Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long German Shorthaired Pointers Live. German Shorthaired Pointer Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in German Shorthaired Pointer, and how to Prevent Them.
- How To Prevent Genetic Problems in German Shorthaired Pointers
- How Old is Your German Shorthaired Pointer in Human Years
- How Long Do German Shorthaired Pointers Live in Human Years?
- More Ways to Make Your German Shorthaired Pointer Live Long
- Conclusion on German Shorthaired Pointer Life Expectancy
How Long German Shorthaired Pointers Live. German Shorthaired Pointer Life Expectancy
Generally, the lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer is from 12 to 15 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 159 pet German Shorthaired Pointers lived.
From the study, it was found that German Shorthaired Pointers have a average lifespan of 12 years. Furthermore, the study found that German Shorthaired Pointers can live for as long as 17 years.
Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in German Shorthaired Pointers.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in German Shorthaired Pointers are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Trauma: Issues involving injury
- Musculoskeletal Disease: Refers to any problems with bones or muscles
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Any problems that affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, or rectum.
- Neurologic Disease: Refers to problems with the brain, nerves, and spinal cord.
In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your German Shorthaired Pointer to make your German Shorthaired Pointer live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your German Shorthaired Pointer have a longer than average lifespan.
Do you want to know how old your German Shorthaired Pointer is in human years? Then, check out our German Shorthaired Pointer age to human years calculator
Lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Bedlington Terrier Lifespan | 13.30 |
| Vizsla Lifespan | 12.90 |
| Brittany Lifespan | 12.80 |
| Keeshond Lifespan | 12.20 |
| German Shorthaired Pointer Lifespan | 12.00 |
| Cocker Spaniel Lifespan | 11.10 |
| Doberman Pinscher Lifespan | 10.50 |
| Basset Fauve de Bretagne Lifespan | 10.40 |
| Glen of Imaal Terrier Lifespan | 10.40 |
| Wirehaired Vizsla Lifespan | 9.83 |
| Komondor Lifespan | 9.13 |
| Greyhound Lifespan | 9.08 |
| French Bulldog Lifespan | 9.00 |
| Spinone Italiano Lifespan | 9.00 |
| Rottweiler Lifespan | 8.92 |
| Mastiff Lifespan | 6.83 |
| Bloodhound Lifespan | 6.79 |
| Sloughi Lifespan | 5.00 |
| Grand Bleu de Gascogne Lifespan | 4.54 |
| Bracco Italiano Lifespan | 2.67 |
Common Causes of Death in German Shorthaired Pointer, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in German Shorthaired Pointer, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your German Shorthaired Pointer.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
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Neoplastic Disease in German Shorthaired Pointers
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 27.0 percent of all deaths in German Shorthaired Pointers.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in German Shorthaired Pointer
Neoplasms in dogs, just like in people, are caused by either a genetic predisposition (like some breast cancers), an environmental factor (like smoking in humans), or a combination of both.
How to Prevent Neoplastic Disease in German Shorthaired Pointers
Just like in humans, there is little you can do to prevent cancers that are caused by genetic factors. You can, however, reduce the environmental risks that are associated with cancer. The `environmental` causes of neoplasia are chemical agents, infectious agents, and physical agents. An example of a chemical agent that could cause cancer in German Shorthaired Pointers (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in German Shorthaired Pointers is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in German Shorthaired Pointers is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in German Shorthaired Pointers is to vaccinate them against harmful viruses, such as canine adenovirus (DHPP vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks and then once a year, every year). As in humans, early diagnosis is the key to supporting German Shorthaired Pointers with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your German Shorthaired Pointer. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your German Shorthaired Pointer`s gums look pale.
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Trauma in German Shorthaired Pointers
These includes cuts, bites, bruises, broken bones, wounds, scratches, and more.
Trauma is responsible for 15.7 percent of all deaths in German Shorthaired Pointers.
Causes of Trauma in German Shorthaired Pointer
One of the most common causes of trauma in German Shorthaired Pointers is getting hit by cats. Another common cause is bites and scratches from fighting or play with other dogs.
How to Prevent Trauma in German Shorthaired Pointers
The best way to keep your German Shorthaired Pointer from getting hit by a car is by having them on a fixed leash. Veterinarians do not recommend retractable leashes for dogs. This is because, oftentimes, dogs on retractable leashes will bolt into the road before their owners can lock the leash and get hit by cars, even though they were technically on a leash. Having a normal, fixed leash is also a good way to prevent your German Shorthaired Pointer from bolting on walks and getting into fights with other dogs before you can lock the leash.
Here is a good fixed leash that can save your German Shorthaired Pointer from traumatic accidents.
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Musculoskeletal Disease in German Shorthaired Pointers
Musculoskeletal diseases are the common problems associated with bones and muscles. These include arthritis, vertebral issues, loss of skeletal muscle mass, hip dysplasia, trauma and breakages, and more.
