English Pointer health: what owners should know

Pointers are sound, athletic dogs overall, though the breed is known to be predisposed to hip dysplasia, some eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and hereditary deafness in some lines. Bloat is a recognized risk because of the deep chest. Busy working dogs also suffer more than their share of cut pads, torn nails and split tail tips from enthusiastic wagging in tight spaces.

Good breeders X-ray hips, have eyes examined and may arrange hearing tests for puppies. Your part is keeping the dog lean, warming up before hard runs and checking feet after outings. See your vet if you notice lameness lasting more than a day, weight gain with lethargy, clouding in the eyes, a bleeding tail tip that won't heal, or any sign of bloat, which is an emergency.