How Long Do Pitbulls Live? (Pitbull Lifespan)

Pitbulls (or Pit Bulls) are a controversial breed of dog, often undeservedly associated with violence and aggression. But many people don’t realize that Pitbulls can make great pets; they are loyal, loving, and protective of their owners and families.

What is a Pitbull’s life expectancy? The answer may surprise you. Pitbulls typically have a MAXIMUM lifespan of 14-16 years human years, which is longer than many other breeds of dogs.

The average lifespan of a Pitbull is 12-14 years human years.

Expect some confusion as many dogs are sold or called “Pitbulls” of different genetics. Some dog breeds collectively referred to as “Pitbull” have much shorter lifespans as low as 8 years.

how long do Pitbulls live
How long do Pitbulls live? (Pitbull Lifespan)

Your Pitbull can enjoy a long and healthy life with proper care and nutrition.

Find out more about this adorable breed, its lifespan, and its care below.

The Origin Of Pitbulls

Pitbulls have a long and storied history, dating back to ancient times. The original Pitbulls were bred in England for bull-baiting, a popular sport at the time in which dogs were pitted against bulls in a ring.

Pitbulls run at the beach
Pitbulls run at the beach with their owner!

The dogs were bred to be aggressive and tenacious, and they quickly became known for their courage and strength. In the 1800s, bull-baiting was fortunately outlawed in England, but the Pitbull’s popularity as a pet only grew.

They were brought to America by English immigrants, where they quickly gained a reputation as loyal and fearless protectors. Pitbulls were used extensively in both World Wars, serving as guard dogs, messengers, and even sled dogs.

Today, Pitbulls are still cherished as loyal companions and loving family pets. Though their reputation as fierce fighters has largely been underserved, they still retain their reputation as courageous and determined dogs.

What Is The Average Lifespan?

The average lifespan of a Pitbull is 12-14 years human years. However, this number can vary based on a number of factors, including diet, breed, exercise, health concerns, and genetics. Some Pitbulls have been known to live for more than 16 years.

Pitbull runs towards the dog owner
The Pitbull runs towards her dog owner for a jog.

Why Do Some Live Longer?

It’s a simple fact that some Pitbulls live longer than others. There are three factors that can contribute to the shorter lifespan of Pitbulls though.

Pitbull runs towards the ball
A Pitbull runs towards the ball toss by her trainer!

One factor is their size. Pitbulls are typically larger than other breeds of dogs, and larger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs.

Another factor is their activity level. Pitbulls are very active and energetic dogs, and they require a lot of exercise. This can lead to health problems later in life, such as joint problems and obesity.

Finally, Pitbulls are often bred for fighting. This means that they may be more likely to experience health problems related to aggression, such as hip dysplasia.

Tips For A Longer Lifespan

Pitbulls are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and their lifespan is a big factor. Here are some tips for keeping healthy dogs:

  • Get them spayed or neutered. This simple surgery can add years to your Pitbull’s life by reducing the risk of certain cancers and other health problems.
  • Feed them a well-balanced & healthy diet. Just like humans, what your Pitbull eats has a big impact on its health. Ensure they get plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals in their diet. You can try homemade dog food.
  • Keep them at a healthy weight. Obesity is a leading cause of health issues in dogs, so make sure your Pitbull is at a good weight by monitoring its food intake and exercising regularly – and resist those puppy-dog eyes at mealtimes!
  • Take them to the vet regularly. Regular check-ups with your vet can help catch health problems early when they’re more easily treated.
  • Provide them with plenty of exercises and mental stimulation. A bored dog is more likely to get into trouble – and be unhealthy – than one who’s kept active and mentally engaged. These dogs deserves plenty of walks, playtime, and training to keep them happy and healthy throughout their life.
  • Keep them inside. Outdoor dogs live shorter lives than indoor dogs. For instance, indoor dogs tend to get involved in car accidents less, and they’re not exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Pitbulls Consist Of A Few Breeds

Pitbulls are a type of dog that is often misunderstood, and this goes for their classification too. There are actually a few different breeds of Pitbull, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Bully.

