German Shorthaired Pointer

Introduction

German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are highly intelligent and versatile medium sized gun dogs. They have excellent tracking, pointing and retrieving abilities both in field as well as water. German Shorthaired Pointer puppies can be boisterous at times.

The breed war originally developed in Germany by the cross breeding with hounds and tracking dogs. Later, they were crossed with English Pointer breed dogs in order to enhance speed and endurance.

German Shorthaired Pointer dogs were primarily bred for hunting purposes. Now, they make for highly affectionate family pets as well. The breed is also known as Deutsch Kurzhaar, German Shorthaired Pointing Dog or simply GSP.

Physical Appearance

German Shorthaired Pointer dog breed is athletic, well balanced and symmetrical in appearance. The head is proportional with the skull being slightly rounded on the top. The dark brown eyes are medium in size and almond shaped.

The large nose is characterized by wide open nostrils. The broad and high set ears flatly hang close to the head. The underside of the firm and high set tail has longer hair coat as compared to the rest of the body.

Color: Common German Shorthaired Pointer coat colors are solid liver and combination liver and white.
Height: The average height of these dogs is approximately 23 to 25 inches. Female German Shorthaired Pointers are usually 21 to 23 inches in height.
Weight: The average weight of German Shorthaired Pointer breed dogs ranges between 55 to 70 pounds. The bitches are generally 45 to 60 pounds in weight.

Health Problems

Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Lymphedema, Hermaphrodism and Bloating are some of the most serious health issues in German Shorthaired Pointer dog breed.

These dogs are also prone to Pannus, Bleeding Disorders, Heart Diseases, Osteochondritis Dissecan, Entropion and other genetic eye diseases and skin problems.

Life Expectancy: The average lifespan of this breed of dogs is around 12 to 15 years.
Litter Size: German Shorthaired Pointer average litter size is about 7 to 8 puppies.

Grooming Requirements

As the name suggests, German Shorthaired Pointer dogs have short and thick hair coat that is easy to groom. Simply brush the hair coat with a firm bristle brush on a regular basis to keep it clean. They are average shedders. These dogs are relatively clean and need not be bathed frequently.

Dry the dog’s feet thoroughly after strenuous physical activity in order to avoid chilling. In addition, regularly check the feet and remove the hair between paw pads. Plus, check and clean your dog’s eyes and ears periodically to avoid infections.

Temperament

German Shorthaired Pointer breed dogs are highly energetic, friendly, smart, trustworthy, protective and even tempered. These people oriented dogs do not like to be left alone for longer durations, or else they tend to engage themselves meticulously in destructive behavior due to separation anxiety.

Male German Shorthaired Pointer dogs have found to be more aggressive as compared to the female ones. Being naturally suspicious of strangers, the German Shorthaired Pointer dog breed is considered excellent for watchdog duties.

However, these are prone to excessive barking. Therefore proper training and socialization are necessary to keep these dogs disciplined avoid overly shy or aggressive behavior.

They are obedient and love to please their owners. Hence, they are easy to train. There can be occasional streaks of stubborn behavior but they can be handled tactfully with patience. When adequately introduced and socialized, these dogs tend to get along well with children and other pets in the house.

Key Points

These highly active and agile dogs require plenty of vigorous physical exercise for adequate physical and mental stimulation. Thus, they should be given sufficient space and opportunity to play and run in properly fenced large sized yards. The fencing should be about six feet tall or even more.

They also like to accompany their owners enthusiastically in adventurous activities like hunting and hiking. German Shorthaired Pointer dog breed is highly suitable for active and assertive experienced dog owners.

They are not usually recommended for apartment situation. Lack of physical exercise gives rise to destructive behavior and restlessness in these dogs.