I love old dogs! Longevity is an important factor to me & to our client’s.
12 years is a good long life for a German Shepherd. Anything over is a blessing. This page is in honor of the numerous senior dogs from our breeding program who've lived between 12 - 16 years of age. I know in almost 30 years of breeding, a number of these dogs are not listed. Please let me know if your dog is not listed!
(lived to 14 years of age) ZEKE DANIELS 3/1/2003 - 3/1/2017 (Rocky / Pen son), OFA Good owned by Richard & Peggy Daniels, NC. 2006 National Competitor AWDF Championships Gadsden AL Awarded VP 3 conformation rating in 6–9-month male class. SchH1 High in Trial 100-96-100, under SV Judge Sergi Bogden. SchH2 98-96-95 Knoxville TN under USA Judge Carla Griffith. (4x) SchH3 High In Trial, in all 3 phases 91-92-98 Louisburg NC under USA Judge Mike Caputo. Easily repeated his Sch. III on a few occasions afterwards.
(Lived to 13.3 years of age). V Otto of Sapphire Mountain; KKL 1 LBZ, V rated excellent conformation, Good/Normal CGC BH AD TD TDX FH1 IPO3.
(lived to 15.5 years of age) Flame of Sapphire Mountain; OFA Good/Normal, working security dog.
(Lived to 15.5 years of age) Brook of Sapphire Mountain; OFA Good/Normal, CGC, TD.
(Still alive in her 15th year). Kinze of Sapphire Mountain; A beloved member of the Barat family who have owned 3 dogs from us over the years. The first was Odin who lived to 14.8 years (and is found listed on this page).
(Lived to 14.8 years) Odin of Sapphire Mountain; Ramona, Odin was beautiful and an exceptional dog. He is very much missed, Steve
Ramona- It has been a long time. I wanted to let you know that Bear died. He was 12 years old and what a wonderful dog! Bear earned his BH 10 years ago and went on to earn many titles in the following years, up to his Schutzhund 3. They say it takes 3 things to be successful in that sport (a decent handler, a good club, and a dog with the genetics and drives). I really appreciate your breeding program, which enabled that success. Beyond that he was a great family dog and enjoyed being with us throughout the various changes our lives brought. He was extremely adaptable. I hope everything is going well for you. Thanks, Rene
(Current photo of Vlad at 12 years & 3 months). Vlad of Sapphire Mountain; OFA Preliminary Fair / Normal, Full Dentition, CGC CGCA CGCU ACT 1.
(Selah lived into her 12th year.) SAR Selah of Sapphire Mountain; Trailing 1, Cadaver 2. Owner wrote to us in part "The proof is in the skill and excellence of the dog. I am so proud of her." Rae
(Currently in his 12th year/photo with his son). Xurk of Sapphire Mountain; CGCA CGCU TD TDU FITB ACT1, PennHIP 90th/OFA Elbows Prelim Normal DM Clear. Xurk is B-H.O.T (Breeder-Handler.Owner.Trained).
(Currently in her 12th year, photo from 2025 visit). Ursa of Sapphire Mountain, OFA Preliminary Fair/Normal, CGC CGCA TD. A female of wonderful temperament to people and dogs.
(lived to 12.7 years) CZAR of SAPPHIRE MOUNTAIN; OFA Good/Normal (at 52 months of age). Frozen semen sold to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
(lived to 13 years 11 months) SG BALLI PANTA - REI 0/0, 1. tr., 5CY5/55, SVV1 ZPS1 SchH3 IPO3 ZVV3. Winner of the ZVV3 Protection phase at the 2003 Czech Rep. Natl. Competition. 10.07.1996 / 15.06.2010 One of our foundation males.
(Photo at 12 years and 2.5 months of age) Kona of Mission Mountain; CGC, ACT 1, PennHIP 90th /Normal
(Lived into her 12th year) SAR Kiera of Sapphire Mountain Wilderness Live Find, Cadaver. Owner/handler DVM Gina Clouse
(lived 13.9 years) SG - ROCKY VENUSINA SOPKA (Czech Import) 0/0, CGC ZVV1 SchH2 IPO2. Foundation dog for Sapphire Shepherds.
(lived into her 12th year) Ajsa Bohemia Rom-Pan One of our foundation broods.