Pointer dog hereditary health and health testing guide

The Pointer dog, also known internationally as the English Pointer, belongs to the class of pointing gun dogs traditionally used for indicating game. Medium to large-sized, males stand up to 27 inches tall at the withers, with females slightly smaller, weighing up to 34kg. Their lithe, muscular build is elegant yet robust, sporting dropped ears and a long muzzle, with short, smooth coats in liver and white, black and white, orange and white, lemon and white, or solid variants.

Beyond their sporting origins, pointers have become beloved family pets and companions due to their intelligence, versatility, and energy. They excel in canine sports like agility and flyball, making them engaging pets for active households.

If you are considering a lively, intelligent, and active breed, understanding the health and hereditary aspects of the Pointer is vital. This guide covers average lifespan, genetic diversity, conformation issues, hereditary health risks, and recommended health testing to assist responsible ownership and breeding decisions.

Pointer Longevity and Genetic Diversity

The Pointer has an average lifespan of around 12.4 years, which aligns well with similarly built medium to large breeds in the UK. This longevity reflects generally sound genetics but also highlights the importance of careful health oversight throughout their life.

The breed's coefficient of inbreeding stands at approximately 8.9%, indicating a moderate level of inbreeding. While this aids in maintaining breed characteristics, it is slightly above the preferred threshold of 6.25%. Responsible reputable breeders focus on lowering this figure within their lines to preserve genetic diversity and reduce hereditary health risks.

Conformation and Potential Risks

Pointers are known for their well-balanced and functional build, free from exaggerations that could impair their health or movement. This robust conformation generally supports a healthy life with good mobility.

However, like many deep-chested breeds, pointers can be susceptible to gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), a medical emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists. Bloat can occur suddenly and is potentially fatal without immediate veterinary intervention. Preventative measures include feeding smaller, frequent meals, avoiding vigorous exercise soon after eating, and being alert to early signs.

Common Hereditary Health Issues in Pointers

While the Pointer breed is not typically prone to widespread hereditary health problems, there are conditions known to occur which potential owners and breeders should monitor:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia leading to joint degeneration and arthritis.
• Progressive retinal atrophy causing irreversible blindness; routine eye testing is essential.
• Aortic stenosis, a cardiac condition caused by narrowing of the aortic valve, potentially leading to heart failure.
• Skin allergies causing significant itching, hair loss, and discomfort.
• Hereditary epilepsy, which may be controlled with medication but should exclude affected dogs from breeding.
• Hypothyroidism causing lethargy and weight gain due to hormone underproduction.
• Wobbler syndrome, a neurological disorder affecting coordination, particularly hind limbs.
• Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the shoulder joints leading to pain and lameness.
• Entropion, where eyelids roll inward causing corneal irritation.
• Hereditary cataracts impairing vision.
• Deafness, sometimes of a hereditary nature.

Health Testing Recommendations

Health monitoring and genetic testing remain crucial to responsible pointer ownership and breeding. The Kennel Club alongside veterinary bodies provide breed-specific screening programmes for common ailments:

• Hip score testing: The breed's mean hip score is 9.3; ideally, breeding candidates should score below this to reduce hip dysplasia inheritance.
• Eye examinations: Screening for progressive retinal atrophy and other hereditary eye diseases is advised.

Furthermore, emerging genetic testing services, like those from Embark Veterinary, offer panels testing over 270 genetic conditions relevant to Pointer varieties, assisting breeders to make informed choices and reduce hereditary disease prevalence.

Promoting Responsible Breeding and Ownership

It is vital to remember that health tests are not definitive diagnoses but tools to support informed decisions. Responsible breeders use these tests to select healthy breeding pairs, promote genetic diversity, and reduce health problems in future generations.

Owners should maintain regular veterinary health checks, provide a balanced diet, exercise suited to their pointer’s needs, and be vigilant for early signs of health issues. Prompt veterinary advice should be sought if symptoms of bloat or neurological issues emerge.

Adopting or finding a Pointer puppy or adult from a reputable breeder or registered rescue organisation will help ensure the dog has undergone recommended health testing and socialisation.

When can puppies leave their mother?

Quick Answer: Puppies should ideally leave their mother no earlier than eight weeks of age to ensure adequate socialisation, nutrition, and development.

Allowing puppies to remain with their mother and littermates until at least eight weeks improves behaviours related to socialisation and reduces future behavioural problems. This period supports healthy physical and emotional development, vital for pointer puppies which are active and intelligent dogs requiring consistent training and stimulation.

Responsible breeders adhere to this guideline and often encourage prospective owners to engage with the breeder before taking their puppy home to ensure suitability and prepare for lifelong care.

What questions should I ask when buying a pointer puppy?

Quick Answer: Inquire about health testing results, breeding history, socialisation, vaccination status, and the prospective puppy's temperament and environment.

Asking your breeder about the parents’ health tests (including hips and eyes), any hereditary conditions seen in the lineage, and how the puppies have been socialised provides confidence in your future companion’s welfare. Also, confirm the puppy’s vaccination and microchipping status, and support available for training and integration into your home.

This approach helps promote responsible purchases and supports the breed’s overall health and well-being.

In conclusion, the Pointer is a generally healthy and enduring breed with several hereditary health considerations to monitor. Awareness and appropriate health testing, combined with responsible breeding and attentive ownership, contribute to the dog’s wellbeing and longevity.