Are long-haired pitbull s a real thing?
Yes, long-haired Pitbulls are a real thing. They are a relatively new and a rarer pitbull type, so they may not be as well known as the more common short-haired variety.
Long-haired Pitbulls have all the same great qualities as their shorter-haired cousins, but with the added bonus of having a beautiful long hair coat.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about long-haired Pitbulls including their genetics, temperament, training and grooming requirements, dietary needs, and whether they make great family dogs.
What Is a Long-Haired Pitbull? Can Pitbull Have Long Hair?
A long-haired Pitbull is a sibling of the short-haired variation of the breed. Their hair length is significantly longer and somehow rough to the touch.
They are often thought of as crossbreeds, but they have the same traits and personality as any other Pitbulls.
While the gene for long hair is recessive, meaning that both parents must have the gene in order for it to be expressed, it is possible for two short-haired Pitbulls to produce a long-haired puppy.
However, this is relatively rare, and in a litter of Pitbulls, only one or two puppies will typically be long-haired.
How are Long-Haired Pitbulls Produced?
There is no definitive answer to this question as there are a number of genes that can affect the length of a dog’s fur. However, some researchers believe that the gene responsible for the longest coats in dogs is the FGF5 gene.
The genotype of the long-haired Pitbulls coat length is transmitted in an autosomal recessive manner. Pitbulls with a long coat in the DNA set have the FGF5 gene, which is responsible for long hair.
The identification of this gene in a particular individual allows reasonably to assume that when two carriers of long hair are used in breeding work, 25% of puppies will have a long coat.
In some breeds, the phenotype of coat length has not yet been determined.
The genetics of coat length in dogs is represented by the following possible recording methods:
- N / N – short-haired dog, does not have alleles in the genotype that are responsible for long hair. All offspring will have a short coat.
- N / FGF5 – The dog has short hair but carries the long hair gene. Can produce long-haired offspring.
- FGF5 / FGF5 – The dog has a pair of the FGF5 gene, it is long-haired, the offspring from it will have a long coat.
While the FGF5 gene is not the only factor that determines a dog’s coat length, it is thought to be one of the most important genes involved in this trait.
Important. To get accurate information about the presence of an unwanted trait, DNA tests are done. The procedure is painless and does not harm the health of the animal.
Long-haired Pitbull Colors
The colors of the long-haired Pitbulls match that of their short-haired friends.
While long-haired Pitbulls can come in a variety of colors, the most common are black, brindle, and white. These dogs may also have markings of another color, such as tan or red.
According to major kennel clubs, Pitbull colors include black, black brindle, blue, blue brindle, blue fawn, red, red brindle, fawn, fawn brindle, fawn sable brindle, tan, buckskin, seal, tricolor, and reverse brindle.
Meanwhile, merle, black and tan, liver, liver brindle, white or albino, and 80% white are considered non-standard.
Does Canine Color Really Matter?
A study led by the University of Sydney in Australia revealed that a dog’s coat color directly impacts its health and life expectancy. The study looked at over 11,000 pedigree dogs and found that certain colors are more predisposed to health problems.
For example, black dogs have a higher risk of developing melanoma, while brindle dogs are more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis.
While the findings of this study are interesting, it’s important to remember that coat color is just one small part of a dog’s overall health. There are a number of other factors, such as diet, exercise, and genetics, that also play a role in a dog’s health and life expectancy.
Are Long-Haired Pitbulls Rare?
Long-haired Pitbulls are considered very rare dogs. This is likely due to the fact that the gene for long hair is considered a “recessive” gene, which means that both parents must possess the gene in order for their puppies to inherit it.
Therefore, most Pitbulls are born with short hair, even if both of their parents carry the long-haired gene. However, there is no guarantee that all of the puppies in a litter will be born with short hair, so it is possible to find long-haired Pitbulls from time to time.
Long Haired Pitbull Appearance: What Does a Long Haired Pitbull Look Like?
The main difference between a long-haired Pitbull and a normal Pitbulls is their coat. As the name suggests, these dogs have long hair which appears wired or shaggy. They may have an undercoat that is shorter and softer.
Aside from this distinction, long-haired Pitbulls share the same features as the more common coat variation.
Long Haired Pitbulls Size and Weight: How Big Do Long Haired Pitbulls Get?
Due to their big and fluffy coats, long-haired Pitbulls often appear larger than short-haired ones. However, under all that hair, they have the same height and weight as regular Pitbulls.
Male long-haired Pitbulls grow up to around a Height of 18 to 19 inches for males, 17 to 18 inches for females. Weight ranges from 30 to 85 pounds.
Are Long-Haired Pitbulls Recognized by Kennel Clubs?
No, long-haired Pitbulls are not recognized by any major kennel clubs. Because they are not recognized by major kennel clubs, long-haired Pitbulls are not eligible for competition in most dog sports. However, they can still participate in many activities and make great companion animals.
Long Haired Pitbull Temperament: Are Long Haired Pitbulls Good Family Pets?
It’s never right to make a blanket statement about a particular dog breed like what’s commonly done with Pitbulls. Every dog, regardless of its type, is an individual and not a breed.
Pitbulls are often said to be aggressive, but this is not always the case. It really depends on how they are raised and what their experiences have been.
Just like people, every dog has a different personality. Some Pitbulls may be more laid back while others may be more energetic. However, most Pitbulls are friendly, affectionate dogs that make great family pets.
