Do Pitbulls Shed A Lot? ( Detailed Grooming Of Pitbulls )
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If you're considering adopting a Pitty and want to know whether or not Pitbulls shed a lot, you've come to the right place. The short answer is yes, they lose!
However, Pitbulls are NOT an individual breed of dog. The name "Pit Bull" describes a type of dog developed from bulldogs and terriers, so there is more than one individual dog called a Pitbull.
That said, most pit bull-type dogs are moderate to high shearers.
Read on to learn more about Pitbulls, how much they shed and what they like to groom, so you have a better idea of what to expect before you adopt!
Do Pitbulls Shed A Lot? - What to Expect
Before the question do Pitbulls shed a lot, we must learn about different Pitbull types. As mentioned, the Pit-Bull (AKA Pitbull, Pitty, or Bully) is not an individual breed of dog; it is a type of dog developed from bulldogs and terriers. And according to Wikipedia, four breeds make up the pit bull type:
American Bulldog
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
For detailed information about Pitbull types: What Are Pitbull Dogs? 15 Types Of Pitbulls
Every pit bull-type breed is either a moderate ladder or somewhere in that stage, and most tend to shed more fur seasonally.
So overall, we give them a four out of five for the loss.
Many people think that short-haired dogs don't shed much, but that's a common misconception. On the contrary, many short-haired dogs shed heavily.
Hair length can affect how noticeable shedding is compared to a long-haired dog, but you might be surprised if you think short fur equals no shedding.
It's also worth mentioning that, like most dogs, Pitys tend to shed more heavily during certain seasons, such as late spring/early summer. And while it may increase the fur, you see fluttering, that's perfectly normal. They're just adjusting to the changing season.
Either way, a molt (or molt) is to be expected. Almost all dogs do this to varying degrees as it is part of the natural hair growth cycle. And while Pitbulls are far from low sheds, it could be worse. Some dogs, like the German Shepherd, shed so heavily that your Pitbull will look like a Hairless American Terrier.
Sometimes shedding can be caused by fleas, allergies, poor diet, or any number of potential underlying health issues.
Are they hypoallergenic?
The question of whether pit bulls are allergic is as much as the question of do Pitbulls shed a lot. Pitbulls are not considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. Mainly because their coat produces a lot of dander; they spread that dander around the house when they shed.
How to stop the loss?
You can't stop a Pity from completely shedding. That's what dogs do. They've been doing it for thousands of years, so they will not stop now. But the good news is that you can learn to manage to shed through simple yet essential things, such as proper diet, exercise, hydration, and regular grooming.
At the top of the list is food. No exceptional dog food can eliminate shedding, but it is worth choosing high-quality dog food as it can improve your dog's overall health and well-being and help keep his coat in optimal condition. Additionally, dog foods containing omega-3s and omega-6s aid in shedding.
Either way, once you have that sorted, the next thing to consider in the battle against shedding is the grooming side. So let's take a closer look now.
Grooming a Pitbull
Pitbulls have short, smooth, low-maintenance coats. This makes grooming them very simple compared to most dogs.
They need a quick brush once or twice a week to maintain their coat, keep them looking great, and remove loose fur.
It's up to you which type of brush you use, but what we find works well on short-haired dogs like the Pitty is either a medium-haired brush or a rubber brush. They are both easy to use, inexpensive brushes, and ideal for dogs with short hair.
Some like to use a weeding tool during heavier shedding times as these can save you time and effort, but these are usually more expensive and not necessary for dogs with such short coats and smooth.
Either way, brushing can be very effective for maintaining your dog's coat and keeping as much hair out of your home as possible. Not only does brushing limit the amount of fur it deposits on your floors and furniture, but it can also help distribute its natural oils evenly throughout the coat, promoting healthier, stronger hair.
What about swimming?
There is no set rule, but bathing every two to three months should do the trick. Just be sure to use a good quality dog shampoo when washing him to avoid drying out or irritating his skin. This is important because dry, irritated skin can lead to excessive shedding, which is unsuitable for your dog.
Besides, grooming mainly involves ensuring his nails are trimmed and his teeth and ears are clean—the usual stuff.
How well any dog behaves depends significantly on training, socialization, and owner leadership.
Either way, Pittys molt, and dog breeds suit allergy sufferers. It is, therefore, not difficult to control the shedding and keep your home relatively free of dog fur.
