Which lives longer, the English Springer Spaniel or the German Shepherd Dog?

The English Springer Spaniel has the longer median lifespan: English Springer Spaniel 13.5 years versus German Shepherd Dog 11.3 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the English Springer Spaniel or the German Shepherd Dog?

On the Breed Health Score the English Springer Spaniel scores 83/100 and the German Shepherd Dog scores 59/100. The English Springer Spaniel scores higher.

English Springer Spaniel vs German Shepherd Dog

The English Springer Spaniel has a median lifespan of 13.5 years and a Breed Health Score of 83/100 (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 English Springer Spaniel scores higher. The English Springer Spaniel has the longer median lifespan.

English Springer Spaniel

83grade A

German Shepherd Dog

59grade C

Median lifespan

13.5 yr

11.3 yr

Size

medium · 18-25 kg

large · 22-40 kg

Flat-faced

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

83A

59C

Conditions

Progressive retinal atrophy Hip dysplasia Otitis externa PFK deficiency Fucosidosis

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.