Musculoskeletal Disease is responsible for 14.7 percent of all deaths in German Shorthaired Pointers.
Causes of Musculoskeletal Disease in German Shorthaired Pointer
The causes of many musculoskeletal issues have to do with age, breed, and weight. Older German Shorthaired Pointers are more prone to musculoskeletal issues, as are large breed dogs, and overweight dogs. Just like people, German Shorthaired Pointers can get arthritis and other joint-related issues as they get older. Large-breed dogs tend to be prone to a condition called hip dysplasia, which essentially means that their hip joints degrade and get very painful. Overweight dogs tend to put more pressure on their joints, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear as well as serious damage to tendons and ligaments.
How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disease in German Shorthaired Pointers
One way that you can help improve your German Shorthaired Pointer`s musculoskeletal health (especially if they are old is by giving your German Shorthaired Pointer joint supplements like this one. You can also help prevent hip dysplasia and slipped discs by not allowing your German Shorthaired Pointer to jump too much, even if they are a puppy. Consider buying young German Shorthaired Pointers a box or stool like this to help them get on the couch or bed, instead of letting them jump all the way from the ground. The most important way that you can keep your German Shorthaired Pointer`s muscles and bones healthy is by not letting them get overweight. You should avoid letting your German Shorthaired Pointer eat table scraps and make sure that they get plenty of exercise. If your German Shorthaired Pointer is overweight and you know that you are strict with their diet and exercise, you should talk to your vet; they might have hypothyroidism, which is very common. If your German Shorthaired Pointer is overweight and you think you should try managing their diet a little more closely, you can start your German Shorthaired Pointer on a weight-management diet like this to help them get back to a healthier body condition.
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Gastrointestinal Disease in German Shorthaired Pointers
Gastrointestinal diseases includes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, blockages, toothache, constipation, and more.
Gastrointestinal Disease is responsible for 13.7 percent of all deaths in German Shorthaired Pointers.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Disease in German Shorthaired Pointer
GI problems can be caused by a lot of different things. Often, GI problems like vomiting and diarrhea are caused by things that were eaten. It is best not to let your German Shorthaired Pointer eat human food or anything it finds outside, including garbage, plants and berries, fecal matter from other animals, and more. Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset can also be caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Another important sign of GI problems is when your German Shorthaired Pointer stops eating or eats less than usual. This can be caused by many things; sometimes it could be that your German Shorthaired Pointer is feeling nauseous, sometimes it could be that your German Shorthaired Pointer has mouth pain, and more. In these cases, it is best to see a veterinarian to get to the root of the problem.
How to Prevent Gastrointestinal Disease in German Shorthaired Pointers
An easy way to protect your dog from gastrointestinal problems is to make sure they are on heartworm, flea, and tick medicine all year long (no matter where you live). Many heartworm medications can also de-worm your dog every time you give a dose. This can prevent nasty parasites from settling into your dog`s intestines and causing pain, anemia, and other serious issues. Another way you can keep your dog feeling good is by taking good care of their teeth! This is especially an issue in small dogs. The best way to care for dog teeth is by cleaning them a few times a week. Here is a great brush for cleaning your German Shorthaired Pointer`s teeth. However, if your dog will not allow you to do that, dental treats like these are a good second option.
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Neurologic Disease in German Shorthaired Pointers
These problems include canine cognitive disfunction, dementia, stroke, Lyme disease, and more.
Neurologic Disease is responsible for 11.6 percent of all deaths in German Shorthaired Pointers.
Causes of Neurologic Disease in German Shorthaired Pointer
Neurological issues can be caused by vascular disease, inflammatory disease, infectious disease, metabolic disease, cancer, and developmental disorders.
How to Prevent Neurologic Disease in German Shorthaired Pointers
Some neurological problems can be caused by infectious agents, like Lyme disease. You should always get your dog vaccinated with the course recommended by your veterinarian.
How To Prevent Genetic Problems in German Shorthaired Pointers
Every dog breed has a set of genetic problems to which it is predisposed, and the German Shorthaired Pointer is not an exception.
These disease will reduce your German Shorthaired Pointer`s qualilty of life. Also, these diseases can shorten your German Shorthaired Pointer`s lifespan.
The good news is that these diseases can be prevented in German Shorthaired Pointer offsprings by only breeding German Shorthaired Pointer that have been screened and cleared of genetic defects.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is one the organizations that keep records of which disease to which a dog breed is genetically prone.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy that will grow up to be healthy and live long, make sure that your German Shorthaired Pointer breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
If you do not know if your German Shorthaired Pointer has been screened for genetic health problems, then your can use an at-home genetic screening kit like this one to check your German Shorthaired Pointer for genetic health problems at home. This might help you in deciding whether to get your German Shorthaired Pointer a pet health insurance.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen German Shorthaired Pointers for:
How Old is Your German Shorthaired Pointer in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your German Shorthaired Pointer. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your German Shorthaired Pointer is in human years here.
