Pitbull Shedding: How Much Do Pitbulls Actually Shed?

Dogs classified as Pitbulls are some of the most adopted pups both at rescue shelters and from breeders alike. But some owners are surprised to find out once they get their dog home that, yes, Pitbulls shed. And some owners are surprised at just how much fur they leave behind.

While pit bulls might be single-coated dogs, they shed more frequently than other single-coated breeds. The good news is that while they do shed, their coats are short, they don’t need haircuts, and they are quite easy to maintain. Pitbulls have dog fur, not dog hair (yes, there’s a difference). Lower shedding dogs like a Yorkie or a Maltese have dog hair, which has a longer growth cycle and sheds less frequently.

So now you know that Pitbulls have fur, and they shed. But how much fur do they leave hanging around? And more importantly, is it too much for you to manage? In this guide, we discuss exactly that, so let’s dig in!

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Pitbull Terrier Coats

All Pitbulls are single-coated breeds and usually have shorter coats.

Pitbulls have shorter coats. They are single-coated dogs, which means they don’t have a layered undercoat. Double coated dogs like Labradors shed twice per year very heavily to get rid of their undercoat. Because Pitbulls are single-coated dogs,  you won’t have to deal with the twice per year “blowout” that a double-coated dog will have. This means you can expect the same amount of fur to be left around your house and furniture all year.

Pitbulls are not recognized necessarily for the length of their fur, and most people seeking a low shedding dog due to an allergy may do better with a lower shedding dog breed. Their fur is shorter and coarse, but they don’t have as much fur per square inch as other single-coated dog breeds and will shed less.

Some Pitbulls genetically just have very short and fine fur. This means leftover fur will be slightly less noticeable. The good news is that Pitbull coats are relatively easy to care for, regardless of how much fur they leave behind.

Pitbull Coat Colors

Pitbulls can come in a variety of different colors.

Pitbulls can come in a variety of colors. The most common colors you’ll see are Pitbulls with Red Coats, Blue Nose Pitbulls, Brindle Coats, Merle Coats, Black, Chocolate, and White Coats.

It’s also possible that your Pitbull can be what they call a “Moo Moo” pattern, which basically means it’s a spotted coat that looks almost like a cow. Since the Pitbull is not an actual AKC recognized breed, there is no true “breed standard” color that the AKC recognizes. The most popular colors come from Blue Nose and Red-Nosed Pitbulls.

Shedding Frequency

Pitbulls shed consistently and shed year-round. As mentioned, they are single-coated breeds and won’t have the “blown-coat” event that double-coated dogs experience. They don’t have an undercoat to shed, so you’ll be dealing with the same amount of fur all year.

So really, it’s not a matter of “if” they shed, only a matter of “how much.” Some Pitbulls may appear to shed more than others. That variance is usually just due to the color of their coats. White Pitbull dog fur typically appears more against darker colors.

This means it’s quite easy to spot compared to darker fur unless you have light furniture, tile, or carpets. If your Pitbull sheds excessively, then you’ll want to check into other reasons that could be causing this.

Other Reasons Pitbulls Shed

There are several reasons your Pitbull may be shedding more frequently.

Feeling like your Pitbull is just shedding way too much? Dogs are sensitive creatures, Pitbulls included. While Pitbulls aren’t likely to shed more or less due to seasonality, there are plenty of other things that can happen that might impact the frequency you see fur around your home. Some issues may also need to be looked at by a veterinarian. Let’s look at what those are.

• Stress: Stress from separation anxiety or other reasons can cause excess shedding.
• Routine Change: Changes in your dog’s routine may increase their stress levels.
• Nutrition: Changes in diet can cause food reactions, including allergies.
• Allergies: Being allergic to grass or certain nutrition products may cause fur loss.
• Bathing: Some dogs don’t do well with certain shampoos and may shed more.
• Skin Conditions: Pitbulls have sensitive skin, and skin problems may cause fur loss.
• Mites: Mites or other parasites can cause fur loss.

If you’ve recently changed your pup’s routine or there’s some stress in your house, some extra fur laying around will be fairly common. However, if you think your Pitbull is shedding more than normal, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian.

It’s always good to be safe and have a proper diagnosis if routine shedding frequency suddenly increases. Your vet will be able to rule out any serious medical issues and put your mind at ease if it’s nothing serious.

Managing Your Pitbull’s Shedding

There are several methods to preemptively prevent shedding, including brushing, bathing, and diet.

So we’ve established that Pitties are shedders. But now what? Actually, managing your Pitbull’s shedding is pretty easy. Most single-coated breeds just need regular grooming and upkeep. Pitbulls do have sensitive skin, so you’ll need to be aware of that when picking shampoo or any topical skin products for your pup. There are several ways to minimize the amount of fur you’ll see lying around your house, all covered below.

Brushing

Brushing is the lowest-hanging fruit that most dog owners neglect. Pitbulls are even easier here because of the length of their coat. It’s not like a Siberian Husky who sheds excessively and has long visible hair. Pitbulls only need to be brushed a few times per week.

