Most large breed dogs have an average lifespan of anywhere from nine to 13 years. Large breed pups are known to have a shorter lifespan than their smaller canine friends. However, some big pups have reached impressive ages!
When speaking of large dogs, there are a few popular breeds that come to mind. We thought it would be fun to compare our favorite breeds when it comes to record-breaking ages. Today, the contenders are rottweilers and pitbulls!
So, when comparing the oldest rottweiler to the oldest pitbull, who lived longer?
How Long Does the Average Rottweiler Live?
©iStock.com/BiancaGrueneberg
The average lifespan for the rottweiler is anywhere from eight to 10 years. While there are outliers on either side, it is uncommon for our rottweiler friends to surpass the 10-year mark. Rottweilers often fall victim to predispositions that impact their lifespan.
Unfortunately, our beloved rottweilers are much more prone to developing cancer than many other canine friends. Some experts state that rottweilers are 5 times more likely to develop osteosarcoma (bone cancer) than other breeds. This will of course impact the length of their life.
How Old Was the Oldest Rottweiler?
The oldest rottweiler on record was a 13-year-old rottie named Bort. Bort lived in Holliston, Massachusetts with his dedicated owner. He appeared to have a wonderful life with his loved ones at his side. Bort was even visited by Dr. David J. Waters during his “Old Grey Muzzle Tour,” during which the doctor traveled the country to meet the oldest canines.
How Long Does the Average Pitbull Live?
When it comes to varying lifespans, the pitbull takes the cake! The average pitbull lifespan is from eight to 16 years, which means some pitbulls live as long as small dogs. Though there is quite a gap in this average, it does appear that most pitbulls live for about 12 years. However, there are different types of pitbulls, so each breed type may have a slightly different lifespan average.
How Old Was the Oldest Pitbull?
©sobakabarobaka/Shutterstock.com
The oldest pitbull on record was a handsome boy named Max. He is rumored to have lived for 29 years, which comes close to the oldest dog ever recorded! However, while Max’s owners claimed he was 29 years old, his age was unable to be confirmed. The appropriate vet records were not available, so we can only base this on his family’s statements.
Oldest Rottweiler vs. Oldest Pitbull – Who Lived Longer?
Now that we know the ages of the oldest rottweiler and the oldest pitbull, we know who lived the longest. The oldest rottweiler lived 30% longer than most rottweilers, to an impressive 13 years of age. But the oldest pitbull lived more than twice that long. Even though Max lacked vet records, we know that he is proven to be much older than 13. The pitbull wins!
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I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
