German Shorthaired Pointer Breed Description

Introduction

German hunters required dogs with good noses that would point and retrieve both furred and feathered animals from water or land. German Shorthairs are very energetic, smart, friendly, loyal and protective. They love all family members equally and are willing to please. They need lots of exercise and companionship; without it they can become destructive and nervous. Groom by brushing regularly. These dogs weigh 45 to 70 lbs. and stand 21-25" at the shoulders.

History

German Shorthaired Pointers are believed to have descended from the ancient German Bird Dog. Over the centuries, those were crossed with Schweisshunde, the regions track and trail dogs, excellent scent hounds. English and Spanish Pointers entered the blood line as well. The result is an all-round field dog that excels at trailing and retrieving. As pointers, they are as diligent after deer as they are with quail and will hunt everything in between!

General Description

Coat hair of the German Shorthaired Pointer is harsh to the touch, becoming finer and softer on the ears and head. It is slightly longer on the back edges of the dog's haunches and the underside of its tail. This breed is available in solid black, solid liver and solid white and in combinations of black and white, liver and white and white and liver as well as Roans in Liver or Black. Dogs can be patched, patched and ticked or just ticked. In general, German Shorthaired Pointers are all round gun dogs and should be proportioned for that work. Medium sized almond eyes are usually dark brown. Ears are high-set (just above eye level) and broad; they lie flat. The animal's skull is broad, rounding on top and arched on the side. There is a gradual rise from nose to forehead, which is less noticeable in the female. Muzzle length enables retrieving and carrying game, but it should not be pointed. Skull and muzzle are usually about equal in length. Noses are large for scenting, with wide open nostrils; brown in color. Powerful jawline with good muscle development and a true scissors bite; full lipped without flew.

German Shorthaired Pointers have a strong neck that curves to the shoulder in a gentle slope, with a noteworthy muscular nape. Chest is deep rather than broad; ribs spring (rather than lie flat). The short back is strong and straight, leading to broad hips that are widely set and curve slightly downward toward the tail, which is high set and firm. Traditionally docked, that practice is being re-evaluated in many parts of the world today and is illegal in the E.U.

Strong muscular hind quarters show the dog's power; bones are straight from hock to pad. Spoon-shaped feet (which may also be round) have arched, heavily nailed toes. Pads are strong and thick.

Temperament

These expert field dogs are friendly and intelligent. Their willingness to please makes them easy to train; like most gun dogs they react best to firm and consistent instruction that is gentle and fair. They are vivacious without being overly excitable, showing an endearing vitality in all they do. They can be happy as a family pet with enough play and exercise. Regular field exercises will help them be healthy and happy.

Health and Care

German Shorthaired Pointers need very little grooming beyond regular pedicures and dental hygiene. They are average shedders and their coat repels most dirt and grime, making bathing unnecessary for the most part.

Colors

The only acceptable color for the GSP is liver or brown. The coat can be solid liver or a combination of liver and white. Combinations being liver and white ticked, liver patches and white ticked, or liver roan. The head is typically solid or almost completely liver.

Living Area

These dogs require an enclosure with a high fence. They are known to jump fences as high as six feet with little trouble. They are great escape artists, and should never be left unattended outside. German Shorthaired Pointers develop very strong bonds with their owners, and should be with them as much as possible. Kenneling such a breed all the time could lead to boredom, hyperactivity, and aggression. If the dog must be kenneled at times, the fence should be high and preferably with a top on it. He should not be able to dig a hole out. The fence should be strong, since this breed is great at escaping enclosures.City or apartment life is not ideal for such a breed, as their most common cause of death is being hit by a car. They should have a fenced in yard with room to run and play. They need to be exercised off lead, another reason city leaving is not ideal.GSPs are adaptable to almost any climate, their short but dense coat leaves them able to tolerate the cold as well as the heat.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

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