The longest living German Shepherds are recorded as having survived to 18 years old, and perhaps even older. Although it’s nowhere near scientific, I personally know at least two families that claim to have had Shepherds live into their late teens a few decades ago. So it’s surprising when you do the research and discover that the average German Shepherd lifespan is around 11 years.
One highly cited study puts German Shepherd Dogs’ lifespan at exactly 11 years and another more recent study confirmed this with a 10.95-year median. So, you can generally expect at least a decade of love and memories from a well-cared-for German Shepherd. Diet, health testing, veterinary care, exercise and inherited traits will all play their part in helping their journey to continue as long as possible.
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German Shepherd Health Issues
German Shepherds are a popular breed with good reason. They are smart, brave, and loyal. In working scenarios, they are always highly competent, which has made them popular as police dogs in several countries.
But the German Shepherd breed is not without its drawbacks. These dogs also have health concerns, which need to be carefully considered and accounted for. Problems with their joints although painful aren’t deadly, however over time they can result in euthanasia when the pain becomes to great to manage with drugs. Other issues like bloat can be fatal, and are not uncommon in this large and enthusiastic eater.
Necessary Screenings
To improve German Shepherd lifespan, good breeders screen their dogs for hereditary conditions before including them in their breeding program. If your puppy’s parents are cleared for a disease, it’s not possible for it to be passed along and therefore limit your dog’s lifespan.
To reduce your dog’s risk of health issues, make sure you acquire your pet through ethical means. Never support puppy mills! Ethical breeders treat their dogs well and work hard to minimize the risk of genetic disease in their breeding pools.
German Shepherd Breeding Problems
One thing to be aware of with German Shepherds breeders is the prominence and perceived desirability of a sloped-back.
This trait is now being corrected, as it is the source of joint, hip, and leg malformations that can worsen over time and prevent dogs from walking.
However, as recently as 2017, some breeders were still under fire for breeding overly-sloped top-lines (backs). Do your research on potential breeders and use discretion.
Skeletal problems don’t directly reduce German Shepherd lifespan, but they can cause such pain and loss of quality of life that they become a reason for euthanizing affected dogs.
Longest Living German Shepherd
Of course, median German Shepherd Dogs lifespan isn’t the only important figure when determining how long German Shepherds live. You may also be curious how long it is possible for a German Shepherd Dog to live under ideal circumstances.
The oldest living German Shepherd in O’Neill’s studies was 18, which also seems to be a pretty firm maximum among unconfirmed owner reporting. I did come across one owner who claimed their German Shepherd was 20, but I have no way of corroborating this.
How To Extend German Shepherd Dogs Lifespan
There is obviously a lot of time between the average 11 years and the maximum 18, so it is fair to wonder how you might help your German Shepherd live longer.
Of course, there is nothing you can do to ensure your German Shepherd Dog will make it to 18, but there are certainly things you can do to help increase your pup’s lifespan.
We’ve already discussed the importance of health screenings. You can help your dog live much longer by catching any illnesses it may have early on, since this allows for more effective treatment.
There are plenty of other things you can do, as well.
Good Puppy Care Increases Potential Lifespan
Paying special attention to your dog’s health in puppyhood is one of the best ways to promote health in adulthood. Puppies need special food to ensure they get enough nutrients to grow. However, overfeeding can cause overgrowth in dogs, which is detrimental to their longevity and general health.
Overfeeding will also result in an overweight dog, which causes joint and hip problems, among a slew of other illnesses.
In addition, you shouldn’t work puppies too hard. Do not take your puppy on runs or long, exhaustive walks until it is about six months old.
Puppy joints are not prepared for the strenuous nature of intense exercise. Over-exercise in puppyhood can often result in joint issues and other health problems in adulthood.
Fit Dogs Live Longer
Exercise in adulthood should greatly extend the life expectancy of your dog by reducing obesity and heart-related disease. Adult working dogs need at least an hour every morning and afternoon, including either off leash running, agility or training games.
And it’s not just your dog’s body that benefits from exercise, it helps their brains too! Entertainment and enrichment removes the opportunity for your dog to get bored. And German Shepherds with nothing to do often chew, and occasionally this can result in choking or swallowing dangerous objects.
You Are What You Eat
Of course, their diet has a huge impact on their health. From puppyhood to give your dog the best chance of a long life stick with a high protein, high fat, low carbohydrate kibble or canned food. Many small meals are better than one large one, even when they are full grown.
