Which lives longer, the Dachshund or the German Shepherd Dog?

The Dachshund has the longer median lifespan: Dachshund 13.2 years versus German Shepherd Dog 11.3 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the Dachshund or the German Shepherd Dog?

On the Breed Health Score the Dachshund scores 79/100 and the German Shepherd Dog scores 59/100. The Dachshund scores higher.

Dachshund vs German Shepherd Dog

The Dachshund has a median lifespan of 13.2 years and a Breed Health Score of 79/100 (grade A); the German Shepherd Dog lives a median of 11.3 years with a score of 59/100 (grade C). On the overall index the Dachshund scores higher. The Dachshund has the longer median lifespan.

Dachshund

79grade A

German Shepherd Dog

59grade C

Median lifespan

13.2 yr

11.3 yr

Size

small · 7-15 kg

large · 22-40 kg

Flat-faced

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

79A

59C

Conditions

IVDD Progressive retinal atrophy Obesity Patellar luxation Cushing's disease

Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Degenerative myelopathy Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency GDV (bloat)

Full profiles

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How to read this. The Breed Health Score combines longevity (65%), conformation (20%) and hereditary burden (15%); see the methodology. Median lifespan is from McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. These are independent estimates for comparing breeds, not veterinary advice. Build your own with the interactive compare tool.