How Long Do German Shepherd Dogs Live?
German Shepherd Dogs live 12-14 years on average. Here is the AKC breed profile, the health areas to stay ahead of, and how to give a German Shepherd Dog more good years.
Breed profile
Breed profile and trait ratings: American Kennel Club. Trait scores are AKC ratings from 1 to 5.
At 65-90 pounds, the German Shepherd Dog is a giant breed. Giant breeds age the fastest and sit at the short end of the canine lifespan range, which its 12-14 years average reflects.
Does a German Shepherd Dog fit your life?
The German Shepherd Dog is a strong match for an active owner who wants a highly trainable, deeply loyal dog that's excellent with kids and endlessly game for training or work. It's remarkably adaptable once its needs are met. The tradeoff is that those needs run high across the board, serious exercise, mental engagement, careful socialization with other dogs and strangers, and real shedding to manage at home.
A great match if you
- You'll find this breed exceptionally easy to train, it's sharp, eager, and responsive.
- You can count on serious watchdog instincts, this breed takes protecting its family seriously.
- You'll get a deeply affectionate dog that's also excellent with kids.
- You'll enjoy a highly adaptable companion that handles new situations well.
- You'll have a playful, engaged partner for training, sports, or daily adventures.
Think twice if
- You need to commit to serious daily exercise and mental work, this breed's needs run near the top across the board.
- You'll want to manage introductions with other dogs and new people carefully rather than assume instant ease.
- You should expect real shedding, regular brushing and vacuuming become part of the routine.
- You'll want consistent training and structure to channel all that drive productively.
Health areas for the German Shepherd Dog
Based on the breed profile, the health areas most worth staying ahead of for a German Shepherd Dog are Joint and mobility (owners often watch for hip dysplasia).
GDV / Bloat
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German Shepherd Dog facts, quick answers
How long do German Shepherd Dogs live?
German Shepherd Dogs live 12-14 years on average, and plenty go beyond that. The two biggest levers on where a given dog lands are keeping it at a lean, healthy weight and staying ahead of the health issues the breed is prone to.
How big do German Shepherd Dogs get?
A full-grown German Shepherd Dog stands 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female) and weighs 65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female), which puts it firmly in the giant-breed range.
What kind of dog is a German Shepherd Dog?
The German Shepherd Dog is a herding breed, and one of the country's more popular breeds, ranked 4 of 208. It is a giant dog that typically lives around 12-14 years.
Are German Shepherd Dogs high-energy dogs?
German Shepherd Dogs are a high-octane breed that needs serious daily exercise and, ideally, a job to burn it off; without that outlet they get bored and restless.
Are German Shepherd Dogs easy to train?
German Shepherd Dogs are very trainable and love having their brain worked, picking up commands quickly with positive, consistent training.
Do German Shepherd Dogs shed a lot?
Yes, they do. Expect loose hair year-round with heavier seasonal blowouts, so regular brushing and a good vacuum come with the territory.
Do German Shepherd Dogs bark a lot?
They bark a normal amount, mostly to let you know something is up.
Are German Shepherd Dogs good with kids?
German Shepherd Dogs are great with children, gentle and patient, which is a big reason families love the breed; supervise young kids around any dog.
Do German Shepherd Dogs get along with other dogs?
German Shepherd Dogs are able to get along with other dogs, though early socialization helps and some prefer to be the only dog.
Are German Shepherd Dogs good for first-time owners?
German Shepherd Dogs are a forgiving choice for a first dog, thanks to their trainability, adaptability and manageable needs.
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