A stylish dog that loves lots of exercise and is loyal to its human companions, the German Shorthaired Pointer is popular among those who want a dog that looks like a piece of art. If you interested in this athletic breed, read on to learn more about them!
Breed Snapshot
- Size Medium to large dog (21-30kg); 53 – 63cm in height
- Coat Short coat that moderately sheds, brushing is required
- Energy High energy dog that needs plenty of playtime and should be walked daily for at least 30 minutes
- Lifespan 10 – 12 years
- Country of origin Germany
- Breed type A bird dog with a strong sense of work ethic and loyalty to his or her human family. GSPs are loving and gentle dogs.
- Other names GSP is the abbreviation
- Great breed for: Home with yard, Families with kids, Active lifestyles, Hunting
All About the German Shorthaired Pointer
Originating in Germany during the 1800s, the German Shorthaired Pointer is as stylish as it is resourceful. This dog was bred as a bird hunting companion and is still popular among sportsman looking for a rough and rugged dog that can find fallen birds. German Shorthaired Pointers are in the working dog group and have a beautiful coat that sets them apart from other breeds.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is as alert as it is lovable. They are known to be loyal to their human companion and can be counted on to get the job done. This breed loves the royal treatment and will never turn away from some petting for a job well done. The German Shorthaired Pointer is a natural born athlete who loves to be out exploring nature.
What Does a German Shorthaired Pointer Look Like?
German Shorthaired Pointers are a distinct dog breed that showcases a beautiful and modern coat of fur. This dog’s coat is found in a variety of colours, which include black and white spots, solid liver or brown colouring, or white with chocolate brown spots. The face of this dog is typically a solid colour with some white highlights here and there.
Dogs of this breed are tall and slender, closely resembling a lab, and muscular. German Shorthaired Pointers have a protruding snout and floppy ears that reach down to their jawline. This dog has an adorable face that you can’t help but love.
Grooming a German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers have long floppy ears that should be cleaned regularly using a special dog ear cleaning solution. Dogs with floppy ears are more susceptible to ear infections, so your dog’s ear health should be monitored closely. Trim your dog’s nails regularly so that their paws do not become irritated and painful.
This particular breed of dog does not need to go to the groomer unless you want to give him or her a doggy spa day. To keep your dog’s fur coat clean, simply give him or her a bath a couple of times a month to scrub out dirt and grime. This breed sheds moderately so you will need to brush out the dead hair to keep it from getting all over the house.
How Do I Train My German Shorthaired Pointer?
Training should begin early on in puppyhood or your German Shorthaired Pointer can develop bad habits that are hard to break once instilled in your dog. This dog starts out as a rambunctious puppy that needs to learn commands and have some obedience lessons. German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent dogs that have fun learning tricks and commands with their owners. If you have never trained this breed before, it is best to enlist the help of an expert dog trainer.
If you plan to take your dog hunting as a bird dog, be sure to train them how to find fallen birds and how to react to gunfire before your first big adventure so they know what to expect. Loud noises can be frightening to dogs.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer the Right Dog Breed for Me?
If you are an avid hunter or an outdoor enthusiast, the German Shorthaired Pointer could be your new best friend. This dog needs to have a job to do so it does not get bored and heading out on an adventure with its human family is an especially enjoyable experience for this dog.
German Shorthaired Pointers are not apartment dogs as they require a lot of exercise and places to roam. This dog can roam the backyard whilst you are at work but should spend time inside with the family when you are home. German Shorthaired Pointers require a lot of exercise and should be walked for at least 30 minutes a day in addition to having playtime in the yard.
This breed makes an adequate guard dog as he or she will bark when a stranger comes near your home. German Shorthaired Pointers are not particularly aggressive dogs, but their bark is enough to intimidate someone who is not supposed to be at your house.
Frequently Asked Questions About German Shorthaired Pointers
Are they gentle with children?
Introduce a German Shorthaired Pointer into your home when it is a puppy and this dog will grow up loving everyone in your home as a loyal companion. This dog is gentle around people in general.
What is the lifespan of a German Shorthaired Pointer?
Healthy German Shorthaired Pointers typically live 10 – 12 years.
Do German Shorthaired Pointers have health issues?
German Shorthaired Pointers are deep chested dogs that can develop bloat, which is a life threatening condition if left untreated. If you suspect your dog has bloat, you should take him or her to the vet right away as this condition can most often be treated if caught early.
Can German Shorthaired Pointers be left alone?
You can leave your dog home alone for a few hours as long as you provide them with plenty of chew toys to keep them occupied. German Shorthaired Pointers have mild separation anxiety and will get into trouble if they get bored.
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