There’s no real reason to consider buying a de-shedding tool for your Pitbull, as a high-quality pin brush should easily manage most fur. Every dog is different, so if you find your pup shedding more than normal, a de-shedding tool (they aren’t expensive) may be useful if your veterinarian has ruled out medical issues and your Pitbull just sheds more than others.

Shampoo

As mentioned, Pitbulls have sensitive skin. This means that using a harsher shampoo is not recommended. Even an “average” commercially graded shampoo should be avoided. We recommend sticking to an Oatmeal shampoo or a shampoo that’s been handpicked for Pitbulls. If you start off bathing your pup with the right shampoo, you can at least rule it out as a possibility of a cause for additional fur loss.

Bathing

Establishing a regular bathing routine is important for preventing shedding in dogs.

Bathing frequency also matters, and every dog is going to have a different tolerance here. Some Pitbulls can handle regular bathing. Others won’t handle it as well when their natural oils are stripped from their coats.

We recommend bathing your dog at least a once per month and some dogs will do just fine with twice per month. This frequency will likely also depend on if your Pitbull spends a considerable amount of time outdoors vs. being a mostly indoor pup.

Diet

Diet matters. Pitbulls should eat high-quality dog food that supports their coat. If you go the budget route on your dog’s food, it can cause nutritional deficiencies. This can impact your dog’s coat and its shedding frequency. We recommend feeding your Pitbull a high-quality dry kibble that includes nutrient-rich ingredients like oats or sweet potatoes.

Supplements

Supplements can be a great addition to your Pitbull’s diet. There are several different options here, but using a fish oil supplement is usually the first step. Omega fatty acids are normally included in a high-quality dry dog food but can be used in supplement form in addition to a regular diet.

You can find coat and skin supplements or even fish oil by itself in both chewable and liquid format. Putting some fish oil on your Pitbull’s food can also be a great way to make mealtime more enticing if you have a picky eater.

How To Keep Your Home Clean

Even if you stay on top of your dog’s shedding, you’re bound to have dog hair around your house that needs cleaning up. We have lots of experience in this department. Depending on your cleaning preferences, you may find one or all products suitable for your home.

Robot Vacuum

If you want the cleaning done for you, then we recommend the Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL. This self-cleaning robot vacuum can map out your home, so you can send it to a specific area that needs cleaning. You can also set “no-go zones” for areas around your dog’s food and water bowls to ensure the vacuum doesn’t mess with those areas. The brushroll removes pet hair, so there is no hair wrap, and the self-emptying base holds up to 45 days of dog hair, dirt, and debris.

Cordless Vacuum

Bissell’s ICONpet Edge vacuum is perfect for general vacuuming and getting those hard-to-reach areas like windowsills, room corners, underneath furniture, etc. It’s cordless, so it’s easy to grab and go. It includes several attachments to help clean up the dog hair on your stairs, hardwood floors, and everywhere in between.

Air Purifier

Filtrete’s air purifier captures 99.97% of airborne particles, including pet odors and dog hair. This air purifier can help clean the air in a room up to 250 square feet in size. It notifies you when the filter needs changing to ensure optimal performance. You can adjust the fan speed, set a timer, and dim the control panel lights from the soft-touch display. If you notice your home has a pet odor, this will help eliminate that fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Pitbull Shedding so Much?

Contrary to the belief of many, Pitbulls do shed. Their coats are easy to care for, and they don’t need to be groomed often. But because many people believe them to be a low shedding breed due to the length of their coat, they are surprised when they see fur sticking to their pants. If you notice an increase in shedding frequency, it’s time to call your vet.

Will Pitbulls shed more in the summer and winter?

No, they won’t shed more in winter and summer. As already mentioned, Pitbulls have a single coat. They will not need to get rid of a seasonal layer of fur. You should find the same amount of fur on your couch year-round.

My Pitbull is shedding like crazy. What should I do?

If your Pitbull is shedding more than normal, it’s best to schedule a trip to your veterinarian. Nothing you read online should substitute you ruling out that your dog may have a medical condition that needs attention and treatment.

If “shedding like crazy” is normal for your dog, however, this may just be the normal frequency for your dog, and you can take the steps we’ve suggested to keep it under control.

Do Pitbulls have a shedding season?

No, they do not have a seasonal coat. As mentioned, single-coated dogs should shed the same amount every year. If shedding frequency increases, revert back to our guide on other reasons your pup may be shedding more, or schedule a trip to your vet.

What are some remedies to reduce my Pitbull’s shedding?

First and foremost, make sure you adhere to a regular brushing schedule. This is the cheapest way to deal with fur and can be done quickly 3-4 times a week. Poor diet is the second thing we recommend you look at when addressing any change in fur shedding frequency.

If your Pitbull is already eating a high-quality kibble, then it’s time to look at a natural dog shampoo and/or schedule a trip to the vet if there are no other obvious changes that may be impacting shedding frequency.

Final Thoughts

Pitbulls shed. There’s no way around that. But successful canine care helps ensure that your pup’s coat appears less on your clothing and floor. If you stick to a regular brushing routine, bathe your pup regularly and entrust their health to high-quality food, a Pitbull’s shedding is quite easy to manage.

If their shedding habits are a cause for concern, put your mind at ease. While some people may insist in other reasons not to adopt a Pitbull, their coats are certainly not one of them.