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German Shepherd Health: Common Diseases & Prevention [2026]
The German Shepherd is a worldwide symbol of courage, unwavering loyalty, and an absolute passion for work. Anyone privileged enough to share their life with this impressive breed knows about their extraordinary intelligence and deep capacity for bonding. However, as a veterinarian, I don't just see the joyful, active companion in my practice; unfortunately, I also see the health-related downsides of a long breeding history. When we talk about German Shepherd diseases, my goal is not to cause panic. Instead, the focus is on education. Only if you know the potential risks of this great breed can you take targeted preventative measures, interpret symptoms early, and enable your four-legged friend to live a long, pain-free life.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything you need to know from a veterinary perspective about the health status of the German Shepherd — from genetic predispositions and proper nutrition to optimal preventative care.
German Shepherd Diseases: The Basics and Life Expectancy
The German Shepherd life expectancy averages between 9 and 13 years. For a dog of this size — males reach a shoulder height of 60 to 65 cm and a weight of 30 to 40 kg — this is a solid figure. How old your Shepherd eventually becomes and, above all, the quality of their life in old age depends on three decisive factors: genetics, upbringing, and lifelong preventative care.
Fundamentally, one must distinguish between two breeding lines in German Shepherds, as these can also exhibit health differences:
- The Show Line (High Breeding): These dogs often impress with a calmer temperament and a striking anatomy. Unfortunately, in the past, a steeply sloping back (the so-called "roach back" or "fastback" look) was often bred for, leading to unnatural angulation of the hindquarters, which can promote orthopedic problems. Fortunately, modern, reputable breeders are now pushing back strongly against this trend.
- The Working or Performance Line: These dogs generally have straighter backs and a more muscular build. They possess an extremely high energy level (5/5). Health-wise, they are often more robust regarding the musculoskeletal system, but they require such immense mental and physical stimulation that a lack of training can quickly lead to chronic stress and associated behavioral or immune problems.
Typical Hereditary Diseases in German Shepherds
No dog breed is free from genetic vulnerabilities. Due to its popularity and the resulting mass breeding in past decades, there are several specific clinical pictures that you, as an owner, must watch out for.
Hip Dysplasia (HD) and Elbow Dysplasia (ED)
Hip and elbow dysplasia are perhaps the most well-known orthopedic problems of the breed. In HD, the head of the femur does not fit snugly into the pelvic socket. Constant friction leads to cartilage wear, inflammation, and eventually painful osteoarthritis. ED describes a similar wear process in the elbow joint. Symptoms include a swaying gait, stiffness after standing up (startup pain), or a general reluctance to jump and run. Reputable breeders have their parent animals strictly evaluated by X-ray before they are used for breeding.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
This insidious neurological disease affects the spinal cord and usually occurs in older Shepherds (from about 8 years of age). The tricky thing about Degenerative Myelopathy is that it is completely painless. It usually begins with the scuffing of the hind paws — you can hear the claws scratching on the asphalt during walks. Later, there is a loss of coordination and eventually complete paralysis of the hindquarters. Since DM is incurable, a DNA test of the parent animals before mating is an absolute must to eradicate this disease.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
The German Shepherd is affected by Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency more often than average. In this autoimmune disease, the body destroys the tissue of the pancreas responsible for producing digestive enzymes. The result: the dog eats enormous amounts but loses weight drastically and excretes massive amounts of voluminous, often yellowish and foul-smelling feces. The disease is not curable but can be managed very well medically by adding enzymes to the food throughout the dog's life.
Gastric Torsion (Bloat)
As a large-framed dog with a deep chest, the Shepherd has an increased risk of gastric torsion (bloat). This occurs when the stomach twists around its own axis, cutting off the esophagus and intestinal exit and pressing on major blood vessels. Gastric torsion is an absolute, life-threatening emergency! Without immediate emergency surgery, the dog will die within a few hours. A bloated abdomen, unproductive retching, severe restlessness, and heavy salivation are red flags.
Cauda Equina Syndrome (DLSS)
Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis (DLSS) is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the transition area from the lumbar spine to the sacrum. The nerve roots running there (Cauda Equina) are squeezed. Affected dogs experience severe pain when standing up, avoid jumping into the car, and sometimes show weakness at the base of the tail or slight incontinence.
Prevention: How to Keep Your Shepherd Fit for a Long Time
The best medicine is excellent prophylaxis. Anyone who wants to actively promote German Shepherd health should build a close bond with a competent veterinarian.
Routine Check-ups with a German Shepherd Veterinarian
In addition to annual checks for vaccinations and parasite protection, I recommend the following specific preventative measures for this breed:
- X-rays in Young Adulthood: Have the hips, elbows, and ideally the back (LTV - Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebra) X-rayed at about 12 to 15 months of age — when skeletal growth is nearly complete. This way, you know exactly whether your dog is fully capable of physical sports or if you need to be cautious during training (such as Agility or Protection sports).
