The German Shepherd is a popular dog breed known for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. If you’re considering bringing a German Shepherd into your family, you’re likely wondering about their lifespan. Understanding the average lifespan of a purebred German Shepherd can help you prepare for the future and ensure you provide the best possible care for your furry friend.
Average Lifespan of a German Shepherd
The average lifespan of a German Shepherd typically ranges from 9 to 13 years. However, several factors can influence how long your German Shepherd lives, including genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health management.
- American Kennel Club (AKC): According to the American Kennel Club, German Shepherds typically live between 12 and 14 years.
- Other Estimates: Some sources suggest a slightly shorter lifespan, between 7 and 10 years.
- Factors to Consider: It’s important to remember that these are just averages. With proper care and a bit of luck, your German Shepherd could live well beyond these estimates.
Factors Influencing a German Shepherd’s Lifespan
Several factors can affect how long a German Shepherd lives. Addressing these factors can help extend your dog’s life:
- Genetics:
- Size and Breed:
- Diet and Weight Management:
- Exercise:
- Health Care:
- Common Health Issues:
- Inbreeding: Many common health issues in German Shepherds result from inbreeding practiced early in the breed’s history.
- Genetic Screening: Responsible breeders screen for common genetic problems like hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy, contributing to longer, healthier lives.
- Large Breed Considerations: As a larger breed, German Shepherds are prone to experiencing “wear and tear” and aging faster compared to smaller breeds.
- Lean Diet Benefits: Keeping your German Shepherd lean can increase their life expectancy by 18-24 months.
- Studies: Research indicates that dogs fed a reduced-calorie diet live longer and have improved health markers.
- Caloric Intake: Active adult German Shepherds (60-90 lbs) need between 1,740 and 2,100 calories per day, while inactive senior dogs need 1,272 to 1,540 calories.
- Regular Exercise: Appropriate exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being.
- Regular Check-ups: Regular veterinary care can help detect and manage potential health issues early on.
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: This can cause pain and arthritis later in life.
- Degenerative Myelopathy: German Shepherds are more prone to this condition, caused by a mutation in the SOD1 gene.
- Other Conditions: They also have a higher incidence of Von Willebrand disease and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
Tips to Extend Your German Shepherd’s Life
Here are some actionable tips to help your German Shepherd live a longer, healthier life:
- Choose a Reputable Breeder: Select a breeder who screens their dogs for genetic health issues.
- Provide a Balanced Diet: Feed your German Shepherd high-quality, age-appropriate dog food.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Avoid overfeeding and ensure your dog gets enough exercise.
- Ensure Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity helps maintain muscle tone and overall health.
- Schedule Regular Vet Check-ups: Early detection of health issues can significantly improve outcomes.
- Dental Hygiene: Maintain good dental hygiene to prevent dental disease, which can lead to other health problems.
- Provide Mental Stimulation: German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that need mental stimulation to prevent boredom and anxiety.
- Create a Safe Environment: Protect your dog from hazards such as toxic substances and dangerous situations.
- Show Love and Affection: A loving and supportive environment contributes to your dog’s overall well-being.
German Shepherd Life Expectancy in Human Years
A dog age chart indicates that 12 years for a large dog is equivalent to 77 human years. This gives you a rough idea of how long German Shepherds live in human years.
Stories of Long-Lived German Shepherds
While the average lifespan provides a general guideline, some German Shepherds can live exceptionally long lives. For example, a German Shepherd mix from Turkey named Zeynep lived to be 23 years old. These exceptional cases highlight the potential for German Shepherds to exceed their average life expectancy with proper care and favorable genetics.
Conclusion
While the average lifespan of a German Shepherd is between 9 and 13 years, remember that many factors influence longevity. By providing a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper veterinary care, you can increase the chances of your German Shepherd living a long, happy, and healthy life.