German Shepherd lifespan: two studies
German Shepherd Dog (the breed's full registered name in both studies below) is covered by the UK multi-source dataset and by the UK Kennel Club owner survey. Both numbers are shown as reported, without converting one into the other.
Applies to: 19908 German Shepherd Dogs in a UK multi-source dataset (breed registries, pet insurers, vet corporations, rehoming charities). 95% CI 11.3–11.4 years.
From Scientific Reports (Nature, CC BY 4.0), Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Page read on 2026-09-28.
Applies to: 279 German Shepherd Dogs registered with the UK Kennel Club, from an owner-reported survey. IQR 90–138 months, range 4–234 months, 95% CI ±4.54 months.
From Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (BioMed Central, CC BY 4.0), Longevity and mortality in Kennel Club registered dog breeds in the UK in 2014. Page read on 2026-09-28.
See how these two studies differ in method on the method and sources page, or check the full breed chart.
These are population figures, not a prediction for any individual dog, and nothing here is veterinary advice.