Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

Why do German shepherds have such a short lifespan?

Here's what you can do to keep this pup healthy

By
A German shepherd fetching a stick in the snow
abid adeel / Shutterstock

German shepherds are one of the larger dog breeds — females are typically around 50 to 70 pounds and males can go up to 90 pounds. However, these lovable pups are truly gentle giants. They’re affectionate and make good family dogs. They’re also whip-smart, adaptable, and highly trainable. For these reasons, German shepherds are often working dogs and heroes who serve as first responders, military members, and service animals.

Your German shepherd may not receive any medals of honor, but they’re certainly the top dog in your book. Understandably, you can’t imagine life without your German shepherd. Unfortunately, this breed doesn’t live as long as some other popular ones. It’s a tough reality. Knowing it can help you give your dog the best life possible, though.

Recommended Videos

Let’s dig into the German shepherd’s lifespan and how to keep them healthy for as long as you can.

a german shepherd in the backyard
Zozz_ / Pixabay

What is the average German shepherd lifespan?

According to the American Kennel Club, German shepherds typically live 7 to 10 years. To put that in perspective, the average lifespan of a dog is 10 to 13 years. Chihuahuas typically live 15 to 17 years, Biewer terriers’ lifespan is about 16 years, and Pyrenean shepherds can stick around until they are nearly 20 years old.

German shepherd puppy stands next to an adult German Shepherd with a stick in their mouth
CAPTUREHUB / Shutterstock

Is 10 years old for a German shepherd?

Your 10-year-old German shepherd has likely reached senior status, but they may have plenty of years left. As in humans, age is just a number, and many of these brilliant pups survive well into their teen years. The best bet is to talk with your vet, so that you have accurate expectations. As they age, you’ll also want to adjust both their food and activity levels.
Older dogs will need less exercise and fewer calories on average, so work with the dog doctor to adjust their intake while maintaining their nutrition. Keep in mind that some old dog symptoms, like blindness, stress out humans way more than they do our dogs, which mostly rely on their sense of smell.
A German Shepherd tilts their head and looks at the camera
Mary Swift / Shutterstock

Common German shepherd health issues

It may not seem fair that German shepherds don’t live as long, but there are some reasons. For one, long-lived breeds are generally smaller than the German shepherd. Smaller dogs tend to live longer and are less likely to die from cancer than their larger canine counterparts. For example, Pyrenean shepherds, with the longest average lifespan, typically weigh 15 to 30 pounds, considerably less than a German shepherd.

German shepherds are also susceptible to some conditions and issues that may impact their lifespan and overall well-being, including:

  • Otitis externa (an infection in the outer ear canal)
  • Obesity
  • Bloat
  • Dental disease
  • Heart disease
  • Musculoskeletal disorders
  • Blood clotting
  • Inability to stand

According to one U.K. study, the last two — musculoskeletal disorders and an inability to stand — were the two most common causes of death.

two german shepherds walking in the woods
Sarah hub / Shutterstock

How to keep your German shepherd healthy and happy

You can’t protect your German shepherd from everything; despite your best efforts. Some conditions are hereditary, and aging is a fact of life. However, there are some steps you can take to help your German shepherd live the most fulfilled and healthiest life possible.

Exercise regularly

Physical activity is crucial to weight management, especially for a breed prone to obesity like the German shepherd. It may also help reduce the risk of heart disease. The amount of exercise will vary based on your specific German shepherd, but they may need several hours. There are many ways to help your pup get physical activity, including:

  • Long walks
  • Runs together
  • Agility courses
  • Puzzle toys
  • Games of fetch
  • Opportunities to swim in safe lakes or pools

Diet

You’ll want to give your German shepherd a well-balanced, AAFCO-approved dog food. Consult with your vet on how much and how often to feed your German shepherd. If you’re getting your German shepherd as a puppy, vets suggest feeding them growth food for large breeds. The food is intended to slow their growth rate, but they’ll still reach the standard size for their breed. It can reduce the risk of hip dyslexia later in life.

Vet visits and vaccines

Sometimes, early intervention can lead to better outcomes, so regular vet visits are critical. Also, some conditions are preventable, such as rabies and heartworm. Monthly prevention and staying up-to-date with shots will help mitigate unnecessary diseases.

