Breed of the Month–German Shorthaired Pointer

3March 2010

German Shorthaired Pointer
Color:  Liver, liver and white spotted, liver and white ticked, liver roan, may have markings of tan.
Height:  Males:  23-26 inches/  Females:  21-25 inches
Weight:  Males:  55-70 lbs/ Females:  45-60 lbs
Life Span:  12-15 years
Breed Health Concerns:  epilepsy, hip dysplasia, bloat, von Willebrand disease, and eye problems.
Coat:  Short, dense undercoat, with a short, dense, rough, hard outer coat.
Country of Origin:  Germany
Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.
Germans used many types of bird dogs for hunting as far back as the 1700s.  By combining several types of tracking and pointing dogs, a new breed of versatile gun dogs began emerging by the 1800s.  The German Shorthaired Pointer is believed to be a combination of English pointers and the German Bird Dog.  Additions to the bloodline over time helped make the breed into a dog that would excel at water work, tracking, and retrieving.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is very excited and enthusiastic about most anything.  Whether its hunting, going for a walk, or just hanging out with his family, the GSP is happy to follow.  The GSP is great with children, but has an intensely high energy level.
Exercise
The more exercise the German Shorthaired Pointer can get, the better.  The GSP needs to run.  To help drain this breed’s energy, many owners join some sort of activity such as:  agility, obedience, hunting, or flyball.
Grooming
The GSP’s coat requires very little care to keep it looking nice.  This breed loves water and the many swimming escapades will require frequent bathing.  Take special care to keep the GSP’s ears clean and free from infection.
Training
The German Shorthaired Pointer is very people oriented and eager to please, making the breed fairly easy to train.  Combine this breed’s training with high value rewards like running, and use brief but positive training sessions to keep his attention and get the best results possible.