Each of these breeds has its own unique appearance and personality traits.

The American Pitbull Terrier is the most popular type of Pitbull and was originally bred to bait bulls. American Pit Bull Terriers are known for their loyalty and their loving nature. They are also very protective of their families and make great guard dogs.

American Pitbull Terriers can be either short or tall, but they are always muscular and stocky.

brown American Pitbull Terrier
A brown American Pitbull Terrier looks away.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is the third most popular type of Pitbull. They are known for being brave and courageous. They are also very loyal and loving, but they can be more aggressive than the other two types of Pitbulls.

American Staffordshire Terriers are usually taller and leaner than the other types of Pitbulls.

American Staffordshire Terrier
Two American Staffordshire Terrier sit together.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the second most popular type of Pitbull. They are known for being intelligent and playful. They are also very loyal and loving, but they can be a bit more independent than American Pitbull Terriers.

two Staffordshire Bull Terriers
Two Staffordshire Bull Terriers on a leash.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are usually shorter and stockier than American Pitbull Terriers.

The American Bully breed is a cross between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. The resulting breed is a large, muscular dog with a short coat and a wide head. American Bullies come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, brindle, and white.

American Bully on grass
American Bully looks intimidating and stands on the grass.

How long does the Blue Nose Pitbull live?

The Blue Nose Pitbull is a relatively new type of Pitbull, so there isn’t a lot of information available on their lifespan. However, based on the lifespans of similar breeds, and considering that it is an American Pitbull Terrier with a rare blue nose, it’s estimated that Blue Nose Pitbulls typically live between 8 and 15 years.

Blue Nose Pitbull at the park
The Blue Nose Pitbull plays at the park.

This is a relatively long lifespan for a dog, especially considering the size and energy level of the Blue Nose Pitbull.

Blue Nose Pitbulls are relatively easy to keep healthy and fit, as they don’t require a lot of food to maintain their weight. In fact, overfeeding a Blue Nose Pitbull can actually lead to health problems later in life.

As long as they are given a balanced diet and plenty of exercise, Blue Nose Pitbulls can live a long and happy life.

FAQs

How old was the oldest Pitbull?

The oldest Pitbull was 26 years old. He was a brown and white Pitbull from Louisiana named Max.

Pitbull Terrier towel
Pitbull Terrier wrapped on a towel after bathing.

Can Pitbulls live up to 20 years?

It’s a common misconception that the Pitbull life expectancy is around ten years. However, with proper care and nutrition, Pitbulls can live up to 20 years or more. While they may not be the longest-living dog breed, their life expectancy is still much longer than many people realize.

dirty Pitbull paws
Pitbull paws should be maintained clean for your dog’s health and wellness measures.

What is the most common cause of death in Pitbulls?

There are a number of factors that contribute to the high death rate of Pitbulls, but unfortunately the most common cause of death is dog fights. Pitbulls are still bred for fighting, and their assertive nature can make them more likely to engage in fights with other dogs.

a tired pit bull snoozes
A tired pit bull relaxes

Are Pitbulls safe as pets?

There are a lot of misconceptions about Pitbulls. Some people believe that they are naturally aggressive and dangerous dogs. However, this is not true. Pitbulls are actually very gentle and loving animals.

two Pitbulls and owner
The owner checks his two Pitbulls’ coats for any skin issues.

They make great pets for families with children.

What are Pitbulls known for?

Pitbulls are often known for being aggressive, but this isn’t always the case. Pitbulls can be loyal and loving companions when they are properly trained and socialized. They are also known for their strength and tenacity.

Pitbull runs fast at the park
A gray Pitbull runs fast at the park.

Conclusion on: How Long Do Pitbulls Live?

Pitbulls are a popular breed of dog, known for their loyalty and friendly nature.

The average lifespan of a Pitbull is 14-16 years and the key to a long and healthy Pitbull’s lifespan is proper care and nutrition.

The Pitbull breed requires plenty of exercise to stay healthy and fit. They also need a balanced diet that includes all the nutrients they need. If dog owners take good care of their Pitbulls, their dog’s longevity won’t be a problem.