The aging process for the GSD - Page 1

Anyone know of good web resources on German Shepherd aging? A guy two cubicles over is considering adopting a 9-year old rescue. Thanks.

I copied this a few months ago but can't remember where from... how true it is, is anyone's guess.
 

Calculate your dog's true age

For first two years:

• 9 years per human year for the first two years for small dogs
• 10.5 years per human year for the first two years for medium sized dogs
• 12.5 years per human year for the first two years for large dogs

For years 3+:

Small: Dachshund (Miniature) 4.32, Border Terrier 4.47, Lhasa Apso 4.49, Shih Tzu 4.78, Whippet Medium 5.30, Chihuahua 4.87, West Highland White Terrier 4.96, Beagle 5.20, Miniature Schnauzer 5.46, Spaniel (Cocker) 5.55, Cavalier King Charles 5.77, Pug 5.95, French Bulldog 7.65

Medium: Spaniel 5.46, Retriever (Labrador) 5.74, Golden Retriever 5.74, Staffordshire Bull Terrier 5.33, Bulldog 13.42

Large: German Shepherd 7.84, Boxer 8.90

Thanks Spooks, that's really interesting and pretty accurate I think. I found this link to a photographer's pictures of her 12 year old GSD female: http://vombanachk9.com/about-vom-banach-k9/jiva-celebrates-12-vom-banach-k9/ Looks great for 12. I wonder if there's literature on how age affects different bloodlines; US, German, Mexican, etc. Anyone know?

GSD's typically live 10-12 years. Of course some live to be 14, only a handfull.
If this guy is looking to comfort a dog for its last few years, its a great idea. But if he's looking for a long term dog to go out hiking with, its a bad idea.
 

I have an almost 10 yo female and a 12 yo male, neither have any health issues.  The male is a bit gimpy, but he's a rescue and the vet told us both his knees had been broken at one time.  My female still jumps up into my F250 4x4 with ease and was out bird hunting with us for hours in December, we started training for her IPO 2 & 3 but her worn teeth made me stop.  I know a few people with 15-17 yr old GSDs and there is more than one 10+ yo Sch3 GSD still trialing in Michigan right now.  So that 9 yr old could surprise you and stick around for another 6 yrs or so.  

Funny you should mention hiking because Bert is a big hiker and cyclist. I don't know specifically that those would be his plans but I have to think they're in his mind, at least the hiking. Sounds like it really depends on the individual dog - and like us, how hard of a life it's lived.

The 10 year Sch3 in Michigan sounds great!

PS: I couldn't jump in the Ford 3/4 ton 4x "with ease" 

Bert and his wife went and met the dog and said it had a wonderful temperament but appeared arthritic or at least in discomfort, and not the best candidate for weekends at the cabin hiking and bike riding. So this particular 9 year old was not a good match at any rate. Thanks for your input.