The German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile hunter and an all-purpose gun dig with a keen sense of scent and a high intelligence. This breed is proficient in many different sports and has an aristocratic bearing.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Germany
Used for:Â Obedience training, retrieving, hunting, tracking
Average Life Span: 12-15 years
Color: Solid liver, white with patches, liver and white or liver with patches
Coat: Short, smooth and glossy
Average Height: 23-25 inches
Average Weight: 55-70 pounds
Group: Gun dog, AKC sporting
History and Domestication
Though the origins of this breed are not clear but many believe that it descended from crossing various local German scent hounds and track and trail dogs along with old Spanish Pointer and the German Bird dog. When English Pointers were added to the group to lend elegance to the prototype of German Shorthaired Pointer, the result was a dog with a combination of sporting virtue, sound temperament and good looks. Though this dog was bred for hunters, but it later came to be used as a companion dog and a watchdog.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The German Shorthaired Pointer is an all-purpose, versatile dog. The head is in proportion to the body with skull being round on top, arched and broad on sides. The muzzle is the same length as the skull. The nose is large and brown with wide nostrils. The medium-sized eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown in color. The ears are high set and broad and hang close to the head. The skin is tight and the chest is deep.
Care, Grooming and Health
The Pointer has a smooth coat that is very easy to groom. Brushing with a firm-bristle brush will do along with occasional bathing. Rubbing the coat with a wet towel will also keep the coat gleaming. Check its feet regularly especially if it has been playing or working. This breed sheds moderately.
These are tireless and energetic dogs and need lots of exercise. They would even challenge an active family and hence they shouldn’t be taken as pets by families with sedentary lifestyle. They can be taken on jogging or long runs apart from their usual daily walks. If not exercised properly, these dogs can become destructive and restless.
This is generally a healthy breed but can be prone to epilepsy, hip dysplasia and lymphedema. Some of them are prone to mast cell tumors.
Living Conditions
This breed is not suited for apartment living and need a large yard along with an active family. They can easily jump fences below 6 feet. Under exercised dogs are great escape artists.
Temperament
This is one of the most athletic and energetic breeds and is a hunting dog by nature. This dog has ha protective, clever and eager temperament and is always willing to please its human family. This dog is happy-go-lucky and loves indulging in constructive activities like running, jogging or playing. These dogs are not meant for kennel life. GSPs are faithful, friendly and spirited dogs and mix well with children. Their dominancy and energy levels vary. They need strong minded and active leaders.
