German Shorthaired Pointer
owners have a strong network of information about
the health needs and special requirements of this
very popular hunting/competition breed. Most owners
can depend on an intelligent, active, and healthy
dog that will bring few major problems. However,
over-breeding and careless breeding have caused
problems in some bloodlines.
Most of the problems heard about can be avoided by
working closely with a top-quality, reputable
breeder. This should ensure that you get a healthy
puppy from good parents, as well as a young dog that
is socialized properly with humans and other dogs.
The German Shorthaired Pointer was specifically bred
as a hunting companion and working dog so this breed
does best with regular exercise, especially in an
open field.
This breed has a short coat
and tight skin, which might mislead you into
thinking it does not do well in cold climates.
However, experienced owners will tell you that this
dog seems to do fine in most climates, especially if
they can be active. Additionally, the German
Shorthaired Pointer usually lives about 12 to 15
years, especially if provided with top-quality food.
You might want to consider fresh foods in homemade
meals containing lean meats and some vegetables.
Now, if you feed commercial dog foods, use only the
best quality to avoid excessive amounts of grain
such as corn, wheat, or soy, which could cause
allergy problems.
While considered a health choice, the German
Shorthaired Pointer is prone to some health risks
such as Addison’s disease, which is the inadequate
secretion of cortisone from the adrenal glands and
chronic superficial Keratits, long-term inflammation
of the cornea. Other possible health risks involve
hip dysplasia, which is a joint disease capable of
being detected by an early test, as well as
progressive retinal atrophy that first affects night
vision and then all vision. We recommend asking your
veterinarian about these and other possible problems
associated specifically with this breed.
The breed may be subject to bloat, as it is
sometimes called although the formal term is
“gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)” This condition
can be serious, even life threatening for larger
breeds. With the habit of bolting food and drinking
large amounts of water, the condition can develop
and move into something much larger. Feeding smaller
meals is often a recommended treatment although
medications to help empty the stomach are also
available.
Many dogs can experience problems with sensitive
skin though a careful owner can detect most of these
conditions before they become serious. In addition,
with German Shorthaired Pointers, you should also be
aware of the possibility of epilepsy. Again, if you
work with a reputable breeder who screens for
various medical conditions and is careful to use
extremely healthy breeding stock, you can avoid many
of the problems mentioned.
One of the interesting developments is the
establishment of the working dog program for German
Shorthaired Pointers and the emphasis on keeping
alive the natural tendency of this breed to be
hunting/competition dogs. Clubs and organizations in
the U.S. and other parts of the world have focused
on quality breeding of the German Shorthaired
Pointer, as well as bringing the natural traits and
qualities out in this excellent breed.
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