KIMMAX German Wirehaired Pointer (Deutsch Drahthaar)
Kimmax German Wirehaired Pointers are the UK’s leading breeders of the true dual purpose German Wirehaired Pointers (Deutsch Drahthaars) , proven in the field in the UK and Germany. » GWP Health Issues

The GWP is generally a healthy breed with few of the issues present in many of the more common gundog breeds such as hip dysplasia and cataracts.

Von Willebrands Disease (vWD)

If you are considering owning a German Wirehaired Pointer, you should be aware that the a condition known as Von Willebrands Disease (vWD) is well documented in the breed in the UK, Holland and the USA.

What is Von Willebrands Disease (VWD) ?
vWD is a bleeding disorder found in a number of breeds of dog (Doberman Pincher, Poodle, Bernese Mountain Dog, Labrador etc.) where the blood does not clot normally. Conditions that are not normally life threatening, in affected dogs can be fatal. Internal bleeding is a particular problem and in severe cases in bitches, simply having a season can be problematic.
There is no cure, some agents can assist clotting in mild cases but the real focus is on prevention of the problem in the first place.

There are three forms of the disorder recognised in dogs at present. It is a form known as ‘Type II’ that is found in GWP’s and the only other breed known to have this form is the German Shorthaired Pointer. Type II is a form that produces an abnormal vW Factor and is quite severe when it occurs.

Can Von Willebrands Disease be detected ?
There is a blood test that can be performed that tests the clotting efficiency of the blood and specifically tests the Von Willebrands Factor (vWF). This is available to breeders in the UK and produces a vWF score system. Scores are generally between 60 to 150% for normal dogs, however scores of well above 100% are recommended for dogs that are to be bred from.
Dogs below 60% may not show symptoms and dogs with scores as low as 15% have lived normal lives.

The blood test, however, has been well documented as having been affected by a number of additional factors - age, stress, seasons etc. so its relaibility in borderline scores is questionable.

Can Breeding Stock be Tested ?
A DNA test has been developed by the University of Utrecht in Holland, who worked closely with Dutch breeders to isolate the gene responsible. This test allows breeders to screen their breeding stock and know with certainty that stock is clear, a carrier or affected. In Holland, all recommended breeders of the GWPC must use the DNA test. In the UK, the GWPC does not insist on the DNA test.