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German Shepherd
Confident, loyal, highly trainable
Also known as: gsd, alsatian, german shepherd dog
- Adult weight
- 22–40 kg
- Life expectancy
- 9–13 years
- Size
- Large
- Exercise
- Very high
- Origin
- Germany
- Group
- Pastoral / Herding
Reference update: · Not veterinary-reviewedCompare weight & lifespan with the American Kennel Club breed profile ↗
Health topics to discuss with your vet
- ●Hip and elbow dysplasiaBreed-specific association not yet verified. General condition reference: OFA – Hip dysplasia ↗
- ●Degenerative myelopathyBreed-specific association not yet verified. General condition reference: Merck Vet Manual – Degenerative spinal diseases ↗
- ●Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)Breed-specific association not yet verified. General condition reference: Merck Vet Manual – Gastric dilation and volvulus ↗
- ●Exocrine pancreatic insufficiencyBreed-specific association not yet verified.
Not a diagnosis or a complete risk list. A general condition reference explains a disease but does not establish increased risk in this breed or group. Unsourced associations still need verification.
Care tips
- ✓Feed smaller meals to lower bloat risk
- ✓Needs daily mental and physical work
Calculators for your German Shepherd
Sources & review
Reference update 25 October 2026; not an independent veterinary review. Direct breed evidence is identified above. General directories below do not verify every listed health association.
- Official breed profile – German Shepherd ↗
- OFA – Hip dysplasia ↗
- Merck Vet Manual – Degenerative spinal diseases ↗
- Merck Vet Manual – Gastric dilation and volvulus ↗
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) – Breed nomenclature ↗
- The Kennel Club (UK) – Breeds A to Z ↗
- American Kennel Club – Dog breeds ↗
- UFAW – Genetic welfare problems of companion animals ↗
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals – Health screening ↗
Weight and lifespan are typical ranges for healthy adults from breed standards and veterinary references; individuals vary. Not veterinary advice.