Common Diseases and Disorders

In general, the German shorthaired pointer is a healthy dog with few medical concerns. However, the following diseases or disorders have been reported:

Gastric torsion (bloat) is a life-threatening sudden illness associated with the stomach filling with air and twisting.

Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint that results in pain, lameness and arthritis.

Hot spots are areas of itchy moist skin irritation.

Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland does not function adequately. Without enough thyroid hormone, illness can occur.

Otitis externa is an infection of the ears.

Lick granuloma is considered a behavioral disorder and can occur in response to a variety of stressors.

In addition, although these occur infrequently, the following disorders have also been reported:

Cataracts cause a loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye. The problem can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to blindness.

Von Willebrand's Disease is a disorder that results in the inability to clot blood. Affected animals will bleed extensively following trauma or surgery.

Entropion is a problem with the eyelid that causes inward rolling. Lashes on the edge of the eyelid irritate the surface of the eyeball and may lead to more serious problems.

Melanoma is a specific type of cancer that is often malignant.

The average life span of the German shorthaired pointer is 12 to 14 years.


We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only.