When we think about Pitbulls, we often think of a muscular breed with short coats, but have you heard of the long-haired Pitbull? If it’s your first time hearing about fluffy Pitbulls, then you’re on the right page!
These dogs are undoubtedly a sight to behold for most people. While some are fascinated, others question whether they are true Pitbulls.
In this article, we’re going to settle the dispute and establish why some Pitbulls have long hair. We will also go over the specifics in terms of their characteristics, genetics, puppy prices, and more.
Keep reading if you wish to find out more about these adorable long-haired Pitbulls.
What Is a Long-Haired Pitbull? Can Pitbulls Have Long Hair?
Long-haired Pitbulls are exactly that — Pitbulls with long fur. These dogs result from mixing a Pitbull with other breeds that carry the long hair gene. Some of these breeds are the Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Husky, and the Australian Shepherd. Long-haired Pits are also known as fluffy Pitbulls.
Besides the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Husky, and the Australian Shepherd, other breeds that can possibly be mixed with the Pitbull to produce a long hair puppy include the Malamute, Rough Collie, and Saint Bernard.
However, crossbreeding the Pitbull with these breeds will not guarantee you a long-haired Pitbull. We will go into more detail about that later in the article.
You should also note that the Pitbull is not limited to one breed. This term encompasses the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Bulldog.
Long-Haired Pitbull Appearance
There is no standard look for these dogs, so all long-haired Pitbulls vary in appearance.
In terms of coat color, this depends on the crossbreed of your pooch — some exhibit black, black & white, gray, fawn, and even all-white coats.
In general, long-haired Pitbulls are considered medium-sized dogs, but they can also grow to be large canines depending on the breeds involved in the mix.
Probably one of the most defining features of a Pitbull includes its strong and wide jaws, which are believed to lock. So, it would be best if you gave them long-lasting toys that cannot be chewed up and ingested.
Another trait a long-haired Pitbull may have is the staple drop ears. They may also exhibit a short tail, a smooth coat, and a square-shaped head.
Additionally, they can sport a variety of eye colors, such as green, brown, or blue.
Mixing a Pitbull with a long-haired breed will not take away their powerful looks and stance. Pitbull mixes still unmistakably show dominance and vigor even with other genes in their blood.
If you have ever wondered what a long-haired Pitbull looks like, watch the video below:
Long-Haired Pitbull Size and Weight
Long-haired Pitbulls are mostly bred from the American Pit Bull Terrier, so the standard size is 18 to 19 inches for male Pitbulls and 17 to 18 inches for females.
As for weight, long-haired Pitbulls typically weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown.
Determining the exact size of mixed breeds, such as the long-haired Pit, is challenging. Fortunately, we can make the best estimate by observing the size of both parent dogs.
That said, the size of your long-haired Pitbull may still fall below or over the mentioned figures, depending on how its genetics plays out.
Most long-haired Pitbulls reach their maximum size once they reach one year old. However, larger Pitbull breeds like the American Staffordshire Terrier will take around 18 months to grow fully.
Why Do Some Pitbulls Have Longer Hair? Long-Haired Pitbull Genetics
Pitbulls naturally have short coats. Specifically, they are classified as single-coated dogs. This is why many people become curious and find it strange when they see a Pitbull with long hair.
One major contributing factor to long-haired Pitbulls is the recessive long hair trait among dogs. According to Paw Print Genetics, two copies of the recessive trait are needed to produce long hair.
Long-haired Pitbulls are only produced by mixing Pitbulls with another dog breed that carries the specific gene for long hair.
Since genetics is essentially a game of probability, mixing a Pitbull and a long-haired breed will not guarantee a long-haired Pitbull puppy.
This explains why Pitsky dogs, Maltese Pitbull mixes, Pitchows, and other hybrids between Pitbulls and long-haired dogs, will not always have long hair. The chances of having a long-haired Pitbull among these mixes are still slim.
Are Long-Haired Pitbulls Recognized by Kennel Clubs?
As far as standards go, the long-haired Pitbull is not recognized by kennel clubs. This trait is actually disqualified by the United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standard.
According to their criteria, the American Pit Bull Terrier should be a medium-sized dog with short fur. They also consider curly or wavy fur as faults.
