Are Pitbulls Hypoallergenic?

Despite their short hair, pit bulls are heavy shedders, which can affect people with allergies. Sadly, having a dog allergy is common. About 10 to 20% of the world’s population suffers from dog or cat allergies. However, dog allergies have little to do with their fur. Instead, it’s what falls with the fur. Typically, when someone is allergic to dogs, they are allergic to the dander they drop as they shed.

So, are pit bulls hypoallergenic? Can you have a sweet pitbull while also suffering from dog allergies? Continue reading to find out.

Are there Hypoallergenic Dogs?

Technically, there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. However, while this is true, some dog breeds are less likely to cause you an allergic reaction. Even hairless dogs aren’t hypoallergenic. Some of the most allergy-friendly dogs include American hairless terriers, Chinese crested dogs, schnauzers, and Peruvian Inca orchids.

Are Pitbulls Hypoallergenic?

Pitbull are not hypoallergenic. Since pit bulls aren’t a specific breed, but a common mix of several breeds, their coats differ. Some pit bulls, however, are heavy shedders. Although their coats are short, they carry many allergens. For example, dander is an allergen. Dander refers to the dead skin cells on your dog. They can cling to their fur. Some people are also allergic to urine and saliva protein, which can cause rashes with exposure.

What Do Pet Allergies Look Like?

The severity of pet allergies ranges and depends on many factors including the environment, the type of pet, and the amount of exposure. Some people are left with a slightly runny nose or puffy eyes, while others break out into hives within minutes of contact. Interestingly, you can react to an allergen days after initial exposure. This is especially true if dander or other allergens get stuck on your clothing or furniture.

Can You Live with a Pitbull and Have Dog Allergies?

Don’t worry, many pet owners also suffer from pet allergies. You don’t have to kiss your chances of owning or loving a dog goodbye. There are many ways to minimalize the symptoms of dog allergies. Pitbulls aren’t allergy-friendly, but there are some things you can do at home to eliminate the dander in the air.

How To Minimize Allergies From Your Pitbull

Although pit bulls aren’t hypoallergenic, they can still be your best friend. It takes a lot of patience, time, energy, and work to live with a shedding dog when you have allergies. If you think you suffer from allergies because of your dog, always talk to a professional allergist.

One of the best things you can do to keep yourself and your pitbull comfortable is to clean as much as possible. Vacuum one to two times a day, especially if you have an overly-shedding pittie. These adorable medium-sized dogs are also lickers. They suffer from allergies themselves and will shed more frequently if they have allergies.

Other than vacuuming, it’s important to wash anything your dog comes into contact with including their pet bed and any furniture. To protect your furniture and make clean-up easy, you can also use fabric covers or protectors. Home maintenance also plays a role. If you have an air conditioner, change out the filter more frequently as it can circulate pet dander.

Proper hand hygiene can go a long way, especially if pet allergies affect your skin. Wash your hands every time you pet your pittie or when they lick you.

About Pitbulls

Now that you know are pit bulls hypoallergenic, we can discuss more about this unique dog breed. First, it’s not a dog breed, but a collection of mixed breeds. This causes pit bulls to look and act very differently. Follow along to learn more about pit bulls including their fascinating history, average size, overall temperament, health, and grooming needs.

History

Compared to other dog breeds, the history of pit bulls is relatively short. Pitbulls, also called American Pit Bull Terriers, have been around since the 19th century. Their origin comes from the bull and terrier, which was a mixed dog bred for its strength. Bulls and terriers were bred from the now extinct, Old English Terriers and Old English Bulldogs. Sadly, in the UK, bulls and terriers were used as fighting dogs and entertainment.

During the mid-1800s, this dog breed made its way to the United States. They were popular dogs in dog fights. However, this changed by the 20th century as they were used as catch dogs during hunting.

Size and Appearance

It’s hard to choose a specific size or appearance for this dog breed. Pitbulls are unique and come in many colors. While some pitbull mixes have long coats, the breed typically has short fur. Some pit bulls are red, black, brown, and brindle. It’s also common for pit bulls to have a mix of colors and markings, including spots.

Pitbulls are medium-sized dogs. Female pit bulls are slightly smaller, but the difference is hard to notice. Pitbulls are about 17 to 21 inches long. They can easily weigh over 50 pounds but typically weigh up to 60 pounds. These dogs have almond-shaped eyes and large square-shaped heads. They can also have thick necks and muscular bodies. Pitbulls also have expressive high-set ears.

Behavior/Temperament

Although pit bulls are feared because of the stereotype that they are aggressive, these loving dogs are sweet and great with children. They are one of the most misunderstood dog breeds in the world, likely because of their past as fighting dogs. Pitbulls aren’t just loving, they are also devoted and trusting. These natural protectors are affectionate and very intelligent. Pitbulls are some of the easiest dogs to train. They follow commands well, especially when trained from a young age.

Health

Pitbulls are generally healthy dogs, but they are more likely than other breeds to develop certain conditions like hip dysplasia and cataracts. If you don’t follow a diet or provide enough training or play time, your pitbull puppy can also gain weight quickly, leading to obesity. These high-energy dogs love to eat almost as much as they love to run.

Other common health issues in this dog breed are environmental and flea allergies and arthritis. Many of these conditions are connected. For example, if your pittie suffers from obesity and lacks movement, they develop arthritis and other joint problems.

Although allergies are uncomfortable, they are easy to treat as long as you work with a vet. Your dog’s vet can discuss with you the right medications and products to use to limit your dog’s reactions to allergens. Most pit bulls are allergic to pollen, dander, or grass.

Grooming

While you may think you don’t need to groom your pitbull because it has short hair, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Without proper grooming, your pet can suffer from allergic reactions or infections. Indeed, you won’t need to shave or trim your pitbull’s beautiful coat. However, baths and regular brushing are necessary to keep your dog’s coat healthy, happy, and shiny.

Pitbulls can have sensitive skin and without baths, their sensitive skin can develop rashes. Not only will your dog smell bad if you don’t bathe them, but they can suffer from skin problems. With a soft dog-friendly brush, you should comb your pitties coat at least once a week.

So, when should you bathe your pitbull? The answer depends on some factors. If your pet suffers from environmental allergies and they go on frequent walks, you may need to bathe them once every week or two with an anti-itch shampoo. However, pit bulls are generally clean and produce enough oil to protect their coats. You can get away without washing your pitbull for one to six months.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Natthapot Chantaraviboon/Shutterstock.com