What Traits Influence A Breed’s Longevity?
So what is it about long-living breeds that allow for their outstanding health? According to science, several factors are likely to contribute.
It is true that smaller dogs usually live longer than large dogs. You can count on most small breeds of dog to live into their teens, with many living into mid-to-late teens. This is usually attributed to heart health, as large breeds’ hearts must work harder to circulate blood.
However, medium-small dogs such as Collies seem to have the longest maximum lifespan. The two oldest living dogs, according to Guinness World Records, were 24 and 29. Both were Australian cattle dogs.
Additionally, two out of three of the dogs with the highest median lifespan are Collies. These types of breeds have one major thing in common that likely contributes to their longevity: hardy breeding practices.
These breeds of mid-sized, lightweight herders and workers were bred to be smart, healthy and athletic. Their lineages were not bred for cuteness or other physical characteristics that are perceived as desirable but often result in health complications, such as snub noses and sloped backs.
(paid link) Smaller mid-sized dogs also have less broad chest cavities which limits the risk of exercise-induced collapse and the collection of air between the outside of the lungs and chest wall known as pneumothorax.
So, the major contributing factors to a breed’s longevity seem to be size, for circulation and heart-health, and breeding practices that avoid genetic disease.
German Shepherd lifespan is also related to these factors.
Conclusion: Traits Influencing German Shepherd Lifespan
Earlier in this article, we mentioned that German Shepherds have, as recently as 2017, been bred for sloped backs which are detrimental to their health. This already sets them apart from other, longer-living shepherd breeds which seem to have been bred exclusively for functionality.
When you throw in the prominence of bloat, collapse, and joint issues in larger bodied breeds, it becomes clear why the German Shepherd Dog’s life expectancy isn’t quite as high as some others in the herding group.
That being said, the German Shepherd does not fall into the realm of the shortest living breeds such as the Dogue de Bordeaux or Great Dane. All in all, the German Shepherd has some factors working against it, but it is still a generally hardy breed.
If well-bred and properly exercised, this breed can live into its mid-to-late teens, although this is the exception rather than the rule. You can expect German Shepherds to live around 11 years.
Beeman says
My German Shepherd was rescued in the snow after someone abandoned him I tried three times to get him in truck each time he made me think he was going to bite me,, after that I said your on your own boy, as I drove away with chains on all four wheels I heard a noise ,,, he cleared the tailgate on my dodge 4×4 and had landed in the back of my truck I figure he was about six months old at the time, at about 12 years I paid lot of money to save him from pancreatitis, vet said maybe couple more years ,shows what they know he is now 22 years old and needs more walks than my health will allow he still runs and plays fetch, my best friend for 22 years he might out live me ,,,btw he is fed pork roast morning and evening with one cup dry food their food quality is everything it determine their longevity
Golden petal says
Don’t worry so much of your dog’s life span I have a cute jerman shepherd baby and he is 13 Years and 2month old
Xylia Martinez says
I have a 15 and a half year old pure bred german shepherd and hes still doing great despite his age. His joints hurt to get up or when hes about to lay down but other than that hes still doing amazing ❤
Ariel says
What do you feed him?
Charles Snyder says
I have a German shepherd dog that was given to me as a present after my mother died in 1990. He is still alive he has two bad wheels that I’m taking him down to Texas A&M to have them fixed have a substantial cost. I don’t know where they got their records on German Shepherds I don’t really care but I know exactly what I got my dog. Several people have said you ought to put him down but would you look into the dog’s face you still wants to walk you still barks you still pays attention he still goes to the bathroom like he’s supposed to. My question is will your grandmother gets old and it has to have a cane and you have to help her around everywhere which you put her down? This is Ben the most loyal creature I’ve ever had. I sold my house so that I get these operations done and he’ll be fine. My name is Charles and you have all my information he’s an AKC registered dog.
Juliana says
Oh no my german is 11yr so shes abt to die ;-;
WynO says
Our Maya is 14, she’s 14 and 3 months, she had a bit of a problem needing spaying 5yrs ago she has also had a number of slow growing growths which we have had taken out in hind sight i’m still in two minds about the interventions she was a devil with stitches and ended up with a few infections.
Ok we live in the countryside and tics have been a constant problem requiring close attention. Every one we missed has left a lump on her, (of course we use drops).
