Dog Breeds > German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer
Keeping a German shorthaired pointer in your house as a pet would bring delight and fun to everyone especially the children. This breed had impressed so many breeders around the world and surely it would never fail to amaze you as well.
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Fascinating Facts
German shorthaired pointer, also known as the GSP, Vorstehhund, Deutscher kurzhaariger and Kurzaar was originally bred in 1800’s in Germany for hunting. There are many speculations that the GSP was developed using Old Spanish Pointer, German Bird dog, Foxhound and Hounds of St Hubert.
Physical Appearance
The German shorthaired pointer measures and weighs about 23 – 25 inches and 55 – 70 pounds respectively. The size of its head is relatively larger; making it able to retrieve larger game. Its ears are flopping on either side of its head. The nose is brown in color that is large and wide open. The eyes are medium-sized and almond-shaped. It has deep chest, long tail that is sometimes docked up to almost 40% of its original size.
The skin of the German shorthaired pointer is tight. The coat however is rough in texture. It is also thick. It is short and soft on the head part and it is long and thick on the tail part. The coat color ranges from solid liver, liver and white or liver with spots of white on chest or tail.
Grooming
Grooming the German shorthaired pointer is very easy – a regular brushing and bathing is enough to keep it good-looking. Wet chamois or rubber gloves are all it takes to give its coat a gleaming and neat look.
Mood
The German shorthaired pointer retains its hunting nature. They are energetic and very active type of dogs. They are eager to please, protective and somewhat clever. They could easily bond with their human family. They love to participate in their master’s activities especially if the activity involves running, walking, hiking and hunting.
The German shorthaired pointer does not do well indoors; in fact, it tends to display negative traits if this breed was kept indoors for a very long time. Make sure that the shorthaired pointer gets enough daily exercise outdoors so that it will not get frustrated and moody.
With Children
This breed is a loyal pet and companion; in fact they tend to do well around children. They are absolutely active and playful especially outdoors.
Training & Exercise
Training a German shorthaired pointer requires firm and strong leadership. It does not listen to meek and timid trainers/owners/handlers. They only respond to calm, moderate and gentle commands. This breed responds well if it sense that its trainer/owner/handler has strong and determined mind and leadership.
In order to maintain their body and mind healthy, a regular exercise is needed. The German shorthaired pointer should be regularly engaged on physical activities to hone its natural hunting instincts otherwise it will easily get bored, restless and most of all, destructive.
Health & Life Expectancy
The German shorthaired pointer is a generally healthy dog but there are some ailments that should be watched out for. They usually live for about 12 – 15 years. This breed is highly prone to epilepsy, hermaphrodism, hip dysplasia, entropion and gastric torsion.
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