How many shepherd dogs live depending on living conditions and whether it is possible to extend the life of a pet. German Shepherds: how long do dogs of this breed live? Factors Affecting German Shepherd Lifespan German Shepherd Life

German Shepherds and the question of how long the representatives of the breed live is one of the most common. It is understandable, every owner tries to prolong the life of his friend. Germans are exceptional animals, smart by nature, with excellent service characteristics. At the age of 10, a dog is already considered an elderly dog, it requires more careful care and reduced load.

We will try to figure out what life expectancy depends on and how to increase this period for your beloved dog.

The average life expectancy of a German Shepherd is 12 years. At the age of 8 - 9 years, the dog performs at an advanced age, from 10 years old it is considered an elderly dog. Life expectancy itself depends on many factors that affect it: from external data to nutrition, care and genetic predisposition.

The kid who got into the house at the age of 2 - 3 months is just preparing to become an adult, in this period he especially needs to control all vital signs.
Shepherds officially enter the age of an adult at 1.5 years. A fully formed dog in terms of anatomy and physiology - by 2 full years.
From the age of 3 to 6, the age of its prime, young and active, she enjoys life and gives unforgettable emotions to her master.
From the age of 7-9, the first signs of change and aging are possible, old injuries become aggravated, vision deteriorates, problems with teeth appear.
At 10 - 11 years old - the dog officially receives the status of "elderly", requires special care and attention.
At the age of 12 - 15 years, a shepherd dog is already considered a long-liver, at this age, it is necessary to show special respect for her, make life as easy as possible and show an increased score about a pet.

What affects duration

All dog life is a series of certain factors that to a greater or lesser extent affect its quality. Let's start from the very beginning, for a more accurate understanding of what is the secret of a healthy and happy life.

Exterior and build

Unfortunately, animals with the largest bones are much more likely to experience health problems. They have certain problems with the musculoskeletal system, joints, spine and bones.

The weight

The owner, as a person who has taken responsibility for the pet, must be aware of the importance of nutrition and lifestyle. An overweight animal with a sedentary lifestyle is thousands of times more susceptible to diseases of the cardiovascular system. Also, being overweight is an additional load on the joints, blood vessels.

Understand that a dog is not a beautiful addition, it is a living creature for which you are responsible in the same responsibility as before your children. The dog cannot sit on the couch around the clock and in no case on a chain. This is a friend, companion, comrade who requires attention, games, discovering new places and his abilities.

The dog must undergo training, communicate with brothers and people. Do not mock the animal, do not leave it to live on a chain with an environment of 2 meters.

How old your German Shepherd lives is up to you, keep that in mind.

Bitch or male

Absolutely nothing depends on the gender, but still the girls carry a more active image, especially those who have several litters behind them. Often in females, on the background of postpartum hormonal levels, not only behavior changes, but the entire endocrine system. They are more likely to develop tumors and diseases such as diabetes.

As the owner of a male and female, I can say that unfortunately this fact actually takes place.

As the owner of a littermate male and female: the girl died at the age of 10, after 2 not entirely successful matings, two neoplasms came out. But the male is still alive (12 years old) in excellent condition, no problems.

Nutrition

Nutrition plays a huge role in the life of any living being. Not only development and growth, but also the maintenance of the body in good condition as a whole depends on the correctness and quality of food.

Agree, you will not eat a rotten apple, swallow bones and beans. So why do some people feed their dogs bones and leftovers?

This is not permissible, every day animals are brought to veterinary clinics - in which the esophagus, intestines and stomach are damaged by tubular bones, and the owner cannot understand what went wrong.

It is a living being that deserves respect and adequate nutrition, just like you. The diet must be made with all responsibility, adding natural mineral complexes and vitamins.

Or stop at dry feeding, premium feed.

Communication, love and affection

The German Shepherd needs your companionship, affection, outdoor activities, and just being with his human. She needs your attention and praise. They have a hard time with screaming, swearing, and even more so physical punishment. Many of the especially impressionable and emotional ones tend to become depressed and longing for the owner.

For a German, on average, it is necessary to spend at least hours a day with a person - actively, and also to be around - passively. Don't deprive him of this opportunity.

Genetic predisposition to diseases

Unfortunately, no one has canceled heredity, yes, shepherd dogs have certain tendencies. They are prone to allergies, dysplasia of large joints, eczema. But not a single breed has yet been bred into the world - which would have perfect health. The only recommendation is to carefully learn about the health of the puppy's parents before buying.

stress

Eliminate significant experiences from the dog's life associated with your absence, rude attitude or poor quality content, the dog will reciprocate.

