Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 12 and 14 years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its build is robust and its protective coat allows it to work in varied environments. Regular activity helps to maintain its physical condition.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Veterinary monitoring must in particular focus on the joint and eye disorders to which the breed may be exposed.
Hip dysplasia: This joint condition can affect the breed and warrants vigilance regarding mobility.
Eye conditions: Certain eye disorders have been reported and require monitoring.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Thanks to its double coat, hard and dense, it withstands cold and bad weather quite well. It also shows good tolerance to heat.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
He may tend to gain weight, especially when his lifestyle is too sedentary. Frequent outings and regular monitoring of his body condition are therefore important.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Monitor weight and body condition regularly.
- Have the hips and eyes checked during veterinary follow-up.
- Inspect the inside of the ears regularly.
- Avoid intense activities during the puppy's growth.
Vaccination
German Wirehaired Pointer vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a German Wirehaired Pointer need? Like all dogs, German Wirehaired Pointers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer
Careful veterinary monitoring of the hips and eyes is recommended in view of the conditions reported in the breed.
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.
