Pit Bull Lifespan: How Long Do Pit Bulls Live?

TL;DR

The typical pit bull lifespan is about 12 years. "Pit bull" is a type rather than one breed, covering the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and mixes. The best large-scale data come from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the closest relative with big UK records: in a 2024 UK study of 584,734 dogs, Staffies had a median lifespan of 12.0 years, the same as mixed breeds, based on 25,332 deaths. Health risks to watch in pit bull types include cruciate ligament tears, mast cell tumors and, in American Staffordshire Terriers, an inherited cerebellar disease. A pit bull is a senior from about 9 years.

How long do pit bulls live?

The American Pit Bull Terrier itself is not included in the big UK studies, because owning pit bull type dogs is restricted there. The closely related Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of the UK's most common breeds, which makes its figures very reliable:

Pit bull types are medium-sized, muscular dogs built much like the Staffie, so a healthy pit bull can be expected to live a similar span.

Pit bull age in human years

This uses the share of a typical lifespan a dog has lived (here the Staffordshire Bull Terrier median of 12.0 years), compared with US human life expectancy of 79 years. For puppies and young dogs, the DNA-based method in the calculator below is more accurate. Try any age:

Common health problems in pit bull type dogs

Cruciate ligament tears

The cranial cruciate ligament stabilizes the knee. In a UK study of 171,522 dogs, Staffordshire Bull Terriers had increased odds of cruciate ligament disease compared with crossbreeds, and heavier dogs within a breed were at higher risk. Signs include sudden lameness on a back leg, sitting with one leg stuck out, and stiffness after rest. Keeping your dog lean and building leg muscle with steady exercise helps protect the knees.

Mast cell tumors

Mast cell tumors are the most common malignant skin tumor in dogs. In a study of 168,636 dogs in England, Staffordshire Bull Terriers had greater odds of mast cell tumors, along with Boxers and pugs. Pit bull types have short coats, so lumps are easy to find: check your dog's skin monthly and have any new lump tested with a fine needle sample. See skin tags and lumps on dogs.

Cerebellar cortical degeneration

American Staffordshire Terriers can inherit a late-onset disease of the cerebellum, the part of the brain that coordinates movement. It causes slowly worsening wobbliness and loss of balance in adult dogs. A DNA test is available, so ask breeders about it.

Skin and weight

Short-coated, muscular dogs show weight gain quickly, and extra weight loads the knees. Keep your pit bull lean, with a visible waist.

How to help a pit bull live longer

1. Keep it lean and fit. Steady daily exercise builds the thigh muscles that protect the knees.
2. Check the skin monthly for new lumps, and get them tested.
3. Protect the knees: avoid sudden twisting play on slippery floors, and see a vet about any sudden back-leg limp. See arthritis shots for dogs for options if arthritis develops.
4. Support the joints with age. In a 2006 trial, 67% of dogs with joint disease improved on green-lipped mussel extract by day 56, against 41% on placebo. Our green-lipped mussel powder is a single-ingredient topper.
5. Twice-yearly vet checks from about 9 years.

FAQ

How long do pit bulls live?

Most pit bulls live around 12 years. The closest large dataset, for Staffordshire Bull Terriers in a 2024 UK study of 584,734 dogs, found a median lifespan of 12.0 years, the same as mixed breeds.

Is 10 old for a pit bull?

A pit bull is a senior from about 9 years. At 10 it has lived about 83% of a typical lifespan, roughly like a person aged 66.

What do pit bulls usually die from?

There is no large study of causes of death in pit bulls. The health risks with the best evidence are mast cell tumors and cruciate ligament tears, both more common in Staffordshire Bull Terriers than in crossbreeds.

Are pit bulls healthy dogs?

Generally, yes. Staffordshire Bull Terriers lived as long as mixed breeds in the largest UK study. Knee ligament injuries, skin tumors and, in American Staffordshire Terriers, an inherited cerebellar disease are the main problems to watch.

How can I help my pit bull live longer?

Keep it lean and active, check its skin monthly for lumps, protect its knees, and book twice-yearly vet checks from about 9 years.

References

• McMillan KM, et al. Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Scientific Reports. 2024. PMID: 38302530
• Teng KT, et al. Life tables of annual life expectancy and mortality for companion dogs in the United Kingdom. Scientific Reports. 2022. PMID: 35484374
• Taylor-Brown FE, et al. Epidemiology of cranial cruciate ligament disease diagnosis in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England. Veterinary Surgery. 2015. PMID: 26118493
• Shoop SJ, et al. Prevalence and risk factors for mast cell tumours in dogs in England. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology. 2015. PMID: 26401329
• Olby N, et al. Cerebellar cortical degeneration in adult American Staffordshire Terriers. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2004. PMID: 15058771
• Pollard B, et al. Clinical efficacy and tolerance of an extract of green-lipped mussel in dogs presumptively diagnosed with degenerative joint disease. New Zealand Veterinary Journal. 2006. PMID: 16751841