Built for the Long Haul: A Robust Lineage
One of the greatest testaments to the GWP’s founders’ commitment to utility is the breed’s overall robust health and impressive longevity. Due to the historic emphasis on function over form, the GWP is generally considered a sturdy and healthy breed. Many individuals live full, active lives well into their teens, with lifespans often reaching 12 to 16 years, which is notably longer than many other dogs of their size.
However, “robust” does not mean “invulnerable.” Responsible GWP ownership means understanding and being proactive about the potential health risks common to large, athletic breeds.
Proactive Health Screening: Partnering with Responsible Breeders
The single most critical step in ensuring your GWP’s health is choosing a breeder who performs all recommended health screenings. Reputable breeders are transparent about their health testing results and the lineage of their stock.
The breed is primarily prone to a few key genetic conditions:
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: As a large, active, hard-working breed, the GWP can suffer from these common orthopedic conditions where the joint does not develop or fit correctly. To minimize this risk, breeders should have current OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or PennHIP certifications for both parents to ensure healthy joint structure.
- Hypothyroidism: This is an autoimmune endocrine disorder where the thyroid gland is underactive. Symptoms can be varied, including lethargy, weight gain, and skin/coat issues. This requires regular veterinary screening and is manageable with daily medication.
- Eye Conditions: Conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), which can lead to blindness, or eyelid abnormalities like Entropion/Ectropion, can occur. Breeders should provide current eye clearances, often through CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) or a veterinary ophthalmologist.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD): Although less common now due to testing, this is a genetic bleeding disorder that affects blood clotting ability. Genetic testing for this is available and should be mandatory for breeding stock.
The Silent Killer: Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV)
As a deep-chested, athletic breed, the GWP is susceptible to Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat. This is an acute, life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with air (dilatation) and can potentially twist (volvulus), cutting off blood flow and requiring immediate surgery.
Prevention is key, and owners must be vigilant:
- Avoid Exercise Around Mealtime: Never allow vigorous exercise (running, jumping, high-intensity play) one hour before and one hour after eating or drinking large amounts of water.
- Smaller Meals: Feed two or three smaller meals per day instead of one large meal.
- Know the Symptoms: Bloat is a time-sensitive emergency. Watch for a distended abdomen, frantic pacing, drooling, and unproductive retching (trying to vomit but nothing comes up). If you suspect bloat, get to an emergency vet immediately.
- Prophylactic Gastropexy: Many GWP owners choose to have a prophylactic gastropexy—a surgical procedure where the stomach is tacked to the abdominal wall—performed, often at the time of spaying or neutering, to prevent the deadly twist.
The Fitness and Diet Mandate
A GWP is an athlete, and maintaining their fitness is essential for preventing long-term orthopedic problems. A physically fit, well-muscled GWP is less likely to suffer from the symptoms of conditions like mild dysplasia.
- Conditioning: Focus on building lean muscle mass through low-impact, muscle-building activities like swimming and hill work. Avoid excessive, high-impact running on hard pavement, especially before the dog reaches full maturity (18–24 months).
- Diet: Due to their high metabolism and energy expenditure, they require a high-quality, nutrient-dense diet appropriate for their age and activity level. Never allow your GWP to become overweight, as excess weight is the fastest way to damage joints and shorten their lifespan.
The GWP is a tough, durable dog built for a long life of adventure. By combining careful breeder selection with a consistent commitment to exercise and wellness, you can ensure your scruffy partner stays healthy and happy for many years to come.
