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What Is The Life Expectancy Of A German Shepherd

The White German Shepherd All The Facts About This Magnificent Breed

GERMAN SHEPHERD HEALTH AND LIFE EXPECTANCY

The White German Shepherd is known for its plush white coat, its athletic body and its high intelligence. This unique dog is bred from German Shepherds and carries many of the same characteristics, yet it also carries the recessive white furred coat gene. So, as long as you dont mind a bit of extra time spent on grooming, youll still get a loving and loyal German Shepherd as your trusty companion.

Read on below to find out more about this special breed of dog and whether they could be the right pup for you.

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 .

Find A Reputable Breeder

Since German Shepherds are such a popular breed, many breeders are only looking to make money from breeding the dogs and arent interested in improving the breed.

A dog bred simply for looks or money is more likely to suffer from genetic problems like hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy than German Shepherds bred to work and be as healthy as possible.

Because GSDs from American lines may have shorter lifespans than those from German lines, it may be worth your while to search for reputable breeders who have added German dogs to their breeding programs to help strengthen the breed and reduce the likelihood of genetic problems.

How can you make sure you avoid a backyard breeder or puppy mill dog? Here are some tips for finding a reputable German Shepherd breeder:

  • You should be able to visit the puppies on site
  • In addition to answering your questions, the breeder should ask you questions to make sure youll provide a good home for a German Shepherd
  • You wont find their puppies in a pet store
  • The breeder does health testing on the parent dogs
  • They will take the dog back if you cant keep it

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German Shepherd Life Span: What You Need To Know

German shepherds are the second most popular dog breed. They are beloved by people across the world and are well-known for their role as police dogs and watchdogs.

Despite their stereotypes as strong, mean dogs, they are very loving and loyal.

Certainly, they will protect you in a fight or a break-in and are strong enough to assist you, but they should not attack unprovoked.

Their loyal personalities may make them seem aloof at first, but they will quickly adapt and become loyal and trusting companions.

Although German Shepherddogs are extremely popular, their lifespans are relatively short compared toother dogs.

According to the American Kennel Club, the average lifespan of a German Shepherd is about 7 to 10 years in America.

However, research shows the worlds average lifespan may be closer to 10 years because breeding standards for German Shepherds in other countries are higher than the standards for American dogs.

Irresponsible breeding has shortened the lives of many types of dogs in the United States, not just German Shepherds.

Breeders want to make the most money they possibly can, so they use undesirable practices to maximize their profits and breed as many purebred dogs as they can as fast as possible.

To do this, breeders use practices such as inbreeding , which shrinks the available gene pool for the resulting dogs.

Breeders use inbreeding to attempt to manually select for traits such as eye color and shape that two related dogs share.

Hip Dysplasia In German Shepherds

German shepherd life span

Hip Dysplasia is the number one health issues that German Shepherds will experience in their lifetime. This is a common issue in larger dogs, but a good breeder will not breed dogs that exhibit this issue. This can be quite painful and hard to manage since it is a malformation of the joint, but you can help avoid this by feeding your dog the right amount and not exercising them too hard.

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German Shepherd Age In Human Years And Dog Years

One human year equals seven dog years is a popular myth which has been dispelled in recent times. The reason it stays so prevalent is because theres no easy way to calculate a dogs life.

Dogs age at different speeds throughout their lives.

These popular dogs from Germany are considered adolescent between five to eight months of age. They reach young adulthood at 18 months to a few years of age.

Look at Big Boy Bane grow from a little puppy to a one year old dog:

The AVMA places a one year old doggy to be about 15 a teenager. When they hit the two year mark, they will be a young adult at 24 to 25 years old.

After that, they should be gaining five years for each additional birthday they pass. Therefore, a ten year old GSD would be akin to a 63 to 70 year old human.

Below is a simple table to help dog owners easily convert their dogs years into the human equivalent:

Human Years
20 115

This calculation cannot be applied to all dog breeds, which is why there isnt one universally accepted conversion rate.

Small dogs age slower, and so do mongrels. Its the large breed pedigrees that have the shorter end of the stick.

