Health Problems Might Decrease The Lifespan
When you make your mind to raise these canines, you need to make sure about physical exercises for them as they are already active, and these exercises help them exceed their minimum. Their best shape needs exercise to be firm and healthy. You can train your best buddy for doing physical activities. Irrespective of gender, they usually weigh between 75 to 95 pounds. Sometimes their heavyweight itself becomes the reason for their health issues. Many health issues, such as Hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, Epilepsy, IVDD, or Myasthenia gravis, etc., shortens their lifespan even from a minimum of 11 years of age. Some of these diseases are incurable, while others might get treated with proper care and attention.
How Long Do German Shepherds Live Tips For A Long Life
April 17, 2020 by Jennifer Nelson
German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, second only to the Labrador Retriever. Theyre extremely intelligent and devoted to their families. Unfortunately, the breed is plagued by a lot of health problems that can affect their lifespan. So, how long do German Shepherds live?
Contents
Make Sure They Get Annual Check
Dog wheelchairs help GSD dealing with DM or hip issues to improve mobility & stay active.
Another great way to increase German Shepherd life expectancy is to make sure that you take them for check-ups with the veterinarian at least once a year. For young puppies you will want to take them twice a year.
Large dog breeds are more prone to hip and joint problems. German Shepherd hip dysplasia is one of the more common ones. Taking them for annual check-ups increases your chances of finding certain conditions or diseases early on in some cases.
This allows the vet to take certain preventative measures when catching the problem early on. Often times a dog may cover up the fact that they are in pain. The vet may be able to notice specific symptoms during the early stages.
Don’t Miss: Should I Neuter My German Shepherd
German Shepherd Life Span: How Long Do German Shepherds Live
Ranked behind Labrador Retrievers as the most popular dog in America, German Shepherds are large, muscular dogs with exceptional temperaments. According to AKC, German Shepherds live on average between 7 and 10 years.
Originally bred in Germany in the late 1800s, German Shepherds were the result of breeding the most intelligent and obedient shepherd dogs. They were used to help herd sheep and protect livestock from potential predators.
German Shepherds are exceptionally intelligent, strong, and agile, which makes them perfect fits for farmers. German Shepherds are fast and can run up to 30 miles per hour!
They eventually reached mainstream popularity due to their strong character: courageous, easy-to-train, and loyal. In order to leverage these traits, German Shepherds are often used as police dogs or service animals.
German Shepherds make great companions and are also ideal watch dogs. Their high degree of loyalty and energy makes them great for families with children.
But, how big do German Shepherds get? German Shepherds are larger dogs and can weigh between 50 and 90 pounds and typically stand between 22 and 26 inches in height. They are quick learners and eager to please, making them easier to train.
Contents
How Long Do German Shepherds Live With Health Issues
German shepherds Health issues are unavoidable. Fortunately, some health issues arent life-threatening.
This is especially true with skeletal problems. They are unavoidable, but they arent going to affect how long German shepherds live.
So that answers your question of how long can a dog live with hip dysplasia. But alas, there are many other health issues faced by German shepherds.
Don’t Miss: The Home Depot Paint Sale
What To Do If Your German Shepherd Is Near The End Of His Life
When the end of the German Shepherds life span is near, you might want to start preparing yourselves for their eventual departure.
Some owners choose to purchase another dog prior to the passing of their senior pet, to alleviate their grief. Some prefer not to be distracted as they grieve.
Talk to your family members and see what is the most comfortable option for everyone.
Some choose to cremate their pet or hold a memorial for them. You can also have a burial in your yard. Pet cemeteries have also gotten quite popular in recent years.
But ultimately, the final decision lies with you and your family.
Diet Vet Checks And Grooming Are A Must
You must be mindful of your dogs dietary needs, grooming requirements, and regular veterinary check-ups. Its also important that your dog completes its vaccinations from birth until its adolescence this would include booster shots and annual rabies doses. Furthermore, be wary not to feed your dog with human food that can cause digestion problems such as chocolates and the like. Note that giving your dog treats from the kitchen may not be healthy for it, even though it may seem to like it.
You May Like: Grooming German Shepherd
The Problem With Unethical Breeding
Recently, unethical breeding had been widespread. Due to the popularity of German shepherds, many breeders use unethical breeding methods to speed up production.
As a result, multitudes of serious health conditions to a German shepherd are developed.
As of recent, there have reports of musculoskeletal diseases. Some German shepherds arent even able to stand.
There are many more health conditions caused by this breeding method, 263 to be exact. Some of them include:
- Ear Inflammation
- Osteoarthritis
What Do German Shepherds Usually Die From
There are a few hereditary problems that GSDs might face, but the breed as a whole is considered quite healthy.
The most common problems are epilepsy,hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and bloat.
They also often suffer from mild conditions such as skin issues, stomach sensitivities, ear infections and eye problems.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency which causes maldigestion is very common in German Shepherds. One of the key reasons why they should be fed a gentle kibble.
