Longevity
Life expectancy
With an appropriate lifestyle, regular activity and preventive veterinary follow-up, it generally lives between 12 and 14 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Its solid build and double coat give it good overall resistance. This robustness does not exempt it from joint screening or regular checks of its drooping ears.
Watch points
What to watch for
Particular attention must be paid to the joints and ears. Choosing a breeder that carries out the recommended screenings helps reduce hereditary risks.
Hip dysplasia : A developmental abnormality of the coxofemoral joint that can cause pain, lameness, and osteoarthritis.
Elbow dysplasia : An orthopedic condition of the forelimb that may cause lameness and early osteoarthritis.
Otitis : Drooping ears can promote moisture and inflammation, hence the value of regular inspection.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its double coat protects it fairly well from cold and bad weather. Its tolerance to heat is average: during hot periods, exertion must be shifted to cooler hours and shaded areas must remain accessible.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its diet must be adjusted to its level of activity in order to maintain an athletic silhouette. Weight, body condition and portions must be monitored regularly, especially when hunting activity decreases.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have hips and elbows screened in breeding dogs.
- Inspect and dry the ears after outings in a humid environment.
- Check the coat, paw pads and skin when returning from a walk.
- Keep vaccinations and antiparasitic treatments up to date.
Vaccination
German Longhaired Pointer vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a German Longhaired Pointer? Like all cats, the German Longhaired Pointer receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for German Longhaired Pointer is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult German Longhaired Pointer vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your German Longhaired Pointer?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy German Longhaired Pointer
The recommended examinations mainly concern screening for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Regular ear checks also help to prevent or detect ear infections early.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
