How Long Do Pitbull Mixes Live?
Pitbulls are among the most popular mixed dog breeds in the US.
They’re loved for their quirky personalities, their die-hard loyalty to their owners, their playful nature, and their athletic abilities. These amazing dogs appeal to first-time pet owners and seasoned dog lovers alike.
But many people wonder just how long these family pets will live. And there’s no straight answer to that question.
Various factors influence your pitbull’s lifespan, so let’s have a closer look at just a few things you will need to consider before deciding to adopt one of these majestic medium-sized dogs.
Average Lifespan of the American Pit Bull Terrier
The average lifespan of an American pitbull terrier is between 8 and 15 years of age.
Now, 15 years seems like a stretch, but it does happen. In fact, there have been some reports of pitbull mixes living late into their twenties.
Of course, one thing to keep in mind is whether or not your pitbull is purebred. Purebred pitbulls have a much stronger genetic line and will likely have fewer health issues to worry about.
That being said, here’s the average age at which pitbull-type dogs live:
|
BREED |
LIFE EXPECTANCY |
|
American Pit Bull Terrier |
8 to 15 years |
|
Staffordshire Bull Terrier |
12 to 14 years |
|
American Staffordshire Terrier |
12 to 16 years |
|
American Bully |
8 to 15 years |
Staffordshire bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, and the American bully are all bully dog breeds that fall into the same general classification of bull terriers. They share similar physical and mental attributes and their average lifespan is quite similar.
Here are a few articles that discuss the major similarities (and differences) between the various breeds:
Pitbull vs. Staffordshire Terrier - The Main differences
American Bulldog vs. Pitbull - Breed comparison
Bull Terriers vs. Pit Bulls: Which is Right for You?
Factors Affecting A Pitbulls' Lifespan
There are a few things that will affect your dog’s health and average life span. Of course, there are too many factors to mention, so let’s have a look at a few things that are most likely to play a part in your pitties life:
Overall Health
It goes without saying that a clean bill of health makes a huge difference. Healthy dogs are more likely to live longer, especially when their environment is safe, positive, and free of conflict with other animals.
The amount of love and care that you give your pitty will also affect its overall health condition. Dogs that are mistreated will build up a lot of tension and suffer undue stress that will bring along a lot of avoidable diseases.
A little later on we’ll discuss some of these ailments that affect this dog breed most often.
Exercise routine
Pitbulls are naturally active dogs, and they thrive when given regular mental and physical stimulation. Exercise keeps your pitbull in shape and at a healthy weight, while also giving them mental stimulation, especially important for active breeds like the pitbull and any herding dogs.
It helps your dog burn off excess energy, it helps reduce unwanted fat, which in turn helps with a healthy cardiovascular system. It also helps your dog maintain good blood flow to its legs and paws.
It also helps with your dog's lung development and breathing abilities.
When dogs exercise regularly their lungs function much better than a dog that sits around doing nothing.
Exercise is one of those factors that you have complete control over, so make sure to schedule enough time each day to take your pup for a quick run around the block, or to play a game of fetch at home. The local dog park can also be a great outlet for physical activity and socialization.
Get yourself a strong, yet sturdy collar or harness for these walks, as your pitbull will likely get extremely excited and start yanking and pulling on its leash. Sparkpaws offers premium quality collars and harnesses made specifically for this strong, muscular dog breed.
Genetics
Genetics plays a huge role in the overall health of your dog, with mixed breeds often inheriting both the strengths and weaknesses of their parent breeds.
When it comes to hereditary diseases, it's not really the breed, as much as the genetics that play a big role. So if you’re thinking of adopting a purebred pit bull, why not first check with a reputable breeder if the puppy’s parents and grandparents had a long, healthy life?
Diet
A healthy diet helps to keep your dog healthy and can prolong its life.
The best dog foods on the market will be filled with nutrients, amino acids, healthy fats, and protein.
These dog foods have been specially formulated to supplement your dog's intake of these vital food parts that help them grow and develop into strong, healthy adult dogs.
For this reason, do proper research into what your dog needs at each stage of its development and plan its diet around that. Many of the needed fats and minerals can actually be found in everyday food products - not just expensive dog food!
With some proper research, you can ensure you feed your pit bull exactly what it needs to live a healthy life.
Checkup frequency
Visits to the vet are hardly fun. Although I can’t vouch for your dog, I know that I personally dislike doctor visits (something about personal space being invaded I suppose)
But routine vet visits should be scheduled by all pet owners, not only when something seems wrong.
Your vet will be able to pick up if there are any underlying issues that you need to be aware of and prescribe a treatment that will solve the issue as soon as possible.
A vet will also be able to do routine blood work that can reveal a lot about your dog's genetic traits and will tell you quite a bit about future ailments before they actually develop.
