German Wirehaired Pointer health: what owners should know
Conditions the German Wirehaired Pointer is known to be prone to, breeder screening and everyday habits that help.
Sturdy as they are, Wirehairs can inherit hip and elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand disease (a bleeding disorder) and some eye conditions, and their deep chest brings a risk of bloat. Reputable breeders hip and elbow score the parents, use DNA testing for von Willebrand disease and have eyes examined.
Keep your dog lean and check paws and coat after field work. Go to a vet urgently if your dog has a swollen, hard belly with retching that brings nothing up. Book an exam for any limping that lasts more than a couple of days, or for bleeding from small cuts or the gums that seems slow to stop.
Numbers worth knowing
Life expectancy
12 to 14 yrs
Senior care
Individual assessment
age alone does not define care needs
Typical breed weight
23 to 32 kg