“Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog.” – Sidney Jeanne Sewell
Longevity is an important factor to us & our client’s. It reflects both the quantity & quality of life. 10 to 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.
Almost 13 years of age...(photo as a pup and with mom) Hi Ramona, it's with a heavy heart that I am reaching out to you today. We had to put Shep down yesterday. She was from the Y litter. You definitely picked a good one for our family, she was the smartest GSD I have ever had the privilege of being around and training. She took her mission of protecting my girls/ Beth and Haley very serious while I was away on fires right up to her last day. Thank you so much for breeding a quality working dog, With respect John, Beth and Haley, in OR
(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.
Current photo of Xurk at 13 yrs and 3 months; CGCA CGCU TD TDU FITB ACT1 VSWB ACT 1J RN (RN title earned at 12.7 years of age with scores of ( 91 / 91/ 73 ). Remarks; Judge Nancy Watson "what a nice team, his eagerness to work with you was truly delightful". Judge Karen Wrey "Nice job!”). PennHIP 90th/OFA Elbows Prelim Normal DM Clear. Xurk is B-H.O.T (Breeder-Handler.Owner.Trained).
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
(lived 13.9 years, foundation dog for Sapphire Shepherds) SG - ROCKY VENUSINA SOPKA (Czech Import) 0/0, CGC ZVV1 SchH2 IPO2.
(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) 10.07.1996 / 15.06.2010 One of our foundation males. 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.
(lived to 15.5 years of age) Flame of Sapphire Mountain; OFA Good/Normal, working security dog.
(Vlad at 12 years & 3 months). Vlad of Sapphire Mountain; OFA Preliminary Fair / Normal, Full Dentition, CGC CGCA CGCU ACT 1.
(Lived to 15.5 years of age) Brook of Sapphire Mountain; OFA Good/Normal, CGC, TD.
16 years of age. Kenzee of Sapphire Mountain Dob; 4/15/2010 Titled; BH (Oct 20-21, 2012. North Jersey Schutzhund & Police Assoc. Judge; Al Govednik). Hi Ramona, Sadly, a few days ago our beloved Kenzie left us just a few weeks shy of her 16th birthday (and as such, I declare her 16). She enjoyed a very good quality of life and was a HUGE part of our family day to day. It's hard to put things in perspective, losing her after such a long time. She lived a great life, enjoyed robust health, the result of great genetics and husbandry. More than 15 years ago we began to train for the BH she earned, we then spent a full year training personal protection, bringing her though high levels of training (sleeve, suit, then hidden sleeve, hidden suits, muzzle work, etc...). She thrived in protection and had a tender side, welcomed our daughter home as an infant 14 years ago and been beside her ever since. We miss her enormously, it's been such a privilege to have had her in our life. -Steve & Family (photo from her 15th Birthday)
(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
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
(Lived to 14.8 years) Odin of Sapphire Mountain; Ramona, Odin was beautiful and an exceptional dog. He is very much missed, Steve
(13yrs. 4 months) Kona of Mission Mountain; CGC, ACT 1, PennHIP 90th /Normal
(lived into her 12th year) Ajsa Bohemia Rom-Pan One of our foundation broods.
(Lived into her 12th year) SAR Kiera of Sapphire Mountain Wilderness Live Find, Cadaver.