Our German Shorthaired Pointer dog breed information profile includes characteristics, traits, German Shorthaired Pointer personality and temperament, lifespan, suitability for children, exercise needs, training, health problems and much more. Enjoy our German Shorthaired Pointer pictures gallery, and send in your own cute German Shorthaired Pointer puppy photos!

Meet the German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Breed

Known as one of the world’s top sporting dogs, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a beautiful canine athlete, equally prized for his affectionate nature and loyal temperament. Capable of performing most gundog roles, from pointing to retrieving, this magnificent dog is the ideal hunting companion.

German Shorthaired Pointer Facts | German Shorthaired Pointer History | German Shorthaired Pointer Appearance
German Shorthaired Pointer Temperament | German Shorthaired Pointer Exercise Needs
German Shorthaired Pointer Grooming Needs
German Shorthaired Pointer Training | German Shorthaired Pointer Health Issues
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Breed the Right Choice for You?

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German Shorthaired Pointer History

As is the case with many breeds of dogs today, the foundation sires of the German Shorthaired Pointer remain shrouded in mystery. Many credit the German Bird Dog, a descendant of an old Spanish Pointer, as having been the most likely candidate from which the breed may have sprung. Regardless of the main foundation dogs, it is only after generations and generations of selective breeding, crossing the best scent hounds and the best trailing hounds into the bloodlines, that the German Shorthaired Pointer was able to develop into one of the most popular sporting dogs in the world. Further crossing to fine English Pointers helped to refine the breed further and create the beautiful dog that we know today.

A breed standard was decided upon, during the early 1870′s and, by 1872, a registry and stud book was decided on for the breed and, in 1930, he was accepted into the American Kennel Club (AKC). He has only grown in popularity since, and now the GSP is one of the most well-known gundogs in the world.

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German Shorthaired Pointer Appearance

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a natural athlete and his leanly muscled, streamlined body stands as testament to this fact. Sleek and powerful, he is beautiful to watch in action – whether tracking game or holding a gorgeous point, he has been the subject of many pieces of art throughout the centuries.

Standing 23-25 inches tall at the shoulder, the German Shorthaired Pointer is all sleek muscle, and commonly weighs in around 55-70 pounds as an adult dog. They can be found in a rich solid liver, liver and white, or can have a beautiful roaned pattern to their coats. Blacks do occur in the breed, but are not accepted.

German Shorthaired Pointer Temperament and Personality

The German Shorthaired Pointer may be well-known for his hunting abilities and versatility, but he is also known for his affectionate and loyal personality. Despite the fact that he is an amazing gundog, he is also a wonderful dog for a family that has children. Particularly protective of younger children, any sign of shyness, nervousness or aggression is a severe fault in this breed.

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German Shorthaired Pointer Exercise Needs

While he will mellow some with age, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a high energy athlete that requires a great deal of exercise, particularly when he’s younger. Ideally, this should be done off-leash in a fenced-in yard or a dog park. Remember, it’s natural instinct for these dogs to run and trail after scents. Not allowing your German Shorthaired Puppy the opportunity to do this can lead to destructive behavior, anxiousness or even further hyperactivity.

In addition to their natural hunting instincts, the GSP is also an adept sledding dog. Allowing him to participate in similar events, or even agility courses, will help keep your German Shorthaired Pointer happy and healthy.

Grooming German Shorthaired Pointers

The German Shorthaired Pointer only requires minimal grooming to keep his coat looking sleek and shiny. Be forewarned, however, that he can be a heavy shedder – You won’t want to buy white furniture unless you teach your GSP to sleep on the floor!

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Training German Shorthaired Pointers

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a wonderful companion who loves to please. This means he’s also eager to learn, although some individuals may seem a bit ADD as puppies. Teaching them through routine and consistency is a good way to start them out and they should learn the basics while they’re still young. Puppy obedience classes are a great idea for the German Shorthaired Pointer puppy.

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German Shorthaired Pointer Health Concerns

Like many breeds of purebred dogs, the German Shorthaired Pointer is susceptible to a number of hereditary conditions. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

Hip dysplasia
Reverse sneezing
Eye diseases
Epilepsy

While most German Shorthair dogs are relatively healthy, purchasing your German Shorthaired Pointer puppy from a responsible breeder can lessen the chances that your puppy will have problems.

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Is a German Shorthaired Pointer Right For Me?

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a wonderful companion dog, as well as being one of the top gun dogs in the world. Particularly good with children, he makes an excellent family pet, particularly once he matures. Be forewarned, however, that they are very energetic and boisterous puppies. For this reason, we usually recommend GSP for families with older children who aren’t easily knocked down by a playful puppy.

They require a lot of energy – be sure to keep this in mind! Additionally, due to their natural hunting instinct, they may go after ‘prey’ animals, such as cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. Most GSPs are not aggressive towards other dogs.

If you don’t mind your dog giving you a workout and you want a very affectionate and loving companion, the GSP may be the perfect dog for you!

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