But the best thing we discovered as she grew older was a prescription for “Karsivan” propentofilina.
It’s her magic bullet one a day it helps her cognition her mobility and breathing.
Heidi says
Then do your part to rescue another out of the shelter and give that one the same love-not that you won’t differentiate between two of them-save a life that saved yours and keep doing so. I hope you both have a happy healthy wonderful time together <3
Ray says
Mine is almost 12. These responses are sooo sweet to read. I can’t imagine my days without her. One question… How do we know if our dogs are in pain. My dog is very active. Still jumps around if she figure out I am going to take her for a walk.
S. says
RE Pain: My girl is 12, too. You have pay attention to their body language unless they’re a particularly vocal dog. I’ve found that she’ll slow down and flinch back from sudden movements – at least, this is what I interpret those signs as. She also seems a bit less affectionate but every dog is unique, but generally looking for even the most subtle body language cues may help.
Vajira says
My GSD was 12 and passed away two days ago. I am heartbroken. Struggling to deal with it. I miss her so much I want to think that she is going to come back
Pola says
I’m sorry for your loss. She is waiting for you, and I’m pretty sure she is missing you too
Lousy Neighbors says
This is super bad news. My neighbor is so damn inconsiderate with their German Shepherd barking. It tortured my mom in her last days of her life. I have been tortured from the barking for a year. I guess I have another decade to be tortured by the German Shepherd barking. FFS
Jean g. says
You are being tortured by the owners who have not invested proper time and training into loving their pets enough to make them great citizens. Shame on them.
Polka says
Is not the dogs fault. Don’t be mean. Is a dog don’t and it should bark
SC says
Check to see if you area has a noise ordinance. Then inform the neighbor with the dog and if necessary animal control and/or the police.
Maria Alvarez says
My Lovely and GORGEOUS Girl passed last 28 of AUGUST, 2020. She was 10 and 7 months old.
Daniel Brodie says
We had one male GSD, Angus, who lived to 20. He went deaf and lost his back end.
Then we rescued a male GSD, Diesel, who lived to 15 and died suddenly of heart failure.
Our current GSD is a black male. He’s now 7 and going strong.
Jeromy Owens says
The same here know of two to make it right at 20 both males
Faith says
What do u & others that have older GS feed them, specifically? Supplements included please!
GSD Mom says
I have 2 senior GSDs, one is 12y, 1m and the other is 15y, 8m. Even more interesting, the DNA test I had done shows that the 15.8 year old, at a cellular level, is 7! I took her from an abusive breeder (she was a puppy machine) when she was 3, and she was in horrible shape. Almost 13 yrs later, she is gorgeous and still runs around, trying to catch dragonflies like a puppy. I am VERY strict about what they consume. Their food is freeze-dried raw, rehydrated overnight. They also get a bit of canned green tripe with each meal (they eat twice a day). I add a mushroom powder plus pro/prebiotics and a liquid multivitamin. Expensive? Absolutely. But their health, happiness, and their vitality are 100% worth it.
Sarah says
My family dog was a pure breed German Shepherd and she has recently just passed at 18 years and maybe about a month or so. Amazing dog, couldn’t have imagined a better family than her.
Twyla says
We had a GSD Duchess that lived to be 15, just a couple months shy of 16 years old. She was so well-behaved, had hip pain and couldn’t stand or walk well at the end. Now we have a 1.5 year old GSD named Diva, she’s living up to her name. Lots of barking, but very sweet and lovable.
Gsdlover09 says
My grandma had a female German Shepherd named Duchess. She was the great granddaughter of Bullet the wonder dog (a famous dog actor, Bullet as in Roy Rogers dog) anyways she lived to be 15-17 years old. My grandma would get pulled over by a cop and they would ask for Duchess. She was about waist high. She would go in the kitchen her back would align with the 2-3 foot tall table. She was beautiful at least that’s what my grandma says.
Ang says
I had a half German Shepard/lab who we just put down in November due to him getting into some kind of rodent deterrent and getting too sick. He was about 13/14 and was definitely starting to lose his energy and was getting old.
My Full breed German Shepard is currently 12 years old and still plays and runs like he’s a puppy.
Curious about people who have lost theirs already. Do they show signs of aging (low energy level, eating less, etc) for a long time before they pass or is it pretty sudden? Given his age I want to know when to start preparing my Young ones who have literally grown up with him (they’re 12 & 13). Thanks
Sojan says
My GSD is 13 above and still healthy.
