German Shorthaired Pointer: Origin, Personality, Training

Group: AKC Sporting Dog Group, KCGB Gundog Group

AKC Ranking: 19

Also Known As: German Shorthaired Pointing Dog

About German Shorthaired Pointer Origin and History of the Breed German hunters of the 1800s wanted a dog with a good nose that would point within a reasonable distance for a man hunting on foot. They wanted a dog that could retrieve both fur and feather on land and in water. They also wanted a tracker. To get such an all-purpose hunting dog they bred Old Spanish Pointers, Hounds of St. Hubert, Foxhounds, and other hounds. After adding the English Pointer into the breeding, they got a faster, more energetic dog.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is the ideal weekend hunter’s dog. He needs little training for hunting purposes and is a great family dog.

These dogs are successful in the show ring and in obedience as well as tracking trials, field trials, and hunting tests.

A General Appearance of the Dog

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a lean and clean hunting dog with a classic pointer head. He has a long, but not pointed, muzzle on a narrow head with large, broad ears. The eyes are almond-shaped and appear intelligent, alert and ready to go. A short tail is desired, so it is docked by 60%. Dewclaws are removed. The feet are webbed. This is a very energetic breed.

Coat Color

The only permitted colors are liver and white - solid liver, liver and white patched, liver and white ticked or roan. A liver saddle is desired in the United States. In all types the ears are lever and the nose is brown.

Coat Type

The German Shorthaired Pointer’s coat is short, dense, and sleek.

Height

Males: 23 -25 inches
Females: 21 – 23 inches

Weight

Males: 55 – 70 lbs
Females: 45 – 60 lbs

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

The German Shorthaired Pointer is happiest when he is with any member of his family – and that member has car keys, a ball, a Frisbee®, his leash, or a gun. He is very people-oriented, loving, and willing to please. He is loyal and protective. If exercised properly, he is a great family dog.

If raised with cats or other dogs, he gets along very well and loves them dearly.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a barker. They bark when excited, when they see a stranger, when they see a friend, when they want something, etc. Early training will help keep the barking under control.

German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent and can problem solve. They will obedience train if started early. Be aware that they have a short attention span so mix their training with play times and games.

These dogs love to run . . . and run and run. A tall, secure fence is absolutely necessary.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

He is not suited to living in an apartment. He wants to live in the house, but go outside to run and play often. If he gets out, he runs and runs and does not know his way home.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

German Shorthaired Pointers love being family dogs – all members of the family are fine with him. He is loyal and obedient and loves playing with children.

Activity Level

How active is the Breed?

This is a very active breed.

These dogs love to run . . . and run and run. A tall, secure fence is absolutely necessary.

Exercise Need

This dog loves to do stuff – play Frisbee®, play ball, hunt, go for long walks, etc., etc. At least two long, brisk walks a day are necessary to be able to handle this dog.

Grooming

Their short coat takes a quick brushing every other week. After a bath, use a chamois to keep their coat slick.

Health and Care

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a generally healthy breed, but there is some epilepsy, hermaphrodism, and lymphedema in the breed. Also be aware of CHD, Entropion, Gastric torsion (bloat), Von Willebrand’s Disease, Pannus, and OCD.

Genetic Problems

Genetic problems include hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s Disease, Heart Disease, Epilepsy, cancer, Addison’s Disease, OCD, eye disorders, and Lupoid Dermatosis.

Life Span: 12-15 years.

National Breed Clubs

British – German Shorthaired Pointer Association – www.gspa.co.uk
German Shorthaired Pointer Club – www.gsp.org.uk
US – German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America – www.gspca.org

Other Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, UCK, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Rescue Link: www.gsprescue.org/