German Shorthaired Pointer Breed Characteristics
Height
53 to 64 cm at the shoulder
Weight
20 to 32 kg (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
German Shorthaired Pointers are energetic, passionate, intelligent, and versatile. They dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to whatever task they’re given, and take an equally wholehearted interest in human companions.
It’s a canine with a big heart and a brain built for problem-solving. It’s the perfect mix of affection, brawn, and brains. But as enthusiastic as they are, some of their oomph can sometimes be a little too much for younger kids to handle. It’s far from sinister, but it does give them a reputation for being energetic to the point of excessive.
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
Rated 5 out of 5
Friendly with Kids
Rated 5 out of 5
Friendly with Dogs
Rated 3 out of 5
Ease of Grooming
Rated 5 out of 5
Exercise Needs
Rated 5 out of 5
Prey Drive
Rated 5 out of 5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
Rated 3 out of 5
Good for Novice Owners
Rated 2 out of 5
Apartment Living
Rated 1 out of 5
German Shorthaired Pointer Breed History
The story behind the German Shorthaired Pointer starts all the way back in 18th-century Germany. At the time, hunters desperately wanted a dog that could do it all when it came to hunting—sniffing out the game, flushing it, tracking it, and fetching it—all while being able to go the distance without tiring too quickly.
It was a tall order, but fortunately for them, they were able to succeed. They mixed the German Bird Dog, which was itself a mixture of Bloodhound and other old-world pointing breeds, with some English pointers. They wanted a dog that could speed like the wind and point like a statue. These dogs were incredibly intelligent and eager to please, and by the early 20th century, the German Shorthaired Pointer was a global favourite.
Today, the German Shorthaired Pointer remains one of the top dogs in hunting competitions and events, not to mention family homes across the world.
Caring For a German Shorthaired Pointer
- Temperament: German Shorthaired Pointers are dogs of affection—they love their humans and aren’t afraid to show it.
- Grooming: German Shorthaired Pointers have a short coat that fits close to their bodies. A firm-bristled brush will get rid of dead hair very easily.
- Exercise: Clock in at least 90 minutes a day of solid physical activity. A quick stroll won’t cut it—you’ll want to mix things up with off-leash sprints, scent games, and mental challenges that really get their wheels turning.
- Nutrition: When it comes to meals, you’ll want to fuel their high-octane lifestyle with a quality kibble tailored to active breeds. Most adults do well on two to three cups daily, served up in two sittings.
- Training: This is a dog that loves a task. Whether it’s learning recall or tackling agility courses, the GSP thrives when you set the bar high and make training a part of the daily routine.
How to Choose a Responsible German Shorthaired Pointer Breeder
Once you have made the decision to adopt a GSP, it is important to find a trustworthy breeder. A trustworthy breeder will be able to help you throughout the journey and will breed dogs with good temperament and health.
It is advisable to find one that is part of a recognised organisation like Responsible Pet Breeders Australia (RPBA). This is a reputable association that comprises numerous dog breeders who promote excellent breeding standards.
These breeders will ensure that excellent dogs are bred and that you are provided with all the documentation required. They are also transparent in their process and can provide the background information on the dog’s parents and health checks.
A trustworthy breeder will have all this information available and will be proud of the dogs they own and breed. They will be more than happy for you to meet their dogs and ask any questions you may have.
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.