Please the animal, play, bring new toys, do not skimp on affectionate words addressed to him. More contact with a person and proper upbringing, and the pet will become much happier, and you yourself too.

Forget about the expectant tactics, at the first sign of the disease - take it to the doctor, do not hope that it will pass immediately. You do not wait for the child to pass the temperature, but call the pediatrician at home. Also with the dog.

Remember the importance of annual preventive vaccinations, vaccinations. Pay special attention to anthelmintic drugs, do not pull, start a calendar and regularly mark the time of anthelmintic.

Elderly age

Be more attentive to the animal, do not load it, but do not completely stop classes. Let us think and choose, ensure a dignified old age. If special care is required, do not abandon it, help to spend the last years in comfort, because you have the whole world, and he only has you.

Love and believe to the last, allow me to stay with you at night, allow a mistake, do not scold strongly and do not punish for a long time.

Do not let the young people get him too much, control the ardor of pets, do not allow them to encroach on his peace. Senior pets are a priority.

How long do German shepherds live at home

From the moment your puppy arrives, your life and his life changes completely. The whole world ceases to exist when the owner is near. The owner is his whole world. Provide a place for the animal, try to give enough exercise. If there is not enough space in the house, walk more.

With sufficient care, the shepherd will live as long as the inhabitants of the countryside. There are no special differences, the importance is only in observing physical activity.

Table of the relationship of age with a person

How to extend the life of a pet

In order for the German Shepherd to live as long as long-livers live, you will have to work hard. There are things that need to be done regularly, the quality of life directly depends on many factors:

Pay attention to all aspects of your pet's life, the better you fish to fulfill your duties as a host, the longer your animal will live.

Diseases and breed defects

Shepherd dogs actually live with diseases, the question is how much the owner is ready to help them in this, there are things that significantly affect the quality of life, for example, a complete failure of the hind legs.

Even in this case, the dog can live well, it will just be necessary for him to purchase a special stroller, pay more attention to hygiene.

There are many such examples, but if you feel and see a serious illness that greatly aggravates life (malignant tumors, complete paralysis), then think about how easier it will be for the animal, I will consult with a specialist and after making a decision.

A little last

Remember that an animal is a responsibility to yourself, your pet, your children. Don't treat it like a fashionable addition, if you don't have free time in your life, get some fish instead. Good health and long life to your pets, we are waiting for your answer in the comments.

Every dog owner sooner or later asks the question: “how long do dogs live?” Different breeds of dogs have different average life expectancy, below we will talk about German Shepherds. All dogs are descended from the same wild dogs that look like wolves. In principle, wolves and dogs have common ancestors. In nature, animals do not live to old age, so the average life span of wolves and wild dogs is only 5-6 years, no more. The same applies to feral, stray dogs. Dogs that live close to humans live longer. Different breeds of dogs have different life spans. The larger the dog, the shorter its life.

The life expectancy of a German Shepherd is, on average, ten to fourteen years.

How to prolong a dog's age

There are long-livers and among dogs. What needs to be done to make your dog live longer than usual? First, you need to carefully monitor her health.

This means giving her vaccinations on time, not missing preventive visits to the veterinarian - some canine diseases are recognized only by a doctor in the early stages, and timely assistance significantly prolongs the life of your four-legged friend. Your dog's diet should be balanced - contain the right amount of proteins and carbohydrates, vitamins and trace elements.

You can not overfeed the dog - excess weight shortens the life of everyone, both people and dogs. And, of course, the dog should be outdoors for a sufficiently long time and receive physical activity.

Shepherds-record holders

Centenarians? Many shepherd dogs have lived for more than 14 years. Cases have been recorded when shepherd dogs lived to be 18-20 years old, but this is rather an exception. Knowing that your shepherd will live only 10-14 years, do not be upset. After all, it depends on you how happy her life will be.

The world is duller without a dog

If you have a German Shepherd, you are in luck! Only this breed of dog can do everything that each breed can do individually - from the search for criminals to babysitting. If you decide to get a dog, but don't know which breed to choose, choose a German Shepherd! And no matter how many years you live under the same roof - every day of communication with this dog will be filled with deep meaning and happiness, both for you and for your dog!

www.8lap.ru

How long do German Shepherds live

A German Shepherd with good care is 12-13 years old. Meet among the "Germans" and their centenarians - 15-17 years. Main criteria proper maintenance of the German Shepherd - a balanced diet and long-term physical activity.

