What Is The Average Age Of Death For A German Shepherd
Dog breeds live on average anywhere from 8 to 13 years. There are rare exceptions of individual dogs living as long as 16 years, but these cases may represent genetic lines that have been selected for longevity. The median lifespan for a German Shepherd is about 11-12 years old, which puts them at the lower end of the spectrum. Youll hear stories sometimes about Great Danes or Saint Bernards living much longer than this they are among the statistically champion breeds when it comes to longevity rates .However, keep in mind where you get your dog matters tremendouslyrescue shelters will offer adoptions fees significantly less than what youd pay in a pet store or puppy mill.
Skeletal Health And Supplementation
Musculoskeletal disorders are debilitating conditions that are often associated with genetic makeup, malnutrition, and stress-related events. Some breeds like the German shepherd, are predisposed to a variety of different skeletal disorders, including but not limited to: canine hip dysplasia, Cauda equina syndrome, and osteoarthritis. These conditions can be a result of poor breeding or induced by intense exercise and poor diet.
Canine hip dysplasia is an orthopedic condition resulting from abnormal development of the hip joint and surrounding tissue causing the instability and partial dislocation of the hip joint, resulting in pain, inflammation, lameness, and potentially osteoarthritis of the joint. German shepherds are genetically predisposed to CHD and the University of Veterinary Medicine in Germany found its prevalence estimated to be approximately 35% of veterinary cases associated with the disorder.
Osteoarthritis is one of the main contributors of musculoskeletal pain and disabilities that commonly affect German shepherds. Mechanical stress, oxidative damage and inflammatory mediators combine to induce the gradual degeneration of the articular cartilage in the joint, resulting in reduced muscle mass, pain, and locomotion.
Vitamins such as A and D also have crucial roles in bone development and maintenance by regulating bone and calcium metabolism. Adequate levels should be incorporated into a German shepherd diet to promote a healthy musculoskeletal system.
The Lifespan In Comparison With Other Dog Breeds
The German Shepherd has a medium to slightly increased life expectancy when compared to other breeds.
Although it is quite large and heavy, it can reach a lifespan of up to 13 years, sometimes even more.
The smaller and light breeds, such as terriers, Maltese or Chihuahua, usually die of old age.
The huge and particularly powerful specimens, however, often have the lowest number of years of life.
The Chihuahua has the longest lifespan or life expectancy of all dogs.
Chihuahua: 15-18 years
You May Like: German Shepherd For Sale Philippines
German Shepherd Beagle Cross Personality And Temperament
A German Shepherd Beagle Cross is considered as one of the more energetic of dog breeds! It is due to the zest for life displayed in both Beagles and German Shepherds in general.
Because of the heightened energy, this mix is considered the friendliest and indeed happiest of the canine world. Thus, its these such traits that make it ideal for those family units.
However, this mix also benefits from a higher level of intelligence. Undeniably German Shepherds are one of the most intelligent breeds of the dog world. It is why they serve as working dogs in the police force, armed forces, and the security industry.
When combining this intelligence alongside the renowned loyalty of the Beagle breed, the results are most spectacular faithful four-legged companions. Ultimately, this is one that will protect its human owners as its the more courageous of the pack.
However, though these traits are the more commendable of the German Shepherd Beagle Mix, they can be most persistent too!
Nowhere is this more evident than in the areas of stubbornness and disobedience.
The German Shepherd element of this mix demands high-quality training and socialization from very early on. It will keep this working dog happy and fulfilled.
Consequently, such training will also work on any tendencies of the Beagle element of the mix. It means curbing their need to wander off the lead and stray due to the various scents around them.
You Can Take Action To Help Your German Shepherd Live As Long And As Happy As Possible
German Shepherds are vulnerable to a host of problems that can prematurely shorten their lives, but not all is gloomy.
You can work proactively to help your German Shepherd live their life to the fullest with a reasonable expectation for optimal health.
Buying your dog from a reputable breeder may decrease the incidence of hip and elbow dysplasia. The AKC recommends screening X-rays for German Shepherds in breeding programs.
Conscientious breeders will also pay attention to the temperaments of their dogs.
Feed your Alsatian a high-quality dog food or raw diet under veterinary or nutritionist supervision. Optimizing nutritional value in your dogs food is one of the basic steps in preventing disease.
Many conditions arise from nutrient deficiencies if the dog cant absorb or digest the vitamins and minerals. The more balanced, high-quality, and natural a diet is, the more bioavailable the ingredients are.
Consider preventative nutraceuticals such as joint supplements, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants to delay the onset of degenerative diseases like arthritis.
Your German Shepherd should receive physical check-ups by a veterinarian multiple times per year. Remember how fast large-breed dogs can age compared to humans.
Frequent checks may catch some diseases early when you can still treat or manage them.
Limiting food intake and paying attention to how you time feeding with other activities is vital to preventing GDV.
Don’t Miss: How Long Does It Take To Train A German Shepherd
Find A Good Breeder To Get A Healthy Puppy
Since the German Shepherd is a very popular breed, many breeders are looking to make money through dog breeding and are not interested in improving the breed.
