Longevity
Life expectancy
With a stable weight, regular activity and joint monitoring, the Italian Pointer often lives 10 to 14 years. Subjects that are too heavy or too much stressed when young age less well.
Build
A robust breed?
The Italian Pointer is a robust and resilient dog, despite predispositions to certain diseases or anomalies mainly of a dermatological nature.
Watch points
What to watch for
Monitor gait, ears after working in cover, appetite and recovery after exertion. Lameness, recurrent ear infections or bloating require prompt veterinary advice.
Hip and elbow dysplasia : Large pointing dogs are exposed to it; screening breeding dogs and reasonable growth are essential.
Otitis : Drooping ears and working in cover promote inflammation.
Eye conditions : An ophthalmological examination of breeding dogs is recommended.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus : Risk in large sizes: two meals and no strenuous effort afterwards.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its short coat offers little protection from damp cold and intense sun. Plan on drying it after working in water and providing shade in summer.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Out of season, this pointing dog easily gains weight. The ribs must remain palpable: adjust the ration as soon as activity decreases.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Split meals and avoid exertion right after.
- Inspect the ears after working in cover.
- Maintain a lean weight, especially out of season.
Vaccination
Italian Pointer vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Italian Pointer? Like all dogs, the Italian Pointer receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Italian 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 Italian 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 Italian Pointer?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Italian Pointer
Request hip and elbow evaluations, an eye examination and a clinical check-up. Annual follow-up with weight and ear checks is recommended.
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.