Therefore, the long-haired Pitbull does not belong to the different breeds under the Pitbull umbrella. Simply put, they are not recognized by most major kennel clubs.
Instead, long-haired Pitbull mixes, like the Pitsky and Aussie Pit, are classified as designer breeds and can be registered in kennel clubs dedicated to hybrid dogs.
These include the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Unfortunately, because of their inability to be registered under major kennel clubs, many long-haired Pitbulls are surrendered to rescue organizations. Sadly, most abandoned Pitbulls that end up here are later euthanized.
Long-Haired Pitbull Temperament and Personality
A lot of people mistake the strong physique of long-haired Pitbulls for their tendency to be aggressive. Many homeowners often become intimidated and assume that they will be difficult to handle.
However, while some of these dogs have been bred for their aggression and fighting ability, others are well-tamed and make excellent family pets nowadays.
Contrary to popular belief, these canines can be great companions for children. They are known to be sweet, affectionate, and loyal companions.
Long-haired Pitbulls are also very obedient to their owners. You can expect to have a fun and easy time teaching them tricks because these smart canines love interaction and activities.
However, they can be less tolerant than other dog breeds. Like other dogs, they also have a stubborn streak.
However, this doesn’t make them violent dogs, so there is no reason to be intimidated by them.
Socializing them with other dogs shouldn’t be a problem since they usually remain calm and friendly.
According to WebMD, bringing your Pitbull to meetups with friends in dog parks are effective in developing their socialization skills.
Long-Haired Pitbull Shedding and Grooming
Pitbulls with short fur don’t need special grooming services since it’s easy to maintain their coats. These pooches only require regular brushing and a healthy diet for a glossy appearance.
However, you will need to put more effort into grooming fluffy, long-haired Pitbulls. For instance, if you have a long-haired American Pit Bull Terrier mix, you should brush them diligently to prevent tangling and matting.
The best type of brush for this breed is the slicker brush. They are ideal for wiry-coated canines such as terriers. However, if you have a mix with a thick coat, you will need a pin brush.
Pitbulls, in general, do not need to be bathed regularly. But they may require monthly bathing to maintain a healthy coat. If your pooch is more active than others, consider giving them baths more frequently.
Since long-haired Pitbulls have silky hair, maintaining them will require shampoo and conditioner with natural ingredients. These may include oatmeal, aloe vera, and lemongrass.
Long-haired Pitbulls would also require nail trimming every one or two months. Another important aspect of dog grooming is oral care.
To keep its teeth clean and free of harmful bacteria, brush your dog’s teeth daily.
Long-Haired Pitbull Lifespan and Health Issues
The life expectancy of long-haired Pitbulls ranges from 10 to 14 years. If adequately cared for, some long-haired Pitbulls can live longer.
Luckily, Pitbulls are generally healthy. However, they can still suffer from several health conditions.
Early detection of health issues is critical for your dog to live a long and happy life. As a fur parent, it is your responsibility to plan routine checks for your pooch.
Keep an eye out for the following health problems that are common in long-haired Pitbulls:
- Hip Dysplasia: This is essentially a hip malformation that develops during a puppy’s growth. Hip dysplasia in dogs can be caused by numerous factors, including genetics, muscular and skeletal imbalance, and more.
- Patella Luxation: This condition results from the dislocation of the patella bone. If your long-haired Pitbull has patellar luxation, you may notice them walking with a limp or running on three legs.
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): This affects the spinal cord of the pet and gradually impairs its mobility. Degenerative myelopathy can also affect bladder and bowel control. Unfortunately, selective breeding is the only strategy to prevent this condition.
- Hypothyroidism: Long-haired Pitbulls who suffer from hypothyroidism have inflamed thyroid glands. Some symptoms of this condition include lethargy, obesity, thinning coat, and dark pigmentation on your canines’ skin.
As you can tell, these are pretty severe conditions that can significantly affect your long-haired Pitbull’s health and overall quality of life. Therefore, it is imperative to spot them early on.
Acquiring pet insurance is also ideal for keeping the overall cost of veterinary care to a minimum.
Overall, the best way to keep your long-haired Pitbull healthy and comfortable is by giving them proper care. This means paying attention to the quality and quantity of their food and keeping them active.
How Much Does a Long-Haired Pitbull Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Since long-haired Pitbulls are produced from different mixes, the price will vary drastically.