Pitbull Skin Problems
Pitbulls are known to develop more skin problems than other dog breeds. These are allergies that cause irritation that can cause bruising due to untimely scratching.
Their short hair and hypersensitive skin are also prone to skin cancer. Here are some points that you should not overlook to avoid health problems in Pitbull.
Reactions according to the type of pigment
Pitbulls include different breeds, such as the American and British Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier, and other color variations. Dogs with a blue-nose, brown, or chocolate coat are often more susceptible. The reasons for these variations are not always obvious, although the skin pigment type is considered one of these factors.
According to breeders at the Blue Pit Kennel in Georgia, breeds with a blue coat are more affected by these irritation problems.
The Allergies
According to the ASPCA, the primary skin problem affecting Pitbulls is caused by seasonal allergies.
Whether or not these allergies are associated with airborne allergens, the results are the same: the allergies caused in Pitbulls lead to inopportune scratching until the skin is raw and can lead to severe infections if they are not treated with time.
The sun
Short-haired dogs like the Pitbull tend to have dry skin. As a result, some areas of their skin may be irritated and inflamed. The dog will then scratch this area until it is raw, which can cause him many problems.
It is, therefore, necessary to prevent these reactions and apply appropriate creams.
Apply sunscreen to his skin if he spends a lot of time outdoors, and maintain regular flea and tick treatment to keep him bitten as little as possible.
Irritations
Because of their susceptible skin, Pitbulls react very quickly to insect and tick bites.
They are also susceptible to hygiene products such as soaps, shampoos, dog perfumes, etc.
Therefore, it is necessary to favor natural hygiene products and "sensitive skin" for this breed and avoid chemical products.
Prevention
Some veterinarians recommend regularly applying a specific softener or lotion to moisturize and maintain their sensitive skin.
Always try each product on a small area to see how her skin reacts.
Best Products for Pitbulls
Short hair grooming: these dogs don't need any!
Grooming short hair: the most common opinion is that short hair does not require any. But is it true? Is it certain?
No need to groom your close-cropped hair? Let's repeat it, true, if and only if you answered "True" to all the propositions!
And this is for a straightforward and inescapable reason. The average lifespan of your hair is around… six years, or even seven. We call the undercoat. Because, yes, close-cropped hair also has an undercoat!
The hair in all its states
Another element to consider is that all breeds of dogs "manufacture" the same amount of "hair matter”.Therefore, long-haired dogs produce long hair that "lasts" longer.
Short-haired or close-cropped dogs "manufacture" shorter hairs, with a shorter lifespan, in much greater numbers; this means something even easier: every six months, at most, your little friend's coat is completely renewed!
Short hairs: what happens to dead hairs?
Now, a little riddle: what happened to the hairs of the old coat during this time?
The problem with these dead hairs is that charged with static electricity, they do not "fall" and only leave the coat by rubbing against another support on which they cling.
Where are the hairs of the old coat? If the dog lives with you, you have picked them all up. Where they are still in place, on your cushions, carpets, rugs, clothes, curtains, gloves, scarves, furniture, and all the objects in your home. The surface is not smooth.
As for getting rid of it, good luck; you will have to arm yourself with patience, always this damn static electricity, which makes the task almost hopeless; you thought you saved yourself the trouble by choosing a close-cropped hair, but here you are in hell!
Short hair: the only solution!
Does this mean that there is no solution? Yes, of course! The solution even has a name: grooming!
But beware of grooming given by a practitioner familiar with this type of work and equipped for it! (This is, in principle, the case for all “Audreco” certified groomers!)
Grooming short hair: peeling!
The work begins with a serious “peeling” session: a vigorous massage first in the opposite direction, then in the order of the peeling, will detach part of the dead hair, a job that implies a specific physical commitment, including when it comes to small breeds.
Short hair: bathing and drying
It will not be enough; a bath, followed by drying with a strong air jet, will complete this elimination!
The balance sheet? Not a single hair was lost at home for three weeks! And the three weeks are over? Only one solution, start grooming! Do you think that's too much for cushions...
Grooming short hair: do it yourself!
Of course, you can imagine doing this yourself: but then you must equip yourself!
Both for peeling and for drying. What material?
The best advice we can give you is to get our guide, “I maintain my dog myself,” as soon as possible, then rush to the chapter, “I give my dog the benefit of a good peeling.” Then read (with the same enthusiasm) about bathing and drying.