A dog that is raised just for looks or money is more likely to suffer from genetic problems such as hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy than German Shepherds to work and stay as healthy as possible.
Since GSDs from American lines may have a shorter lifespan than German lines, it may be worthwhile to look for well-known breeders who have added German dogs to their breeding programs to help strengthen the breed and reduce the likelihood of genetic problems.
Accept When Your Dog Is Growing Older
At some point, you will simply have to accept that your dog is growing older and will eventually pass away. Many owners will have gotten their German Shepherds as brand new puppies and will have cared for them their entire lives. It can be as tragic as watching a human friend or family member grow old and pass away, especially because you have dedicated a lot of time to caring for this animal and you have forged a strong bond.
Read Also: How To Make A German Shepherd Costume
What To Do If Your Gsd Is Near The End Of His Life
Every dog reaches that moment when the end is coming. This is very difficult for dog owners and family members to accept and even think about.
If your veterinarian has advised you that the end is near, begin making plans right away. It is best to have plans in place, so you dont have to make harsh decisions when you are grieving.
Sit down with your loved ones and discuss what is best for your dog. If you choose an at-home burial make sure you inquire about the pet burial regulations in your city or town.
It usually involves burying your pet far away from water sources. Remember to follow all instructions provided to you by your community.
If you prefer to have your beloved GSD buried at a local pet cemetery, you will want to contact them and visit them to make arrangements ahead of time.
Some dog owners may prefer cremation and can seek information from the veterinarian on how to proceed with this request.
How Long Do German Shepherds Live Closing Thoughts
Awareness is growing regarding the detrimental effects careless breeding and exaggerations of specific physical traits are having on purebred dogs.
More experts are moving towards different approaches to registry standards, and changing the publics perception regarding canine health versus pet appearance.
Crossbreeding to revitalize purebred lines and creating designer dogs to moderate exaggerated features like flat faces, short legs, and elongated backs, is taking hold among critics of current breeding trends.
People simply want their dogs to live longer and healthier lives.
Even the AKC has acknowledged the value of outcrossing. One huge accomplishment was the successful eradication of cystine urinary stones in Dalmatians with the introduction of English Pointer bloodlines.
The UFAW is optimistic that similar careful and patient selective breeding can eliminate hereditary problems such as degenerative myelopathy in the GSD over time.
Tags
Recommended Reading: Husky German Shepard Mix For Sale
How Long Do German Shepherds Live 5 Signs Your Gsd Life Is Ending
Welcoming a German Shepherd into your family can be an exciting decision to make, but it also comes with a couple of important thoughts and expectations. Some of which would be its lifespan, how you can lengthen it, and how you can make the most out of its life.
How Long Do German Shepherds Live? German Shepherds reach their seniority once they turn 7 years of age, and while most GSDs live as long as a decade, the average lifespan would range from 9-13 years. Many dog owners would consider this a reasonably long life, but if you wish to cherish more time with your buddy, increasing your awareness of what commonly affects a German Shepherds longevity may help you stretch out its lifespan.
German Shepherd Life Span How Long Do German Shepherds Live
The worst part of being a dog owner is that youll eventually have to say goodbye to them. Sure, its unpreventable, but can you really do nothing about it?
Actually, you can. Dogs can go beyond the average lifespan of a German shepherd. Regular exercise, proper diet, constant veterinary care. There are countless remedies. Unfortunately, many dog owners dont know about this. Thats why they dont bother doing something to change their German shepherds lifestyle.
Thats why I created this blog post to inform owners of the German shepherds life expectancy. Understanding this aspect of their dogs better will give you a sense of urgency. That way, youll become much more eager to prolong your German shepherds life span.
You May Like: Raw Food For German Shepherd
Do Dogs Know When They Are Being Put Down
Answer: Fortunately for us, dogs do not understand they are going to be put down and what happens after they are given the injection that puts them to sleep. Question: My dog was given a sedative before euthanasia. The vet said it would take 5-10 minutes to take effect and said theyd return after that.
How Old Is A 10 Year Old German Shepherd In Human Years
Its not unusual for people to get confused about which animal years are comparable to human ones. The truth is that it varies. It depends on the size of the animal, how often they mature, and the size of food portions relative to their body weight. However, in general there are a few simple rules that can be applied quite generally.For example, 2 dog years = 7 human ones for small breeds like pugs or bulldogs 3 dog years = 9 human years for medium sized breeds like German shepherds or golden retrievers 4 dog years = 12 human-years for large breeds like Great Dane or Saint Bernards the larger an animal gets, the more slowly its metabolism proceeds relative to humans..
