German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Breed Information: Profile, History, Care & Review

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The versatile German Shorthaired Pointer sporting dog breed hunts many varieties of game, retrieves on land or from water, and is an affectionate companion. They need a striking, easy-care coat, but they have lots of vigorous exercises.

If you provide this dog with the mental and physical challenges they crave, they’ll be your best four-legged friend. But people who live in apartments or spend much time away from home must beware. Without room to play and much of exercise, you’ll find a bored dog engaging in destructive behaviors once you get home.

German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Information:

Breed Name	German Shorthaired Pointer
Other Names	GSP, DK, Kurzhaar, Deutscher Kurzhaariger Vorstehhund, Deutsch Kurzhaar
Breed Group	Gun Dog (UKC)
Type	Working (Purebred)
Size	Medium to Large
Weight	Male: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg)
Height	Male: 23-25 inches (59-64 cm) Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Area of Origin	Germany
Life Range	12-14 years
Colours	Black Black & White Black Roan Liver Liver & White Liver Roan White White & Liver
Level of Energy	Very energetic
Bark Tendency	Moderate
Exercise	Daily
Overall Grooming	Low Maintenance

German Shorthaired Pointer Dog History:

The precise origin of the German Shorthaired Pointer is unclear. According to the American Kennel Club, it’s likely that the GSP is descended from a breed referred to as the German sporting dog, which itself is said to the Old Spanish pointer introduced to Germany within the 17th century.

It is also likely that various German hound and tracking dogs, also as the English Pointer and also the Arkwright Pointer also contributed to the event of the breed. However, as the first studbook wasn’t created until 1870, it’s impossible to identify all of the dogs that went into creating this breed. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930.

World War II affected the breeding of German Shorthaired Pointers. As the end of the war drew near, many breeders hid their gold, their diamonds, their artwork, their Lipizzaner stallions, and their German Shorthaired Pointers. The very best dogs were sent to Yugoslavia for safekeeping. But since Yugoslavia was behind the iron curtain after WW II, West German breeders did not have access to Germany’s finest GSPs and that they were faced with rebuilding their beloved breed from a limited gene pool.

German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Photos:

About German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Health:

Although German Shorthaired Pointers are generally healthy, there are some conditions the breed could also be prone to. Among these are hip dysplasia, eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy, and certain heart diseases. A responsible breeder will screen their breeding stock for conditions that affect the breed. GSPs also can be suffering from bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach suddenly distends and sometimes twists also. Owners should educate themselves on what symptoms indicate this is often occurring and what to do should it occur.

Nutrition For German Shorthaired Pointer Dog:

Feed a high-quality pet food that is appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. A pup under six months old will got to be fed more than twice a day; once the GSP reaches adulthood, a meal morning and evening should be sufficient. Because the breed is subject to bloat, they ought to not be fed immediately after running or another vigorous exercise, nor should they be allowed to run or exercise for a minimum of an hour after eating and drinking. The ideal evening mealtime would intend physical activities are through for the day.

How to Take Care of German Shorthaired Pointer Dog:

GSPs aren’t recommended for apartment dwellers. They’re best suited to active people that have a home with a large yard surrounded by a high fence. German Shorthaired Pointers were bred to own energy and stamina to last all day within the field, so exercise is very important for them.

If they do not get enough exercise, they will become nervous and destructive. Expect to exercise them an hour or more every day. Your GSP will enjoy a strenuous hike, long walk, or a good game of fetch. Given enough exercise, GSPs make excellent house dogs. Because they’re so curious and intelligent, it is a good idea to crate young GSPs once you aren’t around to supervise in order that they aren’t getting into mischief.

GSPs work well with people, but due to their hunting heritage — which often requires them to work well away from the hunter — they will be independent thinkers. Train them with kindness and consistency, using positive reinforcements that include food rewards and praise.

German Shorthaired Pointer Grooming, Bathing & Coat:

German Shorthaired Pointers are a short flat coated breed that sheds throughout the year, even within the wintertime. Grooming is usually recommended for 4 – 8-week intervals to clean ears, clip nails, check anal glands and insure the coat and skin are in healthy condition.

Bathing: German Shorthaired Pointer’s require two baths when you bathe them. If your German Shorthaired Pointer has allergies or sensitive skin we might suggest a Hypoallergenic Shampoo and follow it with a medicated shampoo depending on your dog’s needs. If your German Shorthaired Pointer has normal skin then the second bath you’d want to select one among our wonderful fragrant shampoos and conditioners. Follow the bath with a conditioner or Luxury Remoisturizer to keep the coat in great shape.