If youre set on a German Shepherd, maybe you can check out German Shepherd cross breeds. They often inherit the Alsatians traits while being more long lived.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Death In German Shepherds

The German Shepherd Dog is a very healthy breed. However, they suffer from hereditary problems such as epilepsy and elbow dysplasia, which can be problematic if not treated early in life. If left untreated, they cause them difficulty walking correctly or live an active lifestyle with much pain because of joints that dont feel right anymore. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a condition that causes the digestive system to fail. Because of their enormous size and gentle appetite, German Shepherds are susceptible to EPI caused by maldigestion, which can be prevented with gradual feeding as recommended by vet nurses. Your pup will also need screenings on checkups at home, including the cardiac evaluation and autoimmune thyroiditis diagnosis. So pet owners know what theyre up against before these problems develop into more severe complications such as hypothyroidism or Addison disease. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency also affects many breeds, but the Veterinary professionals recommend starting small Feed only low fat dry food until you determine your canines feeding requirements.

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What Are The Nutrition Requirements For A Tervuren Belgian Shepherd

It is best to speak with your vet about which dog food is right for your Tervuren Belgian Shepherd. There is potential for your pup to take after their German Shepherd parent. If so, there is a chance that your puppy may grow quickly from the age of four to seven months.

This rapid growth puts them at risk of developing joint and bone issues. You can overcome this problem by giving your dog lower-calorie, high-quality dog food. Your vet will be able to recommend the best options for your puppy.

Stick to reputable dog food brands that use high-quality food sources. Dog food should contain an appropriate balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates for a balanced diet. Dogs with allergies or specific health conditions may need to be put on special diets.

How To Choose The Most Suitable Toys For My German Shepherd

German Shepherd Life Span: How Long Do Live and Ways To Make The Most of It

German Shepherds have very powerful jaws that can bite and chew toys, so you will have to choose tough materials.

  • Hard rubber toys are suitable for German Shepherds. Choose them in size suitable for them and that are resistant.
  • Do not use tennis balls. Its fiberglass will wear out your dogs teeth, causing occlusion problems.
  • There are very strong nylon bones specific to aggressive chewing dogs, such as the German Shepherd. Choose one that is non-toxic, so that it can expel it through its stool in case of accidental ingestion.

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Why Is My German Shepherd Fat

Reasons for excessive weight gain in German Shepherd dogs

German Shepherds arent those naturally chubby dogs. Thus, if they are gaining weight, there must be some of the other contributions of both dog and the owner.

Here is a list full of reasons explaining Obesity and Overweight in German Shepherds:

How Much Grooming Does A Tervuren Belgian Shepherd Need

Expect your double-coated Tervuren Belgian Shepherd to shed all year long. Due to this, you will need to brush them several times a week. Use a slicker brush as well as an undercoat rake to cut down on the loose hair around your home.

If your dog has a thicker mane around its neck, give this area extra attention. Comb through it to prevent the fur in this area from being matted. This is especially important if your dog has been playing in the dirt.

Your Tervuren Belgian Shepherd will blow their coat. The males may only do this once a year. Females, on the other hand, may blow their coats with every heat cycle. This mixed breed may only shed their coat after the colder months.

Despite their thick coats, the Tervuren Belgian Shepherd doesnt need to be bathed that often. They may only require a bath a few times a year or when they get really dirty. For the most part, these pups dont smell bad or get dirty that easily.

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Where Can You Find Tervuren Belgian Shepherds

This is one of the rarer mixed breeds and isnt that common. You will have to find a breeder that specializes in this mixed breed. Dont be surprised if you have to search for these pups outside your immediate area or have to be put on a waiting list.

Always choose a reputable breeder for puppies as it can help to lower the risk of genetic issues. Good breeders will research both parents bloodlines for several generations back to ensure that they arent carrying dominant disease-causing genes.

When Saying Goodbye To The German Shepherd Is Too Difficult

German Shepherd Lifespan: How Long Can A GSD Live ...

Having the German shepherd euthanized by the vet is certainly not an easy task.

Not everyone can accompany their dog to the very end. Many just dont find the strength to do it. Especially when the farewell is to take place in a cold, impersonal and sterile veterinary practice.