The equipment will not only be described to you, but you will also know the right way to use it!
Grooming short hair: for them above all!
And the art of highlighting short hair gives the coat a distinctive look and shine!
However, a well-groomed short coat is not only a spared home, but it is also, and this is ultimately the main thing, a dog who feels "good about himself" will be more cheerful, brighter, and happier!
Who could resist a few small efforts and more happiness for his dog?
Silicone-free animal shampoos, why prefer them?
Know the number one enemy of the hair of our dogs and cats!
Silicone-free animal shampoos, why prefer them?
Choosing a shampoo or a rinsing cream for your animal is not so simple! The offer is so vast! We find everything, even silicone! So, silicone in animal shampoos, good or bad? What if we asked the question wrong? Is silicone-free dog shampoo recommended?
Shampoos, creams, and natural additives
You can find everything in shampoos, as in rinsing creams, whether these are known for “humans” or for “animals.”
Almond, jojoba, argan, mink, coconut, cade, aloe vera oil, and even "egg" shampoos! Only natural products, then? Not so sure!
Natural? Really?
You will first agree that these "natural" products have undergone various manipulations to be usable, the most certain being to see themselves assimilated by "preservatives," which are undoubtedly essential for their conservation, precisely, but which one cannot consider as "natural"!
Read the composition!
Now, take a good look, if you find it, at the exact composition of your shampoo or cream: if you find barbarous words whose names end in – this one, -thiconol, -siloxane or -silane, look no further, you have firmly left the domain of the natural to enter fully into that of chemistry.
Indeed, your product contains silicone!
What is silicone?
What is silicone? To put it simply, what exists in nature is silicon. Found in the sand and some stones. And that humans have learned to use it for a long time because it is silicon that we produce ceramics and glass.
Silicones were invented, almost by chance, it seems, in 1938! Of course, they have made it possible to produce oils, resins, and elastomers based on silicon. Their oil version was gradually introduced into hairdressing products, starting in the 1980s.
Silicone in hair products, why?
Why: They dramatically improve the “glide,” the “shine,” and even the feel of the hairstyle like fur.
A shiny and smooth hair.
Only here: this improvement is temporary, in the short term. In the longer term, it seems that silicone-based products suffocate hair-like hair.
It is that, with these products, we act on the appearance but not on the hair's natural health.
Elimination was necessary, but not so easy!
Therefore, products must at least be eliminated wholly and regularly, which ultimately is not as simple as it seems. As we explain in “I groom my dog myself” and “Grooming at your fingertips,” all shampoos deposit unwanted parasitic products in the long run that it is better to eliminate.
A simple solution is to… switch products, hoping that the new product will eliminate the previous parasites and only introduce its own later.
The benefits and risks of a natural detox cure are necessary if you do not use a silicone-free pet shampoo!
An empirical method, and therefore not very rational, I agree. It is more reasonable to use unique products, but they are not so easy to use.
Problem: silicone is not biodegradable!
The elimination of silicone is, therefore, not a foregone conclusion! Another major drawback: you may be able to remove the silicone from the fur, but not from the environment! These chemically obtained molecules turn out to be practically indestructible!
If now we asked ourselves the right question?
Now I ask a question: why does a hair lack slipperiness and shine?
There are two reasons for this: it is dirty. The second is that it carries mineral salts. Dirt and mineral salts are hydrophilic and drying: they "catch the brush or comb, prevent light reflection, and give a sad and dull appearance.
Of course, the situation will be even more complicated if the hair has been cut or, worse, shorn, that goes without saying!
The right remedies!
To remove grime, the remedy is easy; just wash it off.
For mineral salts, even more straightforward: just rinse! But not with just any water: completely demineralized water!
When rinsing with demineralized water, the salts retained in the hair are as if caught by the water, with nothing left on the hair!
Conclusion: prefer silicone-free animal shampoos
And therefore nothing to hang the comb or prevent the reflection of light rays. The coat is smooth, silky, and shiny. And since we haven't introduced any junk, "natural" or chemical, completely healthy.
Silicone-free. And besides, nothing. Except for a rigorous rinsing with pure water. Simple, right?
If you enjoyed our article "do Pitbulls shed a lot," you might also want to read these:
Pitbull Lifespan: How To Increase Pitbull’s Life Expectancy
How To Take Care Of Pitbull Puppies
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