In 1997, researchers from Purdue University developed a method for converting a dog`s age to its human age. Their method was based on the 1953 work of the French Veterinarian, A. Lebeau that we discussed above.
Researchers from Purdue University took Lebeau`s work further by taking into account two important factors to develop a more accurate method for converting a dog`s age into its human equivalent age:
- The size of the dog: Smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breed dogs
- The lifespan of the dog: Dog breeds that live longer lives will age slower than dog breeds that live shorter lives
The average lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 12.0 years.
German Shorthaired Pointers are medium-sized dogs. German Shorthaired Pointers weigh 45 to 70 pounds.
The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of German Shorthaired Pointer in converting German Shorthaired Pointer age to human age.
The researchers used data on the lifespan and weight of 5,608 mixed breed dogs and 17,927 purebred dogs to develop their method for converting the ages of dogs (of different breed sizes and lifespans ) to their equivalent human ages.
The calculator below lets you convert your German Shorthaired Pointer`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your German Shorthaired Pointer`s age in the calculator and it will compute your German Shorthaired Pointer`s human age. If you do not know your German Shorthaired Pointer`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.
Also, the table below shows how old your German Shorthaired Pointer is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.
Note that your German Shorthaired Pointer`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your German Shorthaired Pointer`s up-to-date human age.
German Shorthaired Pointer Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)
Below is a German Shorthaired Pointer age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.
The calculator will tell your German Shorthaired Pointer`s human age based on your German Shorthaired Pointer`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your German Shorthaired Pointer`s human birthday! Try it out!
| German Shorthaired Pointer Age (Years) | Human Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 14 |
| 2 | 21 |
| 3 | 26 |
| 4 | 32 |
| 5 | 37 |
| 6 | 42 |
| 7 | 46 |
| 8 | 50 |
| 9 | 54 |
| 10 | 58 |
| 11 | 62 |
| 12 | 66 |
| 13 | 71 |
| 14 | 75 |
| 15 | 80 |
| 16 | 85 |
How Long Do German Shorthaired Pointers Live in Human Years?
The average lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 12.0 years. In human years, the German Shorthaired Pointer lives for 66 years.
How Old is 3-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer in Human Years?
A 3-year old German Shorthaired Pointer is 26 years old in human years.
How Old is 5-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer in Human Years?
A 5-year old German Shorthaired Pointer is 37 years old in human years.
How Old is 7-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer in Human Years?
A 7-year old German Shorthaired Pointer is 46 years old in human years.
How Old is 10-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer in Human Years?
A 10-year old German Shorthaired Pointer is 58 years old in human years.
More Ways to Make Your German Shorthaired Pointer Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your German Shorthaired Pointer live a long life:
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Regular Exercise: Research studies have shown that one of the very effective ways to make a dog live long is to ensure that a dog is in good shape. Adequate exercise will make your German Shorthaired Pointer fit and make it live longer.
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Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight German Shorthaired Pointer does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight German Shorthaired Pointer will have a shorter lifespan than a German Shorthaired Pointer that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your German Shorthaired Pointer high-quality dog food without overfeeding your German Shorthaired Pointer. Check out our German Shorthaired Pointer feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your German Shorthaired Pointer from being overweight here.
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Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your German Shorthaired Pointer existence. Therefore, you should make sure your German Shorthaired Pointer has access to clean water whenever your German Shorthaired Pointer needs water. However, too much water is bad for your German Shorthaired Pointer. See our German Shorthaired Pointer water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your German Shorthaired Pointer.
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Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your German Shorthaired Pointer might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your German Shorthaired Pointer.
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Routine Vet Care: Regular preventative visits to the vet can help catch diseases early.
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Vaccinations: Always make sure your German Shorthaired Pointer is up to date on its vaccination.
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Dental Hygiene: Your German Shorthaired Pointer’s teeth can get infected, and if the infection goes unnoticed, that infection can spread to other parts of the body and become systemic. This could lead to a shortened lifespan. You must have your German Shorthaired Pointer teeth cleaned professionally at your vet’s office a couple of times in its lifetime. Talk with your vet about the best ages to have these cleanings done.
Conclusion on German Shorthaired Pointer Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your German Shorthaired Pointer`s life expectancy.
Tate Ackerman contributed to this article. Tate is a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University. Tate is also a concurrent Ph.D. student. She has a lot of experience reading scientific literature and communicating that information to a non-veterinary audience. Tate was a veterinary technician for a companion animal practice before she applied to veterinary school.