German Shorthaired Pointers are basically sound healthy animals. The vast majority of the breeders associated with this breed are responsible owners; maintaining healthy quality breeding stock and carefully screening their animals. That is not to say that poor breeders do not exist in this breed - they do. In selecting a puppy be sure to deal with someone who maintains their dogs in a clean facility, be sure to see the parents (at least the dam) and don't deal with someone that is more concerned with making a buck than the condition of their dogs.
        German Shorthaired Pointers are not immune from problems they are prone to:

Hip Dysplasia - The hip joint is a ball and socket connection.  If the joint is malformed the head of the femur will not properly align with the cup of the hip socket.  This misalignment can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, with proper diet and exercise the animal can lead a full and active life. In more severe cases surgical correction or euthanasia are the only alternatives.  The most common indications of hip dysplasia, in small dogs, is when the dog older.  Generally with this late-life onset surgical correction is never required. Your veterinarian can X-ray your dog's hips for evaluation.
For more information please see: Medical Index/ Hip Dysplasia.

Bloat (GDV) - Bloat must not be ignored.  If your dog looks "bulgy", is pacing with anxiety and drooling a bit, he cannot sit or lie down comfortably and is in general distress, get moving now, get to a veterinarian.
For more information, please see: Medical Index/G.V.D. or bloat.

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