Eyes Care: Eyes should be alert and bright. Use Opti-Soothe Eye Wash during the bath to flush any foreign matter.

Ears Care: Monthly ear cleaning with Ear Care is suggested to make certain no ear problems which may need vet attention to arise. Only clean as far as you’ll see, never further.

Paws Care: Paw Balm should be used weekly to keep paw pads soft and pliable. This makes the pads less likely to dry and crack.

German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Exercise:

The GSP does best with many exercises and things to do, like running, swimming, and dog sports—in fact, anything which will burn a number of their boundless energy while spending time outdoors with a person’s buddy. Their routine should ideally include ample physical activity twice a day. This could be within the form of brisk, half-hour walks morning and evening or running and playing during a securely fenced area. GSPs are smart and athletic and excel during a wide range of canine activities that exercise mind and body, from field events to agility, obedience, and dock diving.

German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Personality:

This is often an adventurous dog that likes nothing better than each day within the field, exploring the brush for game and scouting in ever-widening circles. Tougher than any sporting breeds, the German shorthaired pointer can hold its own against wild animals.

Next to hunting and running, German shorthaired pointers wish to be with their family. They’re playful and intelligent, and usually are good with other dogs and kids. They make fairly good obedience pupils, although sometimes they’re easily distracted by the call of the wild. This is often a great dog for a family that likes to share the outdoors with their pet and even have a faithful dog around the house.

German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Training Video:

German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Training:

Early training is important for the German Shorthaired Pointer. Socialization and puppy training classes are vital, continuing with practice in basic obedience commands. This is often an intelligent breed that learns quickly with consistent training sessions. GSPs need a purpose, and without one, they will be destructive if left to their own devices. The breed is often extremely challenging from 6 months to three years old. GSPs have a really high energy level and a strong prey drive, and that they need an owner with an active lifestyle to guide the dog’s exuberance and intensity into positive outlets.

Pros of German Shorthaired Pointer Dogs:

Intelligent Rank: Very smart: German Shorthaired Pointer is a superb dog breed.
Trainability: German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train.
Drooling tendency: The German Shorthaired Pointer may be a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
Child Friendly: German Shorthaired Pointers are kid-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly: German Shorthaired Pointers are dog-friendly dogs.
Senior Citizens Friendly: German Shorthaired Pointers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog: A detection dog or sniffer dog maybe a dog that’s trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances like explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics like illicit mobile phones.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR): the use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) may be a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

Cons of German Shorthaired Pointer Dogs:

Hypoallergenic: German Shorthaired Pointers don’t have the best with allergy sufferers by causing the allergy.
Apartment Friendly: German Shorthaired Pointers aren’t apartment-friendly dogs.
Mouthiness: German Shorthaired Pointers have a better than average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
The impulse to Wander or Roam: German Shorthaired Pointers have high wanderlust potential, which suggests that this breed features a strong desire for exploring the world.
Cat Friendly: German Shorthaired Pointers aren’t cat-friendly dogs.
Office Friendly: German Shorthaired Pointer isn’t the most effective dog breed for the office environment.
Good For First Time Owners: German Shorthaired Pointers aren’t good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.

ALSO READ: FRENCH BULLDOG DOG BREED INFO

More About German Shorthaired Pointer Dog:

One of the most versatile sporting breeds around, the stylish and regal German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP for short) may be a superb dog who also excels as a family companion. He hunts feathered and furred game and can even trail deer. Within the evening, he plays with the kids or curls up next to you on the sofa. Not a hunter? The German Shorthair is going to be happy to hike or jog with you.

Slightly smaller than a Pointer, the GSP has an elegantly chiseled head with dark almond-shaped eyes, an intelligent, good-humored expression, and a large, dark nose. Broad, dropped ears are set high and lie flat against the top. But the most striking aspect of the GSP’s appearance is his short, dense, sleek coat of solid liver or liver and white, which may be patched, ticked or roan. The tail is typically docked, leaving about 40 percent of the original length.

This energetic, intelligent dog is enthusiastic at work and play. He likes being with people and maybe a good friend to children, albeit a bit rambunctious for small ones. That people-loving personality causes the GSP to be unhappy if left alone for long periods, and he can become nervous and destructive if he is not given regular companionship and exercise. He’ll bark at strangers but isn’t aggressive. Males tend to be more outgoing and are more aggressive hunters than females.

GSPs prefer to please their people and can work hard for them, especially if they’re rewarded with praise, play, or food. They typically aren’t stubborn and learn new exercises quickly. The most important challenge is to keep them focused on training. They will get bored easily.

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