Longevity
Life expectancy
With an appropriate lifestyle, regular activity and preventive veterinary follow-up, it generally lives between 12 and 14 years.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a German Longhaired Pointer need? Like all dogs, German Longhaired Pointers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial German Longhaired 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 German Longhaired 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 German Longhaired 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 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
