Rottweiler admirers and lovers of the breed are likely to claim that the Rottweiler’s longevity will be “too short!” Fact is that the Rottweiler dog has a low score life expectancy. It is said that the American Kennel Club claims this breed lives for 10-12 years. While lucky owners might have that they live longer, but some suffer from Rottweiler puppies that don’t reach the age of 10 years.

What is the lifespan of Rottweilers

Rottweilers are able to live up to 10 years. The typical Rottweiler lifespan ranges from eight to ten years. While the Rottweiler life span is shorter than other breeds of similar dimensions and mass, they can make up for it through their devoted personalities and unwavering loyalty

5 factors that impact on the Rottweiler Lifespan

We’ll admit it: trying to discover the secrets to the longevity for other breeds aren’t helping much with the simple reason it is the Rottweiler breed is affected by several aspects which have been identified as having an impact on the length of his life. Some of these variables may to some degree be controlled by us but others are something we aren’t able to control. Let’s have a closer look at some of these aspects.

Rottweiler Lifespan “A Matter of Size”

To begin with, the Rottweiler breed is huge. It measures between 22 inches and 27 inches at withers, and typically weighing between 82 and 130 pounds the Rottweiler definitely is strong and tough dog. Although these are appealing characteristics, they also are a factor in the short life span of the breed. In the first place it may be confusing if you believe that big animals have longer lives than small species (think an elephant that lives for 70 years, versus the mouse who lives for 4) However with regard to dogs, it’s been demonstrated that large breeds age faster rate than smaller breeds. What is the reason? Researchers have a variety of theories.

According to a research study that appeared in April’s Issue of The American Naturalist journal, larger dogs have shorter lives because they get older rapidly. It is likely that if you had Rottweilers in the early days of puppyhood, you were amazed at the speed at which they developed. Cornelia Krause is an evolutionary biologist from Gittangen University in Germany, explains that Gittangen University in Germany, states that the life spans of big canines “unwind in fast motion.” In fact, researchers discovered that for each 4.4 kg of weight weight, the lifespan of dogs was reduced by around one month!

Rottweiler Lifespan “A Matter of Health”
The rapid growth of large dogs has a downside that is increased production of free-radicals which is a reason for slowing the process of aging and eventually causing abnormal cell growths , cancer and unfortunately it is the case that it is the case that Rottweiler breed is very prone to cancer, and in particular those two most fatal kinds: osteosarcoma as well as Hemangiosarcoma. Additionally puppies are at risk of parvo. As they grow, they could be more susceptible to developmental issues such as orthopedic disorders and their large chests make them more prone to bloat. These could be negative effects of selectively breeding dogs to big size in a short period of time, if you compare it with the millennia of natural selection for other species.

Rottweiler Lifespan “A Matter of Hormones”
A study that was published in the journal Cancer Genetics, Epidemiology and Biomarkers and Prevention at the end of 2002 discovered a connection between the age at which Rottweilers have been spayed and sterilized and their lives span. The study showed that males and females Rottweilers who were neutered and spayed before the age of one had around a 1 in 4 risk of developing osteosarcoma bone cancer that is extremely prevalent among this breed. This is why the decision to have a spay or neuter is not a decision to be made lightly. The veterinarian Karen Becker recommends consulting with knowledgeable breeders and holistic veterinarians for a more informed choice about the ideal age at which to spay. In the present, a lot of Rottweiler breeders are required by their contracts that they must wait till the dog is 12 years old, but some even recommend that you wait for up to 18 or for 24 months.

Rottweiler Lifespan ” A Matter of Genes”
The lifespan of a Rottweiler is also determined by genes. This is why the role of breeders who are good is crucial. The importance of breeding for health is paramount when a breed is large and susceptible to health issues. Through selective breeding and health testing dogs, it’s feasible to some extent to avoid the transmission of hereditary, congenital health issues. In the case of a breed such as one called a Rottweiler it is a way to breed healthy, mature breeds that have been tested for health issues. While genes play an important role in the lifespan of an animal, the environment where the Rottweiler is raised has a significant impact.

Rottweiler Lifespan “A Matter of Environment”
The nature or the nurture? Which is more influential on longevity, heredity-related factors or the environment where the Rottweiler is brought up? The answer is likely both. It is certain that the Rottweiler that is raised in a loving environments has a better chance of being able to live a longer time. The diet plays a major role on this breed, and obviously there are other breeds as well. What your Rottweiler is eating and exercising plays also a part to play. According to a research conducted by Nestle Purina the results showed that dogs that are leaner tend to live 2 years longer than fat ones. Leaner dogs mean less stress for the heart and lower chance of developing orthopedic issues and a lower risk of developing diabetes.

Take Action to Help Your Rottweiler Live Longer
There are a lot of aspects we don’t be able to control, however there are many things we should consider in order to make sure this gorgeous breed can to live longer. Here are a few suggestions to help.

Feed your Rottweiler with a balanced diet and supplement it with healthy foods.
Provide high-quality drinking water that is that is free of harmful substances.
-Keep your Rottweiler lean.
-Provide mental stimulation and exercise.
Follow yearly geriatric checks. For large breeds the recommended age is 7 years of age.
-Don’t over vaccinate adult dogs. Consult your veterinarian about the possibility of testing the titer instead.
-Maintain good dental hygiene. Periodontal diseases can result in the growth of bacteria that enter the bloodstream, affecting the heart.