Pitbulls live for about 8 to 15 years and have an average lifespan of 12 years.
Some Pitbulls can have aggressive nature, and their instincts might make them attack strangers they see as a threat.
They are very possessive, and for the protection of their family and territory, they can charge on a person and a dog as well. Pitbulls are perfect if you are looking for a loyal and loving companion to protect you and your family.
A Pitbull is a loving dog, and with the help of proper training, you can get maximum love and affection. These dogs can provide you with more love than you can think of from any other dog breed.
Pitbull’s average lifespan is 8 to 15 years. The difference between this average is because of the uncertainty they suffer. These dogs can live longer if they have powerful genes and you provide them with a quality diet, healthy exercise, and a great environment.
The Dilemma of the Nose
Before getting to know more about their age and how you can stretch their lifespan, let’s break a common myth about the red and blue nose breeds.
Red nose Pitbull is no different from a blue nose Pitbull. Most of the time people think that the blue and red nose indicates different breed in the same Pitbull category.
It isn’t true, and you don’t need to provide any different food, exercise, and training to these dogs because of the difference in their nose colors. They don’t have special genetic differences. It is just the difference in the nose color.
How Long Will My Pitbull Live
There is a misconception about the life expectancy of a Pitbull. People think that Pitbull has a shorter lifespan because of diseases and genetic issues. While according to researchers, the average age of a Pitbull is 12 years. And this average age is common in most medium-sized dogs.
The shorter dogs have a lifespan of 16 to 20 years. But the medium dogs of different breeds have the same 12-year life span, and Pitbull is not an exception. Except for disease and medical emergencies that are more common in this breed if you don’t take proper care.
A Pitbull is a perfect companion who has a lot of love to shower on you and your family. Pitbulls can live for 15 years, and they can also die of cancer or diabetes at just the early age of 8 years.
The health and age of Pitbull depend upon the food and living condition you are providing. Regular exercise and occasional vet visits improve good health and longer life.
If you choose a quality breeder and provide appropriate conditions, your dog will stay longer with you. Regular exercises will keep your pitbull energy in check. And you will have a compassionate dog who is willing to please you all the time.
There are rare cases that the Pitbull attacks their owners and family members. So you don’t have to worry about such frightening scenarios.
What Do Pitbulls Usually Die From: Pitbull Health Problems
The Pitbull tends to be a sturdy breed, but many different medical conditions and diseases can make their lifespan shorter. The effect of diseases may increase according to the age of your dog. The following is a list of the diseases that Pitbulls are susceptible to.
Cancer
Cancer is the most vicious disease that is affecting the lives of various dog breeds. Your loving Pitbull is also at the risk of suffering from this heinous disease. Some various factors and situations can increase the risk of cancer. The most common cancer-related diseases are as follow:
- Bladder cancer
- Osteosarcoma
- Oral tumors
- Lymphoma
- Prostate cancer
- Mammary carcinoma – Most common in female dogs
- Hemangiosarcoma
Researchers claim that when you spay or neuter the Pitbull, the chances of getting cancer reduce to a minimal. You can reduce cancer risk by taking protective measures such as keeping your Pitbull away from cigarette smoke and harmful chemicals.
If the cancer is diagnosed early and your dog is young, you will have maximum chances of survival. But if the Pitbull is affected by cancer at old age, the chances for recovery are very low.
The type of cancer and size of the tumor has a significant effect on your dog’s condition. Your Pitbull can live a cancer-free life if you go to the vet regularly and get proper medication.
A healthy diet and exercise can also help you increase the lifespan of your Pitbull.
Hip Dysplasia
The larger the dog breed is, the higher the chances for hip dysplasia. It is a genetic condition, and it increases with the size of the dog. A dog that belongs to a larger breed growth rate will increase the chances of complications.
Your Pitbull is a medium to large breed, and the chances of hip dysplasia are also higher for them. Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease where the hip and femur ball joint is affected by an anomaly or a growth. Hip dysplasia is commonly found in dogs with old age.
The ball joint is formed when the outer end of the ball-like structure of the femur revolves inside the hip bone. The femur is connected with the ligaments, and they allow free movement for your Pitbull. The change in the structure and abnormal growth in the femur will create an obstruction, and the joint will be stuck.
The ligaments inside the structure can also get loose and lead to pain and suffering during the movement. When the Pitbull crosses the average age, the chances for hip dysplasia increase even higher. You need to provide them with soft and comfortable bedding to avoid any complications.