The diet of a German shepherd throughout life should be rich in vitamins, trace elements, proteins and carbohydrates. Food should be varied, and the diet should include meat, bones, cereals, vegetables, fruits, bread, vitamin and mineral supplements. Not recommended overfeed the animal.

Important: feeding should be carried out after a walk, as exercise with a full stomach can provoke a volvulus of the stomach or intestines and lead to the death of the dog.

The German Shepherd needs a lot of physical activity - many hours of walks, special classes, training. Need to remember: for a shepherd the meaning of life is in work, it is a service dog to the tips of its claws.

Very important for a full-fledged life of the "German" timely vaccination and deworming. This will save the pet from epidemics and other dangerous ailments that German shepherds are prone to (demodicosis, distemper, enteritis).

How to determine the age of a German Shepherd

The most important parameter of age- teeth. However, it is impossible to determine the exact age of a dog, since a lot depends on its maintenance, nutrition, proper bite and many other points.

Up to six months, the dog's teeth change and new fangs grow.
At the age of one year, the dog has snow-white ideal teeth with tubercles, which indicate the novelty of the teeth.
After 2 years, the cusps are partially erased on still white teeth.
By the age of 5, the dog already has noticeably yellowed teeth and the tubercles are completely erased.
Between 6 to 10 years of age, the teeth are significantly worn down and may begin to wobble with age. Caries and tartar are also possible.

Age differences of the German Shepherd. Features of caring for a dog at different ages

In puppyhood, German Shepherds look little like their adult relatives. In color, they are more like wolf cubs. The true color (black or sable) begins to appear in a puppy after 3-4 months.

How to determine the age of a German Shepherd puppy

At 4-5 months, the puppy's ears begin to take on a standing triangular shape, while the process can be delayed if there is not enough calcium and trace elements in the diet.

At the age of 4 months, milk teeth are replaced by permanent ones, and by 7 months the missing molars grow.

By 9-12 months, the puppy reaches the size of an adult dog. By one and a half to two years, growth reaches its peak, now they are large, energetic, playful animals with snow-white teeth, shiny eyes and wool. Read about height and weight standards here.

By the age of 3 end of adolescence and maturity comes. The dog becomes sedate, reasonable, less playful. The chest is distributed in breadth (with sufficient physical exertion), the animal reaches its prime, which lasts up to 7-8 years.

After the age of 8, the German Shepherd reaches old age. The eyes and coat are no longer so shiny, the teeth turn yellow, the incisors are a little worn out, and tartar can form.

The dog rests more and more often, her joints can hurt - this is expressed in a cautious gait. Gray hair may appear. Usually the process of graying starts from the head.

But, despite the signs of aging, on average, the German Shepherd is still fully functional and ready to serve faithfully. At home, the dog can stay alert and active longer. Caring owners are concerned about an important question: how many years do dogs of different sexes live on average?

There is an opinion that the average lifespan of neutered males and spayed females is longer.

At the age of 10 aging becomes more noticeable. Muscle mass gradually decreases, the coat is no longer so smooth, in places tousled. The skin around the eyes and mouth becomes slightly saggy, and wrinkles can even be seen. Gray hair is already visible both on the back and on the chest, molars may fall out. The gait becomes slow, senile. At this age, the old dog already needs a sparing regimen - great physical exertion, long hikes are excluded.

Also, a lot depends on the quality of life of the dog: whether the dog lives on the street (in a kennel) or in the house. How much it moves and how much attention the owners pay to it.

Useful video

In this video, you can learn more about how to determine the age of a dog:

Unfortunately, the dog age is short-lived. Therefore, when getting a dog, you should be responsible for the upbringing and maintenance of the pet. Compliance with the basic rules will allow not only to maximize the life of a four-legged friend, but also to make it rich and joyful. How many German Shepherds live - exactly how much they bring you joy and love.

lovegav.ru

How long do German Shepherds live

Unfortunately, dogs don't live long. Wild and stray dogs, their distant relatives wolves live in the wild for only 5-6 years. Next to a caring owner, the life expectancy of a four-legged friend increases by more than 2 times. The bigger the dog the less years he has been given. For example, the fox terrier lives an average of 15 years, while the life expectancy of a German shepherd is only 10-14. Among them there are centenarians who have exchanged the 18-year milestone, but this is the exception, not the rule.