When going for check-ups, your vet should also screen for cardiac evaluation and autoimmune thyroiditis.
Regular screening and early detection of any health problems will help prevent your dog from a premature death.
Other screenings you might want to be open to are hemangiosarcoma and bone cancer.
Don’t Miss: German Shepherd Puppies Floppy Ears
New Research Reveals Secrets Of The Demographics And Disorders In German Shepherd Dogs
A new study conducted by the VetCompass Programme at the Royal Veterinary College has revealed novel insights into the demographics and disorders of German Shepherd Dogs. This information will raise awareness of the susceptibility of German Shepherd Dogs to a variety of health conditions, inform diagnosis and treatment, and will help potential owners to decide between a male or female puppy.
German Shepherd Dogs are one of the UKs most popular dog breeds, and have been widely used for herding, guarding, police, military and guide-dog roles. However, over recent decades, the physical shape of the German Shepherd Dog has become more extreme and there is now much debate about consequential impact on the health of the breed. This VetCompass study adds to current knowledge by providing key data from hundreds of UK vet practices about the health and demographics of this breed.
This new research revealed:
- German Shepherd Dogs are falling out of favour in the UK, dropping from 3.5% of all dogs born in 2005 to 2.2% in 2013.
- 63.43% of German Shepherds had at least one disorder recorded during 2013, which is similar to other breeds previously explored, including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Pugs.
- The average lifespan of German Shepherds overall was 10.3 years which is similar to other breeds of this bodysize.
- The most common disorders recorded in German Shepherds were ear infection , osteoarthritis , diarrhoea , overweight/obesity and aggression .
The German Shepherd Life Span And How Long They Live
Understanding the German Shepherd life span is essential when caring for these dogs. The tougher question to ask, however, is how long do German Shepherds live?
These dogs cant stay with us forever, so we must understand the perils of GSD old age and their average life expectancy. The aim of this guide on the German Shepherd average life span is to look at the general life expectancy of this breed, the various stages of their life cycle, and some factors that may influence a longer life or premature death.
Also Check: Best Dog Crate For German Shepherd
Keep Up To Date With Vaccinations
Keep to a regular vaccination schedule for your GermanShepherd so they dont catch preventable disease or illness. Any sickness ordisease increases your GSDs life span.
Check what vaccines you need when enrolling in dog training classes. Ensure they are strict on checking other dogs records. When dogs are in close areas, theyre more likely to catch illnesses.
Dogs can also catch viruses when around other dogs, even when not at a kennel or dog class. For example, at dog parks or when out on hikes and walks.
Best German Shepherd Dog Food Recommendations
Here are the basic stages of a GSDs development:
- Neonatal Stage: Birth to three weeks
- Socialization Stage: 3 to 12 weeks
- Juvenile Stage: Three to six months
- Sexual Maturity Stage: 6 to 16 months
- Transition to Adult Stage: 16 to 36 months
According to the stages listed above, a German Shepherd can be considered an adult by its 36th month. By this time, you should have switched his or her food completely to adult dog food.
For some of the best dog food brands check out our article Best Dog Food Brands. These are the top brands of dog foods which will provide your dog with food that is very high in protein and contains limited ingredients. The carb content in these foods is high in nutrient content.
Keep sharing German Shepherd life span with your friends and family for good cause.
Also Check: How Much Are German Shepherd Akita Corgi Puppies
Back Hip And Other Joint Problems In German Shepherds
All large dog breeds are prone to hip and joint problems, but with the traditional sloped back of the German Shepherd, back, hip, and other joint problems are more common in German Shepherds than many other breeds.
While there is no way to prevent these problems, there are things you can do to help delay or lessen symptoms to help extend your German Shepherds quality of life.
Restrict Calories To Maintain A Lean Physique
Research shows that limiting your dogs calorie intake increases their life span and decreases with age-related changes.
Dogs fed a calorie-restricted diet lived longer and experience less age-related chronic diseases.
Control your dogs calories so they neither gain nor loseweight once they achieve their ideal weight. Dont overfeed your adult dog,especially a large breed puppy like the GSD, as this can cause lifelongproblems.
56% of dogs in the United States are overweight and may experience life-altering health complications from this weight. Speak to your vet about calorie restriction for longer life.
Read Also: Who Would Win In A Fight German Shepherd Or Pitbull
Give Your German Shepherd Plenty Of Exercise
All dogs need exercise to prevent obesity and keep them in shape, but German Shepherds have high energy levels and can turn to destructive behaviors if they dont get enough exercise.
A bored German Shepherd could easily turn to eating things they shouldnt when left alone, and if they swallow something that doesnt pass through their digestive tract, it could kill them, so exercise really can directly impact their lifespan.
German Shepherds need at least an hour of exercise every day, and the more, the better. They were bred to work all day, so a tame 30-minute walk twice a day may not be enough to expend all their energy.
