QuestionHow long do they stay in heat? What is the best foods do they need? How long do they live for?
AnswerThe bleeding only lasts a week or 2, the swelling and hormonal disturbance may last another month. You need to either do extensive preparation or have any female spayed by 6 months. A good place to start is http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/articles.html#breeding
There is a tremdous amount of hype about food with nothing to back it up. The truth is, the service dog schools are in a better position to make informed decisions about food thaqn anybody. It varies from school to school, but they are very successful feeding the common brands widely dismissed as junk.
A well cared for Shepherd should live 12-15 years.