How Long do Pitbulls live? Guide to Pitbull’s Lifespan

Having studied an entire book on Pitbull care, we have come to the conclusion that there is a lot of misinformation on the internet about this wonderful breed of dog. In order to help clear up some of this confusion, we are going to explain the lifespan of Pitbulls and what impacts their lifespan.

Before going into detail explaining the lifespan of Pitbulls, it is important to highlight some key information (bombshells!) that will shape this article on the longevity of Pitbull’s life here on earth.

#1 Bombshell: Pitbulls are actually mix-breed dogs:

A 2018 peer-reviewed study by Lisa M, Rebecca T, and Clive D titled, “A canine identity crisis: Genetic breed heritage testing of shelter dogs”, determined that the majority of dogs often labeled as “pitbulls” are mixed breed dogs.  The scholars took the DNA of more than 900 dog shelter samples and applied six different commercial tests to them. The study found that less than 2% of the dogs were of a “purebred” status, with the remaining 98% being mixed-breed dogs.

The study also found that there was often little correlation between the dog’s physical appearance and their DNA results. In other words, a dog that looked like a purebred Pitbull was just as likely to be a mixed-breed as a dog that did not look like a Pitbull. This is important to keep in mind when trying to determine the lifespan of a “Pitbull”, as there is no one definitive answer.

How long do Pitbulls live?

The answer to this question largely depends on the individual dog’s genetics and lifestyle. A 2018 study published in the “Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine” found that the median lifespan of all dogs was 10.3 years, with smaller breeds tending to live longer than larger breeds. The median lifespan of a Pitbull-type dog was 9.4 years, which was on par with other large breeds such as Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers.

However, it is important to note that these are just averages and that individual dogs can live much longer or shorter lives depending on their genetics and lifestyle. Studies have found that Pitbulls have a median lifespan of 10 to 14 years when kept as a pet, but only 6.5 years when used for dog fighting.

Pitbulls come in a variety of colors, and their lifespan is believed to be 10 to 15 years, given that they include many sub-breeds like Red Nose or Blue Nose Pitbulls.

What impacts Pitbull’s lifespan?

There are many factors that can impact a Pitbull’s lifespan, with the two most important being genetics and lifestyle.

A dog’s genetics play a large role in determining how long they will live, with some breeds naturally having shorter lifespans than others. For example, Great Danes have a median lifespan of 7 years, while Chihuahuas can live up to 15 years.

Lifestyle is also a very important factor in determining a dog’s lifespan. Dogs that are well-cared for and live in good conditions tend to live longer than those that do not.

For example, dogs that are kept as indoor pets tend to live longer than those that are kept outdoors, as they are less likely to be exposed to diseases and accidents. Similarly, dogs that are fed a high-quality diet and receive regular exercise tend to live longer than those that do not, as these factors help keep them healthy and fit.

What can be done to lengthen a Pitbull’s lifespan?

There are several things that can be done to lengthen a Pitbull’s lifespan, including:

• 1. Providing them with regular exercise: Exercise is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for Pitbulls. Pitbulls are a very active breed and need to be exercised regularly in order to stay healthy and fit. A good exercise routine for a Pitbull should include at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day.
• 2. Feeding them a high-quality diet: A healthy diet is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for Pitbulls. Pitbulls are susceptible to obesity, so it is important to make sure that they are fed a high-quality diet that is low in fat and calories.
• 3. Taking them to the vet regularly: Regular checkups and preventive care are important for all dogs, but they are especially important for Pitbulls. Pitbulls are prone to certain health conditions, so it is important to have them checked by a vet on a regular basis and to keep up with their vaccinations.
• 4. Avoiding dog fighting: Dog fighting is a cruel practice that puts Pitbulls at risk of serious injury or death. It is important to avoid dog fighting and to report any instances of it that you may see.
• 5. Providing them with love and attention: Love and attention are important for all dogs, but they are especially important for Pitbulls. Pitbulls are a very affectionate breed and need to feel loved and appreciated in order to thrive.

Impact of Hybrid Vigour on Pitbull’s Lifespan:

One of the main reasons that mixed-breed dogs tend to live longer than purebred dogs is due to something called “hybrid vigour”. Hybrid vigour occurs when two different breeds of animals are bred together and the offspring have increased health and vitality. This is because the offspring inherit a greater diversity of genes from their parents, which often leads to them being less susceptible to the genetic diseases that often plague purebred animals.

