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.
Dear Ramona, it is with a broken heart I want to let you know I lost my hiking partner and best friend. Klancee (Ravenna of Sapphire Mountain). Born Sept. 22 2012. Jaxon of Sappphire Mountain,- Flame of Sapphire Mountain. She was 13 years old however we hiked most every day and no one could believe she was an older dog. She went with me into every store in Kalispell, was well known and like by every person at Haron Horse Park. she was kind to other dogs, and children, yet a good watch dog. I miss her terribly. She was healthy and active until the last few days of her life. she died of lung cancer. Even to the very last, people would constantly remark of what a beautiful dog she was, even strangers we would pass walking. Thank you for her. She was a well-bred dog. Very healthy and sound. I trusted her around people and children and even small dogs. She was a good watch dog but she could tell the good guys from the bad guys. If there is another dog that would need a good home, please consider me. I still hike, but am not going to do it alone. Klancee had a wonderful life Thank you again for Klancee. Sandra
(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.