Your local vet will also do incremental weigh-ins and help you keep track of your dog's weight and muscle development. They will thus also tell you if your pit bull needs a change in diet or more (or less) exercise.
So don’t skimp on regular vet visits!
Quick Fact: How Does a Pitbull’s Lifespan Compare?
When thinking about a dog’s lifespan, it helps to compare breeds by size and lifestyle.
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Small dog breeds like Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles often live the longest — around 12–16 years on average.
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Medium dog breeds, including most Pit Bulls, typically live 10–15 years, depending on genetics and care.
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Large dog breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, generally have a shorter lifespan, averaging around 10–12 years.
Common Health Issues in Pit Bulls
According to the American Kennel Club, Pit Bulls fall under a broader group of breeds often referred to as bull-type or bully breeds. While Pit Bulls are generally strong and energetic dogs, they are genetically predisposed to a few common health problems that owners should be aware of. Staying informed and proactive can help catch these issues early and potentially extend your dog’s life.
Hip Dysplasia
One of the most common orthopedic issues in Pit Bulls, hip dysplasia, occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit together properly. Over time, this misalignment can cause pain, inflammation, and arthritis.
Signs to watch for: Limping, stiffness after rest, reluctance to run or climb stairs.
What you can do: Keep your dog at a healthy weight, support joint health with vet-approved supplements, and avoid high-impact activities if your dog shows signs of discomfort. Regular vet visits can help monitor progression and recommend treatment options like physical therapy or pain management.
Skin Allergies
Pit Bulls are known for their sensitive skin. Allergies can be triggered by food ingredients, pollen, flea bites, or even household products. Skin irritation is one of the most frequent reasons Pit Bull owners visit the vet.
Common symptoms: Itching, redness, frequent licking or chewing, flaking skin, and hair loss.
Management tips: Identify the root cause with your vet’s help. Solutions may include switching to a hypoallergenic diet, using medicated shampoos, or prescribing antihistamines or topical treatments. Routine grooming and flea prevention also make a big difference.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a common condition in Pit Bulls where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. This hormonal imbalance can slow metabolism and affect multiple body systems.
Symptoms to look out for: Weight gain despite a normal diet, hair thinning or coat dullness, low energy, and cold intolerance.
Treatment: Once diagnosed through blood work, hypothyroidism is easily managed with a daily thyroid hormone replacement pill and regular vet check-ins to adjust dosage.
Regular medical check-ups can aid in maintaining their health and catching any potential issues early.
And if you’re really unsure about what a balanced diet for a healthy pitbull entails, why not book an appointment with a dog nutritionist? They will be able to work out great food alternatives to keep your pup healthy and happy.
Apart from the above-mentioned diseases that are potentially lethal, pitbulls suffer from a variety of minor health-related issues.
These range from annoying to more serious, but for the most part, not lethal. If you really want to know a bit more about these health conditions, simply check out this article: Are Pit Bulls High Maintenance?
Quick Fact: What is a Bully Breed?
The term "bully breed" refers to a group of muscular, active dogs that descend from ancient bulldog and terrier lines. According to the American Kennel Club, this includes the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Bully, among others.
Tips for Extending Your Pitbull’s Life
Helping your pitbull live a longer, healthier life isn’t just about genetics; it’s about the choices you make daily as a pet owner.
As discussed, start with the basics: regular vet checkups, a high-quality diet, and plenty of exercise. These are essential for maintaining your dog’s health and keeping them at a healthy weight, especially since pitbulls are naturally active, muscular dogs.
But don’t overlook their emotional needs. Pitbulls are known for their deep bonds with humans. Without a stable and secure home environment, some may develop separation anxiety—a condition that causes stress when they’re left alone for extended periods. In severe cases, they may try to escape, which can lead to injury or worse.
To prevent this, create a safe, enriching space while you’re away. If your dog stays outdoors, ensure they have access to shelter, food, and water. If they’re indoors, provide chew toys, calming routines, and gentle boundaries, especially in homes with other animals.
You’ll also want to invest in proper training, which helps reduce stress, builds trust, and improves behavior over time. In fact, with the right guidance and environment, many pitbulls make exceptional therapy dogs thanks to their loyalty and emotional intelligence.
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Conclusion
Despite their history with bull baiting, the modern pit bull is a family-friendly, affectionate companion that thrives in homes where dogs belong—with structure, love, and consistent care.
If you’re considering adopting one of these lovely family dogs, don’t delay - adopt a playful puppy from a reputable owner, or save a pup from the local shelter.
Responsible dog owners will testify that with regular visits to the local vet, high-quality dog foods, and an active lifestyle, these dogs can live as long as or even longer than most other dog breeds.