German Shepherd Dog Health Risks — What Every Owner Should Know
German Shepherd Dogs are a large, versatile working breed valued worldwide for herding, service, and protection roles. Like all purebred dogs, German Shepherd Dogs carry a distinct set of inherited health risks. Research and registry data confirm predisposition to hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, elbow dysplasia, gastric dilatation-volvulus, and idiopathic epilepsy. All health data on this page is drawn from peer-reviewed veterinary research and reviewed by a licensed veterinarian.
Most Common Health Conditions in German Shepherd Dogs
Hip Dysplasia
The hip joints do not fit together as smoothly as they should, which can lead to looseness, wear and tear, and arthritis over time. It is common in many breeds and can often be managed so your dog stays comfortable. (Roughly 1 in 5 German Shepherds)
Degenerative Myelopathy
This is a slow, progressive weakness of the hind legs caused by changes in the spinal cord, not pain from a slipped disc. Dogs often stay bright and hungry even as walking becomes harder; care focuses on quality of life and mobility. (Roughly 1 in 7 GSDs carry the risk genotype)
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow joint does not grow or fit together evenly, which can cause pain and early arthritis in the front legs. It often starts when dogs are young and active, and catching it early helps protect long-term comfort. (Roughly 1 in 5 German Shepherds)
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV / Bloat)
The stomach can fill with gas and sometimes twist on itself, which is a true emergency. It happens suddenly; the sooner a hospital can stabilize and operate if needed, the better the chance of a good outcome; if you even suspect it, go now. (Predisposition confirmed — breed-specific prevalence data pending)
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Seizures are episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. When no other cause is found after testing, it is often called idiopathic epilepsy; many dogs live full lives with medication and a seizure plan you write down with your vet. (Predisposition confirmed — prevalence data under review)
Health Risks by Age for German Shepherd Dogs
Based on confirmed prevalence data from peer-reviewed sources and OFA registries.
| Age Range | Conditions to Watch | Why This Age Matters | Vet Action Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | Hip dysplasia (developmental), Elbow dysplasia (developmental) | Rapid bone growth makes this the key window for detecting joint malformation before significant arthritis sets in | Screening usually includes a physical exam and hip X-rays; some dogs may be referred for PennHIP or OFA-style radiographs under sedation |
| 2–6 years | Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), Idiopathic epilepsy | GDV risk begins in large deep-chested breeds in this window; epilepsy most commonly presents between one and five years | Emergency vets use X-rays or ultrasound and often surgery for GDV; discuss preventive gastropexy with your vet; after the first seizure, your vet may run blood work and consider anti-seizure medication |
| 6–10 years | Hip dysplasia (arthritic phase), Elbow dysplasia (arthritic phase), Gastric dilatation-volvulus (continuing risk) | Secondary arthritis develops in dysplastic joints; GDV risk continues in this age group | Biannual exams; joint pain management discussion; anti-seizure medication periodic monitoring if applicable |
| 10+ years | Degenerative myelopathy, Hip dysplasia arthritic phase, Elbow dysplasia arthritic phase | Degenerative myelopathy typically presents after eight years; senior dogs with the A/A genotype warrant close neurological monitoring | Your vet will rule out other causes with a neurologic exam and often imaging; genetic testing may be offered; senior wellness bloodwork every 6 months |
Symptoms to Watch For
Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following in your German Shepherd Dog.
- Bunny-hopping with both back legs when running — may indicate hip dysplasia.
- Stiffness after rest or trouble getting up from lying down — may indicate hip dysplasia.
- Less willingness to jump, climb stairs, or go on long walks — may indicate hip dysplasia.
- A narrow stance or swaying of the back end — may indicate hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy.
- Obvious pain or limping after exercise — may indicate hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia.
- Scuffing or dragging the nails of the back feet on walks — may indicate degenerative myelopathy.
- Wobbling or crossing of the back legs — may indicate degenerative myelopathy.
- Difficulty standing on smooth floors or splaying the back feet — may indicate degenerative myelopathy.
- Slow, gradual loss of hind-leg strength over months — may indicate degenerative myelopathy.
- Front-leg limping that comes and goes, often after play — may indicate elbow dysplasia.
- Head bobbing when walking or trotting — may indicate elbow dysplasia.
- Swelling or warmth around one or both elbows — may indicate elbow dysplasia.
- A tight, swollen belly that looks bigger than usual — may indicate gastric dilatation-volvulus; seek emergency care.
- Retching or trying to vomit without bringing anything up — may indicate gastric dilatation-volvulus; seek emergency care.
- Drooling, pacing, or obvious restlessness and pain — may indicate gastric dilatation-volvulus.
- Sudden collapsing, stiffening, paddling, or loss of consciousness — may indicate idiopathic epilepsy.
- Confusion, pacing, or apparent blindness for minutes to hours after an episode — may indicate idiopathic epilepsy.
Research Sources
All health data on this page is drawn from peer-reviewed veterinary research and official registry data. Sources are listed below.
- OFA Hip Dysplasia Statistics Report (historical data). Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. ofa.org/diseases/hip-dysplasia/
- Engdahl K et al. (2026). Prevalence of canine hip and elbow dysplasia in Sweden. Veterinary Record.
- Maki S et al. (2022). Molecular epidemiological survey for degenerative myelopathy in German Shepherd Dogs. Animals, 12:1647. doi:10.3390/ani12131647
- Holder AL et al. (2014). A retrospective study of the prevalence of the canine degenerative myelopathy associated SOD1 mutation in a referral population of German Shepherd dogs from the UK. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 1:10. doi:10.1186/2052-6687-1-10
- OFA Degenerative Myelopathy Statistics. Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. ofa.org/diseases/degenerative-myelopathy/
- OFA Elbow Disease Statistics Report (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). ofa.org/diseases/elbow-dysplasia/
- Glickman LT et al. (2000). Non-dietary risk factors for gastric dilatation-volvulus in large and giant breed dogs. JAVMA, 217:1492–1499.
- Glickman LT et al. (2000). Incidence of and breed-related risk factors for gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs. JAVMA, 216:40–45.
- Berendt M et al. (2015). International veterinary epilepsy task force consensus report on epilepsy definition, classification and terminology in companion animals. BMC Veterinary Research, 11:182. doi:10.1186/s12917-015-0461-2
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of hip dysplasia in German Shepherd Dogs?
Early signs of hip dysplasia in German Shepherd Dogs include bunny-hopping with both back legs when running, stiffness after rest or trouble getting up from lying down, less willingness to jump, climb stairs, or go on long walks, a narrow stance or swaying of the back end, and obvious pain or limping after exercise. Discuss your dog's individual risk with your veterinarian.
At what age does hip dysplasia typically appear in German Shepherd Dogs?
The developmental phase of hip dysplasia is most often detected in young German Shepherd Dogs from birth through approximately two years of age, as the hips form and any malformation becomes apparent. The arthritic phase, which develops as joint wear accumulates, typically becomes apparent from around six years onwards and continues through the senior years. Discuss your dog's individual risk with your veterinarian.
How is hip dysplasia diagnosed in dogs?
Screening usually includes a physical exam and hip X-rays; some dogs may be referred for PennHIP or OFA-style radiographs under sedation. Discuss your dog's individual risk with your veterinarian.
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