Do you own a German Shepherd dog? Would you like to know the average lifespan of a German shepherd? No worries; we’ve got you covered in this post.
Did you know that they are called shepherds because they worked to guide the sheep so they wouldn’t stray from the flock a long time ago? They were so good at their job that even now they are called German Shepherds.
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The German shepherd is one of the dog breeds that has gotten along best with people throughout human history. Despite being docile with owners, the German shepherd can be very violent with enemies and is very easy to train.This happens because the dog is one of the smartest on the planet, being among the 5 smartest breeds in the world and one of the top 5 dogs with the strongest bite in the world.
Therefore, training a German Shepherd, even at the adult stage, is usually something simple. At the same time, the breed is very loyal to its owners, which turns out to be something very positive.
The German Shepherd is less violent than the Belgian Shepherd and also likes to play and learn funny tricks.
Used a lot as a police dog, the German shepherd does well in this role because it is faithful to the teachings and commands of its trainer. Therefore, the German Shepherd is very good for guarding your family.
However, what many don’t know is the average lifespan of the German Shepherd breed. What you should ask yourself is: how long does a German shepherd live? Could you beat your chest and say for sure that you know the life expectancy of a German Shepherd? Well, if you don’t know this, we are going to answer the questions here.
Average lifespan of a German Shepherd?
The average lifespan of a German Shepherd is approximately 10 to 14 years. However, this can vary depending on several factors, including genetics, diet, and overall health.
It’s important to provide your German Shepherd with proper nutrition, regular exercise, and timely medical care to help ensure a long and healthy life. It’s also a good idea to have your German Shepherd regularly checked by a veterinarian to monitor their health and catch any potential issues early on.
However, it is worth mentioning that the above life expectancies of a German Shepherd are just predictions, so it is not possible to know for sure how long your German Shepherd can live. As mentioned above, food, physical activity routines, and even interactions with people are factors that can affect the average lifespan of a German shepherd.
How to increase the average lifespan of a German Shepherd
There are several things you can do to help increase the average lifespan of a German Shepherd:
- Provide proper nutrition: Feed your German Shepherd a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age, size, and level of activity. Avoid overfeeding, as obesity can shorten your dog’s lifespan.
- Keep your dog active. German Shepherds are energetic dogs that need regular exercise to stay healthy. Make sure to provide your dog with plenty of opportunities to run, play, and stay active.
- Regular veterinary care: Make sure to take your German Shepherd to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations. This will aid in detecting any potential health issues and ensuring that your dog receives the necessary care.
- Avoid overexposure to the sun: German Shepherds are prone to sunburn, so make sure to provide your dog with plenty of shade when they are outside and consider using sunscreen on their ears and nose if they will be spending a lot of time in the sun.
- Provide mental stimulation: Keep your German Shepherd’s mind active by providing them with plenty of toys, puzzles, and training opportunities. This will help prevent boredom and keep your dog mentally stimulated.
By following these steps, you can help increase the average lifespan of your German Shepherd and ensure that they live a long and healthy life.
German Shepherd Characteristics
German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and hardworking dogs that are often used as working dogs in a variety of roles, including police work, search and rescue, and assisting people with disabilities. They are known for their strong work ethic and are often highly trainable.
German Shepherd dogs range in size from medium to large and have a strong, athletic build.They have a long head, a straight, strong back, and a bushy tail. Their ears are typically triangular and upright, and they have a long, thick coat that can be either short or long, with a variety of colors including black, sable, and tan.
German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and trainability, and they excel at obedience training and agility. They are highly adaptable and are able to learn and perform a wide range of tasks. They are also known for their loyalty and protective nature and are often used as guard dogs or police dogs.
While German Shepherds are generally friendly and good with children, they can be aloof with strangers and may be protective of their family and territory. It is important to socialize and train German Shepherds properly to prevent aggressive behavior.
Overall, German Shepherds are energetic, intelligent, and loyal dogs that make great companions for people who are willing to give them the training and exercise they need.
German Shepherd Temperament and Health
The German Shepherd is a dog with a calm temperament, as long as it is calmly raised. Despite indicating danger due to its large size, the truth is that the German Shepherd will only be aggressive if it is trained to reproduce this type of behavior.
In addition, the animal is very courageous and does not back down even in the face of gunshots or loud noises, as can be seen from its use by the police. Easy to train and intelligent, the German shepherd still loves to play and receive affection.
Like any breed, German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues. Some common health concerns for German Shepherds include hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, peritonitis, and panosteitis.
They may also be prone to certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma. It is important to choose a reputable breeder and to have your German Shepherd regularly examined by a veterinarian to help prevent or address any potential health issues.
More about the German Shepherd
The German shepherd is a dog best suited for those who have enough space for play and training. Even if you are willing to take the animal for walks every day, taking care of a German Shepherd in a small apartment, for example, is not recommended.
In addition to all the size, something visible to everyone, the breed is still big and likes to move around.
Another interesting detail about the German shepherd is that this dog has an extremely strong connection with its territory. As a result, any new or unfamiliar person who enters your home will be attacked by the dog as a form of protection.
The German Shepherd also sheds easily, so be ready to collect a few fur balls every week. The bright side is that this animal likes children and will protect them from perceived threats.
In any case, if you want a German shepherd but haven’t decided yet, the best thing to do is to analyze each of the good and bad points of having such a dog in your home. Take everything into account, always with attention to detail. If you already have a German Shepherd, just enjoy everything that such a complete, intelligent, and loving dog can provide.
Now, we’ve been able to enlighten you on the average lifespan of a German Shepherd and how to increase the average life expectancy, characteristics, and health of a German Shepherd dog. Please share this on your social media platforms.
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