How to extend the life of a pet

The lifespan of a German Shepherd depends to a large extent on its owner. If factors such as heredity and health given to a puppy at birth cannot be changed in your power, then you can influence others. The conditions that determine the lifespan of dogs are as follows:

complete nutrition;
active lifestyle, physical activity;
taking care of the health of the pet, including the psychological climate;
complete rest.

Nutrition

How many years will your pet live how full and active life depends largely on nutrition. Excess weight for a dog is the same problem as for a person. It creates an additional load on all body systems. Provide your pet with a proper balanced diet, systematically control weight, especially older animals.

Tempting composition of dry food(meat, vegetables, vitamins and minerals) and the lack of hassle of preparation tempt dog owners to use "drying" for feeding. But responsible breeders do not use industrial feeds, including those belonging to the elite class.

An adult German Shepherd is fed twice a day. A balanced diet includes raw and thermally processed foods:

beef, lean pork, poultry (chickens, turkey, geese) without bones, fat and skin;
offal, excluding kidneys;
boiled fillet of any sea fish;
oatmeal, buckwheat, rice porridge, with excess weight - barley, with insufficient - wheat, barley;
chicken eggs in any form;
dairy products, including cottage cheese; milk, if the animal tolerates it well;
any vegetables raw, boiled or stewed, potatoes and corn - exclusively raw, cabbage - boiled or stewed;
fruits can be given everything except those that provoke diarrhea and allergies.

Vegetable oil, a little salt, tricalcium phosphate, vitamin and mineral complexes, brewer's yeast, bone meal are added to food.

Physical activity

The German Shepherd needs to move a lot, as physical activity is genetically inherent in it. The inability to expend energy negatively affects the character of the dog, it becomes nervous and overly excitable.

It has been observed that dogs living in rural areas and actively moving live much longer than urban relatives. So for a city pet it is important to ensure the possibility of long, at least two hours a day, walks, training at training grounds, hiking in the forest or mountains. Take your four-legged friend on a mile-long run or bike ride. An active life will benefit not only the dog, but also the owner.

With age, when the animal becomes more difficult to move, physical activity is reduced.

Health

German Shepherds are healthy, nevertheless, you should monitor the well-being of your ward. Get vaccinated regularly, consult a doctor for any seemingly minor health problems with your four-legged friend.

Most often, German Shepherds are prone to diseases:

The psychological situation affects the physical health of the German Shepherd. Don't leave her alone for too long. Loneliness is stressful for a dog.

If the animal lives in a family, where relationships are being sorted out all the time, scandals are not uncommon, this negatively affects his well-being, leads to cardiovascular diseases and even to the occurrence of tumors.

Try not to confront the dog. If the scandal could not be avoided, calm the dog, take it for a walk, play with it.

With proper care and maintenance, your four-legged friend can live 16-17 years. Fill every day of communication with him with love and joy.

zveri.guru

History reference

The German Shepherd was bred using the blood of herd dogs from Germany and It is represented by smooth-haired and long-haired varieties.

The origin of the breed, according to some sources, is very closely connected with the German captain Max Emil Friedrich von Stephanitz. He is deservedly regarded as the founder of the breeding of the German Shepherd.

The distant ancestors of the breed are considered not only German shepherd dogs, but also northern wolves. More than a century ago, the breed was first presented at the all-German exhibition. Today, the Union of German Shepherd Owners conducts numerous breeding work aimed at improving the breed characteristics of a dog popular in many countries.

Important! Breed standards for the German Shepherd were first drawn up in 1899.

Over the next century, they have undergone a number of notable changes. Dogs of this breed are distinguished by their pronounced poise, mobility, and high abilities for various types of training.

Description of the breed

FCI Standard No. 166 dated 08/11/2010 "German Shepherd".
Group 1 Shepherd and Cattle Dogs other than Swiss Cattle Dogs.
Section 1 "Sheepdogs".

Exterior

In accordance with the standards of the International Cynological Federation, a dog of this breed has:

strong physique, well-developed muscles and has a moderately stretched format:
a moderately long and wide head, on which erect, high-set ears are located;
smooth transition from the frontal part to the muzzle;
strong teeth, represented by linear incisors and scissor bite;
a strong, strong, lean and muscular cervical region, as well as a well-defined, moderately high and long withers.

A straight, sufficiently strong, muscular and not excessively long back is characterized by the presence of a wide and sufficiently strong lumbar region.