A well-managed, and responsibly-owned Pitbull can make a wonderful companion to kids, as long as the kids are taught how to treat a dog with love and respect.
Long-Haired Pitbulls Grooming Needs
Let’s face it…long-haired dogs are downright gorgeous! Unfortunately, long-haired dogs are a bit more work when it comes to grooming. With all the beauty and fluff that comes with long-haired breeds, there is also an equal amount of shedding, matted fur, and odor.
For all dogs, grooming is an essential part of a daily care routine, but for long-haired breeds, it is especially vital.
Unlike some short-haired Pitbulls, regular bathing is the cornerstone of well-groomed long-haired Pitbulls. So, how often should you wash your dog?
On average you should be bathing and grooming your dog once a month with 2 months being the absolute longest you go in between washes. Some dogs can be bathed every other week so long as you are using a gentle dog shampoo.
Be wary of over-bathing your dog as washing too frequently can result in dry skin which could create a whole host of problems for you and your dog.
When bathing a long-haired Pitbull and potentially matted dog, be sure to use plenty of pet shampoo and work from the head down
Long Haired Pitbull Lifespan and Health Issues
As a medium-sized dog, most Pitbulls reach an age of around 12 years old. Life expectancy ranges from 10 – 14 years, depending on several factors.
All dog breeds are prone to certain breed-specific health issues, and the Pitbull is no different. Heart issues are especially common among Pitbulls.
Long-haired variations are not exempt from potentially having these conditions as listed below:
- Aortic stenosis
- Valve malformations
- Irregularities in heart rhythm
Heart issues often do not cause symptoms early on. Unless the owner is proactive about giving their Pitbull regular checkups, they may go unnoticed until they are difficult to treat.
Skin issues are also very prevalent in Pitbulls. They can range from easily managed conditions such as allergies to terminal diseases like mast cell tumors or melanoma. Any kind of cancer originating from the skin can be difficult to cure and often marks the end of life for a Pitbull.
How Much Does a Long-Haired Pitbull Cost? Are They More Expensive Than Other Pitbulls?
Due to their rarity, long-haired Pitbulls may be more expensive than other types of Pitbulls. However, prices will vary depending on the breeder and the individual dog. Be sure to do your research before purchasing a long-haired Pitbull to ensure that you are getting a healthy, well-bred dog.
A long-haired Pitbull puppy has an average price of $1500-$2500. Some Breeders could even offer long-haired Pitbull puppies for $3000 or even higher.
The cost of a Long haired Pitbull puppy varies widely and depends on many factors.
Aside from the puppy’s price, it would be best to consider the expenses that would come with it. For instance, you may want to get the essential things for your puppies like grooming tools, food, and shelter.
Where Can You Find Long-Haired Pitbulls Puppies for Sale or Adoption?
You might find it difficult to find a breeder that specifically offers long-haired Pitbulls, as they are not as common as the regular Pitbulls.
Our list of the top Pitbull breeders in America can help you find breeders that might offer Long-haired Pitbulls.
You can also check out these platforms that can connect with people who have long-haired Pitbull puppies for sale or adoption near you. It can be a great alternative in looking for your future pup within the comfort of your home.
AKC MarketPlace
Finding trustworthy dog breeders, groomers, and trainers can be challenging. AKC Marketplace is your trusted resource to help make a lifetime of responsible dog ownership safe, happy, and healthy.
AKC Marketplace® is the only website that exclusively lists puppies from AKC-Registered litters, so you can choose a breeder with confidence.
Adopt A Pet
If you want to give an abandoned puppy a second chance, a shelter is definitely the place to find a dog.
Adopt a pet is North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website. They help over 21,000 animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to millions of adopters a month, for free.
Puppies for sale Today
Puppies Today has over a decade of experience, established in 2008. They pride themselves on connecting loving families with new furry friends and have happy customers all over the nation. They provide all of their customer’s puppy payment plans and health guarantees to ensure the best experience and peace of mind when adopting a puppy through their service.
Pitbull Mix With Long Hair
Mixed Pitbulls can also have a long coat, they will usually inherit the long coat from one of the parent breeds in the mix. For example, if an American Pit Bull Terrier is mixed with a Bichon Frise, the resulting puppy is likely to have a long, fluffy coat.
here are some Mixed Long haired Pitbulls:
- Chow Chow Pitbull Mix = Pitchow
- Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix = Golden Pitbull
- Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix = Great Pyrebull
- Australian Cattle Dog Pitbull Mix
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Long-Haired Pitbulls Shed a Lot?
Yes, the Long-Haired Pitbull will shed more hair compared to a normal Pitbull. You can expect them to lose more hair during the spring and fall as they are getting rid of their winter coat.
Should Long-Haired Pitbulls Be Shaved?
No, long-haired Pitbulls should not be shaved. Their fur helps protect them from the sun and keeps them warm during the winter. Shaving their fur will also cause their fur to grow back uneven and patchy.
How Many Types of Pitbulls Are There?
There are two main types of Pitbulls: the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. There are also several other variations of these dogs, including the American Staffordshire Terrier, the American Bully, and the Miniature Bull Terrier.
Final Thoughts
Pitbulls are great dogs, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Finding a purebred long-haired pitbull might be a hard task, but your best option is to find a long-haired Pitbull mix.
