Which lives longer, the German Shepherd Dog or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has the longer median lifespan: German Shepherd Dog 11.3 years versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier 12.0 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the German Shepherd Dog or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

On the Breed Health Score the German Shepherd Dog scores 59/100 and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier scores 67/100. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier scores higher.

German Shepherd Dog vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The German Shepherd Dog has a median lifespan of 11.3 years and a Breed Health Score of 59/100 (grade C); the Staffordshire Bull Terrier lives a median of 12.0 years with a score of 67/100 (grade B). On the overall index the Staffordshire Bull Terrier scores higher. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has the longer median lifespan.

German Shepherd Dog

59grade C

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

67grade B

Median lifespan

11.3 yr

12.0 yr

Size

large · 22-40 kg

medium · 11-17 kg

Flat-faced

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

59C

67B

Conditions

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

Hereditary cataracts L-2-HGA Atopic dermatitis Mast cell tumours Hip dysplasia

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.