Dimensions and weight

The FCI standards provide for the following indicators of weight, as well as the height of a pedigree animal at the withers:

the average height of a male is 60-65 cm, the ideal height is 62.5 cm with a weight of 30.0-40.5 kg;
the average height of a bitch is 57.5 cm with a weight of 22.0-32.5 kg.

Sexual characteristics are well defined, and in accordance with the standards, males have a more massive and large physique than females. The presence of minor deviations in the sexual type refers to breed defects.

Characteristics of the breed, skills and training

They are distinguished by outstanding mental abilities, and also have strength, endurance and excellent flair. German Shepherd: breed characteristics with proper upbringing include significant advantages:

service qualities laid down at the genetic level;
good learning ability and ability to train;
possibility of use as a guide dog;
excellent adaptability to aviary content.

According to studies conducted by English experts, German Shepherds, along with the Border Collie and the Poodle, are among the top three breeds that are distinguished by excellent trainability. German Shepherds are above average height, have noble external data, characterized by tirelessness, discipline and excellent working qualities.

However, this energetic breed requires increased attention, regular exercise, long and active walks. The characteristic of the German Shepherd includes a strong nervous system, attentiveness and sensitivity, absolute devotion and courage.

A properly educated and trained dog is not only obedient, but adapts perfectly to almost any situation.

Attention! Self-training is not always possible, and the involvement of professionals is quite expensive.

The training of a dog of this breed is beyond the power of novice dog breeders who have only theoretical knowledge, so it is advisable to entrust general and other courses to professional cynologists.

How long do German Shepherds live? On average, they please the owner from 10 to 14 years, but under favorable conditions they live up to 16-18 years.

The breed is perfectly adapted to room conditions and natural captive content. The total area of a standard aviary should be about 7 m 2 . A prerequisite is wooden flooring and a roof that protects against atmospheric precipitation. The best option for fencing would be a metal grill, not a chain-link mesh.

Important! Bathe your pet only as needed.

Grooming a German Shepherd puppy includes nail trimming as needed, periodic vaccinations, and anthelminthic treatments.

Nutrition

You can feed a puppy and an adult dog of the German Shepherd breed with both ready-made food and natural products.

Particular attention is paid to the scheme and number of feedings:

at the age of 1-2 months - five times a day;
at the age of 3-4 months - four times a day;
at the age of 4-6 months - three times a day.

Attention! Animals older than six months should be smoothly transferred to two meals a day.

Puppy nutrition

The feeding bowl should be at the level of the puppy's chest. As the animal grows, the height of the bowl should increase, which will prevent curvature of the spine and joints.

What to feed a German Shepherd puppy? The diet should include meat, eggs, dairy products, as well as cereals, vegetables and greens. It is necessary to balance the intake of carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, fiber and mineral components. Offal is included in the diet from four to five months.

Feeding an adult dog

What to feed a German Shepherd? Best of all and usually cheaper than ready-made dry food. The daily rate of such food varies depending on the brand. The best option is to use food that belongs to the category of super-premium and holistic. Dukes Farm, Arden Grange, Grandorf and Orijen have proven themselves best.

The German Shepherd is a versatile breed capable of becoming a devoted companion and fearless protector. She has proven herself in security, service-search and guard work.

Additionally, check out the video about the German Shepherd breed, its pros and cons:

tvoidrug.com

Character

With the exception of the problems already mentioned, the German Shepherd is an almost perfect dog.

She has very calm and balanced character, which can hardly be called aggressive, unless the dog is pissed off. It is worth noting that this is quite difficult to do - unlike dogs of fighting breeds, the German Shepherd rarely leads to provocations from other dogs or strangers.

With strangers, the situation is generally quite comical - thanks to their high intelligence and excellent sense of smell, the Germans are able to easily assess the state of their interlocutor, up to determining his intentions. Therefore, do not be surprised if your dog almost licks the hands of a stranger - he may simply assume that he is not dangerous.

But with aggressive or just very tense people, the conversation will be short - a quiet growl and a quick throw if ignored.

With kids the dog behaves differently - he can take the kids under his care, but it will take much longer to get along with those who are older. The shepherd does not like to be shaken, dragged by the ears or tail, and generally disrespectful to her, considering the service dog a living toy. However, it is already easier for her with teenagers, and attacks by German shepherds on children are extremely rare and mostly provoked.

And here with other pets the shepherd will converge much better - the "Germans" are generally very friendly towards cats and other dogs, provided that they behave normally, and not try to prove to the shepherd "who is the boss in the house." The only thing that in the case of other dogs is to make sure that they do not start to "talk" - the shepherd's voice is extremely loud and she likes to bark "out of business".

