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 dogs, the German Longhaired Pointer receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for German Longhaired Pointer is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based 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 diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based 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 German Longhaired Pointer vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
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.
