Most dogs are considered senior at 7 years of age. However, larger dogs tend to have a shorter life expectancy than their smaller counterparts, so health issues may occur sooner for them. Shiloh Shepherds are considered an extra-large breed. Thus, they are considered “seniors” as early as 5 years and “geriatric” as early as 10.
Shiloh Shepherds have an average life span of 9 to 11 years. However, we have seen some Shilohs reach 13 and 14 years of age.
Size of Dog | Small 20lbs or less |
Medium 21-50lbs |
Large 51-90lbs |
Extra-Large over 90lbs |
Age of Dog | AGE IN HUMAN YEARS | |||
1 Year | 15 | 15 | 15 | 12 |
2 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 22 |
3 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 31 |
4 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 38 |
5 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 45 |
6 | 40 | 42 | 45 | 49 |
7 | 44 | 47 | 50 | 56 |
8 | 48 | 51 | 55 | 64 |
9 | 52 | 56 | 61 | 71 |
10 | 56 | 60 | 66 | 79 |
11 | 60 | 65 | 72 | 86 |
12 | 64 | 69 | 77 | 93 |
13 | 68 | 74 | 82 | 100 |
14 | 72 | 78 | 88 | 108 |
15 | 76 | 83 | 93 | 115 |
*dark gray = senior dogs; green= geriatric dogs
Although an annual exam may be sufficient for younger dogs, it is generally recommended that your veterinarian see your older dog at least two times per year.
Caring for Senior Dog; a video by Pet Health Network
Reference Links
- Normal Aging and Expected Changes in Older (Senior, Geriatric) Dogs {www.peteducation.com}
- Degenerative Myelopathy and the aging Shepherd {www.petplace.com/dogs/degenerative-myelopathy/page1.aspx}
- When Eyes & Ears Fail {www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/age-related-hearing-and-vision-loss-in-dogs/}
- How Fast Is Your Dog Aging? That Depends… by Dr Karen Becker {http://healthypets.mercola.com}
- Helping Your Dog Understand the Loss of Their Canine Companion {https://m.petmd.com}
- Quality of Life Scales for Pets {www.journeyspet.com}