The King Is Gone: How Old Was Hulk The Dog When He Died? A Look At His Record-Breaking Life

The world of giant dogs recently mourned the loss of a true legend: Hulk. The massive XL American Pitbull, famous for his record-breaking size and gentle demeanor, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, marking the end of an era for his owners, Marlon and Lisa Grennan of Dark Dynasty K9s (DDK9s). This article, updated in December 2025, provides the definitive answer to the question millions of fans are asking: exactly how old was Hulk the dog when he died, and what is the incredible legacy he leaves behind?

Hulk lived a life that shattered misconceptions about his breed, becoming a global icon who inspired both awe and affection. His remarkable longevity for a dog of his immense size is a testament to the care he received and the healthy environment at the DDK9s ranch. His story is one of unprecedented size, staggering financial value, and a gentle spirit.

Hulk the Dog: Definitive Biography and Profile

Hulk was not just a dog; he was a global brand and the cornerstone of the Dark Dynasty K9s breeding and training program. His sheer size and imposing presence made him an internet sensation, but his calm temperament is what truly won over the public.

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• Full Name: Hulk the Dog (Also known as The King of Pitbulls) [cite: 6 from step 1]
• Breed/Lineage: XL American Pitbull Terrier / Bull Terrier / Mastiff / Bandog Mix [cite: 7, 10, 11 from step 1]
• Date of Birth: September 7, 2013 [cite: 1, 7 from step 1]
• Date of Death: April 28, 2025 [cite: 1, 2 from step 2]
• Age at Death: 11 years, 7 months, and 21 days
• Owners/Trainers: Marlon and Lisa Grennan (Dark Dynasty K9s) [cite: 1, 8 from step 1]
• Peak Weight: Approximately 173–180 pounds (78–82 kg) [cite: 5, 7 from step 1]
• Record: Named the biggest Pitbull in the world by various media outlets. [cite: 1 from step 1]
• Notable Offspring: Kong (deceased), Kobe, Karma, and numerous others. [cite: 1, 7 from step 3]
• Legacy Value: Sired litters valued at up to $500,000, with individual puppies fetching up to $55,000. [cite: 2, 4, 5 from step 3]

The Exact Answer: Hulk's Age and Cause of Death

The primary question for fans is often the most difficult to confirm: the exact age and circumstances of a beloved animal’s passing. Due to his advanced age for a giant breed, Hulk’s death came as a profound sadness but not a complete shock to the DDK9s family.

How Old Was Hulk the Dog When He Died?

Hulk was born on September 7, 2013, and passed away on April 28, 2025. This means that the legendary dog was 11 years, 7 months, and 21 days old at the time of his death. [cite: 1, 2 from step 2; 1, 7 from step 1]

For a dog of his size, this is a remarkable lifespan. XL breeds, especially those with a high percentage of Mastiff or Bandog lineage, often have shorter lifespans due to the strain on their joints, heart, and internal organs. The average lifespan for a large Pitbull or XL Bully can range from 8 to 12 years, making Hulk’s age a testament to the diligent care and specialized nutrition provided by Marlon and Lisa Grennan. [cite: 3 from step 1]

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The Circumstances of His Passing

The official announcement confirmed that Hulk passed away peacefully in the arms of his owners. [cite: 1 from step 2] While the specific medical cause of death (such as heart failure, cancer, or organ failure) has not been widely publicized, the description of him taking his "final breath peacefully" suggests he succumbed to natural causes related to old age. [cite: 1 from step 2]

The DDK9s family gave Hulk the best life possible, focusing on health, training, and a loving home environment. His passing was a quiet, dignified end to a loud, public life, allowing his family to grieve the loss of their "King of Pitbulls." [cite: 10 from step 3]

Hulk's Unprecedented Legacy and Financial Value

Hulk’s impact goes far beyond his record-breaking size. He was the most valuable breeding dog in the world, responsible for creating a new generation of high-value protection and family dogs. His legacy is measured in the dozens of powerful and expensive offspring he left behind, continuing the Dark Dynasty K9s bloodline.

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The $500,000 Litter and Valuable Offspring

Hulk's genetics were so prized that his puppies commanded staggering prices. A single litter of eight puppies was once valued at an astonishing $500,000. [cite: 4, 5 from step 3] Individual "first pick" puppies, destined to become elite protection dogs, could be sold for as much as $55,000 each. [cite: 2, 3 from step 3]

This immense value was not just based on size, but on a combination of factors:

• Genetics: Passing on the massive, yet stable, XL Bully structure.
• Temperament: Hulk’s gentle nature, despite his imposing figure, was a highly desirable trait.
• DDK9s Proven Training: The puppies were guaranteed to come from a line of professionally trained guard dogs and family protectors.
• Brand Recognition: The "Hulk" name added instant, global value to the bloodline.

The Loss of His Son, Kong

The DDK9s family has faced tragedy before. Hulk's legendary son, Kong, also passed away in 2021. [cite: 1 from step 3] Kong, a massive dog in his own right, succumbed to Lymphoma, a form of cancer. [cite: 1 from step 3] The loss of Kong was a devastating blow, but it also highlighted the importance of Hulk’s continued breeding to pass on his unique genetics. Other famous offspring, such as Kobe, are now carrying on the legacy of the King of Pitbulls.

More Than Just a Pitbull: An Icon of the XL Bully Breed

Hulk’s fame helped to redefine the public perception of the American Pitbull Terrier and the newer XL Bully classification. His owners, Marlon and Lisa Grennan, consistently used his platform to show that with proper training, socialization, and responsible ownership, even the largest and most powerful dogs can be loving, stable, and protective family members.

The Dark Dynasty K9s channel, featuring Hulk, became a global phenomenon, attracting millions of views and subscribers. Videos of Hulk interacting gently with the Grennans' young son, Jordan, were crucial in challenging negative stereotypes and promoting the importance of early socialization for powerful breeds.

Hulk’s life of 11 years, 7 months, and 21 days was a monumental achievement for a dog of his stature. While he is gone, his bloodline, his media presence, and his role in the history of XL Bully dogs ensure that the King of Pitbulls will never truly be forgotten. His death on April 28, 2025, closed a chapter, but the dynasty he built continues to thrive.