Dog lovers know that larger dogs typically have a shorter lifespan than small breeds. But what about German Shepherds? How long do GSDs live, and what’s the oldest German Shepherd?
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the average lifespan of a GSD, how you can help your German Shepherd live a long, healthy life, and facts about the breed. Ready to learn more about this gorgeous breed? Let’s get started!
Before reading this guide, “What’s the Oldest German Shepherd,” check out: Why Is My German Shepherd Skinny? (2023) and What Is the Biggest German Shepherd? (2023).
What’s the Oldest German Shepherd?
There’s no “official” record book for dogs and how long they live. In other words, there’s no guaranteed, scientific, and purely factual way to tell you about the oldest German Shepherd.
Now, with that in mind, dogs that live beyond the expectation are invited to hold a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, so we do have some data available.
At the time this article is being written, there is a dog in Turkey called Zeynep in the running for the Guinness record. He is 23 years old as of 2023, and his 75-year-old owner has entered him in the running for this “prestigious” placement, so you may be hearing his name more often.
Owner Zehra Ola Buldu has begun the process of verifying Zeynep’s age, and a bone scan will determine the true longevity of her beautiful dog. Currently, the title of “world’s oldest dog” belongs to a 22-year-old Chihuahua in the United States called Gino.
Even more impressive than Zeynep’s lifespan, however, is that of Bluey. Bluey was an Australian Cattle Dog that lived to the ripe old age of 29 years old!
There is currently no prize or award for earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. However, we think Ms. Buldu and her dog Zeynep will be happy with the achievement — and enjoy the fun certificate they’ll receive once the dog’s age is verified!
What is the Lifespan of a German Shepherd?
The average German Shepherd lives for between nine and 13 years. They’re larger dogs and bigger breeds usually have a slightly shorter lifespan than smaller pups will.
Many factors come into play when determining the average lifespan of the German Shepherd. Overall health, access to veterinary care, weight, and other considerations will play into the length of a dog’s life.
In this guide, we’re going to take a look at some common health conditions that affect a German Shepherd’s lifespan and we’ll also talk about how to keep your dog healthier for longer! Take good care of your dog and he may eventually be in the record books as the oldest German Shepherd.
German Shepherd Health Conditions
Like most dogs, the German Shepherd is susceptible to certain health conditions common to the breed.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common disorders of the GSD. With these conditions, your dog’s joints don’t quite “fit right,” usually due to an improper development while he was a puppy.
Degenerative myopathy is another common condition within German Shepherd bloodlines, and it can lead to partial paralysis of your dog.
German Shepherds frequently experience eye problems such as pannus, cataracts, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, and entropion. This is just a sampling, so regular vet care is necessary to keep your dog’s eyes healthy and bright.
Finally, German Shepherds are prone to gastric dilation, which can be fatal. It’s a bloating condition that is caused by an excessive intake of air, and the subsequent twisting of your dog’s stomach.
Of course, there are other health conditions your pup may suffer from. These are the most common, however, and you and your vet can work on a plan to keep your dog healthy through food and diet, exercise, and attention to his mental health.
Your dog should have an appointment with the vet at least once each year. Your vet will check your pup’s health and help guide you in maintaining it. If your dog is pregnant or nursing, or when your pup grows into her senior years, you may consider more frequent visits to the veterinarian.
How Much Exercise Does My German Shepherd Need?
The world’s oldest German Shepherd was likely afforded a life of proper exercise and a great diet. So how much activity does your German Shepherd need? What is the right balance of activity to snuggles?
Well, let’s start with puppyhood. There’s a general rule of thumb you can follow: your German Shepherd puppy needs about five minutes of exercise for every month he’s been alive. Play with toys or take him for a short romp around the yard to let him explore this brand-new world.
On the flip side of that, a senior GSD will need between 20 minutes and an hour of exercise each day. Any more than that and you may risk overwhelming him. If your dog has health concerns, keep your activity as low-impact as possible. Walks on gently sloped property or even swims are best for senior dogs.
