Health Guide
Dutch Shepherd Health Problems & Prevention
Common health issues, symptoms to watch for, and how to keep your Dutch Shepherd healthy.
Life Expectancy
11-14 years
Common health problems in the Dutch Shepherd
Condition % of breed affected
Inflammatory Myopathy (IM / Myositis; SLC25A12 mutation)~8% carrier rate in tested populations
Hip Dysplasia8.6% OFA dysplastic evaluations
Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia (SDCA1 & SDCA2)Rare but documented across shepherd bloodlines
Goniodysplasia / Pectinate Ligament AbnormalityHighest in Rough-haired (Ruwhaar) Dutch Shepherds
Elbow Dysplasia5.5% - 6.9% OFA abnormal evaluations
Risk profile
- Cruciate ligament tear
- High
- Vet costs over a lifetime
- Medium
- Cancer
- Low
- Heart
- Low
- Neurological
- Medium
Prone to high-speed deceleration collisions against walls/fences during fetch; foot pad lacerations and wear from high-speed sprinting over rough concrete or gravel.
Health tests to ask a breeder for
A responsible Dutch Shepherd breeder can show results for these tests for both parents.
- OFA or PennHIP Radiographic Hip Evaluation
- OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation
- CAER / OFA Annual Eye Examination (including gonioscopy for rough-haired varieties)
- DNA panel: Inflammatory Myopathy (SLC25A12, Univ of Minnesota test)
- DNA panel: SDCA1 (KCNJ10) and SDCA2 (ATP1B2)
- DNA panel: Degenerative Myelopathy (SOD1)
- OFA Spinal Radiographs (recommended for working/sport performance stock)
A Dutch Shepherd getting older
Senior from about 8 years. Average lifespan: 11-14 years.
- Secondary osteoarthritis
- Spinal stiffness
- Reduced heat dissipation capacity
- Gradual loss of explosive acceleration
- Mild canine cognitive dysfunction in dogs exceeding 12-13 years
Transition from high-impact bite work and hurdle jumping to low-impact scent detection games, hydrotherapy, and structured slow pack walks.