- Annual Blood Work: From about 5 years of age, an annual comprehensive blood profile including thyroid values and organ parameters is recommended to detect hidden diseases (such as liver or kidney problems) early.
- Weight Control: Every extra pound is poison for the joints. You should be able to feel your dog's ribs under the fur without much pressure, but you shouldn't be able to see them.
Further information on breed-specific guidelines and health standards can also be found at the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV) e.V., the world's largest breed society for this breed.
The Right Nutrition for Robust Health
Nutrition is the fuel for the German Shepherd's high-performance engine. Their energy level is rightly rated 5/5. A dog that is mentally and physically challenged needs high-quality food.
To minimize the risk of gastric torsion, you should divide the daily ration into two to three smaller meals. After eating, there is an absolute ban on romping — a one to two-hour rest period is mandatory. Avoid food that swells heavily in the stomach or ferments strongly.
Due to the susceptibility to joint problems, many Shepherds benefit from cartilage-supporting nutritional supplements. High-quality Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., from salmon oil or green-lipped mussel extract) can have an anti-inflammatory effect and keep joint lubrication supple. During your puppy's growth phase, strictly ensure that you feed a "Large Breed" puppy food, which perfectly balances the calcium and phosphorus content so that the bones do not grow too quickly.
Grooming Routine: More Than Just Brushing
The grooming requirement for a German Shepherd is around 4 out of 5 points. Their coat is dense, with a straight topcoat and a very thick undercoat. Whether stock-haired or long-haired — shedding is moderate to high, especially during the coat change in spring and autumn.
Coat and Skin Care
Regular brushing (at least two to three times weekly, daily during shedding season) is essential. It not only removes dead hair but also massages the skin and distributes natural oils. A matted undercoat can lead to so-called "hot spots" (weeping skin inflammations), which Shepherds are unfortunately somewhat prone to.
Ears, Teeth, and Claws
The Shepherd's upright ears are generally well-ventilated, yet you should check them weekly for redness or a strong odor (an indication of yeast infections or mites). For dental care, special chew snacks or regular tooth brushing with dog-friendly toothpaste are suitable to prevent tartar and resulting heart diseases. Since Shepherds are often worked on soft forest and meadow ground, their claws may not wear down sufficiently. Check them regularly — if you hear them "clicking" on the floor when the dog walks, they are too long.
How to Recognize a Healthy German Shepherd Puppy
The foundation for a long dog life is laid long before birth. When you decide on a puppy, the choice of breeder is the most important decision you will make. A healthy puppy from a reputable breeder impresses with curious, clear eyes, a clean, shiny coat, and an open, courageous nature. The temperament should be confident and fearless.
Be sure to ask the breeder for the health certificates of the parent animals. A reputable breeder will proactively present proof of HD/ED clearance, the DM genetic test, and passed temperament tests. General recognition of these standards is also monitored and promoted by the Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH).
Would you like to learn more about the exact character, history, and daily life with this fascinating breed? Then read our detailed German Shepherd breed profile.
Are you ready to give a puppy a loving home? We help you avoid bad actors and find the right contact directly. Here you can find a verified and trustworthy German Shepherd breeder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the life expectancy of a German Shepherd?
With good care, species-appropriate nutrition, and a robust genetic foundation, the life expectancy of a German Shepherd is on average 9 to 13 years. Daily, age-appropriate exercise and consistent weight control help achieve this age with a high quality of life.
When should I take my Shepherd to the vet for the first time?
After the puppy has moved in with you, you should give them a few days to settle in. In the second week, an initial appointment with your German Shepherd veterinarian is recommended. This allows the doctor to check the general condition, review the vaccination card, and the puppy associates the practice with a positive, stress-free experience from the start.
How can I prevent gastric torsion (bloat)?
The most important measure is dividing the daily food ration into at least two, preferably three, meals. Feed from floor-level bowls (raised bowls are suspected of promoting air swallowing) and maintain a strict rest period of one to two hours after every meal. Avoid excessive stress around feeding time.
Are Shepherds from working lines healthier than those from show lines?
There is no general answer to this, but often dogs from working lines exhibit a more natural, straighter topline, which is biomechanically advantageous for the joints. However, they possess an extreme drive to work. If this is not satisfied, psychological stress can arise, which in turn negatively affects the immune system. Health here is also strongly defined by species-appropriate mental and physical exercise.
Conclusion: Health Begins with a Reputable Breeder
The German Shepherd is a faithful companion, a loyal protector, and a tireless worker. Their trainability (5/5) makes them the perfect partner for dog sports and ambitious owners. But the best training is of little use if the body doesn't cooperate. Knowledge of potential German Shepherd diseases is your most important tool for acting proactively.
The foundation for a long, carefree dog life is laid at the breeder's. Health, stable temperament, and longevity should always come before pure appearance trends. At HonestDog, we are passionately committed to connecting you only with the best, most transparent, and reputable breeders so that you can fully engage in the adventure of dog ownership. Discover our platform and find your healthy, perfectly socialized dream dog!