In general, you should not keep a dog with the size of a shepherd dog in a closed room, because then you will have to give all your best on walks - German shepherds have a lot of energy and they just need to splash it out somewhere. It is recommended to keep the dog outdoors, say, in a private house, but if this is not possible, then it is worth walking the dog for at least two to three hours a day.

We build an aviary for a German shepherd with our own hands ->

Prices

German Shepherds have long established themselves as excellent companions, working dogs, friends for single people and ideal pets for large families.

In order not to deprive yourself of the pleasure of being the owner of such a versatile dog, with a rich inner world and a wonderful character, do not buy a German puppy on the market or "from hands" without a pedigree.

The prices of these breeders may vary. from 3000 to 8000 rubles., but are a few (in some cases tens) thousands of your nerves worth it?

If you do not have the opportunity to look at the puppy's parents, find out in what conditions his psyche was formed, not to mention the absence of the necessary documents for the animal, do not make a purchase.

The cost of German Shepherd puppies in kennels starts from 12000 rub. These kids are already in the "pet" class and have all the documents and vaccinations. They are purchased to protect private homes and just for the soul.

However, the range of prices is very large: depending on the titles of the puppy's parents, its exterior, internal qualities and championship inclinations, the German can cost 20000-35000 rub.

White German Shepherd - not "marriage" ->

German Shepherd Care

The dog is quite independent and does not require additional care, but it needs to be bathed regularly - the coat very easily collects a variety of dirt. In general, it is advisable to do this after each walk.

Swimming with the dog is also recommended - like many other service dogs bred in the 19th-20th century, German Shepherds develop back problems with age, which can lead to damage to the musculoskeletal system. However, the likelihood of this is still less than that of Dobermans or Rottweilers.

average life expectancy German Shepherd 13-15 years old. How long a dog will live depends on many factors: nutrition, living conditions, sufficient physical activity and, of course, hosts love.

Reviews

Vitaly

I first saw a German Shepherd in Commissar Rex, so when they gave me a puppy, the question of the shepherd's name did not even arise. Rex is already six months old and all this time he has been trying to behave like a respectable service dog, but so far it has turned out badly - puppy enthusiasm is taking over. Recently, I secretly attacked my worst enemy - a vacuum cleaner - and successfully nibbled off a network cable from him, which I forgot to remove, and brought it to me with a satisfied expression on a touching face. An asshole, of course, but it's still hard to be angry with him. Let's see what happens when he grows up.

Natalia

Dad bought a shepherd in our house and judging by the behavior, the shepherd knows this very well. This dog considers me and my sister to be little puppies that need to be cherished and patronized wherever possible, she prefers to ignore her mother (the feeling is quite mutual), she only obeys her father. Of course, he goes for a walk with anyone, but there is zero reaction to my commands, and he wears a ball to his father and rubs against his legs. On the other hand, the Marquis somehow drove some jerk out of our house who was trying to climb over the fence, so we have to admit - he is an excellent security guard.

kotovasia.net

How long do dogs live

Every owner sooner or later asks this question. The life expectancy of dogs is short compared to other animals - for example, canaries live up to twenty years. The most devoted and intelligent animal, which has been in the service of man all his life, rarely lives as long. On average, dogs leave us at the age of 12-15 years.

Time flies pretty quickly when a small and funny puppy turns into a sedate, respectable dog. A few more years pass, and by about the age of eight, the animal enters a stage called old age. At this age, the dog tends to spend most of the time in peace and quiet. Her eyesight, hearing are weakening, various sores appear. The owner should show maximum attention and care to the aging pet.

What affects life expectancy

In many ways, how long a dog can live is influenced by its breed and size. Small dogs tend to live longer. For example, the life expectancy of the Fox Terrier often exceeds the 15-year milestone. The German Shepherd breed is a fairly large dog, so usually its maximum age is 12-13 years. But despite the statistics, there are many cases when representatives of this breed have lived much longer. With good content, this is quite possible. To do this, it is only necessary to comply with a number of conditions.

Nutrition is of paramount importance. The diet should contain a sufficient amount of proteins, carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Therefore, be sure to feed the dog with meat, vegetables, cereals. But at the same time try not to overfeed the animal.

The next condition for longevity is providing the dog with physical activity. Movement in the life of these animals plays a very important role. The German Shepherd breed was created for service, so these dogs especially need training and long walks.

