German Shorthaired Pointer

Dog Breed Profile

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Stats:
• High energy level
• High exercise needs
• Very playful
• Very Affectionate
• Friendly towards other dogs
• Shy friendly around other pets
• Friendly around strangers
• Fairly easy to train
• Great watchdogs
• Moderately protective
• Low grooming requirements
• Medium tolerance to heat
• Medium tolerance to cold

Overview:

Although this dog breed can be a bit too rambunctious for small children, he does make an even-tempered and loyal family pet. The German Shorthaired Pointer is intelligent and energetic, and for these reasons requires daily mental and physical exercise to avoid him becoming bored and destructive in the home.

He has an athletic build, and prefers a family who will include him in outdoor activity on a regular basis where he can practice his power, agility and endurance traits. If small animals are part of the family, be sure to introduce the German Shorthair Pointer as a pup to ensure they get along.

Gentle training and positive reinforcement are necessary if he is to be the well-behaved family dog allowed to live indoors.

Best suited to being a part of the family as opposed to living outdoors
Health conditions that need to be tested for include hips, eyes and blood
Grooming needs include occasional brushing
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a very affectionate andactive, loving animal that can be fairly easily trained
Has a great relationship with family members, young and old, moderately protective and makes a great watchdog
The average size of a male is 55 to 70lbs and 23 to 25 inches tall
The average size of a female is 45 to 60lbs and 21 to 23 inches tall

Care & Health:

Take the German Shorthaired Pointer for an hour long hike, hunt, or play time every day or he may become frustrated and destructive in the home. He’s an extremely energetic breed and will go swimming if given the opportunity.

He only requires an occasional brush to keep his coat free of dead hairs.

Major Health Concerns:

–lymphedema

Minor Health Concerns:

–CHD, entropion, gastric torsion, vWD, pannus, OCD and occasionally gastric torsion, ectropion and PRA

Test for:

–hips, eyes and blood

Life Span:

– 12 to 14 years

Breed History:

This highly versatile breed has been around since the 1600s, when Pointers and Hounds were mixed to produce a hunter interested mammals and birds. The appearance and elegance of the breed was further refined by introducing the English Pointer, but along with the better looks came a dislike for water.

These water-shy traits were bred out and in the early 19th century two dogs in particular became the foundation for future generations. He was the first Shorthaired Pointer to come to the US, arriving in the 20s and was recognized by the AKC in 1930.

The German Shorthaired Pointer soon became recognized as a prize companion for hunters who were especially interested in a highly versatile breed. His looks and obedient nature have made him well-known even today.