You May Like: What Type Of German Shepherd Do Police Use
What Is The Lifespan Of A Female German Shepherd
The lifespan of a female German Shepherd ranges from 8-14 years.The lifespan of any dog is dependent on many factors, with most breeds living between 7-12 years. Factors that affect the lifespan for all dogs include genetics, lifestyle, diet, and whether it receives timely or consistent veterinary care. Diet can influence or determine the rate at which an animal ages however once an animal reaches adulthood it will likely not be affected by diet changes. Meanwhile, exposure to sunlight may limit development of heartworm and also stimulate growth by exposure to ultraviolet rays . Exposure to these UV rays has been shown to promote collagen synthesis leading to healthier skin and hair afterwards. However too much exposure.
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.
Read Also: German Shepherd Monthly Growth
What Is The Smartest Breed Of Dog
The smartest breed of dog is one that people love and care for, so the family pet will be among the most intelligent. The truth is, theyre all quite intelligent and draw their intelligence from years of understanding and training with another person. However, there are some breeds that enjoy adding to a persons life rather than just asking for handouts or providing protectionthese can typically figure out how to play good games with you or go on long walks every day. I would say these breeds might be especially intelligent in many aspects of lifebut they can also be quite clever when it comes to convincing you to put them in your bed at night!.
Other Factors Affecting German Shepherd Lifespan:
- Flatulence a condition in which the stomach is filled with air and turns on its axis, stopping the blood supply to the intestines. It is fatal in almost half of all cases.
- Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative spinal disease without any treatment can eventually lead to paralysis.
- Hip Dysplasia A painful condition in which the femur does not fit properly in the hip socket. Often leads to arthritis and mobility problems.
- Epilepsy Although treatable up to a point, seizures can eventually be fatal.
You May Like: Who Would Win In A Fight German Shepherd Or Pitbull
The German Shepherd Crosses The Rainbow Bridge My German Shepherd Is Dying Say Goodbye
My German shepherd dies and walks over the rainbow bridge
A day that every dog owner fears: The beloved four-legged friend begins his last journey over the rainbow bridge.
For some, this moment comes completely unexpected, while others can take a long time to prepare for this moment, for example if the German Shepherd is already very sick.
Of course, its not nice to deal with the subject of the death of the dog.
However, if you know how to deal with the situation in an emergency and what options you have after the death of your four-legged friend, you are prepared and do not have to worry your head in this difficult emotional situation and can make clearer decisions.
Also Check: How Much Do German Shepherds Weigh Full Grown
What Is The Life Expectancy Of A German Shepherd Dog
On average, healthy German Shepherd Dogs live approximately 9 13 years. Some make it longer and many others pass before they are 9.
My last German Shepherd, Fina, lived to 8.5 years of age when one day a tumor cut her life short. She was in otherwise excellent physical condition. Tragically, nothing could be done to help her. The veterinarian and vet tech cried with me when she passed they knew she was a family member. I dont think they do that with every dog as they see dogs daily in all stages of life, but many tears were shed when Fina died.
Fina squirming around on her back.
Read Also: Who Would Win In A Fight German Shepherd Or Pitbull
How Much Should A German Shepherd Puppy Eat
So, youve just brought your adorable ball of fur home and now are not quite sure how often to feed him. Learning about and setting up a proper routine for your pups feeding schedule is quite a significant task for both his or her health and training your puppy to learn where and when to expect meal times.
Initially, when your puppy is four to six weeks old, you can start introducing some wet food along with his mothers milk. Make the transition slow and steady. Start with small amounts three to four times per day and continue over a two week period. After that point, your puppy can safely eat wet food alone. When he or she reaches eight weeks, you can start transitioning to dry food. During the transition, be sure to add only ten percent of dry kibble each day, to the existing wet food diet to give your dogs digestive system time to properly adapt to the change.
Number of Meals
Puppies usually require three or maybe more meals per day. So, following the chart on your bag of puppy food, simply divide the daily feeding amount by three , feeding it to him or her throughout each day. An example of a puppys common daily feeding schedule would be 7 am, then noon, and then 5 pm.
Recommended Reading: Easy Step How To Draw A German Shepherd
Characteristics Of The White German Shepherd
White German Shepherds have many of the same characteristics as other German Shepherds. As puppies, they are born in litters of around five to ten puppies and can cost anywhere between $750 to $1000.
Appearance
White German Shepherd puppies look like little balls of fluff and are extremely cute! However, they grow very quickly and reach 50% of their adult size normally by around 4 months. By 1 year of age, they should be at their adult height. You should always buy from a reputable breeder because sometimes breeders try pass off German Shepherd mixes for pure white German Shepherds.
The White German Shepherd can weigh anywhere between 50 to 85 pounds with a male weighing more than a female. They are classified as a large dog breed and stand tall at 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder. Again, females are normally shorter than the males.
They are a very muscular and athletic breed, which is no surprise because they were bred for their working capabilities. They are very strong and wear a proud posture and have erect ears. Their feet are big too, even when they are puppies!
Coat
The White German Shepherd has two different types of coat short coat and long coat. If your White German Shepherd has a long coat, it will typically be much longer than other German Shepherds in the breed. The fur is thick and straight and does require quite a bit of grooming, although we will go into more detail about that below.
Color
Temperament
Lifespan
Read Also: How Much Exercise For German Shepherd