All dogs shed a certain amount of fur and dander, and these are common allergies that can make life difficult for a lot of people.
This often leaves allergy sufferers at a loss, choosing to go without pets rather than endure symptoms.
Fortunately, in a modern, global world – a solution has been found, or at least in part.
The idea of hypoallergenic dogs is a popular solution for those who have pet allergies, as there are several breeds that are more suitable for those who suffer from allergies.
If you’re searching for a hypoallergenic dog, you might be wondering if Pitbulls fall under the category.
In this article, we’re going to be outlining everything you’ll need to know about Pitbulls and allergies, including whether or not they’re classified as hypoallergenic, and how good of a fit they are for allergy sufferers.
Pet Allergies
A pet allergy is when a person gets a physical allergic reaction to an animal, be it a dog, cat, or other. This happens because the person’s immune system is overly sensitive to proteins passed on from the animal in question.
The most common allergic reaction comes from skin cells – otherwise known as dander – but can also come as a result of saliva or urine.
The common symptoms of pet allergies are usually sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes or skin, and even asthmatic symptoms like a tight chest, coughing, and wheezing.
Dogs and cats are some of the most common animals that allergy sufferers are sensitive to, but this is mostly because they are the most common type of pets in the world.
Pet allergies can be treated with medication, but many sufferers still find it impossible to live with pets, as dander travels and causes reactions even in small amounts.
The idea of Hypoallergenic pets has become a popular alternative – but what exactly is a hypoallergenic dog or cat, and how do they work?
The Misconceptions Around Hypoallergenic Pets
So there are pets that don’t cause allergies – problem solved, right? Well, the problem here is that there are actually some misconceptions about what hypoallergenic actually means.
Generally, hypoallergenic dogs are those who are less likely to cause allergic reactions. All dogs produce dander, and this will always cause allergy sufferers issues.
Hypoallergenic breeds are those that produce much less than others.
But that distinction is important – much less, not zero.
A completely hypoallergenic dog does not exist, and how well a specific breed fits with an allergy sufferer mostly depends on how allergic they are and how much dander that dog produces.
Breeds such as Labradoodles, Samoyeds, American Hairless Terriers, and Kerry Blue Terriers produce much less dander, and because of this can be a great fit for somebody who is predisposed to allergic reactions.
But that’s not to say no reaction will ever happen.
Allergies are a spectrum, with some people only getting small reactions, whilst others can have severe breathing problems as a result of coming into contact with a dog.
So in reality, a hypoallergenic dog is one that fits well with the person and suits their needs.
Are Pitbulls Hypoallergenic?
With this in mind, let’s take a look at Pitbulls and determine whether or not they can be classified as hypoallergenic. The first thing we need to consider when trying to answer this question is what exactly a Pitbull is.
The name Pitbull can actually be quite confusing if you’re not familiar with them.
In the United States of America, it is often used to refer to several breeds of dogs. We’re going to outline them for you below:
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Bully
American Staffordshire Terrier
American Bull Dog
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Depending on who you talk to, all of these breeds can be considered Pit Bulls, however, the only one you can really refer to as a Pit Bull is number 1 – the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Because of the confusion around the name, we’re going to break down all of these different breeds and whether or not they’re hypoallergenic.
The sad news for allergy sufferers is that none of these breeds are considered to be hypoallergenic.
They all have short hair, which can lead you to think they will be less likely to cause allergic reactions, however, they all still shed quite a bit.
This means that you will still regularly come into contact with dander and hair if you were to keep one in your house.
They also tend to slobber, which means you’re also likely to come into contact with saliva when giving them physical contact.
It is important to note, however, that they aren’t the worst type of dog you can choose if you suffer from allergies.
Dogs with much longer hair – such as German Shepherds or Huskies – are going to cause a lot more problems and they shed a lot more. But still, if you have a severe allergy Pitbulls are likely to cause you a lot of problems.
Final Thoughts
So in conclusion, whilst no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic, Pit bulls are not going to be suitable for you if you suffer from bad allergies.
They are loyal and great pets, but that’s not to say they are suitable for you.
If you’re looking for the best dog that will fit into your life, it’s best to find a dog that is considered to be very compatible with allergy sufferers, and finds other ways to manage your allergies.
We hope that this guide has given you some insight into pet allergies and whether or not Pit Bulls are the right breed for you.
We would like to leave you with some advice, and that is to properly see how your allergies interact with a dog breed before committing to them and introducing them to your family!
Hi everyone, I’m Emily Andrews and I can’t wait to explain why Bullypaw.org means so much to me.
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a veterinarian. I loved every dog, horse, bird, and squirrel. But from an early age, I noticed that bully dogs like Pitbulls and Staffordshire Terriers were given a different treatment than their friends.
Everyone said they were prone to aggression, but I didn’t believe it. They seemed just as friendly as my family Labrador. Turns out I was right. These dogs are loyal and were once considered the perfect nanny dogs.
My love for animals wasn’t just a childhood fantasy. In 2002 I graduated from my veterinary school in New Zealand with a BVSc. I wanted to travel the world and help rejected animals as I went, but to do that I needed to pass the American Exams. It didn’t take long for me to earn a DVM, and soon I was heading to Florida.
We want to show everyone why bully dogs can be amazing pets. If you like any of our work, share it among your friends and help reduce decades of misinformation.
