The German Shorthaired Pointer is an immensely popular breed that currently holds the #10 spot on the list of most popular dog breed all around the world (AKC). Although a bit uncommon to be found in India, the availability and demand for this breed are gradually increasing in the country because these dogs are highly trainable, extremely cooperative with their owners and also are fairly affordable, unlike numerous other European breeds. Coming to their sturdiness and durability, then the German Shorthaired Pointers would have no problem in surviving in a hot country like India because of their great tolerance to hot climatic conditions. But the thing to note here is that this breed is not very suitable for apartment-style living and the GSPs are most comfortable when they have a large space for themselves. They are very active and athletic in nature and thus do best in houses that have large-sized yards or preferably a park or an open area near to the home.
The German Shorthaired Pointers are very well-balanced, symmetrical and quite versatile canines. They are loaded with great endurance, agility, and power which makes them immensely athletic and resilient in nature. The official standards for the GSPs are given as follows:
There is a minimal size difference between a male and a female Shorthaired Pointer. The average height of the GSPs is around 21-25 inches (at the shoulders) and their weight lies anywhere between the range of 20-32 kilograms.
|
GENDER |
WEIGHT |
HEIGHT |
|
MALE |
25-32 kg |
23-25 inch |
|
FEMALE |
20-27 kg |
21-23 inch |
They have a thick coat which is quite short in terms of length and is a bit tough to the hand. But it is much thinner and softer on the head and the ears. And, the coat is also a little longer on the back edges of the haunches and the underside of the tail.
They possess a well-built and a hardy body with a muscular neck which is of fair length. The chest is rather deep than wide and the back region may be a little short but is fairly strong, sturdy and straight. Their tail is mostly docked and is placed quite firmly and a bit high on the back. The forequarters and the hindquarters are well-muscled, robust and are great in providing the required stability and balance to the rest of the body.
They have a clean-cut head which is in proper proportion to the body. The GSPs have medium sized eyes which are almond shaped and are mostly found in a dark brown color. The ears are quite broad and are set fairly high on the head.
These dogs have a fine jaw region with strong and healthy teeth. They possess a true scissors bite in which the incisor teeth in the upper jaw are in contact or slightly overlaps the teeth in the lower jaw. Their overall muzzle is sufficiently long and is quite powerful.
The German Shorthaired Pointers are tremendously active and energetic dogs who are always in the mood to expend their energy on some kind of intense physical task or activity. They have pretty high exercise needs and without proper exertion and movement, these dogs can become a little frustrated and annoyed. They love their family members with all their heart and are very friendly with small kids as well but these canines should be taught to be a bit more careful with children as at times, they can be overly boisterous for small kids. Also, they sometime may seem reserved and reticent with the strangers but if they are properly introduced to many different people at a young age, then they have no problem in mixing with the people who are new to them. The GSPs are very good at getting trained as they remain very responsive and attentive during the training sessions. Some of the temperamental traits of the German Shorthaired Pointers are listed below:
This German breed is renowned all over the world for its superior athleticism, trainability, intelligence level and its all around bold personality. The GSPs are highly enthusiastic and frisky canines who enjoy spending their time outside the house, preferably, in an open field or a park. But if they are receiving proper exercise on a daily basis, then they are also happy to be curled up by their owner’s side.
These dogs make great house pets and companions because of their cooperative attitude and an eager to please nature. They listen to their owner’s commands very sincerely and are quite obedient as well (if properly trained at a young age). They are decently territorial and possess an above average watchdog ability and therefore they can be good guard dogs. They normally are fine and affectionate with the small children present in the house but their bouncy personality should be kept under control when they interacting with the infants and young kids. They also are a little sensitive and can get hurt if the owners are harsh and overly strict with them and hence they should be trained and treated a bit more gently.
The GSPs are divided into various types on the basis of the different colors that their coats are available in. These colors are as follows:
|
Adaptability |
**** |
Sensitivity Level |
**** |
|
Affection Level |
**** |
Potential for mouthiness |
**** |
|
Apartment-Friendly |
* |
Drooling Potential |
** |
|
Barking Tendencies |
*** |
Energy Level |
***** |
|
Friendly towards dogs |
**** |
Health Issues |
*** |
|
Friendly towards other animals |
** |
Intelligence |
**** |
|
Child Friendly |
**** |
Playfulness |
***** |
|
Exercise Needs |
***** |
Shedding Level |
*** |
|
Grooming Needs |
** |
Social Needs |
*** |
|
Good for novice owners |
** |
Stranger Friendly |
*** |
|
Trainability |
***** |
Watchdog Ability |
*** |
|
Tolerates Heat |
**** |
Tolerates Cold |
*** |
They should be fed a nutritious and high-quality feeding material which is suitable for their activity level and age. The young GSPs (less than 6 months of age) are required to be fed more than two times a day but the quantity of the meal should not be high. The number of meals can be reduced once the German Shorthaired Pointer reaches adulthood but now the amount of feeding material should be increased.
These dogs need a lot of activity and exercise on a daily basis to be happy, healthy and in the desired shape. They love to spend their energy on numerous different physical activities like running, playing games with their family members in a park, swimming et cetera. These dogs remain contented and pleased if they are provided with ample exercise and therefore whoever is looking to raise this awesome breed should be ready to satisfy its high exercise needs.
The training sessions are fun and exciting for both the canines and the owners of this spirited breed as the GSPs are always ready to learn new things and commands and hence it is a delightful experience for the owner/trainer to teach this responsive and smart breed. These dogs are always eager to please whoever is training them and they try to understand the new things which are being taught to them as quickly as possible.
This breed is easy to groom as it only requires weekly brushing of its coat to look tidy. Occasional baths and trimming of nails are also enough for them, but their ears must be checked for any signs of infection on a regular basis. The GSPs can shed a lot (but only on a seasonal basis) and during that time, the frequency of brushing of their coat should be increased.
This athletic breed is likely to remain fit and healthy if given proper care by the owners. But, still, it can get affected by different health-related issues, some of which are listed below:
Although not necessary, still, it is better to take this breed to a vet’s clinic at least once a month for a general health check-up and consultation.
The German Shorthaired Pointers hail from Germany and came into existence in the mid to late 19th century. This breed was developed to be a versatile hunting dog and it was created by crossing the German Bird Dogs with numerous native Scenthounds. Later on, the English Pointers were also added to the mix to impart some elegance to the GSPs.
These dogs were exceptional at tracking and hunting their targets and to this date, they possess a very high prey drive and thus are not suitable for houses who have small animals like cats, rabbits et cetera living there.
They gradually became quite popular all over the world once they were recognized as an official breed by the AKC in the year 1930. And, apart from being a great companion to the hunters, they also excelled as a show dog because of their excellent trainability and a compliant character.
