Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years. Suitable activity, a balanced diet and regular veterinary follow-up help preserve its condition over the years.
Build
A robust breed?
The breed benefits from a robust and hardy constitution, suited to work on varied terrain and in bad weather. This good overall soundness does not rule out screening for joint disorders and monitoring of the eyes.
Watch points
What to watch for
Even if the breed is considered robust, regular veterinary monitoring makes it possible to detect early the problems to which it may be exposed, particularly in very active dogs or those intended for breeding.
Hip dysplasia : A malformation of the hip joint that can lead to pain, lameness, and osteoarthritis.
Elbow dysplasia : A developmental abnormality of the elbow that may cause lameness and osteoarthritis in an active dog.
Progressive retinal atrophy : A degenerative condition of the retina that can lead to a progressive loss of vision.
Cataract : An opacification of the lens that can reduce vision and require veterinary care.
Epilepsy : Recurrent seizures that require diagnosis and veterinary follow-up.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Thanks to its hard outer coat and its undercoat, it tolerates cold and bad weather well. Its tolerance to heat is also adequate, but intense exertion must remain adapted to weather conditions and the dog's condition.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its tendency to gain weight is moderate. The ration must be adjusted to its age, its size and above all to its level of activity, with regular monitoring of its silhouette when outings or the hunting season decrease.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have the hips checked, especially before breeding.
- Inspect and clean the ears after outings in vegetation or water.
- Brush the dog once or twice a week and more during shedding.
- Brush the teeth regularly and monitor the length of the claws.
- Consult promptly in case of lameness, decreased vision, or a seizure.
Vaccination
Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer? Like all dogs, the Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Slovakian Wirehaired 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 Slovakian Wirehaired 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 Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer
A hip screening is recommended, particularly for breeding dogs. The veterinarian may complete the follow-up depending on the history, activity and clinical signs observed.
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.
