German Shepherd Health Problems: What to Watch For

The German Shepherd is loyal, clever and endlessly willing — and, like many pedigree breeds, carries a few well-known health risks. Knowing what they are isn't about worrying; it's about choosing a sensible breeder, spotting trouble early, and giving your dog the best shot at a long, comfortable life. Here's what's worth watching for, in plain terms.

Hip and elbow dysplasia

German Shepherds are strongly associated with both hip and elbow dysplasia — malformed joints that lead to pain and arthritis. In the UK, breeding dogs should be screened under the BVA/Kennel Club Hip and Elbow schemes. Hips are scored from 0 (best) to 106 (worst), and the German Shepherd breed mean sits around 18 — so you want both parents scored at or, ideally, below that figure. Elbows are graded 0 to 3, and you're looking for 0 in both parents.

Dysplasia isn't only genetic. Keeping a growing pup lean, avoiding forced or repetitive exercise (long runs, stairs, jumping) while the joints are developing, and not letting an adult carry extra weight all reduce the strain. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common disorders recorded in the breed, so joint care matters lifelong.

Degenerative myelopathy (DM)

DM is a progressive disease of the spinal cord, usually appearing from around eight years of age. It's painless but gradually robs the back legs of coordination and strength, eventually leading to paralysis. There's no cure, though physiotherapy and good nursing can help quality of life for a time.

The good news: a DNA test exists for the SOD1 gene mutation linked to DM. Responsible breeders test their stock and pair dogs so that no puppy is born "at risk" (two copies of the mutation). Ask to see the parents' DM results.

Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus / GDV)

This is the one to take most seriously. German Shepherds are deep-chested, and deep-chested breeds are prone to GDV — where the stomach fills with gas and then twists, cutting off blood supply. It is a true emergency and can be fatal within hours without surgery.

Warning signs include a swollen or hard belly, unproductive retching (trying to be sick but nothing coming up), restlessness, drooling, pacing and obvious distress. To lower the risk: feed two or three smaller meals rather than one large one, avoid vigorous exercise right before and after eating, and slow down a fast eater with a puzzle bowl. If you see the signs, don't wait — go straight to a vet.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)

German Shepherds are the breed most associated with EPI — by some estimates a large majority of canine EPI cases are GSDs. Here the pancreas stops producing enough digestive enzymes, so food passes through largely undigested. Classic signs are a ravenous appetite alongside weight loss, and loose, pale, greasy, foul-smelling stools.

EPI is diagnosed with a simple blood test (cTLI). It can't be cured, but it's very manageable: enzyme replacement sprinkled on food, sometimes with a B12 supplement and diet tweaks, usually lets affected dogs thrive. If your Shepherd is always hungry yet losing condition, ask your vet.

Allergies, skin and ear problems

Itchy skin (atopic dermatitis) and recurrent ear infections are common in the breed — otitis externa is among the most frequently recorded conditions in German Shepherds. Watch for persistent scratching, licking paws, red or smelly ears, and head-shaking. Flagging it early, keeping on top of flea control, and working with your vet on the cause (environmental allergens, food, parasites) keeps small irritations from becoming chronic.

Anal furunculosis (perianal fistulas)

This is a painful, ulcerating condition around the anus that the German Shepherd is particularly predisposed to — thought to be linked to their broad tail base and low tail carriage, and to an immune-system component. Signs include difficulty or pain when toileting, licking the rear, an unpleasant smell, scooting and sometimes blood. It needs veterinary treatment (often immune-modulating medication), and the earlier it's caught, the better the outlook.

Lifespan and the bigger picture

UK VetCompass research from the Royal Veterinary College puts the median lifespan of German Shepherds at around 10.3 years. The most common health issues recorded include ear infections, osteoarthritis, digestive upsets and being overweight — much of which is influenced by everyday care.

The single most useful thing you can do across nearly all of these conditions is keep your dog at a lean, healthy weight, with steady, sensible exercise and a consistent feeding routine.

When to see your vet

Book a routine appointment if you notice persistent itching or ear trouble, stiffness or reluctance to exercise, ongoing weight loss with a big appetite, loose or greasy stools, or any sign of pain around the rear end.

Treat it as an emergency — phone a vet immediately, day or night — if your dog has a swollen, hard abdomen, is retching without bringing anything up, and seems restless or distressed. This can be bloat (GDV), and minutes matter.

Choosing a puppy from health-tested parents (hip and elbow scored, DM DNA tested) and registering with a vet for regular check-ups are the two best foundations for a healthy German Shepherd life.

Sources

• Royal Veterinary College, VetCompass — *Demography and disorders of German Shepherd Dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK*
• The Royal Kennel Club — Hip Dysplasia Screening Scheme and breed health information
• British Veterinary Association (BVA) — Canine Health Schemes: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
• UFAW (Universities Federation for Animal Welfare) — German Shepherd: Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency