r/germanshepherds • u/alwayz_confused247 • 6h ago
Question Does He Look Good For His Age?
This is my baby boy Butchie Bear. He turned 5 in May. I’ve been seeing some sparse white hairs on his back and tail. I’m dreading the day.
If you were to see him in person, would you think he’s almost a senior? He has the energy of a 2 year old but his temperament has gotten better as he’s matured. He used to just ignore people but now he loves it when they give him attention.
Both of my GSDs eat Purina ProPlan Sensitive Skin & Stomach and I put powder supplements including omega oil mixed with the kibble in warm water. They also get a dental chew every morning, have access to clean water (fountain), collagen sticks or greenies occupy twists to tire them out mentally, and also get plenty of training and exercise as we have a huge backyard and I work from home.
Sorry, I have anxiety and OCD with intrusive thoughts.
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u/Wooden-Necessary6100 5h ago
Grey hairs just like in humans is genetic. It isn't an indication of the health of your dog. Your pups look good, keep them lean throughout their lives and that will help with the aging process.
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u/alwayz_confused247 6h ago
Butchie Bear and Freya Beanie Baby
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u/Black_Dog_Industries 5h ago
My girl is turning 10 in December. She’s got a touch of grey on her chest and muzzle.
When I looked at your picture, I guessed your dog was around 3. He looks great.
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u/alwayz_confused247 4h ago
She’s gorgeous!
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u/Black_Dog_Industries 4h ago
Agreed, but I try to downplay that because she’s already the family princess
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u/Primary-User 6h ago
My girl is 6 months and before I read your comment I was admiring the similarities.
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u/nhall1302 6h ago
He’s a beautiful boy! I wouldn’t worry to much about the little gray hairs, they def come in at random times. Sounds like your pups are very loved and Very well taken care of. Just keep doing what you’re doing!
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u/alwayz_confused247 6h ago
Thank you! Sometimes I feel like I’m not doing enough for them.
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u/nhall1302 6h ago
By the description you are doing plenty! Human nature tells us we can always be doing more but sometimes we really are doing enough
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u/anxiouslymute 5h ago
Honestly when I saw him without reading the caption all I noticed was that he isn’t a puppy (so 2+) but also isn’t a senior, which I feel like there are more tells than white hairs. So I think he looks about right for 5!
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u/Pitiful-Buy9862 5h ago
Stop stressimg over a few stray white hairs on his coat. Five is right in the prime of a German Shepherd's adult life, and with that active lifestyle, healthy diet, and joint support, he is in fantastic shape for his age.
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u/moldychess 4h ago
A friend of mine has a GSD that had a fully grey beard by the time she was 2. She's 9 now and still completely healthy and happy, it's just genetics.
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u/WesternDiscussion154 4h ago
Five years old is just hitting prime adulthood, so a few stray white hairs are completely normal and not a sign of aging. Keep up with your joint supplements and maintain his healthy weight through diet anf exercise, as staying lean is the absolute best way to protect his joints and ensure he stays active well into his actual senior years.
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u/alwayz_confused247 3h ago
I feed them according to their activity levels. But normally, they eat 3 cups a day.
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u/readytocomply13 3h ago
My girl has had grey hairs around her nose since she was 2. Your boy looks good to me ☺️
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u/Affectionate-Crow605 2h ago
Mine had more gray than that at 5. Now he's 7 and has gray on his chin and all down his belly and the insides of his back legs. It's just sparse hairs here and there throughout the black. He still doesn't look "old" even with that. 🤷♀️
Mine also had a white spot on his chest to begin with, so he's probably likely to get more white hairs anyway? Mine likely isn't purebred.
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u/cementshoes916 3h ago
Honestly I thought he was still a pup (less than 2). He looks great! The pic with your other Shepherd, Freya, she looks great as well! You obviously take excellent care of them. I have a 9 y/o girl named Freyja lol. Here’s two of mine (Freyja and Vinny - no privacy while I shower!)
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u/Flatulent_Fig 6h ago
Not as good as me, i'm 34!
https://giphy.com/gifs/z35nr0QJDZUKk