Pitbulls are often less Susceptible to Common Dog Health Conditions.

While there is no guarantee that a Pitbull will never experience health problems, they are often less susceptible to common dog health conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat. This is due to the fact that Pitbulls are often bred for their athleticism and strength, which has led to them having healthier skeletal structures than many other breeds of dogs.

Pitbulls are also less likely to experience common skin problems such as allergies and hot spots. This is because their short, stiff coats do not provide a good environment for bacteria and allergies to thrive in.

Health Conditions that Pitbulls are Susceptible to:

While Pitbulls are less susceptible to many common dog health conditions, there are still some health problems that they are more likely to experience.

• Hip dysplasia: This is a condition that affects the hip joint and is common in large-breed dogs. It can be caused by genetics, weight gain, or injury, and can lead to pain, lameness, and arthritis.
• Elbow dysplasia: This is a condition that affects the elbow joint and is also common in large-breed dogs. It can be caused by genetics, weight gain, or injury, and can lead to pain, lameness, and arthritis.
• Heart disease: There are many different types of heart disease that can affect dogs, and Pitbulls are susceptible to several of them. Heart disease can be caused by genetics, lifestyle factors such as obesity or lack of exercise, and environmental factors such as air pollution.
• Cancer: Cancer is a common cause of death in dogs, and Pitbulls are particularly prone to certain types of cancer, such as bone cancer and lymphoma.
• Heartworm disease: One of the most common health problems faced by Pitbulls is heartworm disease. Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart and blood vessels of an infected animal.
• Pitbulls are also more likely than other breeds of dogs to experience adverse reactions to vaccinations. This is due to the fact that Pitbulls often have higher levels of the hormone adrenaline, which can cause them to react negatively to vaccinations.
• Pitbulls are also more likely than other breeds of dogs to be born with congenital defects such as cleft palates and heart defects. However, many of these defects can be surgically corrected and do not impact the dog’s lifespan.

What usually kills Pitbulls?

The most common cause of death for Pitbulls is cancer. Cancer is the leading cause of death for dogs in general, but Pitbulls seem to be particularly prone to the disease. Other common causes of death for Pitbulls include heart disease, intestinal problems, and respiratory problems.

How Old Was The Oldest Pit Bull to Ever Live?

Max, a pit bull from Louisiana, lived the longest of any pit bull ever recorded. Max had a long and robust existence, dying at the age of 29 years old, 282 days. Although he was a terrier mix breed, he was still considered to be a Pitbull.

Max now has a Wikipedia page and was reported widely when he died in 2009.

If Pitbull is a mix-breed, what are some parents of Pitbulls?

Pitbulls are often a mix of Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, and American Staffordshire Terriers. However, there is no one definitive answer as to what the parents of a Pitbull are, as there are many different types of Pitbulls.

What is the difference between a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, an American Pit Bull Terrier, and an American Staffordshire Terrier?

The main difference between Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, and American Staffordshire Terriers is their size. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are the smallest of the three breeds, while American Staffordshire Terriers are the largest. American Pit Bull Terriers are somewhere in the middle, although they can vary somewhat in size.

Another difference between these three breeds is that Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers are considered to be two separate breeds by the American Kennel Club, while American Pit Bull Terriers are not recognized as separate breed.

Finally, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers are bred for show purposes, while American Pit Bull Terriers are not. This is because American Pit Bull Terriers were originally bred for fighting and so their appearance was not as important as their ability to fight.

Conclusion:

Pitbulls are a versatile and resilient breed of dog that can have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years when kept as a pet. However, there are many factors that can impact a Pitbull’s lifespan, such as genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions. It is important to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that your Pitbull is living a long and healthy life.

FAQs

Q: How long do Maltipoos live?

A: Maltipoos are a cross between a Maltese and a Toy Poodle and typically live between 10 and 15 years.

Q: How long do pugs live?

A: Pugs typically live between 12 and 15 years. However, there are many factors that can impact a Pug’s lifespan, such as genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions.

Q: How long do Shih Tzus live?

A: Shih Tzus typically live between 10 and 16 years. However, there are many factors that can impact a Shih Tzu’s lifespan, such as genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions.

Do you have a Pitbull? How old is he or she? Let us know in the comments below!