Ear cleaning

German shepherds are prone to ear infections. Weekly cleanings can eliminate build-up and bacteria that can lead to inflammation and infections.

Dental care

Dental disease can affect a dog’s eating habits and just be painful overall. Brushing at least once daily for a minute is the best way to reduce bacteria in the mouth, vets say.

A German shepherd puppy on a leash sits and looks at his owner for training.
Justyna / Adobe Stock

Final thoughts on German shepherds

German shepherds are loyal, lovable, and trainable. Some go into service gigs by becoming members of the military or guide dogs. Others are simply companions — and that’s certainly good enough. Unfortunately, these gentle giants don’t live as long as other breeds. The average German shepherd lifespan is 7 to 10 years, which is shorter than smaller breeds. German shepherds are more susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders.

They can also become obese. Generally, larger breeds are more prone to cancer than smaller breeds. Feeding your dog a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise can help reduce health risks. The good news? German shepherds make great running and swimming buddies. Other to-dos include regular check-ups with the vet, weekly ear cleanings, and brushing teeth daily.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
BethAnn Mayer
BethAnn Mayer
Contributor
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
Your ultimate guide to celebrating Halloween with pets
Halloween isn't just for kids: Here's how to involve your furry friends
A West Highland white terrier dressed as a vampire sits beside a little girl dressed as a witch

The sudden arrival of pumpkin-flavored drinks and snacks can only mean one thing — spooky season is here and the perfect time to start planning your family's Halloween festivities. But what about Fido and Fluffy? Don't worry: We're here to share a few of the best ways to spend Halloween with pets. From finding the perfect costume for your fur baby to baking your own dog treats, we've got ideas that will make celebrating All Hallows' Eve fun (and, most importantly, safe) for the entire family. 
How to keep your pets safe during Halloween?

There are a few things you need to think about when planning a pet-friendly Halloween.
Candy
You already know about chocolate, but other ingredients in candy might pose a threat as well. This includes xylitol, a sugar alternative that hurts dogs even in very small quantities. Some healthy festive snacks might go into the no pile as well, like grapes. But remember that pumpkin is great for pets in moderation. So if you want a fall treat for your buddy, stick to plain jack-o'-lantern.
Decorations
We've written extensively about the dangers of Christmas trees and other accoutrements, so it won't surprise you to learn that some Halloween decor can have the same issues. Ornaments, lights, and tinsel all can do damage to pets if digested or broken, especially cats or dogs who love to chew.
Noise
While this certainly won't end with your pooch or mouser in the emergency vet, you do want to keep things calm enough that your animals don't freak out every October 31. Some dogs might prefer to spend the evening in a crate, and some cats may prefer to hide in their favorite room. Others will love the thick of things and greet every eager kid. Knowing your pet's personality helps.
Wear matching costumes

Read more
The 9 smartest dog breeds, ranked
Is your dog on this list? Let's find out
A Doberman pinscher lies in the grass

Dogs are known as "man's best friend" for many reasons, including how easy they are to get along with. Dogs are intelligent enough to build relationships with one another and friends from other species, but veterinarians are still discovering how intelligent they are. In fact, most dogs are so clever that they can understand our language and interpret our emotions. What makes some of our canine companions so intellectually gifted?

According to research, a dog's intelligence is measured in three ways: adaptive intelligence (how easily a dog adapts to changes in his environment), instinctive intelligence (the original purpose of each breed), and obedience (how easily a dog learns tricks and commands). According to these standards, is your fur baby one of the smartest dog breeds? Keep reading to find out.
#1: Border collie

Read more
The most expensive dog breeds that may be worth it to be your companion
You won't regret the price tag that comes attached to these pups
Azawakh dog outside in a yard

We all know that having a pet costs money. There's food, vet bills, maybe dog boarding, or doggy daycare. This all adds up to an average of $5,000 to $1,000 per year in dog bills. However, this doesn't even take into account the initial cost of buying a pet. Some owners choose to go to a shelter and can even find dogs and cats for free or at very low fees. On the other side, some beasties cost millions of dollars for very special guys with top pedigrees or features. If you want one of the most expensive dog breeds that also has a great personality, consider one of these.
What are the most expensive dogs?

No matter where you get your beastie, you'll pay more for a purebred dog, in general, than a mutt. Here, we're going to cover just the most expensive of the official dog breeds.
Canadian Eskimo dog

Read more