Hip problems have been around long before “sloping backs” - in any of its bloodlines.
There are many problems w/GS that go beyond the ever-present HD, which you’d think is the only problem the way GS People and Joe Schmoe talk about them. I have the most allergic dog in the world - a “hidden” non-discussed problem of GS, primarily it seems European. They also have epilepsy and Degenerative Myelopathy(Sp?), etc. It is tragic.
What is that? Perhaps that is what my friend's dog has. Her rear end just seems to be collapsing and she can no longer handle stairs, or walks. She has 20 acres and an adjacent golf course to roam (when it is closed). She can no longer do that. Although she has always been independent and a good family guard dog, she hardly wants to go out now.
Funny thing, she likes being on the leash now, rather than to roam independently. I think she feels more secure because she knows that her owner will not stray too far away.
Her vet says she's not in pain, but it breaks my heart to see this noble creature in such pathetic shape. And, she is no longer allowed to play with my dog because my Golden is considered too rough on her. She used to beat my dog to a pulp by repeated "body hits" on him (he loved every minute of it), but she is just a shadow of her former self, and they are the same age.
My friend's GSD was bred to be show dog, and she cost a lot of money. My Golden (who is just as beautiful) was found as a stray and adopted from a rescue organization. I took a lot of ribbing from my friend's husband for adopting a dog from a rescue organization because (in his words) "You don't know what you are getting." Well, I got the dog that lasted longer! But, it gives me no pleasure because I love her GSD almost as much as my Golden. Also, as I watch her dog deteriorate, I know that mine is next; and it makes me sad.
Maybe 10 years is normal for a GSD, but my previous Golden was with me for 15 1/2 years, despite having suffered a ruptured disc at 5. 10 years seems just too short.