The movement will be restricted when the dog has developed an issue in the femur and hip joint.
Skin Conditions
The Labrador has an undercoat to protect their skin. But the Pitbull has a shorter overcoat with the absence of a protective layer inside. The Pitbulls have nothing to protect their skin from the damaging agents.
As a result, if you don’t take proper care, your Pitbull will suffer from allergies and other skin conditions. The Pitbull is not safe from dog allergens in the environment, and if it is not getting adequate food, the results will be visible on the skin. Malnutrition can lead to skin irritation and infection.
If you have a Pitbull with white coloration, you must avoid staying longer in the sun. These dogs tend to get sunburn. Protecting the dogs is your obligation since these canine buddies cannot protect themselves from the sun.
When there is a skin burn or irritation, it could easily get infected. With the absence of a protective layer, this infection could spread and might harm your Pitbull. Ichthyosis is a common disease, and the symptoms are fish scale skin.
A Pitbull with red color is less likely to also suffer from skin disease and sunburn. Chances for different diseases are still present in red coloration, and you don’t get immunity from any of the diseases. Ensure to provide your Pitbull with a great environment, a healthy diet, and plenty of exercises.
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland is responsible for secreting the digestive hormone in the body. It is present in the neck of a dog. Pitbulls are more susceptible to suffer from this disease and suffer from digestive issues.
Lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss are some of the symptoms of this disease. When you see that your dog is showing any of the symptoms mentioned above, take them to the vet to ensure everything is well.
There are two types of Hypothyroidism: Lymphocytic thyroiditis and Idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy.
Lymphocytic thyroiditis is considered an autoimmune disease and is more chronic and fatal. There is no cure for this disease, and if your dog is suffering from it, you need lifelong medication.
Idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy disease is more common and less fatal. If your dog gets affected by this disease, the lifelong medication will make things better. If you do not treat this disease, it could take the life of the suffering dog.
Both diseases are common in Pitbull, and the owners need medication for the rest of the dog’s life. The medication will help Pitbulls’ body secrete the helpful digestive hormone.
Heart Conditions
If your Pitbull is suffering from heart disease, the first thing you must do is restrict the exercise. Your dog doesn’t know about the disease and will love to play more and enjoy the activities.
But the heart with a medical condition can lead to complications and sudden death. The best thing to do is have your veterinarian recommend the best diet and exercise for your Pitbull.
There are various common heart diseases in Pitbull because of their genetic structure. The most common heart disease in Pitbulls is aortic stenosis. The puppies can have this disease at the time of birth, leading to heart failure later in their lives.
The aortic valve is responsible for taking blood out of the chamber. When the heart is full of blood, and this valve is contracted, the heart will have to push more.
The extra load on the heart can lead to heart failure and sudden death. If left untreated, it could cause complications in the future.
The vets and specialists forbid extraneous works and extra exercise in such conditions. Arrhythmias is another heart disease. Heart malformation is another cause of sudden death in puppies and adult Pitbulls.
Cerebellar Ataxia
It is a hereditary disease that affects the nervous system of the Pitbull. Just like chronic disease, there is also no cure for this condition. When your dog suffers from this disease, it will start showing mobility issues.
There is no specific age for this disease, and your Pitbull can suffer from it at any stage of life. Cerebellar Ataxia is a hereditary disease, and when the two carriers of such gene mate, the offspring will suffer from this condition. The mobility issue can worsen and ultimately cripple the dog.
The low quality of life makes the owner go for euthanasia for their beloved canines. There is a test with 99 percent accuracy to find the affected gene for this disease. Most of the breeders are not that committed to getting the test done.
If you don’t want your puppy to suffer the painful end, you must look for the breeders who go for this NCL-A test. When both dogs have genes free from this issue, only then can you ensure your dog’s safety from this disease.
Gastric Torsion
The most common name for this disease is bloat. The stomach expands to some painful and harmful extent in such a condition. When your dog is bloated, the stomach expands because of gas and fluid. The expansion can affect the blood supply to the vital organs around.
It is the most painful condition, and your dog needs quick medical help with this disease. There are various factors and reasons for bloat. But you can avoid them with the proper exercise and a healthy diet for your pitbull. In some cases, the bloat and lack of emergency response lead to the death of Pitbulls.
Does Genetics Affect Pitbull Lifespan
The answer to this question is a big yes. There are various diseases mentioned above that can be part of Pitbull’s body because of affected genes. When you buy the puppy from a breeder, ask about the life of the parents.
