The average lifespan of a German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is 10 to 14 years.
This is actually quite impressive for dogs that size. It has a lot to do with the fact that mixed breed dogs in general tend to be very healthy. For this mix, the conditions that actually do affect them are rarely fatal, if ever. Here are a few that you have to know about if you are interested in the doggies.
Gastric volvulus
This is mainly associated with deep-chested dog breeds like the German Shepherd. If this mix takes the same build, they are highly likely to develop the potentially life threatening condition. It is characterized by stomach or gut twisting when it is dilated by food.
Hip dysplasia
This condition affects both dog parents and is one of the most common health issues that face large mixed dog breeds like the Golden Shepherd. It results in abnormal joint formation which in turn causes instability, discomfort, and eventually wears down the protective cartilage. As the dog grows older, the condition may worsen ultimately causing debilitating arthritis.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition marked by low levels of thyroid hormones. It affects the dog’s metabolism resulting in weight gain, fatigue, and inability to regulate temperature especially in cold weather. It also affects things like the skin and fur and may manifest with fur thinning and excessive shedding.
Skin allergies
Another very common issue with these dogs is skin disease especially irritation triggered by allergies. The specific allergens vary from dog to dog and include things like pollen, some fabrics, and most external parasites including fleas.
Geriatric Canine Vestibular Disease
This disease affects the structures in the dog’s inner ear that are responsible for maintaining balance. Some of the effects on the dog include disorientation, loss of balance, and abnormal gait evident when walking.
The condition usually occurs in old age but may happen earlier in which case inner ear infections are a common culprit.