And the last factor that affects life expectancy is the health of the pet. It is necessary to periodically visit the veterinary clinic for examination, since a timely detected disease is treated much faster. Preventive vaccinations are mandatory, which are given to dogs annually.

Feeding

Like all other pets, German shepherds also need good nutrition. How long these dogs live depends largely on their diet. Show animals are fed mainly with super premium dry food. They contain a lot of protein, as well as chondoprotectors necessary for ligaments and joints.

If the dog is on natural feeding, the owner should ensure that up to 70% of the diet is raw meat and offal. The menu must include boiled vegetables, cereals (oatmeal and rice), cottage cheese and yogurt. Many shepherds enjoy eating apples. Before the dog reaches the age of two, vitamin preparations must be added to the food.

Lifestyle

Regardless of where the German Shepherd lives - in an apartment or in the courtyard of a country house, she needs daily long walks in the fresh air. By nature, it contains the need for physical activity and an active lifestyle. In the absence of the opportunity to spend energy, the dog's character begins to deteriorate, excessive excitability and nervousness appear. Therefore, outdoor activities are simply necessary for her.

Most dogs, thanks to their ingenuity, are happy to learn various commands, but German shepherds are especially successful in this. How long they live next to a person - they have always been distinguished by the ability to memorize words and whole phrases uttered by the owner. These dogs are very happy to work out on the training ground or just kick the ball.

It has been established that shepherd dogs living in rural areas, where there are all opportunities for active pastime, live much longer than their counterparts who are forced to live in comfortable apartments. Therefore, in order for the city pet to live as long as possible, he needs to provide physical activity. Long walks, training on the training ground, cycling - these are the activities that German Shepherds prefer. How long these dogs live in the house - so much time and you have to do this. Loads decrease only in the mature age of the pet, when it becomes difficult for him to move a lot.

health care

German Shepherds are among the breeds whose health is rarely a concern for owners. However, there are some inherent diseases. These are primarily various skin problems - allergies and dermatitis. Nutritional control and timely vaccination helps to cope with them. Adult dogs on a natural diet sometimes suffer from volvulus. In these cases, urgent surgical intervention is required.

In the house of an attentive and caring owner, the life expectancy of a German shepherd will be much more than accepted norms.

In this article -? If you invite a person to make a visual association with the word "dog", then a well-known image will immediately come to his head german shepherd.

There is nothing surprising in this, this breed is one of the most popular among dog lovers.

They are obedient and kind, easy to train, and also love children.

The German Shepherd as an independent breed was bred at the end of the 19th century. Almost immediately, she got into the service of the troops and various structures that ensure security.

Over time, the popularity of the shepherd did not fall at all, it still pleases people with devotion, smart and kind eyes and a relatively cheerful disposition.

How long do German Shepherds live

Despite the apparent simplicity, the answer to this question is not unambiguous. It all depends on the nature of the animal, its weight, and especially on the living conditions.

Naturally, the dog that went through some kind of war with people will most likely live less than its domestic counterpart. And the matter will not be in the alleged injuries, which may not be, but in the constant stress, fuss and negativity surrounding the animal.

Sheepdogs are very sensitive to the mood of people. No wonder they begin to actively lick the hands or face of their master when they see his pain and suffering.

So it turns out that dogs living in calm conditions with kind and joyful owners delight us with their presence longer than their counterparts living in conditions of constant stress and negativity.

Considering all the factors presented, the life time of German shepherds is average 12–15 years, however, in different conditions, dogs can live like 8–9 years old, and 16–17.

Subspecies of the German Shepherd (

Familiar to everyone German Shepherd, is a classic exhibition subspecies. Although this dog sometimes has a bad temper, it is generally good-natured and loves to play.

Often used by special services and security companies. It is the "working" line of German Shepherds that is distinguished by a more aggressive and strong character.

The typical color of this subspecies is black, sometimes sable. These dogs are not suitable for the role of pets, they are too wayward, but to each his own.

Czech line German Shepherds are working subspecies. This means that its main area of activity is security and special operations.

There are a number of other German Shepherd lines, but most of them are focused on security applications, only the classic shepherd could become a good pet, and even that requires mandatory training.

How to prolong the life of a pet. How long do shepherds live?

- Depends on the owners. It happens that healthy-looking pets, were dying aged 5–6 years due to the fact that people did not comply with their diet and movement.

On the importance of movement

Dogs are extremely mobile creatures, and neither their weight nor their character matters. Only with age, some breeds begin to move less, the deterioration of the ligaments and joints affects, and at the same time problems with the heart muscle. Life extension requires:

Walking a sheepdog at least three times a day. One of the visits should be long with the possibility of jogging and playing.
If we are talking about living in a private house with its own land, then the dog has nothing to do indoors. She must live on the street. Subject to this condition, the animal will be able to move as much as she herself wishes.
It is necessary to eliminate the habit of keeping a shepherd dog on a short leash in non-busy places.
If there is no way to let the dog run around, then limiting its radius of action to one and a half meters is also not worth it.

Such measures are not only prolong life animal, but also affect its character. It has been observed that German Shepherds, which move a lot and play consistently with their owners in the fresh air, become kinder and more willing to contact children.

Shepherd dog diet

Who rarely eat, and their food is unbalanced? That's right, quite a bit. But to establish a diet for a dog is inexpensive and quite easy.

Dog - relatively omnivorous animal. You can’t feed shepherd dogs only with meat, as many owners like to do. Occasionally, vegetables, at least boiled, from the human table should be included in the diet. This normalizes bowel function.

People love to stuff their pets with vitamin complexes purchased at pet stores. Yes, many of them are really useful, but each animal should have its own specific approach.

Before you buy a similar "vitamin" for a German shepherd, you should consult with your veterinarian.

How do quarrels, screams at home affect a shepherd dog?

All conflicts that occur in the family leave their mark on animals. This can eventually lead to heart disease and even tumors.

If there is an urgent need to "show things off", then this should be done without shouting, if there is a dog nearby. She empathizes with her owners and loves them as a rule equally.

But at the same time, she understands that an emotional battle is flaring up between people close to her, instinctively the animal tries to take the side of one of them (the trainer).

If the conflict in the family could not be avoided, then immediately after that you need to go for a walk with the dog and play with it.

It is worth behaving extremely friendly, the personal problems of the owners should not affect the shepherd dog. The perfect option to go for a walk with the whole family. The animal will understand that the conflict is over, the reason for worrying will disappear.

Outcome: If the dog eats properly, moves a lot and lives in a calm environment, then the life span can reach one and a half decades. (15 years). If the shepherd is bad, then she may not reach the ten-year milestone. Love and care - that's what any domestic dog needs!

After living with a German Shepherd for a while, its owner usually starts to wonder about their dog's average lifespan. These reflections may seem terrible, but, nevertheless, sooner or later everyone is faced with this. Healthy German Shepherds that receive proper care usually live 11 to 13 years.

Despite the statistics, there are many German Shepherds that have lived much longer than 13 years. However, it is almost impossible to determine the life expectancy of a particular shepherd dog without knowing its health history.

Visit the vet

The next time you take your dog to the veterinarian, discuss the estimated lifespan of your shepherd with him. The veterinarian should give you a general idea of this based on your dog's history. You can also discuss what steps can be taken to help your Shepherd live as long as possible. This is usually a package of measures that includes a healthy diet, exercise, and possibly vitamin supplements.

Most Common Health Problems

The most common diseases in German Shepherds are orthopedic. These shepherd dogs suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. For example, in the US, 19% of shepherd dogs suffer from hip dysplasia, and 20% from elbow dysplasia.

Joint inflammation is another common orthopedic problem in German Shepherds. Osteochondrosis and cruciate ligament rupture are also quite common disorders. Less frequently recorded diseases such as spondylomyelopathy (Wobbler syndrome) and hypertrophic osteodystrophy.

The second most common group of German diseases is skin problems. The breed is prone to allergies, especially itchy skin, pyoderma, seborrhea, scabies, demodicosis, and sometimes calcification.

Autoimmune diseases, where a dog's immune system attacks its own body, are also extremely common in German Shepherds.

What to do if the life of a shepherd dog comes to an end

All dogs come to an end sooner or later. For dog owners and their families, this is often difficult to accept. However, if your veterinarian has told you that the end is near, then it's best to start making plans now. It is best to make a plan when you are calm, rather than making drastic decisions.

Sit down with your loved ones and discuss what is best for your dog. If you want to make a burial near the house or euthanize an animal, then find out in advance the procedure for the necessary actions. Be sure to follow the official instructions. If you would like your Shepherd to be buried in a pet cemetery, you will also need to contact the appropriate service in advance. Some dog owners prefer cremation, so you can ask your veterinarian about this.