About German Shorthaired Pointers
The German Shorthaired Pointer is friendly, intelligent and willing to please. The GSP is also a versatile hunter, an all-purpose gun dog capable of high performance in field and water. The judgment of Shorthairs in the show ring reflects this basic characteristic. The overall picture which is created in the observer’s eye is that of an aristocratic, well-balanced, symmetrical animal with conformation indicating, power, endurance and agility and a look of intelligence and animation.
Please remember that GSP's are high energy dogs that require daily exercise and obedience training. If you and your family live an active life style and have a large yard a German Shorthaired Pointer will make a fantastic dog! If you live a sedentary lifestyle you should consider another breed of dog. GSP's should not be kept outdoors. They are very intelligent and they love to be with the family. They will be very unhappy outside by themselves and will become annoying barkers! Please keep your GSP in the house as a member of your family! You will also get more from your dog. GSP's want to please you and the bond you will form will carry over into the field or show ring. Whether you want to hunt your dog, show him/her, use your dog as a therapy dog or a pet for the children the GSP will please you if the dog lives in the house with you and is not banned to the garage, basement or outside and kept alone.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium size dog, a graceful looking bird dog, clean-cut head sloping shoulders, deep breast, powerful back, strong quarters, good bone, adequate muscle, well-carried docked tail, and a taut coat all of which produces a look of nobility. It sheds somewhat and so should be groomed once a week. It is people friendly, good with children, playful, and can be rather boisterous. It is very intelligent and willing to please. A German Shorthaired Pointer puppy is quick to learn and obedience training is wise. It makes a good choice for a companion dog, versatile hunting dog, but needs to be indoors with the family, not outdoors alone.
Originally used to hunt down small animals, such as rabbits, foxes, rats, and so on, hunting dogs have now become pets. With their intelligence, grace, and zest for life, these dogs could bring joy to any family.
A Look Back:
As per the AKC, the origin of the German Shorthaired Pointer is not clear. One source is that the German Shorthaired Pointer was born when an English Pointer was crossed with a German Pointer. Another source is the German Bird Dog, related to the old Spanish Pointer, and various crossings with the local German scent hounds and track and trail dogs. When the Germans introduced the English Pointers to lend elegance to the German Shorthaired Pointer, the result was a utility dog that combined sporting virtue with clean lines, good looks and sound temperament. It is a great dog to have with you when you go hunting because it is highly responsive to sounds and movements. In addition, it is a wonderful friend to have when you are out of doors. The German Shorthaired Pointer is used for hunting even today, but at the same time, it makes a great pet for the entire family. Its short coat can easily be managed by regular brushing. In addition, it neither sheds as much hair as breeds with longer coats do nor does it produce much dander.
These Pointers love physical activities and are long, lean, and friendly. It is not necessary to groom it often. You can bathe it only when it gets very dirty.
Characteristics of the breed:
* Males are 23 to 25 inches tall (at the shoulders) and weigh between 55 to 70 pounds.
* Females are 21 to 23 inches tall (at the shoulders) and weigh between 45 to 60 pounds.
* Both males and females make excellent hunters and pets.
* Keen nose.
* Sharp eyes and mind
* Willingly trails, points and retrieves on land or water.
* The function of the GSP is to be a versatile hunting dog and companion.
A German Shorthaired Pointer may be right for you if you want a dog who is:
* Sleek-coated and tautly-muscled, a true athlete
* Energetic and vigorous, primarily bred to be a hunting dog
* More versatile than the average English Pointer. Many have multiple titles in a variety of activities.
* Good natured with everyone.
* Easy to groom
* An excellent watchdog.
* A dog with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 + years.
A German Shorthaired Pointer may not be right for you if you do not want to deal with:
* High, intense energy that requires daily exercise.
* Obedience training to instill self-discipline and control. (IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU TAKE YOUR PUP TO BEGINNER OBEDIENCE TRAINING IMMEDIATELY AFTER IT RECEIVES ALL OF THE REQUIRED VACCINATIONS! THEN AFTER BEGINNER CLASS ENROLL IN AN ADVANCE CLASS! YOU WILL AVOID MANY PROBLEMS BY TEACHING YOUR PUP THAT YOU ARE IN CONTROL NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND! ALSO; IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON HUNTING OR TESTING YOUR PUP GET HIM/HER STARTED WITH A QUALIFIED TRAINER OR NAVHDA CHAPTER SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH THE OBEDIENCE TRAINING).
Personal note: Shorthairs are also very comical as evident in the photo of Annie. top left photo.
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