Having a strong and big dog like Rottweiler as a pet is much of luck. Rottweilers are popular domesticated dogs and are also known as Rotties. One of the most persistent questions that Rottweiler owners ask is how long do Rottweilers live?
The life span of Rottweilers is known to be shorter typically 8-10 years on average as compared to other breeds of the same size and weight.
Life expectancy varies from breed to breed. In this post, we will discuss Rottweiler’s health, life expectancy, what contributes to their shorter lifespan, and how you can help your Rott live longer.
How Long Do Purebred Rottweilers Live?
There are several mixed-breed Rottweilers but let’s talk about purebred Rotts here. Do purebred Rottweilers live longer? Well, no they also do not have a very long life span.
Typically, they live between 8-10 years on average. However, these numbers keep on varying. A few Rotts may live only 6 years and some lucky ones might live up to 14 years.
In most cases, Rottweiler owners spend 8-10 years with their furry companions. It is thought that larger dogs live long. But the fact is smaller dogs live long mostly. The same thing happens in the case of mixed breeds.
Who doesn’t want to spend quality time with their dog for years? So, if you are considering getting a Rottweiler, it is smart to look for a mixed breed. They tend to live longer than purebred Rottweilers.
Want to read about shedding in Rottweilers?
4 Reasons Behind the Short Life of Rottweilers
You must be wondering why do Rottweilers live short? It is because they develop health issues and there are very less favorable treatments available.
Knowing about these health issues is very important as a Rott parent so you can prevent them and make your Rott live longer.
An important thing to remember is that size is a big contributor to the short life of Rottweilers. Dogs of other breeds of the same size also have similar life spans.
Let’s talk about other issues your Rott might have to deal with.
1) Obesity:
Rottweilers need two hours of physical exercise daily. If they don’t burn the extra calories, they can become obese and cannot maintain their shape.
Eating inappropriate food can also lead to obesity and digestive issues. Obesity can make your dog lazy and he won’t like doing exercise. As a result, he will develop other health issues which can shorten his life.
In canines, health issues are interconnected. One incorporates with others and leads to shortening of life.
2) Hip Dysplasia:
Large dogs like Rottweilers are likely to get hip dysplasia. It is a condition when a dog’s hip bone doesn’t sit properly in place. The discomfort caused by hip dysplasia will discourage your dog from playing and running around.
And you know how important is physical exercise for Rotties to stay healthy!
3) Osteochondritis Dissecans:
Similar to hip dysplasia, Rottweilers sometimes get osteochondritis. In this condition, the cartilage from the shoulder bone detaches a little and creates discomfort in moving.
All of the above reasons can make your Rott unhealthy and sick which shortens their life. However, none of them lead Rott straight to death immediately. Rottweilers are highly exposed to infections as well that can cause illness and premature death.
4) Cancer:
Cancer is the dominant cause most Rottweilers die from. And unfortunately, there is not much you can do if your Rott gets cancer. There is no way to prevent canine cancer until yet.
Rottweilers are at a higher risk of acquiring bone cancer. An important thing to understand here is it is common in canines.
Research through the Animal Cancer Foundation shows 25 percent of dogs will develop cancer during their lifetime.
In contrast, a Rottweiler research study reviewed data from 5,321 Rottweiler veterinary patients and discovered that just over 40 percent of Rottweilers died from cancer-related causes.
33 percent of reported deaths were due to cancer, and 7.1 percent were due to mass-associated disorders, which are most frequently malignant.
The two most common types of cancer observed in Rottweilers are Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and Lymphoma (lymph cancer).
In both cases, the condition gets worse and the treatment is not favorable. However, researches are being conducted on how to diagnose and treat cancer in Rottweilers.
Ways to Prolong Rottweilers Life
In Rottweilers, death by cancer is unpredictable and unavoidable as well. Although, you can take care of your Rott at an early age to avoid other leading circumstances that can cause early death.
Below are some topmost things you can do:
- Manage growth in puppyhood to ward of joint and bone issues later in life
- Delayed spaying after the age of 6 for females
- Vaccinations on time
- Strengthen the immune system
- Healthy and high-quality protein-based food
- Maintain weight
- Regular exercise
- Minimize stress, Rotts are very sensitive!
- Scheduled checkups with a Vet
Read about Goldendoodles Life span here!
How to Know That Rottweiler’s Health is Declining?
Good observation can do wonders. If you notice any of the following signs in your Rott, make sure to make appropriate changes as these are these are the signs of declining health.
- Laziness
- Increased weight
- Discomfort in movements
- Loss of appetite
- Aggression or Barking
- Tenderness of legs
- Allergy
- Eye problems
It is always a good practice to take your dog to the vet for a physical examination and to check if something serious is going on with your furry friend. It’s convenient and harmless, right?
Final Thoughts:
So, the answer to the question, how long do Rottweilers live? is visibly not long enough. On average a healthy Rottweiler lives between 8-10 years. It is because Rotts are prone to health issues and also, they are big!
Mix breeds of Rottweilers are comparatively healthy and live longer than purebred Rotts. Moreover, genetics play a vital role. If parents don’t have any illness or medical complications, their offspring tend to live long and healthy.
You can maintain Rottweiler’s health by taking proper measures like diet and exercise. However, cancer in Rottweilers is uncertain.
If you have a Rott, take care of his health and observe his behavior. And if you are thinking of getting one, consider mix breeds!