American Pitbull Terrier, Breed Overview
Pit bulls have been one of the most controversial dog breeds in recent history. Their reputation as aggressive dogs has led to misconceptions and fears that have put them in a negative light.
However, pitbulls are just like any other breed – they can be trained and socialized to be loving and gentle pets. Among pit variations, long haired pitbulls stand out as a unique and fascinating breed.
While many people are familiar with the traditional short-haired pitbull, the long haired counterpart offers a distinctive look that sets them apart from other variations. The long hair coat gives them a regal appearance that often surprises people who have never seen one before.
For a quick breed overview, we travel back in time to 19th century England where they were originally bred for bull baiting, a blood sport where dogs were pitted against bulls in an arena. After bull baiting was outlawed in the mid 1800s, they were pitted against other dogs, repurposed for dog fighting instead.
It wasn’t until later in the 1900s that they began to gain popularity as companion pets. Despite their popularity long haired pitty’s are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or any major kennel clubs around the world.
They are considered a rare variation of the traditional short-haired American Pit Bull Terrier or Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeds. Despite their rarity, long hair pitbull enthusiasts continue to breed these dogs for their unique appearance and loyal personalities, meaning if you want a fluffy pitbull, price is likely to be a major consideration.
Physical Characteristics Of The Long Hair Pitbull
Yes, they are THAT cute
One of the most noticeable physical characteristics of the long haired pit bull is, of course, their long hair. This variation has a coat that is typically longer and softer than other variations. Their fur can grow up to 3 inches in length, requiring more grooming than usual.
They also tend to have a slightly wider head than other pitbull mix breeds, which gives them a distinct appearance. They keep their iconic muscular bodies with broad chests and powerfully built legs.
Common Traits In Long Hair Pitbull Mix
Known for their loyal, loving, and affectionate personalities, they have an inherent willingness to please their owners, making them a great companion for families with children, and who doesn‘t love seeing the Zoomies!?
These dogs are known to be intelligent and eager to learn new things, which makes them highly trainable. Despite some of the stereotypes plaguing the breed, pits with any length hair, are some of the most loving, curious, endlessly smart dogs you could find, some would even say they have a gentle disposition.
They love attention and enjoy being around people, making them great for families or homes with other pets. However, it’s important to remember that every dog has its own unique personality and temperament REGARDLESS of breed.
One of the most notable traits of most terrier breeds is their high energy level. These dogs love to play and run around outside, to them this is their job. This means they require regular exercise and playtime to stay happy and healthy. They also tend to be quite active indoors, which can make them a bit more difficult to handle than some other breeds.
Every one of these block heads that I have had the pleasure of knowing has one exuding trait in common, unwaivering loyalty towards their owners. They will often become very attached to one person in the family and follow them around everywhere they go.
This trait can sometimes lead to separation anxiety when left alone for too long. In terms of behavior towards other pets or animals outside the home, much like any other animal or human it can vary greatly depending on each dog’s individual personality and training experience.
Some may exhibit aggression towards other dogs or cats while others may get along just fine with all animals they encounter. It’s important for owners of any dog breed to socialize their pets from an early age so that they learn how to behave appropriately around other animals and people.
Specific concerns related to the long hair variation
While they are generally healthy dogs, there are some specific concerns that come with their unique coat type. Because their fur is longer and thicker than their cousin variations, they may be more prone to matting and tangling if not properly groomed.
This can lead to discomfort for the dog and make it difficult for them to move around comfortably. Skin irritation or infection caused by trapped moisture in their thick coats can develop without proper care and grooming.
It’s important to keep their fur clean and dry so as not to create a breeding ground for bacteria or fungus. Overall, with proper care and attention paid to grooming needs, a long happy and healthy live free from most health issues can be expected.
Health Concerns
As with any dog breed, pitbulls can be prone to certain health issues. It’s important to be aware of these concerns so that you can take preventative measures and seek treatment if necessary. Some common health issues that affect many breeds include hip dysplasia, allergies, and skin infections.
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects a dog’s hip joints, causing pain and mobility issues. This condition is especially common in larger breeds.
Allergies are another common issue seen in pitbulls, which can lead to itching, scratching, and rashes. Skin infections can also occur due to allergies or other factors like poor grooming
Care and Maintenance
Grooming requirements & Tips for a healthy shiny coat
While their beautiful coat is majestic, it requires some special attention and regular grooming to keep it healthy, clean and free of infection. Keep in mind, as naturally curious animals, a Pitbull with long hair is bound to get dirty sometimes!
The frequency of grooming depends on the length of your dog’s fur and how active they are. Generally, it is recommended to brush your dog once or twice a week.
For grooming at home, you’ll need a slicker brush and a metal comb. Start by brushing your dog’s fur to remove any loose hairs or tangles.
Then use the comb to detangle any stubborn knots gently. Be sure to check areas that are susceptible to matting like behind the ears and under the armpits.
To keep furry friend’s coat looking healthy and shiny, you’ll need to take extra care in how you bathe them. Use shampoo specifically made for dogs with sensitive skin, as some dogs can be prone to skin irritation.
