German Shorthaired Pointer Breed Characteristics
Height
53 to 64 cm at the shoulder
Weight
45 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy
12 to 15 years
Coat Colours
Black, white, black roan, liver, liver roan
German Shorthaired Pointer
Loyal, intelligent and enthusiastic
About the German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer lives and breathes for their owner – these versatile, hardworking dogs have all the qualities necessary to fill any role their master needs. They’re astoundingly loyal and loving dogs, and are equally at home on the couch or in the field hunting game.
The ideal owner for this breed will live an active life, one where they take their dog on lots of outdoor adventures. These dogs have energy in spades, and for those who love to run and hike, the German Shorthaired Pointer is sure to put a smile on your dial.
They may be a little too intense during play with young children, but that’s only because they’re so excited and happy to be involved in family activities. They’re just as affectionate and loving as companion dogs, but with all the energy of a premiere working breed.
Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the German Shorthaired Pointer, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your dog may not display exactly the same characteristics.
Family Life
5/5
Friendly with Kids
5/5
Friendly with Dogs
3/5
Ease of Grooming
5/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
Prey Drive
5/5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
3/5
Good for Novice Owners
2/5
Apartment Living
1/5
German Shorthaired Pointer Breed History
The story of the German Shorthaired Pointer begins in 18th century Germany. German hunters desired an all-purpose dog that excelled at everything a hunter could ask for, and they spent a great deal of time and effort developing the breed.
They bred one of their existing dog breeds, the German Bird Dog, with various pointer breeds from England. The German Bird Dog was already a product of crosses between Bloodhounds and other pointer breeds, but the new German Shorthaired Pointer would be somewhat smaller and more agile.
The German Shorthaired Pointer was an outstanding success – after all, it’s athletic, trainable, and stylish all in one breed. Not only that, they proved to be ideal companion dogs for families, as they turned out to have a loyal and affectionate temperament.
Today this breed remains one of the best hunting breeds anyone could ever want, but sees more action during field trials and competitions. Its popularity is solidified and the GSP makes an excellent pet for any experienced dog lover.
Caring For a German Shorthaired Pointer
- Temperament: German Shorthaired Pointers are typically affectionate and loyal dogs who love to please their owners. They may be wary of new people, but are almost never aggressive.
- Grooming: Their coat is short and dense, which makes it easy to maintain. Weekly brushing is enough to keep their shedding under control.
- Exercise: German Shorthaired Pointers have very high energy levels. Expect to have to take your dog out for around one and a half hours of exercise each day.
- Nutrition: Adult German Shorthaired Pointers will need 2 to 3 cups of dry dog food each day. German Shorthaired Pointer puppies will need around half that, but consult your veterinarian for their advice before starting a feeding program.
- Training: This breed is easy to train since they’re so attentive towards their owners. They’re smart, so advanced commands are well within reach. Obedience training based on positive reinforcement is the best way to train a GSP.
How to Choose a Responsible German Shorthaired Pointer Breeder
Owning a dog is a commitment for their entire life, which means that choosing the right breeder will be one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your dog. Responsible German Shorthaired Pointer breeders should be your only option, as they will be able to produce healthy and even-tempered puppies.
Speak to your breeder and ask whether they’re part of any breeding organisations. These types of organisations will often have a set of standards that they enforce to ensure that the dogs are well-treated and all breeding is done ethically and responsibly.
German Shorthaired Pointer FAQ
Can German Shorthaired Pointers be left alone throughout the day?
No. German Shorthaired Pointers thrive on human contact and need a lot of mental stimulation and attention throughout the day.
Can a German Shorthaired Pointer be a house pet?
Yes! They’re capable of adjusting to almost any need of their owners, even if they aren’t used as hunting dogs. What they do need is sufficient exercise and stimulation – if you can give your dog that attention they crave and ample opportunity for enrichment, they’ll be wonderful house pets.
Dog Breeds Similar to the German Shorthaired Pointer
The information is for general use only. For any specific advice or queries, please consult with your veterinarian.
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