Let's talk German Shorthaired Pointers
A superb sport dog full of smarts and speed, the German Shorthaired Pointer is fascinating in their agility as well as their loyalty to the homefront. Very much a velcro dog who follows family members from room to room, they take comfort in knowing what everyone is up to all the time. The breed is better for country rather than city living, suited more to the wide-open spaces that help them stretch their long limbs and live life to the fullest.Official name: German Shorthaired Pointer
Other names: GSP, Deutscher kurshaariger, Vorstehhund, Deutsch Kurzhaar, Kurzhaar
Origins: Germany
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Warm weather? |  |
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Suited to apartment living? |  |
| Energy level (high, low, medium) *: | High | Family pet? * |
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| Compatibility with other pets |  |
Can stay alone? * | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
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61 - 66 cm
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25 - 32 kg
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58 - 63 cm
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20 - 27 kg
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| Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age: | 2 to 15 months |
| Adult age: | 15 months to 5 years |
| Mature age: | 5 to 8 years |
| Senior age: | From 8 years |
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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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2 facts about German Shorthaired Pointers
1. So demanding!
Such a sophisticated dog can, believe it or not, be whiny and demanding at times. The German Shorthaired Pointer bonds extremely strongly with their family so can at times be clingy and need attention. It’s not a bad problem to have, just shows they are always thinking about you as much as you, surely, are thinking about them.
2. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck ...
It’s a dog! It’s true what you’ve heard: The German Shorthaired Pointer has webbed feet formed in the shape of a spoon, more or less. Naturally, this makes them great swimmers, giving them the edge over many other sporting canines. That, combined with their hard nails (which help them grip rugged terrain on land), makes them the ultimate sporting dog who excels in the field.
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History of the breed
It’s not a surprise that the German Shorthaired Pointer arose from a noble lineage. The breed dates to the 1700s when noblemen in Germany, including Prince Albrecht zu Solms-Braunfels, sought a quick and powerful hunter to help them carry out their sport. For decades before, sportsmen had cross bred several strong hunting breeds to help them carry out the bird-dog tradition in Germany – wherein sportsmen used nets to catch birds – but failed to create the agile dog they wanted. The very keen German Shorthaired Pointer, with their intelligence and endurance, not to mention top physicality, fitted the bill perfectly.
After their rise to popularity, the GSP consistently became the most triumphant dog in German sporting events. The first German Shorthaired Pointer dog came to the United States in the 1920s and was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1930.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of German Shorthaired Pointers
1. Ears
Fairly long ears hanging at side of head, set high.
2. Head
Rounded head somewhat large compared to slim build.
3. Body
Lithe, athletic body, very solid, harmonious proportions.
4. Tail
Long tail in line with the body.
5. Coat
Shorthaired water-resistant coat, fur very tight, hard, and even.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your German Shorthaired Pointer
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Caring for your German Shorthaired Pointer
Grooming, training and exercise tips
The German Shorthaired Pointer is incredibly easy to groom with their very short hair. That said, they will still need a weekly brushing to ensure that dead hair is dispensed of, and an occasional going-over with a grooming glove will help keep stray fur to a minimum. To say the German Shorthaired Pointer needs lots of exercise is an understatement: This is a breed that was developed specifically for sport, so running – and seeking things to run after – is genetic. Taking them along anywhere outdoors, for a hike, jog, walk, is fine with them. The breed excels at sporting events. Training the German Shorthaired Pointer too will be a pleasure as they are very much companion animals and seek to please. This highly intelligent dog learns quickly, however from six months to three years they will need constant discipline to curtail their incredibly intense energy. As with all breeds, instilling good habits from an early age is best.
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All about Shorthaired Pointers
A fantastic all-around breed, the German Shorthaired Pointer is very popular with pet owners and, in turn, adores everyone in their midst—especially children. With their high energy, it’s not recommended that this dog is taken in by families with children under the age of seven.
This very spirited breed will fulfill so many dog desires—for fun, activity, and pleasurable viewing, but in the security department … not so good. The dog is very welcoming of newcomers to the house and though they may sound a warning bark if needed and are certainly strong, aggression is not a trait the German Shorthaired Pointer possesses. Other breeds may be better protectors in the long run.
Read more on this topic
How to adopt a dog
Things to consider before getting a dog
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/