German Shorthaired Pointer health: what owners should know
Conditions the German Shorthaired Pointer is known to be prone to, breeder screening and everyday habits that help.
Shorthairs are generally robust, but hip and elbow dysplasia, certain eye conditions and some inherited heart and skin problems occur in the breed. Like other deep-chested dogs, they can suffer bloat, where the stomach fills with gas and may twist. Responsible breeders hip and elbow score the parents, arrange eye examinations and use DNA tests relevant to their lines.
Keep your dog lean, warm up before hard runs and check for cuts and thorns after rough terrain. Treat a swollen, tight belly, retching that brings nothing up, or restlessness and distress after eating as an emergency and go to a vet straight away. Limping that lasts more than a day or two, or a sudden drop in stamina, also deserves a vet visit.
Numbers worth knowing
Life expectancy
12 to 14 yrs
Senior care
Individual assessment
age alone does not define care needs
Typical breed weight
20 to 32 kg