How Long Do Pitbulls Live? Average Lifespan

Reviewed By Kim •  Updated: 11/14/21 •  6 min read
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How Long Do Pitbulls Live

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Are you the new pet parent of a Pit Bull? Then you may have many questions about your new dog! One of the most common questions pet parents ask is what is their dog’s average lifespan.

In this article, we’ll take a look at how long Pitbulls live, what affects their lifespan, and more. Let’s get started!

What is a Pit Bull?

Sometimes dogs are classified as “Pit Bulls” even they’re a completely separate dog breed. That’s because there are dog breeds that carry some similar features to a Pit Bull. These dog breeds are most often confused with the Pit Bull:

However, these are not Pit Bulls. In reality, the Pit Bull is the American Pit Bull Terrier. This is the dog we’ll be discussing in this article.

The American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a descendant of the English Bulldog; however, Pit Bulls look very much different than their ancestors. While the Pit Bull’s history has to do with bear and bull-baiting, when these were outlawed, the dogs were then used to protect farms and cattle.

The breed was brought to the US after the Civil War when immigrants took their dogs with them. The breed soon became known as the American Pit Bull Terrier. They were used to herd and protect cattle. The dogs were also trained to protect the family, the kids, and the home.

Today, Pit Bulls are still a favorite dog breed in the US, and they’re still working dogs in many places.

What is the Life Expectancy of Pit Bull?

While there are many things that can affect the lifespan of a dog, the average lifespan of a Pit Bull is between 12 and 14 years. However, keep in mind this is just the average life expectancy. Some dogs will live longer, while others have a shorter life.

What Factors Affect a Pit Bull’s Life Expectancy?

Here are some important factors that can have some bearing on the Pit Bull’s lifespan:

Genetics & Health

Many genetic conditions can be passed on from parents to their puppies. This is why it’s essential to adopt your Pit Bull from a reputable breeder. Breeders are required to keep records on the health of their dogs, as well as any genetic problems the dogs carry.

However, if you adopt from a rescue, it may not be possible to know for sure where your dog has come from. In that case, you may be faced with some genetic conditions that require treatment by a veterinarian.

No matter what, your Pit Bull will need to see the vet on a regular basis. A vet will make sure your dog has the proper vaccinations and will check his health once a year. The vet can also treat any health problems that may appear in your fur baby. Regular visits and checkups by the vet can help lengthen your dog’s life.

Spaying/Neutering

Having your dog spayed or neutered is another factor that can affect his/her lifespan. A dog that has been spayed/neutered will avoid certain cancers.

For instance, female dogs that are spayed have a lower risk of developing mammary gland cancer or ovarian cancer. Males have a lower risk of developing testicular cancer.

Weight & Exercise

When a dog becomes overweight or obese, then he has a chance of developing certain very serious medical conditions. These may include cancer, diabetes, heart trouble, and more. In addition, a dog that carries too much weight may suffer joint problems as he ages.

Keeping your dog at his ideal weight can help to lengthen his life. This means feeding him just the right amount of food and ensuring your Pit Bull gets plenty of exercise most days. If you’re not sure about how much your dog should eat or the amount of exercise he needs, then it’s a good idea to contact the vet. They can help you get started with a weight and exercise management plan for your fur baby!

Living Outdoors vs. Indoors

It’s a fact that dogs who live indoors live longer than dogs who live outdoors. Outdoor dogs face more diseases, accidents (such as being hit by a car), or fights with other dogs/animals. Living outside in the heat of summer or the very cold of winter can also lessen a dog’s lifespan.

On the other hand, dogs who live indoors don’t have to deal with any of these issues. They have shelter from weather extremes and are safe from accidents, diseases, and fights with other dogs/animals.

Tips to Help Your Pit Bull Live Longer

Here are some tips that can help your Pit Bull to live a longer, healthier life:

1). Keep your dog inside: as noted earlier, dogs that live indoors tend to live longer than those that spend most of their lives outside. Keeping your dog inside doesn’t mean he can’t go outside. He will need to go potty, take walks, get exercise, and more. He needs to spend some time outside. However, he should live inside, with your family. This keeps your dog healthier and happier, too!

2). Exercise your dog: make sure your Pit Bull receives plenty of exercise every day. Dogs that get enough exercise have a lower tendency to become overweight or obese. What’s more, you’ll cut down on the dog’s loneliness, destructive behaviors, depression, aggression, and more.

3). A healthy diet: keeping your Pit Bull on a healthy diet can also go a long way in helping him to live longer. If you have any questions about feeding your Pit Bull, then do check with the vet. They can tell you precisely how much to feed your dog and suggest feeding methods (such as whether your fur baby should be fed once or twice a day) and more. The vet can also suggest the best dog food to keep your canine companion healthy!

4). See the vet: make regular appointments with the vet for checkups. And always call the vet when your dog has a health problem. In most cases, getting prompt medical care for your dog will keep the issue from becoming a major problem, as well as keeping recovery time shorter. Regular vaccinations are also important for your Pit Bull.

There you have it! You can help your Pit Bull live a longer, happier, healthier life by following these tips! And remember to see the vet on a regular basis and ask the vet any questions you may have on the care of your Pit Bull!

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Kim

Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.

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