How Long Do Pitbulls Live? Tips On Helping Your Pitbull Live Their Longest And Happiest Life

How long do Pitbulls live?

If you’re a Pitbull owner, you might be asking yourself this very question. As dog parents ourselves, we know how important it is to do what you can to prolong your dog’s health and happiness, and understanding your dog’s average lifespan is a good place to start.

However, asking “how long do Pitbulls live” is not going to garner the most black-and-white answer. This is because Pitbulls are not a breed of dog. Instead, the term ‘Pitbull’ is used as an umbrella term to describe a number of breeds and crossbreeds in the Bully family.

With that said, we can still help you pinpoint your specific dog’s average lifespan. Furthermore, we can walk you through how to keep your Pitbull dog happy and healthy throughout his lifetime.

Let’s get started!

The Different Types Of Pitbulls And Bully Breeds

Pitbulls are famous for their unique appearance, however they are not a specific breed.

Pitbulls come in many shapes and sizes, and they are often recognized by their boxy, muscular bodies, their large heads, and their square jaws.

Most famous for their history in bloodsports, Pitbulls and Bully type dogs have long suffered from breed discrimination and breed biases, though in truth many studies point to Pitbulls and Bully dogs being friendly, social, trainable, devoted, and family-oriented when properly raised, trained and socialized.

And while Pitbulls dogs are becoming more and more popular, there are still plenty of people who don’t know about them. In fact, many people still don’t realize that Pitbulls are not a specific breed. As we mentioned above, the term Pitbull describes a number of Bully type dogs, all with their own unique genetics, breeding history, health implications, and lifespans.

Most Pitbulls are hybrid dogs, which means they likely have two different parent breeds or more than one type of dog breed in their genetics. This can have an impact on your dog’s overall health and lifespan, which can make answering the question “how long do Pitbulls live” somewhat complicated.

The best way to find out the answer to how long do Pitbulls live is to take a look at the most common types of Pitbulls and determine which Pitbull type you have.

Some of the most common types of Pitbulls and Bully breeds you might be familiar with include the American Pitbull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the American Bulldog, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the Dogo Argentino, the Cane Corso, the Bullmastiff, the Persa Canario, the Olde English Bulldogge, and the American Bully.

Let’s talk more about how long do pitbulls live and find out the health implications these dogs face that could have an impact on their average lifespan.

Keep reading.

How Long Do Pitbulls Live And What Health Issues Do Pitbulls Have?

Your Pitbull’s lifespan is going to depend on the type of Pitbull you have.

Just because the term Pitbull is used to describe a number of dogs and not the name of an actual breed, we can still provide you with an average lifespan of these types of dogs.

So, how long do Pitbulls live on average? Bully breeds tend to live an average of 8 to 15 years. But what about your specific Pitbull?

Let’s take a look:

• The American Pitbull Terrier – 8 to 15 years
• The American Staffordshire Terrier – 12 to 16 years
• The American Bulldog – 10 to 15 years
• The Staffordshire Bull Terrier – 12 to 14 years
• The Dogo Argentino – 10 to 15 years
• The Cane Corso – 10 to 12 years
• The Bullmastiff – 8 to 10 years
• The Persa Canario – 9 to 11 years
• The Olde English Bulldogge – 9 to 14 years
• And The American Bully – 8 to 13 years

While all of these types of PItbulls do have different lifespans, they can be prone to suffering some of the same genetic health issues due to similar breeding and similar origins.

Some of the most common health issues that Pitbull type dogs can suffer from that could impact the answer to how long do Pitbulls live include but may not be limited to

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Skin Fold Dermatitis
• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
• Gastric Dilation Volvulus (AKA Bloat)
• Hypothyroidism
• Skin Allergies
• Food Allergies
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Cherry Eye
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Skin Conditions
• Mange
• Hotspots
• Dental Disease
• And Ear Infections

How To Help Your Pitbull Live Longer – Tips From Experts

You can help prolong your dog’s life and ensure he lives a quality of life by implementing good habits.

While the above list of health issues for Pitbull type dogs can seem daunting, the truth is it is no longer than other lists of potential health issues in most dog breeds.

Furthermore, there are plenty of steps you can take to help ensure your particular Pitbull lives his longest, healthiest life. Here are some tips from the experts!

Keep Up With Proper Exercise

Most Pitbull type dogs are highly active and energetic, and they require routine exercise each and every day. The best type of exercise for a Pitbull dog can include a good hour or so walk, or two half-hour walks morning and night.

Pitbulls also enjoy free playtime in a large, securely fenced backyard. If your dog is properly socialized and gets along well with other dogs, he may also enjoy some free play and running at local dog parks.

Keeping your dog fit not only helps keep him happy, but it can even prolong his lifespan, which is obviously important to you if you’re here wondering how long do Pitbulls live.

Proper and routine exercise can help decrease the chances of your Pitbull suffering from bone and joint issues as he ages while also keeping his muscles and heart healthy.

Make Sure You Schedule Routine Health Checks

Veterinary visits can be costly, but these days you have lots of options when it comes to health insurance for your dog. Many veterinarian offices also offer payment plans or care plans to ensure you’re able to afford to keep your pet healthy.

Like people, dogs should be seen regularly by their doctor for routine wellness exams. These exams can help catch problems early on and save you money in the long run.

You should also invest in your Pitbull’s health by keeping him protected from environmental issues like parasites including fleas, ticks, and heartworm.

Having your dog spayed or neutered can also prolong their lifespan by reducing the chances of them suffering from certain types of cancer.

Keep Your Pitbull on A Quality Dog Food

Pitbulls especially require a higher protein diet than many other types of dogs. They are also more prone to suffering from food and skin allergies, which can be compounded by a poor diet.