If the parents had a happy and healthy life of more than 10 to 12 years, this is your cue. Offspring from healthy parents tend to stay away from harmful diseases. But if you get the Pitbull from a shelter, there is almost no way for you to find the lifespan of the parents of this dog.
Most of the time, various diseases and medical issues can stay dormant in the dogs’ genes. When this recessive issue and genes meet with the dog with the same issues, the offspring will be suffering from fatal conditions.
Heart malfunction, Ataxia, and other autoimmune diseases affect Pitbulls’ lifespans. Choosing a quality breeder focusing on the dog’s health will increase the chances of a healthy puppy. If you don’t know about the dog’s parents, your only chance is a healthy and quality diet.
How to Help Your Pitbull Live Longer
When you bring a Pitbull home, it won’t take much time to be a part of your family. The instant addition to the family will make you do things for your new buddy.
The puppies are the cutest, and you will love to have the most affectionate and loving dog. A Pitbull is predisposed to some diseases and medical conditions. You can do your part to minimize the risks and help your Pitbull to live a healthy life of happiness and joy.
Good Diet
Pitbull is a muscular dog, and they need food accordingly. Always avoid junk food and saturated fat for your dog. As it will create various health problems. The fat will accumulate inside the body, and all the vital organs will have to push their limits to perform.
This extra burden will decrease the life of your loving dog. Pitbulls don’t need any kind of supplement. You can consult your vet for a diet plan and good eating habits. A diet containing vegetable and fruit treats will ensure the gum and teeth stay healthy while providing necessary nutrients.
You can consider a diet plan excellent for your Pitbull, which has added protein. This healthy nutrient will help your Pitbull to stay in shape and perform more. A healthy diet with exercise and activities will make your Pitbull live longer than you can anticipate.
Weight Management
As discussed above, obesity and extra weight are harmful to the health and life of your Pitbull. When your dog is overweight, all the vital organs come under stress and pressure. This worst-case scenario can decrease the life of your loving dog for more than 2 to 4 years.
Preventative Healthcare
Prevention is way better than extreme care and medications. Your vet will help you get notified of any change in behavior and physical condition. Occasional visits will help keep your dog from getting terminally ill. The vet will help diagnose the diseases initially and help your dog stay fit for the rest of its life.
Pests and Worms
Ticks and fleas are the enemies of your dog. Worms are one of the worst enemies of dogs. You need preventive care to protect them from sucking the blood and infesting fatal diseases.
Vaccinations
The best defense for your dog against diseases is vaccination. Consult your vet for high-quality vaccination and never miss a shot.
Exercise and Physical Activities
If you want to keep your Pitbull live a happy and extended life with good health, never skip exercise. Exercise and physical activities are like an elixir for your Pitbull to keep them alive and kicking.
Regular exercise will minimize the chances of various genetic diseases. Arthritis and hip dysplasia will also remain at bay when your dog has a healthy diet and a great daily routine of physical exercises.
The Importance of Providing Exercise to Your Pitbull: How It Can Help Them Live Longer
Exercise is a lifesaver for your Pitbulls. When you have a dog of this breed, there are high chances that any change in food could lead to obesity. You cannot manage your doggo’s weight by simply cutting the food as it will cause malnutrition and various other medical issues.
The only thing you can do to maintain your Pitbulls’ weight is to provide them ample opportunities to do exercise. Physical activities are also good for your best buddy to prevent aggressive behavior and chewing.
Arthritis and joint pain are common in Pitbulls, and they could also lead to hip dysplasia. When you provide regular exercise opportunities to your Pitbull, you decrease the chances of any bone-related disease.
The more your dog does work, the more chances for a happy and healthy life. Aggression and stress are also common problems for Pitbulls. Consult with your vet for exercise requirements, and get suitable activities to keep your dog away from potential genetic diseases.
Physical activities reduce the intensity of genetic diseases, and in most cases, your dog remains safe from fatal medical issues. A healthy dog with regular physical activities gains confidence in life.
Your relationship and connection will grow stronger while providing a healthy immune system. The boost for the immune system will increase the lifespan of your Pitbull.
Pitbull Life Expectancy Summary
A Pitbull is not a short-lived dog, and it has ample lifespan for a medium structured dog. The life expectancy increases when the dog comes from a short breed.
Pitbull is a medium-size breed with various genetic issues and problems, some of which could be fatal. You can tackle most health problems by getting pedigree puppies from a quality breeder and providing a healthy diet and exercise to help your Pitbull live for 12 to 15 years.