How Long Do Pit Bulls Live? Average Lifespan, Data & Care
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Pit Bull is not a specific dog breed, as the term is a general word for several breeds, including the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the American Bully, and the American Pit Bull Terrier. Regardless, all Pit Bull-type dogs are considered medium-sized dogs, though some are much larger than others. The American Bully, for example, is a stocky pup that can weigh as much as 130 pounds! On the other side of the spectrum, Staffordshire Bull Terriers typically weigh between 24 to 38 pounds.
Though Pit Bulls have a bad reputation, these sweet pups are very obedient, gentle, fun-loving, and affectionate. Thankfully, these beautiful dogs have a relatively long lifespan of 10 to 14 years, offering plenty of time to love, entertain, and improve the lives of their families. Read on to learn more about the average life span and how to care for a Pit Bull breed.
Pit Bulls Average Lifespan
The most significant indicator of lifespan for dogs is their breed size. Larger dogs live much shorter lives than their smaller counterparts. Pit Bulls are considered medium-size dogs, so their lifespan will be relative to their size classification. This breed generally lives anywhere between 10 to 14 years, with 12 years being the average expected lifespan.
How to Care for Your Pit Bulls for a Long Lifespan?
Feeding & Diet
The Pit Bull requires a high-quality diet designed specifically for active dogs. Their size, muscular build, and energy level mean they need a balance of protein and healthy carbohydrates to keep them healthy. When choosing a food, look for a complete and balanced option appropriate for their life stage.
Pit Bulls can be prone to obesity, so keep a close eye on their food intake and don’t offer too much. Your veterinary team can be a great resource in helping you choose what and how much to feed your pup to ensure they’re receiving the nutrients they require without being overfed.
Some Pit Bulls may need supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to help with their joints or omega-3 fatty acids for optimal skin and coat health. However, you should always consult with your vet before adding supplements to your pup’s diet.
Environment
Pit Bulls are curious and adventurous dogs, so they can sometimes get themselves into trouble if their human caretakers aren’t careful. They may take it upon themselves to go on a solo adventure, wandering away from home if the backyard isn’t properly secure. An ambitious Pit Bull will have no problem climbing tall fences or even digging underneath them to escape.
Pitties can also be very rambunctious, especially when they’re young. It’s important to lock up any potentially toxic foods or chemicals and keep items that can double as chew toys (e.g., shoes) out of your pup’s reach.
It is important to note that owners must be careful about where they choose to live. Many rental units and certain states and provinces have restrictions against “dangerous breeds,” and Pit Bulls often catch the brunt of the accusations.
Care
Care for your Pit Bull requires an exercise regimen, regular grooming, socialization, training, and dental care.
Pit Bulls are very athletic dogs, which is partly what makes them so hardy. They need around one to two hours of exercise daily to stay mentally and physically stimulated. They need plenty of toys and exercise to keep them happy and stimulated. A bored or under-stimulated Pit Bull can pick up destructive behaviors like problem chewing or destroying furniture.
Grooming a Pit Bull is relatively easy. They only need to be brushed once weekly, but if yours sheds a lot, you can increase the frequency. Because they have short hair, they don’t need to be bathed too often. Baths can be done at the owner’s discretion, as frequently as once monthly or infrequently as every six months.
Owners will likely spend a significant amount of time socializing and training their Pit Bulls. These pups may become aggressive toward other animals and people if they’ve not received the correct training early enough. However, they are very eager to please and intelligent, which makes them great candidates for obedience training.
Healthcare
Regular preventative healthcare is essential to extending the lifespan of any pet. Visiting the vet for wellness exams annually allows your veterinarian team to establish a baseline for your Pit Bull’s health and pick up on any subtle changes that could potentially mean diseases or illnesses.
While Pit Bulls are generally healthy, like all dog breeds, they may be prone to developing certain conditions. Orthopedic conditions such as hip dysplasia can often plague Pit Bulls. They may also be prone to skin issues like allergies or mange and dental problems.
The Life Stages of a Pit Bull
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), dogs have four life stages1.
- Puppy. This stage lasts from birth to six to nine months.
- Young Adult. This stage lasts from six to nine months until the pup is three or four years old. In the case of Pit Bulls, they’re fully grown once they are around 18 months old, though some will stop growing between 12 and 15 months.
- Mature Adult. This stage lasts from three to four years of age to the beginning of the last 25% of the dog’s estimated lifespan. In the case of the Pit Bull, they are considered mature adults when they are approximately eight years old.
- Senior. Pit Bulls become seniors at around age eight and stay in this life stage until the end of their lives.
How to Tell Your Pit Bull’s Age
Examine Their Teeth
A good way to guesstimate your Pit Bull’s age is to examine their teeth. Puppies up to around four weeks of age won’t have teeth at all, while those from one to two months of age will have very sharp temporary teeth. Puppies’ permanent teeth begin to grow at three to four months old and will remain clean and white until they are around a year. After this point, your Pitties teeth may start to show wear and tear. Look for things like stains and plaque. By the time most dogs are around three years old, they may be stained yellow and have plaque visible. Dogs older than ten may have heavily worn teeth, or they may be loose or missing.
Examine Their Coat
Gray hairs are a good sign that your Pit Bull is no longer considered a puppy or young adult. Age-related graying is most often noticeable on a dog’s muzzle, face, and paws.
Examine Their Eyes
Cloudy eyes that are tinted milky white, gray, or blue are commonly seen in older dogs. Clouding eyes can begin as early as six to eight years of age.
Examine Their Paw Pads
Older dogs have traveled much further than their younger counterparts, and their paw prints will be proof of their adventures. An older dog’s paw pads are often thicker and rougher. They may be cracked or even formed small bristles.
Look at Their Body Condition
Muscle loss is prevalent in aging dogs, and it may be more evident in muscular breeds like Pit Bulls. Muscle loss is often seen in the shoulders and thighs as it results from arthritis forming in the knees and elbows. The pain associated with this condition will ultimately decrease a dog’s mobility, which will contribute to muscle loss.
Conclusion
Pit Bulls are relatively long-lived and healthy dogs with a lifespan between 10 to 14 years. This lifespan is average for a medium-sized dog breed. But by ensuring your Pit Bull has the proper care, diet, and exercise, you can help them live the longest and most healthy life possible.