The best dog food for your Pitbull is going to depend on the specific type of Pitbull mix you have, but most experts agree that dogs do best on a dog food specified for their age, weight, and activity level.

You should also look for dog food made with quality ingredients like real animal meat protein, carbs, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and dog food that is also a good source of water.

Keep Up With Proper Grooming

Grooming is especially important for Pitbulls because these types of dogs can be more prone than others to suffer from so many skin conditions and skin allergies.

This means you should invest in a quality dog shampoo for sensitive skin and make sure you are not under bathing or overbathing your Pitbull dog.

We also suggest proper brushing, eye care, ear cleaning, and nail trimming.

Make Sure You Implement Daily Dental Care

Along with making sure your dog is brushed, bathed, and trimmed, you should also make sure you’re keeping up with dental care.

Not only can daily brushing help keep your Pitbull’s breath smelling fresh, but it can prevent serious gum disease and tooth decay that can actually impact your dog’s lifespan.

So, if you’re wondering how long do Pitbulls live, pay attention to dental health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to bacteria in your dog’s bloodstream, which can eventually lead to a deterioration in your dog’s vital organs like his kidneys, liver, and heart.

Stay Consistent With Training And Mental Stimulation

Just like people, dogs can become bored, anxious, and stressed. Dogs that are under-stimulated or are left to their own devices for too long during the day can be more prone to suffering from issues like stress and anxiety, which can lead to depression and eventually a weakened immune system.

All of this can play a role in your dog’s average lifespan and may even lead to a reduced lifespan if you’re not careful. For this reason, stay consistent with training and mental stimulation.

This should include positive reinforcement training with treats and praise, as well as investing in toys that keep your dog busy while you’re away.

Some of the best toys to keep your dog mentally stimulated include KONG toys, snuffle mats, and puzzle toys.

Provide A Nurturing Environment

Last but certainly not least, your dog’s environment with you will play a major role in his overall lifespan. A nurturing and loving environment can help not only ensure your dog’s lifespan is longer, but that his quality of life is better as well.

The Best Products Recommended By Experts To Enhance Your Pitbull’s Health

Start your Pitbull off early on a quality dog food specified for his age, weight, and activity level.

Along with following the above tips and tricks from experts to help keep your Pitbull happy, healthy, and long-lived, we also recommend investing in quality products like good dog food, grooming tools, hypoallergenic shampoo, and more.

Below are some of our favorite products for those of you asking the question “how long do Pitbulls live”.

Vita Bully Vitamins For Bully Breeds

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Vita Bully is an all-natural supplement for dogs and is ideal for dogs like Pitbulls especially. It contains vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The formula was developed by veterinarians who wanted to make sure that their patients got exactly what they needed from a daily dose of vitamins and minerals. It is designed specifically for dogs with a specific diet that doesn’t include any sort of supplementation other than food.

Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil For Skin and Coat Health

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Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil For Skin and Coat Health is a supplement that we recommend for helping to keep your Pitbull’s skin and coat as healthy as possible. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the health of your dog.

The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon oil can help improve the appearance and texture of your dog’s coat and help reduce irritation from allergies or environmental causes that can lead to Pitbulls having skin issues, which they can be more prone to than other breeds.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dog Food

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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dog Food is an excellent dog food for Pitbulls with food sensitivities or allergies. It is a grain-free formula that is loaded with essential nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins your Pitbull needs to stay healthy.

We also like that it’s made with high quality ingredients like real meat animal protein. You can order it in dry dog food or wet dog food depending on your dog’s preference.

PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

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We like the Petsafe Easy Walk Dog Harness for large, strong dogs like Pitbulls because it helps reduce pulling while also redirecting your dog back to you. The front clip harness also alleviates potential pressure on your dog’s throat and neck, which can make it difficult for them to breathe.

The harness comes in different sizes and fits comfortably on your dog, making walking feel more natural for both you and your pup.

Vet’s Best Dog Toothbrush

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As we mentioned above, making sure your dog has adequate dental health is not only important to keeping his teeth and gums healthy, but also the rest of his body. Along with scheduling your dog for routine dental checks, experts also suggest you invest in a toothbrush and toothpaste that is safe for use on dogs and brush your dog’s teeth at least once a day.

You can also invest in water additives to help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy, as well as dental chews.

If you’re not sure which option would be best for your furry friend, speak with your veterinarian to see what they suggest.

Are You Getting A New Pitbull Puppy Or Rescue Dog? Here’s What You Need To Know

Before you decide if a Pitbull is right for you, it’s best to do plenty of research.

Pitbulls and Bully type dogs have become wildly popular over the past two decades, with what many would call a cult following due to passionate supporters who have rallied against the breed bans and biases of these dogs.

While this is excellent news for these dogs, there are some downfalls to very popular dog breeds and types, especially when it comes to finding a Pitbull or Bully breed to call your own.

Because these dogs are so coveted, there are many irresponsible breeders out there who are breeding these dogs quickly and selling them at top dollar without taking the proper precautions to ensure health and breeding quality.

If you are looking for a new Pitbull puppy, it’s important to go through reputable sources, especially when asking how long do Pitbulls live.

Avoid going through backyard breeders or online sellers, or those selling Pitbull puppies for much more or much less than you know them to be worth.

On average, Pitbulls and Bully type dogs cost between $400 to $1,500 depending on the type of dog and the quality of the parent breeds.

Be sure to go through a licensed breeder with experience breeding Pitbulls and Bully dogs, and don’t be afraid to ask for certificates of health.

You also have the option of rescuing Pitbulls, as there are plenty of shelters throughout the United States dedicated to this breed.

So, are you considering investing in a Pitbull or Bully type dog to call your own, or are you already the proud owner of a Pitbull?

Tell us in the comment section below.