After shampooing, condition their fur with a product made for long-haired breeds. When drying them off after bath time, avoid using towels as they can cause tangling in their fur; instead, use a blow dryer on low heat or let them air dry naturally if possible.
Keep in mind that high humidity can cause frizz in their fur. It is essential not to trim or shave their coats as shaving can damage the texture of their fur permanently.
Instead, consider taking them to a professional groomer who has experience handling this type of breed’s specific needs.
Training and Exercise
Best Training Methods
When it comes to training a Long Hair Pitbull, you need to remember that they are intelligent and strong-willed dogs. Therefore, they require an owner who is confident and firm in their approach to training.
Positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and toys work well with these dogs. Consistency is also essential when it comes to training your Long Hair Pitbull.
Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Once your dog has mastered these basic commands, you can move on to more advanced obedience training.
It’s important to remember that socialization is crucial for all dogs but especially important for a breed like the Long Hair Pitbull due to its reputation. Socializing them from an early age will help them become more comfortable around other animals and people.
Recommended Exercise Routines To Keep Them Happy And Healthy
Pitbull’s are active dogs that require plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They have high energy levels and love playing fetch or running around in the yard.
A daily walk or run is essential for their physical health as well as their mental wellbeing. Strength training exercises such as tug-of-war are also great for this breed as they help build muscle mass which can improve their overall health.
Swimming is another excellent way of keeping your dog fit without putting too much strain on their joints. Remember that while exercise is crucial for your dog’s wellbeing, over-exercising can lead to injury or exhaustion.
Be sure not to push your dog too hard during exercises or walks in extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves or cold temperatures. Proper exercise routines along with positive reinforcement based training techniques will ensure that your Long Hair Pitbull stays healthy both physically and mentally!
Popularity and Controversy
Long haired pitbulls have gained popularity in recent years among dog enthusiasts, especially among those who love the pitbull breed. The unique appearance of these dogs, with their long, flowing locks and muscular builds, has captured the hearts of many.
In addition to their striking appearance, their loyal and loving personalities make them instant family members. As more people become aware of this variation of the Pitbull breed, they are becoming increasingly sought after as pets.
Many breeders have started specifically breeding for the long hair trait to meet this growing demand. However, it is important to do thorough research and find a reputable breeder when considering adding any dog to your family. At Paws & Purrr’s we strongly suggest adopting, not buying. Animal shelters are constantly at capacity, usually with an abundance of Pit bulls desperately looking for a fur-ever home!
Controversies Surrounding the Breeding of This Variation
Despite their growing popularity, there are also controversies surrounding the breeding of long hair pitbulls. Some people argue that breeding for specific physical traits can lead to health problems in dogs.
Others criticize breeders who prioritize physical characteristics over temperament or health when selecting breeding pairs. Additionally, some animal rights advocates argue that breeding dogs for aesthetic purposes alone is unethical, especially in light of the high number of homeless animals in shelters around the world.
It is important for anyone considering adding a long hair pitbull to their family to carefully consider where they obtain their pet from and ensure that they are supporting ethical breeding practices. Overall, while there is controversy surrounding the breeding practices associated with this unique variation on an already popular breed, it doesn’t change how much people enjoy having them as loving companions in their homes, and the fluffy Pitbull price is well worth it!
Comparison to other Pitbull variations
Compared to other variations like the American Pit Bull Terrier or Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the long hair Pitbull has a more unique appearance. However, they still maintain the signature look that people associate with Pitbulls – a muscular body, strong jawline, and wide-set eyes. In terms of size, they tend to be very similar to other breeds – typically weighing in between 30-60 pounds and standing 18-22 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their behavior and temperament are also similar to other types of pits – they are loyal companions who thrive on attention from their owners. Overall, the long hair variation adds an interesting twist to an already popular breed – making them even more visually appealing!
Conclusion
In this article, we explored the world of a beautiful variation of one of the most incredible dog breeds that is gaining popularity among dog enthusiasts. We’ve discussed their physical characteristics, personality traits, grooming needs, and health concerns. We’ve also considered their training and exercise requirements as well as their growing popularity and controversies surrounding their breeding.
Overall, long hair pitbulls are a fascinating breed with many admirable qualities that set them apart from other variations. Their distinctive appearance, loyal personality, and loving nature make them wonderful pets for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to care for them properly.
Despite their sometimes controversial reputation due to media misrepresentation or unscrupulous breeding practices by some bad actors in the dog industry. Long hair pitbulls are incredibly affectionate dogs with a lot of love to give.
They are intelligent creatures that thrive on attention from their owners and enjoy being an active part of family life. Despite being loyal protectors by nature make excellent family dogs as they can be gentle around children when correctly trained.
Additionally, they have proven themselves capable service animals such as therapy dogs – often used to help people overcome anxiety disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In short, if you’re looking for a fun-loving companion with plenty of energy who will give you endless amounts of love in return – then you wont help but fall in love with a Pitbull.
