The lifespan of a Pitbull Terrier
The life span of a pit bull is 12 to 14 years, and that is the average lifespan of a Pitbull. American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers have similar lifespans, but pit bulls are known for certain health problems. Pit bulls also tend to develop certain types of cancer. To help them live longer, pit bulls are encouraged to get plenty of exercises and spend plenty of time outdoors.
Pit Bulls are more likely than other breeds to develop cleft lip and palate, an opening in the roof of the mouth. Mild cases do not require treatment, but more serious cases require surgery. To help protect your pit bull terrier, you should bring him to your veterinarian for a checkup. Remember that these diseases often have characteristic symptoms, and you should seek veterinary care if you notice any of them.
In addition to the risk of developing heart disease, pit bulls are also susceptible to certain types of cancer. Aortic stenosis, a congenital heart defect, is the most common cause of death in pit bulls. Aortic stenosis affects the aorta and is often fatal if not treated in time. Other heart conditions in Pitbulls include congenital heart malformations, hypothyroidism, and hereditary conditions.
According to the American Kennel Club, a Pitbull’s lifespan is roughly eight to 16 years.
In contrast, a Chihuahua, a dog of similar age, can live for as long as 20 years. But as a general rule, a Pitbull should be kept indoors as much as possible, so that it can avoid injuries, accidents, and illnesses. That means that a Pitbull can live for up to 14 years if he is properly cared for.
The lifespan of a Pitbull terrier is shorter than a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. They were taller and more slender in the 1800s and similar to the American Bulldog today. But selective breeding made them shorter than they are today. These dogs were bred for bull-baiting, a sport that has since been banned. The public began ratting the bulls with bull-baiting dogs.
A healthy diet is essential for a Pitbull’s long and happy life. A typical Pitbull should be fed two or three cups of kibble daily. Excess food can result in obesity, and overfeeding can shorten a dog’s lifespan. If you’d like to extend your Pitbull’s life, you should pay close attention to his diet and ensure it contains high-quality kibble.
Pit Bulls are prone to obesity, and some breeds are bigger than others.
However, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a great family pet. They are loyal to their owners and are good with children. They require early socialization and can even become a lapdog. And once they’re socialized, they’ll be great guard dogs. However, the American Pit Bull Terrier is not the dog for everyone. It requires a lot of time and consistency in training and socialization.
A pit bull’s lifespan can also be affected by several diseases. A common condition is Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL). It’s a progressive neurologic disease, which usually begins in childhood and progresses as the dog gets older. Early symptoms include rear leg weakness, but it can progress to weakness in all four legs. Some dogs can lose their vision, too. Fortunately, genetic testing for NCL is available. Those with this condition should not breed. Their weakened immune systems can be passed on to future generations.
While breed, size, and genetics play a significant role in the average life span of a Pitbull, quality care is also important to factor.
Vaccinations are critical to the health of your Pitbull. Your pitbull will live longer if it is fed and vaccinated regularly. Exercise is also critical for Pitbulls, as obesity can lead to cardiovascular, respiratory, and urinary problems.
Pit bull terriers are also capable of living long lives. Compared to other breeds, American Pit Bull Terriers are among the healthiest dogs. While training a Pit Bull is no different than training a dog, Pit Bulls may be harder to train than other types of dogs. Some people mistakenly believe that Pit Bulls are harder to train than other dogs. Fortunately, training a Pit Bull isn’t as difficult as you might think.
Because pit bulls are such loving, energetic, and tolerant pets, they can live with children for a long time. However, it’s important to exercise caution when leaving your Pit Bull unsupervised with small children. If you can, kennel or crate them whenever possible. If you notice any signs of hypothyroidism, be sure to visit a veterinarian for a blood screening and treatment. If you notice any abnormalities, your pit bull may need replacement hormones. This medication is lifelong and will require several visits.
Meet Rose Camilla, an expert in the Terrier dog breed and an active writer and publisher. Camilla has been working with Terriers for over 12 years and her passion for them has only grown stronger with time. She has dedicated her life to understanding, training, and writing about Terriers.
