Are you wondering how long do German shepherds live?
In the United States, German Shepherds are a popular dog breed. They are devoted and loving towards the family. Unfortunately, like many other dog breeds, they do not live as long.
Several factors, such as gender, exercise habits, dietary quality, and genetic disorders, can influence your german shepherd lifespan.
This blog post will discuss German shepherd life expectancy and all relevant details. So, continue reading until you get an answer about how big do german shepherds get.
How Long Do German Shepherds Live?
This is a somewhat complex subject due to the inconsistent information available online regarding the German Shepherd’s lifespan.Â
As per my observation at Dog Solutions, it lives 9–13 years on average, which is in line with the typical longevity of dogs. However, some dogs have lived to be 18 or possibly much older for different reasons.Â
The 6 Life Stages of a German Shepherd:
Knowing what stage of life your GSD is in and what to anticipate in the upcoming months and years might be helpful. Here are the different stages of a German golden shepherd lifespan.Â
Stage 1: Neonatal
A German Shepherd puppy depends entirely on its mother at this early puppy stage. The GSD is born with its eyes closed; it will open them at roughly 10 days, and until then, it will mainly just eat and sleep.
Stage 2: Transitional
The period after the german shepard puppy’s eyes open is the transitional stage. it is when it begins to become conscious of its environment.Â
For around one week, the german shepherd puppy entirely relies on its mother at phase, but it is also beginning to pay attention to its environment, littermates & the people in it.
Stage 3: Socializing
When a puppy german shepherd starts paying attention to its surroundings, it reaches its socializing stage.Â
Early encounters with people and animals resembling cats help german shepherd puppies learn social skills and get along with other animals.
Stage 4: Juvenile
German shepherd puppies between the ages of three and six months show signs of increasing energy, interest, and learning appropriate behavior during the juvenile stage.Â
They have the attention capacity and boundary-pushing of early teens. They develop both sexually & intellectually.
Stage 5: Adolescent
German Shepherds’ sexual development is most important during adolescence, when hormones make them climb objects and look for opportunities for sex outside the home, which may result in evasion.
Stage 6: Adult
A German Shepherd is regarded as fully grown between the ages of two and three. Your earlier GSD training and socialisation efforts will pay off nicely today.
How to Tell Your German Shepherd’s Age?
A German Shepherd’s age can be determined most accurately by looking at its teeth. A puppy doesn’t get teeth until it is roughly four weeks old.
Between 4 and 8 weeks, its teeth are exceedingly thin and sharp; at 8 weeks, it begins to grow permanent adult teeth.
GSD Puppies between the ages of two months and a year typically have intact permanent teeth; however, dogs older than a year begin to exhibit discolouration on their back teeth.
A dog will have a good amount of tartar by the age of five, and by the age of ten, your GSD will have teeth that are cracked and fractured.
Why Do Some German Shepherds Live Longer Than Others?
What causes the significant variation in german shepherd lifespan between 9 and 13 years that differentiates this variant more than in many other dog breeds?
These are a few factors that affect GSD life span.
Nutrition Factor
Dogs must have a balanced diet for a longer life span. A balanced diet includes protein to avoid obesity and other health problems.
While poorly nourished dogs can become sick and have a shorter life span. Skinnier GSD canines live an average of 25% longer.
Environmental Conditions
Like people, dogs can suffer health problems and a shortened life span due to environmental factors such as rain, severe temperatures, and chemicals from cleaning and fertilizer products. To increase your GSD’s life, focus on its ecological situations.
Causes for GSD breeding
Due to overbreeding, Exhibition German Shepherds might have genetic disorders such as joint dysplasia and restricted movement.
Conversely, pets are less likely to exhibit these extreme characteristics and are more likely to live longer healthier lives.
GSD Housing
A dog’s longevity is greatly influenced by its housing quality, which includes indoor and outdoor activities and living conditions. Indoor canines are more likely to survive accidents, extreme weather, and poisons.
German Shepherd Size
Dogs who weigh too much are less adaptable, more prone to illness, and more likely to experience problems. Because of their bigger stature, certain german dog breeds have a higher natural death rate.
Sex & Neutering Status
Research shows that male GSD dogs live somewhat longer than female canines in unmodified dogs without spaying or neutering.
On the other hand, female dogs who have undergone alteration typically live two years longer than male canines.
German Shepherd Genes
Before being raised, GSDs must undergo particular medical screenings in some nations—like Germany—but not others.
While these examinations don’t ensure that a brindle german Shepherd will not experience these issues in the future, they do significantly raise the possibility of a healthier dog.
GSD Breeding History
In addition to ignoring health and screening inspections, dishonest breeders frequently make their dogs produce a continuous litter of puppies.
They show less concern for the welfare of their animals than more ethical breeders. They also reduce the life span of GSDs.
Health Issues that May Impact the Lifespan of a German Shepherd
Many factors influence the longevity of German Shepherds, who have a maximum lifespan of 9 to 13 years.