Those who find it far too difficult emotionally to witness the last moments of their German Shepherd need not be ashamed of it. You may ask someone else to stay with your dog until he falls asleep.

Someone who knows the German shepherd gur and fulfills this favor for you. However, you can only stay with it until your dog has received the tranquilizer. This lets him relax and fall asleep.

Before he then gets the overdosed and fatal anesthetic injection, you can leave the room and only come back when its over.

Please do not leave your dog completely alone with the vet during this sad appointment. If you cannot find anyone to accompany him across the rainbow bridge in your place, please stay with him. Even if it is very difficult.

There is nothing worse for a dog than to be alone in this moment and to be abandoned by his loved one. Many veterinarians also confirm this. The dogs are excited, scared, maybe even panicked. Whereas there is much more peace and relaxation when the two-legged friend is at the dogs side until the end. This gives him security. Try to talk to your German Shepherd, stroke him and just be there.

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Loss Of Appetite And Incontinence

When a dog is close to passing away, it tends to lose its appetite it will eat or drink from almost none to completely nothing and result in a noticeable weight loss. This is because its digestive organs are slowly shutting down as death comes closer your dog will no longer feel the need to eat nor drink at this time and would rather lie down to get some rest. Besides that, your dog may also lose control over its bladder, so it would typically urinate or defecate wherever it lies.

Average Age For German Shepherds

Most German Shepherds live in between ten and thirteen years. Owners of small breeds of dogs might see their animals live up to seventeen or twenty, but larger dogs put more strain on their bodies and simply do not live as long, no matter how well they are taken care of. A dog that is neglected or does not get proper exercise will actually die much earlier than age eleven.

While some German Shepherds do live far beyond age thirteen, this is fairly uncommon and impossible to predict, especially if you do not know the lineage of your dog and what health problems they might encounter as they transition into old age.

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Factors Affecting The Life Expectancy Of German Shepherd:

Here are the few factors that impact the life span of a german shepherd, including:

Mobility: one of the significant issues in german Shepherd is mobility. They are prone to joints and bone issues that lead to hip dysplasia, back issues, and arthritis. Although these issues wont endanger the life of your canine, they indeed decreased the quality of life.

  • Bloating:

Bloating is the primary cause of death in the german shepherd breed. In this condition, the air gets filled in the stomach and twist on the axis, thus cutting the blood supply to the intestines.

  • Degenerative myelopathy:

it is A relatively common disease in german Shepherd that affects the spinal cord and leads to permanent paralysis.

  • Hip dysplasia:

It is a condition where the hip bone doesnt fit into the socket anymore, leading to arthritis and, ultimately, mobility issues. Get your FREE copy of Experts Guide To Avoiding German Shepherd Joint Problems here.

  • Epilepsy:

The German Shepherd Life Span And All You Need To Know

How Many Puppies Can A German Shepherd Have

Any dog lover will tell you that its such a shame that dogs dont live longer. This is especially true for larger dogs, because small breeds generally have longer life spans.

The average German Shepherd lives for 10 years, but is there any way to ensure your pooch lives longer than expected? Were about to find out!

Below is everything theres to know about extending the German Shepherd life span.

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Routine Care Diet And Exercise

Build her routine care into your schedule to help your GSD live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine.

  • Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth.
  • She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair daily brushing is recommended during this time.
  • German Shepherd Dogs generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!
  • Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Dont worrywell show you how!
  • She has a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a fenced yard is a must.
  • Shes a large smart dog with lots of energy, so keep her mind and body active, or shell get bored. Thats when the naughty stuff starts.
  • Naturally a bit wary, shes distrustful of strangers bond her to children early to trigger protective behaviors.
  • Keep your dogs diet consistent and dont give her people food.
  • Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age.
  • Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first.

Prolonging The Life Span Of Your German Shepherd Dog

Every German Shepherd owner wants to keep their canine companion around as long as possible. Luck is definitely a factor, no matter what the background is on your dog.

A few problems which can cut a German Shepherds life short include:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Cancer

It may sound like common sense but key tips for prolonging the life of your German Shepherd include:

  • Regular blood tests
  • Healthy teeth

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