DogExpress
German Shorthaired Pointers are versatile and medium-sized gundogs who are one of the most enthusiastic among dog breeds. They are good at almost everything but do their best when they get vigorous exercise, a lot of love, and positive training.
Pet parents who have these aristocratic companions say they are the perfect pointers. The male members of the breed are between 23 and 25 inches at their shoulders, and they can weigh anywhere between 55 and 70 pounds. The females are smaller than them.
They have two main types of coats in terms of colors – solid liver or reddish brown, or a combination of white and liver in unique patterns.
Apart from these, you get them in liver roan and black and white, but these colors may not be recognized by AKC (American Kennel Club). They have dark eyes that shine with virtues like friendliness and enthusiasm.
They are built to work in fields for a long time– just as at home working in the lakes. They are known for their qualities such as the following:
- power
- speed
- endurance
- agility
They are happy pups who are always ready and eager for physical activities such as running and swimming, apart from organized dog sports. They would burn some of their energy while outside spending time with you.
What do you think you should know about German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Breed health?
German Shorthaired Pointers are usually healthy dogs, but there are certain conditions that the breed tends to be susceptible to. Some of the prominent ones may be mentioned below:
- Hip dysplasia
- Certain heart ailments
- Eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy
If you get them from a responsible breeder, you can be sure they would screen the entire breed stock for conditions they are prone to suffer from. But unfortunately, they also tend to get affected by a life-threatening condition known as bloat.
In this case, the stomach distends and tends to twist too. As a pet parent of a German Shorthaired Pointer, you must educate yourself about the symptoms of such a condition. It will help you determine if it is occurring or not. Also, I would like to know what to do when such a situation happens. You must also get their eyes, hearts, and elbows tested.
What do you think you should know about German Shorthaired Pointer grooming?
The coat of a German Shorthaired Pointer is easy to groom for most of the year. They need you to brush them well only once at intervals of a few days. You can also use a grooming glove if you want to in these cases.
Their coat may be short, but it still sheds at certain times of the year, and during those periods, you would have to brush them more frequently to remove the loose strands before they end up all over your house.
What do you think you should know about exercising them?
As we have alluded, German Shorthaired Pointers are at their best when they get plenty of exercises and several things to do. It is inclusive of running, organized dog sports, and swimming. They have limitless energy, and anything that helps them burn at least some of it off is good for them.
They would also love to spend time outdoors with you – their humans. So they should get plenty of physical activities twice daily as part of their routine.
German Shorthaired Pointers are highly versatile hunting dogs
German Shorthaired Pointers were bred to be instinctive hunters and all-rounders in that particular aspect. They are multitaskers who can hunt, retrieve, and point. They have been used for tracking quarries of all types, such as the following:
- rabbits
- raccoons
- game birds
- deer
German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Breed body shape
From a broader perspective, German Shorthaired Pointers have a streamlined look, described as aristocratic and noble animals. Their bodies are shaped in a way that they look symmetrical and well-balanced. It makes them faster and more agile when they are hunting game.
Their chest must extend to their elbow joints – between barrel-shaped and perfectly round. It should make them strong without taking away their speed and flexibility.
German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Breed temperament
German Shorthaired Pointers are known for how cooperative and intelligent they are. These are two traits that make it easy to train them. However, if you want a quiet and peaceful dog, you can be sure they differ from the correct breed. They are boisterous and bold, after all! However, they are rather protective of and affectionate towards their families.
Read Also: Top 9 Stubborn Dog Breeds That Are Difficult to Train
German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Breed living needs.
German Shorthaired Pointers would need room to play and run. It means that apartment life would not be a welcome proposition, especially if you have such an energetic dog to be around.
They need a parent who has an active lifestyle and a lot of space to accommodate the boundless energy that they possess. This breed also desires a sense of structure and purpose in their lives.
If they do not have that, they will start barking and chewing. As puppies, their energy levels are high, and that can be hard for you to handle if you are impatient or getting a dog for the first time.
German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Breed ancestors can be traced back to ancient times.
German Shorthaired Pointers came from Germany, but it is assumed that they date back to ancient Egypt. They are an old breed, but still, they need to be well-known about who their ancestors were. You would find pictures of this dog breed in the paintings of Egyptian tombs.
Writings of the Middle Ages state that these pointing dogs were found in the following countries:
- France
- Spain
- Italy
Following the War of Spanish Succession of 1713, Spanish Pointers were brought back to Britain by her army officers, which changed the breed’s history.
Traits of these dogs that a parent may not like
First of all, they need a lot of exercise – and vigorous, at that – to be happy and healthy! If they do not get their fair share of workouts, they will jump exuberantly and be rowdy. It can also happen when they are young.
If you leave them alone a lot, they will suffer from separation anxiety that would manifest in barking and destructiveness. Since they have chasing instincts, they could be aggressive toward other animals living in your home. They also have a mind of their own and could get distracted.
Cost of German Shorthaired Pointers
The cost of German Shorthaired Pointers can vary depending on various factors such as the breeder’s reputation, location, pedigree, and the dog’s quality. However, on average, you can expect to pay between $700 and $1,400 for a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy.
Pointer Dog Price In India: 25,000 INR to 55,000 INR
Conclusion
German Shorthaired Pointers are among the most versatile sporting dog breeds out there. They are superb hunting dogs that also excel at being family companions. They hunt furred and feathered games but are open to trailing deer.
During the evenings, they happily play with the kids or snuggle beside you on the sofa. A dog would happily go on a jog or hike with you even if you are not a hunter. They are a bit smaller than Pointers.
FAQs – German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Breed
Q: What must you know before getting a German Shorthaired Pointer?
A: German Shorthaired Pointers are supposed to be cooperative and intelligent dogs. These are two characteristics that make it so easy to train them. However, they are not peaceful and quiet dogs.
Q: Are German Shorthaired Pointers good beginner dogs?
A: German Shorthaired Pointers are a regal breed, and it is easy to train them. It also helps that they are so eager to please. Hence, they are such exceptional family dogs.
Q: Are German Shorthaired Pointers hard to tackle?
A: German Shorthaired Pointers are always filled with high energy and thus require a lot of exercises. Hence, you can plan your daily schedule to spend time with your dog. Believe it or not, the time you spend with them will be a fulfilling experience. However, they can be challenging propositions between six months and three years of age – so keep that in mind when you choose to adopt this dog breed.
Q: Can GSP be left alone?
A: You can train a German Shorthaired Pointer to be left alone and share the space they have in a home. However, their hunting instincts tend to interfere at times with such training. If you raise them with other animals, they do well.
Q: How often do you bathe a GSP?
A: German Shorthaired Pointers need to be bathed once every few months. However, if your baby loves rolling in the mud puddles, then it would have to be more frequent than that to keep them clean and germ-free.
in Chandigarh, India. 