Debbie says
Our beautiful long-haired GSD was rescued from a puppy mill after apparently having several litters and then being abandoned. We think she was around 4 years old when we adopted her. Ten years have passed since then. We have been vigilant about giving her good quality food and plenty of exercise. She has been a wonderful dog. In the last few years she has had arthritis. Omega 3 capsules have really helped her a lot.
She has degenerative myelopathy now, and is very weak in her back legs. She is having physiotherapy, acupuncture and vitamin B12 injections weekly, and these seem to be slowing progression of the disease. She is still alert and happy, and likes playing puzzle games that don’t involve walking. She loves contact with people, going in the car, and sitting in the park in the sun watching the world go by.
Charlie says
My shepherd is 13 his name is Kodak at 12 months old the vet told me that he had to be put down do to a genetic deicease I said no she told me he would only live until he was 2 he 13 and only slowing down a little until the cat walks by the he seams he 3 As he chase the cat back down the hall let’s see how long he goes before he stops chase the cat
Ally says
My girl Iko is 15 and is hanging in there. She’s on Phenobarbital for seizures and Gabapentin for hip pain. I know we may not have much time left so we try to cherish each day.
Hank says
Our Gus is 14 years old. East German/Czech blood line. His back legs are wobbly but he is not in pain. Vet is going to try him on some Rimadyl. Trying to keep him going as long as he can. Everyday is a blessing. He is such a good boy. Retired Therapy dog with kids. Kind and loving dog. He lets other animals eat and drink first. So kind.
John Warner says
My aunt’s gsd she lived to be 18 but had to be put down. Bad hips was very painful for her
tony says
same with me, mines fourteen and were putting her down tomorrow becuase of how much pain she’s in with cancer
Greg says
Mines is 16 years old .my worst night mare I’m trying to sort out things just now I was just checking too see .as I hunt herd of a German shepherd living too 16 just seen 1 at 18
Shanda says
My male German Shepherd Max is 11years 10 months old. He is loving and gentle with his family though very protective and cautious of strangers Max is an excellent judge of character. My husband use to work out of town on 2 week long hitches. I never worried about unwanted visitors with Max around. I never worried about my kids safety when they were young and playing out of sight as long as Max was with them. Max is a very large White German Shepherd. No slope in his back. In his prime he weighed 135 pounds. He’s now around 120. He sleeps more and less things get him excited, but when something does rub him the wrong way I’d think he was 5yrs old again. Max is like one of my children and with most of them grown he has become an awesome companion. I hope we have more memories to make for quite sometime. ✌️
Chris says
Mine is 12 and still go for slow runs.
Pam says
My GSD is 13 years and 8 months. He a large German bred dog who weighed 110 at his peak and is about 97 pounds now. He is deaf (probably due to side effects of drops used by the vet for an ear infection and age). He has all of the traits of a GSD- my protector, best friend and best thing ever. He helped raise 5 grandchildren, brought home a kitten and raised it ( the cat thinks he is a GSD), guards our house when told yet welcomes visitors when introduced. He appears to have degenerative myelopathy but is still doing a regular, short walk twice a day. Some pain meds and massages seem to help. Got him at 8 weeks old and is the best thing to ever happen to me! 😍
BRENDA r STILWELL says
OUR GS. IS A RESCUE. WE GOT HER WHEN SHE WAS 2 YEARS OLD. SHE WEIGHED 47 POUNDS AND I COULD COUNT EVERY BONE IN HER BODY. I STARTED HER ON VITAMINS AND COOKED FOOD. SHE IS A VERY HARD DOG TO FEED. THE WOMAN WE GOT HER FROM DID NOT CARE IS SHE ATE OR ANYTHING. THE FIRST NIGHT WE HAD HER AT HOME I CRIED TO SEE WHAT A TERRIBLE CONDITION SHE WAS IN. WE COOK CHICKEN, RICE CORN CARROTS AND GIVE HER AN EGG. TODAY SHE IS BEAUTIFUL AND PEOPLE THINK WE HAD HER FROM A PUP. SHE IS SO PROTECTIVE OF US. WE HAVE TWO OTHER SMALL DOGS THAT WERE RESCUE. MY HUSBAND SAID THAT HE DOES NOT WANT TO BE AROUND ME WHEN SHE CROSSES OVER THE RAINBOW BRIDGE. I WILL BE A BASKET CASE. I LOVE THIS DOG. NEVER HAD A DOG LIKE THIS BEFORE. THAT IS WHY I AM CURIOUS ABOUT PROLONGING HER LIFE AND WHAT DIET TO PUT HER ON. THANK YOU. BRENDA
Mia says
This sounds exactly like our girl! We rescued her at 2 , she was 49 pounds of bones and so ill. She is about 10 and in good shape, healthy with perio under control.(she came with it too). Just lost a doberman to cancer, he was her buddy and she got so depressed I started to worry so now we are adopting a lab for her, helping customer of mine who has to give him up due to wife’s health.