Compared to the German Shepherd and other larger dogs, smaller german shepherd breeds live longer and are less likely to pass away from illnesses like cancer.
According to a UK study, the leading causes of death for German Shepherds are musculoskeletal diseases & the inability to stand.
The GSD breed is prone to additional diseases like:
- Heart disease
- Dental disease
- Bloat
- Obesity
- Otitis externa
- Inability to stand
- Blood clotting
- Multiskeletal disorders
How to Improve Your German Shepherd’s Health and Lifespan?
You may boost a German Shepherd’s life by following the given advice;
Ensure responsible breeding
When bringing a grey german shepherd home, choose a trustworthy breeder. Regrettably, not every dog owner breeds to enhance the breed and produce healthy canines.
Careless breeding practices increase the likelihood that German Shepherds will experience joint and back issues.
Think about yearly Check-ups
One of the best strategies to extend the natural lives of dog breeds is to ensure that they receive regular yearly examinations for older breeds and twice-yearly examinations for pups. Giant breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia and other joint problems.
Keep your GSD Active & Lean
By giving them high-quality food, you can extend the life of a German Shepherd by 18 to 24 months.
According to a study, dogs fed 25% less food saw improvements in their growth and general health.
A healthy diet should contain 18–22% protein from high-quality, low-carb foods. The amount of food given depends on the dog’s size and age.
Permit them to exercise
Maintaining an active lifestyle is essential for the health and lifespan of German Shepherds, as they are especially at risk for hind leg weakness.
By getting them involved in activities like fetching, making obstacle courses, and going on frequent walks, you can keep their legs healthy and prevent Hygroma & muscular atrophy.
Neuter at the Perfect Age
German Shepherds can have a 13.8% and a 26.3% longer life expectancy if they are spayed or neutered at the appropriate age to lower their risk of prostate, testicular, & reproductive system issues.
Be Focused on GSD’s Dental Health
Periodontal disease, a prevalent issue in German Shepherds, affects 90% of dogs over three years old.
It’s caused by oral bacteria targeting the jaws and can lead to tooth loss and damage to the bloodstream.
To prevent this, keep the dog engaged, provide safe rope toys, healthy treats, and dry foods, and brush their teeth daily with special toothpaste.
Fulfill Nutrition Needs
One of the best things you can do to promote your German Shepherd’s general health is to provide him with premium food.
Technically speaking, commercial dog foods might offer all the nutrients a dog requires, but they’re frequently produced with worse components.
Feeding your German Shepherd small meals throughout the day will help to maintain their health. This will stop German Shepherds from getting bloated.
Exercise & managing german shepherd weight
Frequent exercise improves circulation, oxygen intake, and muscular strength, which are vital for a German Shepherd’s health and well-being.
This activity helps the dog maintain weight, which is essential because it tends towards joint problems. It also keeps the dog flexible and reduces its enthusiasm for misbehavior.
Control German Shepherd Shedding
German shepherds shed frequently, which can also affect their lifespan. Regular baths and brushes are also advised to keep their coat healthy and prevent skin problems.
Knowing how to manage the German shepherd’s Shed is essential to preventing harm to the dog’s skin. Bathing regularly helps avoid dry and irritated skin.
Last Words: how long do a German shepherd live?
With a focus on companionship and exhibition, German Shepherds are a popular dog breed worldwide, particularly in the United States. Although numerous circumstances affect your pet’s GSD’s longevity, in most cases, you can expect them to live for 9 to 13 years.
Regular veterinary care is essential for all canines. However, because your German Shepherd may have inherited joint problems, it’s much more crucial.
Visit the vet with your dog as often as recommended. Let’s ask Dogs Solution; we would love to reply!
Can a German Shepherd live 20 years?
German Shepherds live an average of nine to thirteen years. They can live into their early teens with the right care, exercise, and nutrition. Some have been reported to live as long as 15–20 years.
Do male or female German Shepherds live longer?
Full grown german shepherd dogs who were female lived an average of 1.4 years longer than those who were male. Although a dog’s lifetime cannot be guaranteed, this does imply that female German Shepherd Dogs would be a better choice for owners who value having a pet that lives a longer life.
Do German Shepherds age quickly?
Sadly, compared to other breeds, the German Shepherd has a lower life span. With a typical lifespan of 9 to 13 years, it is comparatively shorter than that of smaller canines. They can gain weight quite quickly.Â
How old is the oldest German Shepherd?
Zeynep, a German shepherd mix from Turkey who is 23 years old, may soon receive formal recognition as the oldest dog still alive.
At what age do German Shepherds slow down?
While the exact age at which a German Shepherd begins to slow down is unknown, it is usually noticed to be between 7 and 10 years old. Lifestyle choices, general health, and heredity all play a part. Modify their workout regimen and watch for ageing symptoms like tight joints.