However, you can expect to pay between $500 and $5,000 for a long-haired Pitbull. This falls within the price range of Pitbulls, like the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Like other breeds, the more exotic and rare the breed, the higher the price. However, considering that there is an overpopulation of Pitbulls in rescue sites, getting a long-haired Pitbull from them is a more economical path.
Besides the puppy price of the long-haired Pitbull, you should also be aware of the following expenses:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $150 |
| Bowls | $10 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $40 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $500 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $3,150 |
These are only the costs you are expected to spend upon bringing your pooch home. Take note that the list above is only an estimate.
Furthermore, your pup’s needs should not be limited to the items you find above. You may find yourself paying for other services and items that your dog may suddenly need.
Places to Find Long-Haired Pitbull Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Pitbulls are very popular, so you will have no problem finding breeders for these powerful canines. However, long-haired Pitbulls are quite tricky to find, so you may need to contact many reputable breeders before finding one.
Reputable breeders will not only guarantee the quality of your long-haired Pitbull puppy, but they can also provide you with valuable information about your pup’s background and history.
Below are some of the good sources for long-haired Pitbull mixes:
- Lancaster Puppies – All of the pups on this website are well-fed and kept in clean conditions. With the help of Lancaster Puppies, you will find different Pitbull mixes of different colors and sizes.
- Pawrade – This organization understands the importance of offering healthy puppies in the market. Pawrade ensures all the puppies on the website come with health guarantees. They are committed to giving homes to puppies of different breeds, sizes, and colors.
- Greenfield Puppies – This website offers designer dog breeds, including Pitbull mixes like the long-haired Pitbull. They make sure that they only list puppies from reputable breeders with ethical breeding practices.
Meanwhile, if you plan on adopting a puppy instead of buying one, the good news is that there are many available sources. In fact, Pitbull rescue organizations are everywhere these days.
Take a look at the following list of well-known Pitbull rescues:
- Pit Bull Rescue Central (PBRC) – PBRC promotes responsible dog ownership by encouraging owners to educate themselves about the Pitbull breed. They will help you understand what it’s like to care for a dog by providing info on raising both toddlers and pups, socializing adult canines, and more.
- The Love Pit Rescue (TLP) – This community has a group of dedicated volunteers and other dog lovers passionate about finding devoted homes. They make sure those looking for Pitbulls and Pitbull mixes are qualified, prepared, and capable of being good fur parents.
- Plenty of Pit Bulls – Founded back in 2012, this organization has saved over a hundred canines. This organization also aims to educate the public about the bad rap Pitbulls get.
If you decide to adopt a long-haired Pitbull, you should put in an effort to pass the adoption screening process. Hence, you need to educate yourself and at the same time prepare yourself physically, emotionally, and financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Long-Haired Pitbulls Rare?
Yes, long-haired Pitbulls are not as common as other Pitbulls. Even if you breed a long-haired dog with a Pitbull, there is no guarantee that you can have a litter of long-haired puppies.
Because of this, you can also expect a limited number of long-haired Pitbull puppies.
Do Long-Haired Pitbulls Shed a Lot?
The amount of shedding depends on the mix you are dealing with. You will need to determine which crossbreed of long-haired Pitbull you have before knowing if they shed a lot or not.
However, since they have a lot of furs, it’s safe to say that you should expect a lot of shedding.
Are Long-Haired Pitbulls Hypoallergenic?
No, long-haired Pitbulls are not hypoallergenic. These dogs produce a moderate to high concentration of dander.
If this is an issue for you, but you are still determined to adopt a long-haired Pitbull, consult with an allergist and bring your canine to regular grooming sessions.
Final Thoughts
Taking one look at a long-haired Pitbull is enough to convince you that you need to bring one home. Not only do they exhibit the courage and boldness of Pitbulls, but they also have the added fluffy, irresistible fur.
While a lot may desire these canines, it is tough to find one. Therefore, you need more than determination if you want to have a long-haired Pitbull added to your home.
Regardless if they are long-haired or not, it takes a lot of understanding, patience, and knowledge to deal with Pitbulls.
Are you still interested in bringing this unique pooch home? Let us know your thoughts about the long-haired Pitbull in the comments below!