Your adult German Shepherd is a whole different story! The GSD is a very active breed and you’ll need to ensure that your adult dog gets at least two hours of exercise each day. Take him for a run, a swim, or a hike in the woods to stimulate his mind and exercise his body!
In addition to the exercise your dog requires, it’s a good idea to keep your pup’s mind active. Vary his outside activity and include brain games for your pup. As an added bonus, this will make exercise more enjoyable for both of you.
What Kind of Food Does the Oldest German Shepherd Eat?
If you want your dog to earn the record for the world’s oldest German Shepherd, you’ll need to make sure he’s eating properly! Your dog is an extremely high-energy pup, so you’ll want to ensure that his diet contains plenty of fats and proteins.
Your vet can help you choose quality food, or you can check out ingredient labels on the options in-store. Turkey, lamb, rabbit, and salmon are some of the best options for your dog. However, some GSD pups can be allergic to certain foods. Chicken and turkey are the usual suspects for allergies, so monitor your dog for signs of a reaction.
You may be wondering how many calories your German Shepherd needs each day. When given quality food, your German Shepherd will require up to four cups of food each day. That is to say that a healthy adult GSD requires between 1,700 and 2,100 calories each day.
It’s up to you and your vet to decide whether your German Shepherd should be permitted to free feed. Free feeding simply means allowing your pup to graze on a readily available bowl of dog food throughout the day. Alternatively, you can portion out a cup or so of dog food to your adult dog three times each day.
What is the Leading Cause of Death in German Shepherds?
Unfortunately, as healthy as you try to keep your German Shepherd, the dogs are susceptible to diseases and other conditions that can shorten their lives. In fact, according to a 2017 study, 63 percent of German Shepherds in the United Kingdom were diagnosed with at least one disorder.
Many of the health conditions these dogs are susceptible to are curable or treatable. However, there are some that do cause the death of the dogs.
Cancer, seizures, cardiac disease, renal failure, and intestinal disorders are among the leading killers of the German Shepherd. Bringing your dog to the vet can help diagnose these conditions early, improving the chance that your dog will live a long and healthy life.
How Can I Help My German Shepherd Live Longer?
There is unfortunately no way to predict how long your dog will live. So many factors are in play, including accidental death, disease, genetic conditions, and environmental concerns.
Take good care of your dog. Bring him to the vet on a regular basis and keep an eye out for signs of disease. Feed him quality food, and be sure he gets the exercise he requires. Remember that GSD pups are high-energy, so a high-calorie diet and plenty of activity are best for his health.
Don’t forget to care for your dog’s mental health, too. Socialize your dog by hosting playdates or bringing him to the doggy park or a doggy daycare. Exercise his mind with brain games and other stimulating activities to prevent cognitive decline.
Your German Shepherd has a typical lifespan of between nine and 13 years, but you may be well on your way to having the world’s oldest German Shepherd with the right care and attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the average German Shepherd will live for 12 years or less, it’s entirely possible for a German Shepherd to live for 15 years given the right food, exercise, care, and environment.
Chihuahuas, Shih Tzu, Toy Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers are among the dog breeds with the longest lifespan. Ultimately, any dog can live beyond its breed average with the right care.
Dogs have a higher metabolic rate compared to humans, which causes them to age faster.
Conclusion for “What is the Oldest German Shepherd“
The oldest German Shepherd on record was born in 2000 and was 23 years old at the time of writing. This is significantly longer than the typical lifespan for the breed, and we wish Zeynep many more years!
Your own GSD may live much longer than the usual nine to 13 years with the right care. Keep him active, feed him right, and schedule regular vet appointments to give your dog the best chance at a long lifetime.
For more German Shepherd articles, check out:
- Best German Shepherd Haircut! (2023)
- How Much is a German Shepherd? Cost & Info (2023)
- When Do German Shepherds Calm Down? (2023)
Learn more by watching “German Shepherd Everything You Need to Know” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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