Some exercise options to consider with your German Shepherd include:
- Running around a dog park
- Playing fetch in the back yard
- Jogging with you on leash
- Running next to you as you bike
- Hiking
- Doggy daycare
How To Extend Your German Shepherd Life Span
If you own a German Shepherd, then you probably cant imagine living without your best friend. Read on to see some tips on extending your German Shepherds life span.
We all want to keep our dogs with us as long as possible, which is why we need to give them a certain level of care.
Most German Shepherds can live 9 to 13 years if they are in good shape mentally and physically. Here are 5 tips you must know to extend and improve the quality of your German Shepherds life span.
Don’t Miss: Underweight German Shepherd Puppy
Aggression And Behavioral Problems
Most of the dogs in the world are shot to death when they start behaving abnormally due to aggression or some hereditary or genetic behavioral and mental problems. In this condition, they start attacking people, biting human beings, and killing other animals. The only solution to deal with this problem when the dogs become uncontrollable is to shot the dog to death or euthanize it.
Are There Any Behavioral Problems With German Shepherds
First off, they are very large dogs and can come off very intimidating. Second, their instinct to protect their family or property is strong and can lead untrained German shepherds to becoming very protective, aggressive, and scary dogs. The keyword here is untrained, as any untrained dogregardless of breedcan have the same problems.
Recommended Reading: How To Draw A German Shepherd Dog Step By Step
A Dog By Any Other Name
German Shepherds Dogs are a loyal breed of working dog that originally came from Germany in 1899. In German, they are called Deutscher Schäferhund, pronounced ???f??h?nt. In England and Ireland, theyve always been known as Alsatians.
The German Shepherd is also identified through a number of other names, including:
- Allemand
- Shepherd
- Wolf Dog
German Shepherds are medium to large-sized and even-tempered. Their temperament traits include being alert, confident, courageous, curious, intelligent, loyal, obedient, and watchful. Theyre very protective when it comes to their family members.
Many people feel that male German Shepherds are easier to train and more affectionate. Females tend to be more protective of their owners and their puppies. They are also considered a bit more aggressive but they do tolerate strangers and children much more easily than males.
Brush Their Teeth Daily
Brushing your German Shepherds teeth daily can help prevent periodontal disease and increase their life expectancy by a maximum of 3-5 years. According to studies, up to 90% of dogs over the age of three have periodontal disease.
In fact, it is the most common infectious disease affecting adult dogs. It is a an inflammatory disease caused by bacteria in the mouth that targets the supporting structures around a dogs teeth. It is progressive and gets worse over time.
Periodontal disease that is left unchecked in dogs can cause tooth loss and eventually make its way to your German Shepherds bloodstream causing damage to some of the major organs such as the heart, kidneys and lungs. This disease can be fatal if left untreated.
You May Like: How Cold Can German Shepherds Handle
How Old Is A 3 Year Old German Shepherd
Beautiful female AKC registered German Shepherd with a stable temperament, 3 years old and large boned. She is playful, social and always ready for the ne Available for new home, this fellow is a beautiful sleek coated black registered GSD, been to obedience classes and knows his commands very well, will be l
How Long Do German Shepherds Live Is Lifespan Important When Choosing A Dog Breed
When people consider a dog breed, you might think a short lifespan would be a deal-breaker. According to data compiled by Companion Animal Psychology, longevity is outweighed by other factors.
Potential dog owners may even overlook health and behavioral concerns of particular breeds in their quest to have a certain type of dog.
Dog owners worldwide recognize the health issues of the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, and pug, to name a few. Despite this, these snub-nosed dwarf dogs are still super popular.
The German Shepherds health problems arent as drastic, but the breed suffers alarming problems from the increasing demand for a particular look.
What leads to the increasingly poor health and correspondingly shorter lives of some of the most common dog breeds?
Irresponsible breeding, commonly through line-breeding and inbreeding, has led to a dramatic rise in detrimental diseases that are passed from one generation to the next.
Inbreeding drastically shrinks the gene pool. Diseases are often recessive traits, only showing up if a puppy receives two copies of that one gene.
The probability of expressing recessive characteristics skyrockets as the number of genes decreases.
Of course, breeders never sought to create crippled dogs or to promote pets who always gasp for their next breath.
These issues are attached to some of the same genes that would produce roached backs or wide heads.
Also Check: How Much Is A German Shepherd In The Philippines
How Long Do German Shepherds Live For
German Shepherds are popularly used as working dogs, and some farmers use them as herding dogs to take care of sheep and cattle.
This dog breed is associated with a healthy body, and this explains why they are hired as police dogs, guard dogs, and even as search and rescue dogs. They are highly intelligent, and they are known to follow instructions perfectly.
The standard lifespan for German Shepherds is between 9 to 13 years. The average lifespan is about 11 years. If the dog is well taken care of and has no health issues, he can live beyond 13 years, sometimes up to 20 years.
You can prolong your dog’s lifespan by feeding them premium dog food, doing regular vet visits, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping your dog active through regular exercises and evening walks.