You may be wondering, what is the German Shorthaired pointer lifespan?
First let’s take a little walk back in history.
The German Shorthaired Pointer was developed in Germany as a versatile hunting dog.
Most hunters in the United States use this legendary dog to hunt upland game birds, although In its native country of Germany, the shorthair is expected to hunt both feather and fur.
The GSP or Deutsch Kurzhaar, as the breed is known in Germany, is generally a healthy dog.
The German Shorthaired pointer lifespan is approximately 12 to 14 years.
What Health Problems do German Shorthaired Pointers Have?
The GSP is known to be a fairly healthy breed of dog, however, like all other dogs the GSP does have a few health concerns.
Some of these health concerns are as follows:
- Epilepsy
- Von Willebrand Disease
- Hip and elbow Dysplasia
- Cancer
- Allergies
- Cone degeneration
It’s best to purchase your shorthair from a reputable breeder that conducts health testing on their breeding dogs.
However, not all of the listed health concerns can be tested for, and remember that even if the parent dogs test clear for certain things, that isn’t a guarantee that your dog won’t be affected by these things at some point in its life.
Health testing can help breeders find out about genetic defects, therefore minimizing the risk of passing them on throughout their lines.
Related Post: Questions to ask a dog breeder
What Can Affect the German Shorthaired Pointer’s Lifespan
- Genetics: Genetics can play a role in a dog’s lifespan. If the grandparents, and other ancestors of a dog enjoyed a long life, chances are good that their offspring will also have a long life, although that’s not guaranteed. Your breeder should be able to give you some information regarding longevity in their lines.
- Nutrition: Feeding your dog a proper diet plays a role in its health. A dog that isn’t receiving proper nutrition could be prone to nutrient deficiencies. This could present itself in the form of dry irritated skin and a dull coat, or other ailments. There are many great options for feeding your dog a quality diet. One of those options, is fresh dog food like Ollie. Ollie is a fresh dog food subscription service and their food is made with human grade ingredients. You can check them out at this link. Ollie dog food subscription information.
- Routine Veterinary care: Routine vet care is so important for dogs. This helps your vet to discover health conditions quickly, resulting in earlier treatment. In addition, vaccinations are also an important part of your dog’s health care plan. Speak to your vet about actionable steps you can take to keep your German Shorthaired Pointer healthy.
- Exercise: Dogs, much like humans, need daily exercise to stay healthy. Some breeds need more than others. The German Shorthaired Pointer is a high energy breed that should have a minimum of 30 minutes of robust exercise daily. This also helps to keep your dogs weight at a healthy level. This breed loves to play fetch, and they adore going for runs and hikes.
Does the size of a dog play a role in the German Shorthaired Pointer lifespan?
The German Shorthair is classified as a medium to large breed.
Medium to large sized dogs normally have a lifespan of 10-13 years, so the Shorthair exceeds expectations for a breed of their size.
Moreover, being a Shorthair breeder, I have heard many stories of dogs living well beyond the age of 14.
Small dogs usually live for 15 to 16 years, and giant breeds only about 7 to 8 years. (Source: Wikipedia- Aging in dogs). So it would appear that a dogs size does play a role in its lifespan.
Are German Shorthaired Pointers good pets?
German Shorthaired Pointers that are well bred, trained and socialized make amazing pets. However, considering these dogs have a 12-14 year lifespan, you’ll want to make sure the breed is right for you.
They are perfect for active families and individuals. GSP’s are loving, loyal, and bond strongly to their owners.
This breed can be needy. Some individual dogs suffer from separation anxiety.
These dogs are affectionately referred to as “velcro” dogs, because they always want to be by your side.
However, if you’re away from home for many hours each day, the GSP is probably not the right dog for you.
This breed is very bright, and they are fairly easy to train as long as they are getting a sufficient amount of exercise.
If you have the time to devote to the training, exercising, and mental stimulation of a shorthair, you will be rewarded with a an pet.
How much do German Shorthaired Pointers cost?
The price of dogs can vary widely based on numerous factors, however be prepared to pay between $1,500 to $3,500 for a well-bred GSP from a reputable breeder.
Related post: Temperament of German Shorthaired Pointer
*We are not veterinarians, and this post shouldn’t be construed as medical advice.*
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