Pitbulls are large dogs known for their strength and guarding prowess. These dogs make wonderful pets and loyal best friends. How long do Pitbulls live, though, and what’s their life expectancy like?
Pitbulls live for eight to sixteen years. Which Pitbull sub-breed they are belongs to determines their exact life expectancy. Among the Pitbull breeds, American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers typically have the longest lifespans.
Make sure to read this article in its entirety if you want to learn everything there is to know about the lifespan of pitbulls.
From the various factors influencing Pitbull lifespan to the various methods of caring for an elderly Pitbull, this guide will cover everything about Pitbull life expectancy. Let’s get started!.
What do Pitbulls usually die from?
All dog breeds, including the Pitbull, are prone to certain breed-specific health problems. Heart issues are especially common among Pitbulls. These can include:
Heart issues often do not cause symptoms early on. Pitbull owners may neglect to check on them until they become challenging to treat unless they are proactive about doing so.
Skin issues are also very prevalent in Pitbulls. They can range from treatable conditions like allergies to fatal illnesses like melanoma or mast cell tumors. Any type of skin cancer can be challenging to treat and frequently results in a Pitbull’s passing.
Although the merle pattern is not one of the officially recognized Pitbull colors (such as blue fawn), some breeders attempt to produce merle Pitbulls. Sometimes this results in double-merle breedings, which produce incredibly unhealthy offspring who frequently experience a variety of health problems.
Sadly, 1.2 million dogs are hit by cars every year in the US. This is a tragic and preventable cause of death. Many Pitbulls die on the roads because owners do not keep them in fenced-in yards or do not train them well enough to come when called.
Never presume that your dog “knows where he belongs” and will remain in an unfenced yard. Your Pitbull should be wearing a collar and leash unless he’s in a completely enclosed space.
Young, active dogs that enjoy running and exploring are particularly susceptible to car accidents. Do not let a car accident shorten the life of your Pitbull!
Examining your Pitbull’s parents, grandparents, and other family members is a good way to estimate how long he will live. If you purchased your dog from a breeder, they will most likely be familiar with the lifespans of other members of your dog’s family.
The lifespan of your Pitbull’s ancestors cannot be determined if you adopted him from a shelter or rescue group. However, you can put the odds in your favor by ensuring that your Pitbull consumes the right foods and leads a healthy lifestyle.
How long will my Pitbull live?
Pitbulls are a medium-sized breed that typically live to be about 12 years old. Size largely determines life expectancy across all dog breeds. Many small dogs live up to 17 years, but some large breeds, like mastiffs, can die as young as 8 years old.
Researchers found out that this is due to the fact that large dogs age faster than smaller ones.
Your Pitbull’s exact lifespan will depend on a number of variables.
How Long Do Pitbull Mixes Live?
What dog is crossed with a Pitbull determines how long they will live. It’s usually a combination of both dog breeds’ lifespans. It varies according to the size and genetic characteristics of the crossbreed’s parents.
Some of the most popular Pitbull mixes are:
Pitadors are a hybrid breed made up of a Pitbull and a Labrador Retriever. Labrabulls, another name for these amiable puppies, typically live for 10 to 14 years.
Golden Pits or Pitbull Golden Retrievers are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. They are loyal companions that love spending time around humans. Golden Pits are prone to separation anxiety because of that, and stress can have a big impact on the dog’s longevity.
Typically, Pitskies, a mix of Pitbull and Siberian Husky, live between 12 and 15 years. A Pitsky needs a lot of exercise to maintain its happiness and health because both of its parents are very active.
An American Bulldog and a Pitbull Terrier were crossed to create the hybrid breed known as the Bullypit. Compared to the other mixes we’ve mentioned, the lifespans of these medium-sized dogs are a little bit shorter. It’s between 10 and 13 years. Given that Bullypits are prone to weight gain, you should pay close attention to their diet if you are the owner of one.
The lifespan of a beagle bull is between 10 and 15 years. The Beagle and Pitbull mix requires a lot of exercise to be happy because it never gets bored playing.
A dog’s health is the primary factor that determines how long it lives and how well it lives. Pitbulls can live longer if you are aware of the illnesses they are genetically predisposed to and the warning signs to look out for.
Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects many medium-sized and large dogs, including Pitbulls. As the dog grows, its hip begins to deform, leading to looseness of the hip joint, degenerative joint disease, and osteoarthritis.
A dog with the condition might require hip surgery if it advances too far. Leg lameness, a bunny-hopping gait, limping, and difficulty moving are signs of this condition.
The condition known as patellar luxation develops when the kneecaps repeatedly dislocate. The severity of the illness is divided into four grades. The kneecap easily returns to its normal position even in the mildest grade. If the condition worsens, it may result in limb deformities and extreme lameness.
Pitbulls’ muscular build and high levels of activity make them more susceptible to other knee issues as well.
One of the leading causes of death for Pitbulls, particularly in their senior years, is heart disease. Aortic stenosis, valve disease, and dilated cardiomyopathy are the three most prevalent heart conditions that affect this breed.
Even with routine health examinations, heart disease can be difficult to detect. Some signs include coughing, breathing issues, bloating, weakness, and decreased activity.
Thyroid problems are also common in Pitbull-type dogs. When the thyroid glands don’t produce enough thyroid hormones, it’s called hypothyroidism, which can lead to excessive weight gain and skin issues. It can cause behavioral changes as well.
A dog’s stomach bloats and dilates due to a potentially fatal condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus. Although the bloating occasionally goes away on its own, it can also be very dangerous. If you notice your Pitbull’s stomach is bloating, it’s best to take him to the vet.
Pitbulls are more likely than many other dog breeds to develop allergies. Like people, dogs can develop allergies to a variety of things, including pollen, grass, ticks, or specific foods.
Pitbulls frequently struggle with various skin conditions like tumors, skin cancer, infections, or allergic reactions. Ichthyosis is among the most typical skin conditions affecting terrier breeds.
It is brought on by a rare genetic mutation that interferes with proper skin outer layer development. Dogs with this condition are born with patches of thickened skin and fur that is covered in greasy flakes.
FAQ
How long do pitbulls mixes live?
The average Pitbull reaches an age of 12 years. The range of life expectancy is 10 to 14 years, depending on a number of factors. Today, we’ll examine the causes of some Pitbulls’ premature deaths and discuss what you can do to ensure your Pittie lives a long and healthy life.
Can a pitbull live for 15 years?
Pit bulls live between 8 and 16 years on average. Depending on the specific breed of pit bull, they have varying life expectancies. American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are two of the pit bull breeds with the longest lifespans.
What is the most common cause of death in pit bulls?
Here are the situations that are most likely to result in a Pit Bull passing away before its time: Car accidents (this is a major one; keep your dog leashed or secured in your home or yard at all times) Aortic stenosis Valve malformations.
How old was the oldest pitbull?
Max, a beagle, dachshund, and terrier mix who lived to almost 30 years old, is the oldest Pitbull known to humankind. In 1983, a sugar cane farmer from Louisiana named Janelle Derouen adopted Max. Max was said to have lived a contented and happy life.