She does look good and can act like a puppy at times so I hope she will be around for few years, specially now getting her a friend.
Heather says
Mia I came on this site re my German Shepherd Sheba who died at 16 yrs and that was a lot of yrs ago now. She was a beautiful, tolerant, good, BIG girl. Then I noticed you lost your doberman to cancer and the date. Our doberman also died of cancer he had just turned 13 yrs and he had it in his mouth and in his liver. He died on the operating table during the liver op. I was just wandering what kind of cancer your dobie had? He died 2nd March this year. The cancer of the mouth was very aggressive and as it turned out they didn’t get all of it. I always try to see our dogs live as long as possible and try to understand re any diseases etc. Sheba the German Shepherd she loved everyone but she didn’t have a big appetite and she ended up with arthritis which because it was more than 13 yrs ago they didn’t have the natural things you can get now. And she ended up with bleeding in her stomach from the meds and she wouldn’t eat so we ended up doing the kindest thing we could getting the vet to put her to sleep. She was a smart dog and had a sense of humour. I would gently pull on her tail and she would grab my hand gently. A beautiful girl. I still think about her. We had a little mix of a dog called Tess who had a temper at times, Her father had been the same. Sheba would put her big paw on Tess’s head so she couldn’t reach her.whenever she was aggressive towards Sheba (she never was with people just Sheba). So between Sheba and myself we sorted Tess out and she became a very, good and gentle dog.
Star says
Our girl is a purebred black German Sheppard. She is 5 and dong great. Had 1 litter of pups at age 2. 11 puppies, too many and a few died from inexperienced mother moving them in first 24 hours. Put on a soft muzzle so she would nudge instead of try to lift and things went better. She was on raw food for 2 years (bandsaw scraps from meat processor) and since then mainly Turkey and Ham/pork for $1/pound or less when on sale, Even use the bones boiled with 1/2-1 cup of apple cider vinegar. It disolces most of the bone into the meaty broth. Salmon heads are great too if you can get them. Also boil with ACV everything turns to goo but some piece of gills which you pull out when cool. Vegetables like potato, yam, carrots go into the stew pot. Gets frozen into plastic containers for a few month supply. She eats a container in 3-4 days. Did 7 cheap turkeys one weekend into food. roast the birds in two ovens. Cut off and freezer bag the breasts and any other desired parts(Buffalo wings to kill for). Rest goes in the stock pots with ACV for ten hours to simmer. Depending on space veg all the way or at the end after any leftover bone bits removed. Not really an issue as most of the time the bones crumble in your fingers as they decalcified into the stew so all the good minerals there. Neck and giblets go in too. Costed out the ingredients are cheaper than dog kibble which id usually $2/pound minimum for anything I would let her eat. Traveling sometimes but crack raw eggs over it if you want her to eat kibble. Your cooking labour is the price you pay for the privilege of being woken up at 4-6 am by nudges to go out and pee. (Also to murder anything that is in her yard). Check the list of things NOT to feed dogs if you plan to prepare their food. No chocolate, onions, shallots, garlic, grapes. Look it up, there are cannot and should not foods. Raw Eggs are often ‘should not’ because e.coli or salmonella. Never had a problem.
Grace says
My German Shepherd died yesterday she was 13 years old
Lucy says
I’m so sorry for your loss 🙁
cameron says
mine to she was 12
Rita Mccullough says
My German Shepherd Taz, will become 15 in Sept. He can still do a short walk. Eats good., wags his tail. His hearing is weak and enery is low. We got him at a few weeks old.
Tori says
My GSD is 16, he’s just been for his senior check at the vets today, his back end has gone so effectively I’m his carer, but she said he’s amazingly healthy.