Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 12 and 14 years, which is a fine longevity for a large hunting dog. This duration depends on the quality of the breeding, the control of growth, muscular and joint maintenance, as well as regular veterinary follow-up.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The English Pointer shows adequate robustness, with good endurance and an overall healthy constitution, but it is not free from hereditary or functional sensitivities. Excessively intense growth, overweight, or poorly calibrated exertion in the young dog can weigh on its joint capital.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Prevention should mainly focus on the joints, the eyes and the condition of the ears after outings, especially on dirty or vegetated terrain. An early check of breeding dogs and a gradual exercise pace during growth are particularly important in this active breed.
Hip dysplasia: A joint malformation that can hinder movement and promote osteoarthritis, to be monitored especially in affected lines and during growth.
Entropion: An inward rolling of the eyelid that irritates the cornea and requires prompt veterinary advice.
Cataract: A clouding of the lens sometimes observed in the breed and that can gradually impair vision.
Deafness: A few cases have been reported, hence the value of choosing monitored breeding dogs and being attentive to the puppy's auditory reactions.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its short coat makes it more comfortable in a temperate climate than in prolonged damp cold. It tolerates exertion but must be protected during high heat, with outings shifted, shade and careful hydration.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The English Pointer must remain lean and muscular. A ration that is too rich or insufficient activity can quickly unbalance its silhouette and increase the load on the joints, whereas well-controlled weight supports its mobility and endurance.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Check the ears after outdoor outings.
- Monitor the gait during growth and talk to the veterinarian at the slightest doubt.
- Maintain a lean weight to spare the joints.
- Plan an ophthalmological follow-up if the lineage justifies it.
Vaccination
English Pointer vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a English Pointer need? Like all dogs, English Pointers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial English Pointer vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult English Pointer booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your English Pointer need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy English Pointer
It is relevant to monitor the hips, ophthalmological status and hearing depending on the line, in addition to routine veterinary examinations. In the puppy and the young adult, growth monitoring helps to adjust exercise and diet to the right level.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
