Knowing a dog breed’s lifespan is important when choosing a canine companion. If you are set on getting a Rottweiler, you may be curious how long this breed lives. In this article, you will find the answers about the Rottweiler’s lifespan, factors that affect it, and ways to extend his life.
How long do purebred Rottweilers live?
Generally, large breeds have shorter lifespans than their smaller counterparts. Whilst smaller dogs can live on average between 15 and 16 years, big dogs only have a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years.
Since a purebred Rottweiler is a large dog breed, his lifespan is considerably short. A well-bred, average-size Rottie can live approximately 8 to 12 years. Sometimes, it may fall even shorter, which is about 6 to 7 years.
How long do male and female Rottweilers live?
The average life expectancy of Rottweiler is 8 to 12 years. However, it is observed that female Rotties tend to outlive male Rotties. Their average lifespan is 2 years longer than males.
Who is the oldest Rottweiler to ever live?
Bort, a 13-year-old Rottweiler, is one of the oldest known Rottweilers. He resides in Holliston, Massachusetts. Meanwhile, a YouTube video featuring a Bulgarian Rottweiler states that the dog is already 15 years old. Many viewers left comments that they have owned or knew Rotties that have reached 15 years of age.
Rottweiler is a purebred, what about the life span of a Rottie crossbreed?
How long do German Rottweilers live?
German shepherds live slightly longer than Rottweilers. The breed has a life expectancy of 9 to 13 years. Due to this, the German Rottweilers’ lifespan is extended. They are expected to live between 10 and 13 years.
How long do Boxer Rottweilers live?
The average lifespan of a boxer falls between 10 and 13 years. So, the boxer Rottweiler’s life expectancy is around 8 to 13 years.
How long do Labrador Rottweilers live?
The Labrador retriever is susceptible to a handful of health issues that is similar to the Rottweiler. This can significantly affect the lifespan of their offspring. Labrador Rottweiler is expected to live between 9 and 12 years.
How long does a Rottweiler-Chow Chow mix live?
The mixed Chow Chow and Rottweiler can live for more than 10 years. The chow-Rottweiler mix has lower health issues compared to its parent breeds. However, beware of weight gain as it can lead to dysplasia and other joint problems.
How long do pitbull Rottweilers live?
On average, pit bulls live about 11 to 16 years. Since it has a slightly higher life expectancy, the lifespan of its offspring with the Rottweiler is increased. Pitbull Rottweilers can live approximately 10 to 15 years.
What are the factors that affect the Rottweiler’s lifespan?
How long a Rottweiler life depends on a variety of factors. Below is a list of the most common determinants of a Rottweiler’s lifespan that dog owners should know of:
- Genetics
Choosing a healthy and well-bred Rottweiler puppy from a reputable breeder is essential. Large breeds like the Rottie is vulnerable to several health problems. Responsible breeders ensure that this is minimised through health testing and selectively breeding their dogs. - Spaying/Neutering
A study reveals that spaying or neutering a Rottweiler before the age of one may risk the dog of developing osteosarcoma. It is a bone cancer that is highly common in Rottweilers. Thus, it is best to wait until a Rottweiler reaches at least twelve months old or older before spaying or neutering the dog. - Size
Researchers believe that the reason behind big dogs’ short lifespans is because they age quickly. They discovered that for every 4.4 pounds of body, the dog’s lifespan is reduced by about a month. - Environment
Rottweilers raised in a caring and loving environment are more likely to be happier and live longer. Having an affectionate family will help him develop a sound mind and friendly temperament.Meanwhile, getting proper nutrition and daily exercise will keep them physically and mentally fit. A study shows that slimmer dogs live two years longer than overweight ones. - Health
A Rottweiler’s health is one of the factors that can have a massive impact on his longevity. The breed is predisposed to a considerable number of health problems which can shorten his lifespan, such as:- Progressive renal atrophy (PRA)
It is the result of the weakening of the photoreceptors behind the eyes. There is no cure for PRA and it can lead to complete blindness. - Cataracts
It is another type of eye disease where opacity occurs within the eye’s lenses. This can cloud the dog’s vision and make it difficult for him to see. To prevent it from progressing, surgery might be necessary. Without proper treatment, it can eventually lead to blindness. - Hip dysplasia
This happens when displacement occurs between the thigh bone and the hip joint. It can cause pain to the dog when moving. If not given proper medical care, it can progress to lameness and then immobility. - Elbow dysplasia
It occurs when a displacement happens between the joint and bone of the elbow. Dogs afflicted with this disease may experience pain and difficulties in moving. Just like hip dysplasia, lack of treatment may lead to lameness and immobility. - Cancer
It is one of the most common causes of fatalities in Rottweilers. Canine lymphoma is the most prevalent type of cancer that causes deaths to the breed. Undergoing radiation therapy and chemo can help treat this disease. - Osteochondritis dessicans (OCD)
It is an abnormal cartilage development on the end of a bone in the joint. When the diseased cartilage dislodges itself from the underlying bone, it can cause inflammation and excruciating pain. This can be corrected through surgery. - Aortic stenosis
It is a genetic disease in which the heart or aorta is too narrow. This causes a partial blockage in the blood flow to the heart. If this disease remains undetected, it will put the dog at risk of a sudden heart attack.
- Progressive renal atrophy (PRA)
What can you do to prolong your Rottweiler’s lifespan?
There are lots of simple ways you can do regularly to help your Rottweiler live a longer life. Follow these handy tips to keep him happy and in great shape:
- Ensure that he has received all the necessary vaccinations during his puppyhood. Do not skip on treatments for ticks, fleas, worms, and canine parasites too.
- Give great importance to his dental care. Make sure to brush his teeth daily to avoid periodontal disease, which can cause kidney, liver, and heart problems.
- Regularly bring him to the vet for check-ups. This will help the vet easily detect early signs of diseases if there is any. Thus, providing immediate necessary treatment and nipping the problem on the
- bud.
- Keep tabs on his weight and prevent him from gaining too much weight. Obesity can lead to several health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Learn more about this magnificent breed from our Rottweiler breed information page.
