's skin to add shine to their coat.
Diet
It might be a surprise, but the diet is directly related to how pitbulls do shed. A poor diet can lead to a dog having drier skin, which in turn causes more shedding.
Feeding your pup with high-quality foods can help reduce shedding and keep their coat looking perfect. Foods that are especially high in Vitamin E and Omega-3 should help keep the skin and coat happy.
If you switch your dog's diet and notice that they have been shedding more than usual and it doesn't reduce, there's also a possibility that their shedding could be a food allergy. Consider changing the diet or speaking with your vet.
Learn about our Clean Protein Dog Food and our Skin & Coat Dog Supplements to help provide your dog with all of the nutrients they need to thrive.
Methods to Keep Your House Clean
Keeping your house clean and having a pitbull that does shed isn't impossible. This lovable breed is well worth the trouble of upkeep.
There are a few methods to keeping your belongings as hair-free as possible, especially if you're somebody who struggles with pet allergies.
Vacuuming
Investing in a good vacuum is a staple part of dog ownership. Today, there are plenty of models of vacuum that are made for pet hair.
Making sure a vacuum has well-made attachments will be a significant help. Arm attachments meant for curtains and couches are especially helpful for getting hair off hard-to-reach places.
Lightweight models make it easier than ever, and handheld vacuums can make it easy to follow behind the mess. Or, if it's hard to fit into your routine, there are always robotic vacuums that will do the work for you.
Furniture Covers
You can keep your house clean from pitbull shedding with furniture covers. These can be especially helpful if you plan to let your pup up on the couch.
Couch covers are often removable and washable for an easier time to clean than dealing with the traditional upholstery.
Excessive Shedding
One important thing to know when considering do pitbulls shed is how they shed minimally throughout the year and have their peak shedding during the winter and spring. If you notice sudden changes in your dog's shedding or feel like your pitbull is shedding too much, here are a few possible causes.
Your dog's coat conditions can often be a warning sign for a variety of illnesses and parasites. If the coat suddenly sheds and seems less shiny, it could be a sign that your pup is struggling with sickness.
Skin dryness can be an issue for pitbulls and can cause extra shedding. The dryness could be a symptom of a poor diet, excessive bathing, or dehydration. Try fixing one of these at a time to find the cause.
Another cause of shedding more than average could be stress and anxiety. It is usually short-term, and you can help by pinpointing the source of stress.
Finally, environmental and food allergies could also cause extra shedding. If it seems like your pup has begun shedding after being introduced to something for the first time, allergies are a possible cause.
Of course, checking in with your vet is always a good option if there are any concerns.
Final Thoughts On Pitbull Shedding
When answering the question do pitbulls shed, it's clear that the answer is yes. But their happy demeanor and loving personality are well-worth the upkeep.
Their short coats are easy to maintain, making them a great option if you're alright with a little shed but don't want to deal with the hassle of longer-haired pups.
