Showlines longetivity.. - Page 3

Longevity:  VA-Brenda v. Messebau is one of my original foundation females.  She is almost 15 years old and still does bitework (and sleeps a lot!).  She is the mother of VA-Drake v. Kirchenwald and the great-grandmother of 2007 VA-Gorbi v. Kirchenwald, as well as the great-great grandmother to all of our currently high placing Gorbi pups.  Not many kennels can present a pup and their great-great grandmother at the same time!

Both of my other foundation females lived healthy robust lives until 13.5 years of age (V-Meika v. Isidora, mother to VA-Janka Kirchenwald and grandmother to VA-Zeke Kirchenwald, also Junghund Sieger Caleb Kirchenwald and Jugend Sieger Atlas Kirchenwald).

Maiden Auntie (mild HD one hip), Quessi v. Wilhendorf (VA-Jello Wienerau daughter) is also 13.5 years old and is only now beginning to slow down.

Like most issues affecting our breed, I attribute the profound longevity in my breeding program to excellent genetics and environment.

Gayle Kirkwood

I too, dispair at the number of people who come to buy a puppy after losing the previous GSD at 10 or younger.  I currently have 4 over 11, 2 around 10 (including my showline import from Friedersdorfer Flur kennel) and they are all still well and active.  Most of mine have made teenage and I had one who lived to 17.  On the other hand, my beloved Jeck v Noricum son died at 6 with cancer and my Fedor grandson died at 9 with heart problems.  I suppose breeding for longevity depends to some degree how long you want your dog to live, it may suit some breeders not have dogs that live too much longer than their breeding life.

Margaret N-J

Thanks to all for your comments. I feel much better not needing to expect mental/health issues after just a few years. Thanks,

Yellowrose: For some reason I am unable to PM you? My email is siegershow@sbcglobal.net

Feel free to PM me. Also anyone with knowledge of the kennels I mentioned above or the individuals feel free to contact me as well.

Thanks again,

Dan