All About a German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired Pointer

What Makes Us Different?

The German shorthaired pointer is a clean-cut dog with a striking outline, every bit the toned athlete. The medium-build body is square or a little longer than tall and well muscled throughout. The muzzle is somewhat squared, but the stop is not as defined as the pointer's, and, as a whole, the German short haired pointer's head is more moderate than the pointer's. The velvety ears are set high, the eyes are almond shaped and the tail is docked to about 40 percent of the dog's length. This is a high-energy dog that will not be content to sit around all day. A long exercise period every day and access to a good-sized yard is needed during the day. Given adequate exercise, life indoors with a German shorthaired pointer can be tranquil; without adequate exercise, it can be disastrous.

Overall Score For Families
0%
80%
85%
90%
99%
95%
75%

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a breed of dog that is versatile and can be used for many different types of activities. They are able to hunt many different types of game, retrieve on land or from water, and be an affectionate companion. They have a striking coat that does not require a lot of care, but they do need plenty of vigorous exercise. If you can provide this dog with the mental and physical challenges they crave, they will be your best friend. However, those who live in apartments or spend lots of time away from home must beware. Without room to play and lots of exercise, you may find a bored dog engaging in destructive behaviors when you get home.

German shorthaired pointers are high-energy dogs that were historically bred for hunting. As a result, they have strong prey drive and will instinctively chase anything that they perceive as potential prey, including small animals like squirrels, birds, and rabbits. This predatory behavior can be problematic if GSPs are not kept in a secure area, as they may bolt in pursuit of their quarry. It is important to be cautious when exercising GSPs off-leash, and to be aware of their surroundings in order to prevent them fromscale fences or walls. With proper care and training, however, German shorthaired pointers can make great companions.

The German shorthaired pointer is not a dog that can simply be taken for a quick walk around the block. These dogs require serious exercise, such as running, swimming, long walks, and playing in a fenced area. Ideally, they should have two sessions of physical activity each day. However, it’s important to keep in mind that GSPs always have high energy levels, so there’s no such thing as too much exercise for them. One of the best things about German shorthaired pointers is that they love to please their people. They’ll work hard for you if you show them positive reinforcement, whether it’s in the form of praise, playtime, or treats. Additionally, GSPs usually aren’t stubborn and learn new tricks and exercises quickly.

The only difficulty when training them is keeping their attention since they can get bored easily. Ultimately, if you’re prepared to give a German shorthaired pointer the time and attention they need, you’ll be rewarded with a lifelong friend.

German shorthaired pointers are a versatile breed, built to work long days in the field or at the lake. They are known for their power, speed, agility, and endurance, and have an overall ‘noble’ and ‘aristocratic’ look. German shorthaired pointers make great pets; they are relatively easy to train and bond firmly to their family. They always enjoy physical activities like running, swimming, and organized dog sports – anything that will let them burn off some of their boundless energy while spending time outdoors with a human buddy. If you’re looking for an active breed that will become a lifelong companion, a German shorthaired pointer may be the perfect fit for you.

Some Reviews We Think You'll Like
Top 3 German Shorthaired Pointer traits

Needs Social Attention

GSPs are people-oriented and don't like to be left alone for long periods of time without something to keep them busy. Since they are so intelligent, they will find something to keep them busy if you don't, usually shoes!

Barks A lot

They are watchful dogs who will bark at strangers and any unusual noises. They are also a bit reserved with people they don't know, preferring to greet visitors only after their guardians have given the okay

They Escape!

If they become bored, they can become escape artists and may try to jump or dig their way out of a fenced area. For this reason, it's important to have a fence that is at least six feet tall if you plan to leave your German shorthaired pointer alone.

History of the German Shorthaired Pointer

German shorthaired pointers are among the top-winning breeds in competitive hunting events. The German bird-dog tradition dates to at least the 1700s, with master breeders experimenting with tracking hound–pointing dog crosses in the quest for a quick but powerful hunter possessing plenty of nose and versatility. It comes as no surprise to learn that a key player in the early development of this breed of noble bearing was himself a nobleman, Prince Albrecht zu Solms-Braunfels.

GSPs were first brought to America in the late 1800s by their admirers and have been prized by hunters ever since for their abilities in the field. These versatile dogs are just as comfortable pointing quail on a South Texas ranch as they are retrieving waterfowl in the marshes of Louisiana or working pheasants on the Midwestern plains. German shorthaired pointers have it all: looks, brains, and personalityplus they’re gentle with children, making them ideal family companions. Not surprisingly, they’re one of America’s fastest-growing breeds. Whatever your hunting preference—upland game or waterfowl, small game or big game—a German shorthaired pointer just may be

The German Shorthaired Pointer is an early example of fine German engineering. He was created in Germany in the mid- to late 19th century to be a multipurpose hunting dog. The GSP was probably derived from the German bird dog crossed with various German scenthounds. English Pointers were brought in to give the new breed some elegance. The result was a dog that could point, retrieve on land or water, and track game. Today, the German Shorthaired Pointer is prized as an all-around hunting dog and companion. He is an excellent swimmer and athlete with a Berndt Block head for intense concentration when on the trail of game. The GSP is an intelligent dog who loves people and needs plenty of human companionship and exercise. If you are looking for a versatile, affectionate, and energetic hunting partner or family pet, the German Shorthaired Pointer just might be the perfect dog for you.

Dr. Charles Thornton of Montana was the first to import a German Shorthaired Pointer to the United States in 1925 and he immediately began breeding the dogs. Five years later, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The first GSP registered with the AKC was Greif v.d. Fliegerhalde.

World War II had a significant impact on the breeding of German Shorthaired Pointers. As the war came to an end, many breeders hid their most prized possessions, including their GSPs. The best dogs were sent to Yugoslavia for safekeeping. However, since Yugoslavia was behind the Iron Curtain after WW II, West German breeders didn’t have access to Germany’s finest GSPs and they were faced with rebuilding their beloved breed from a limited gene pool. Despite these challenges, the German Shorthaired Pointer remains a popular breed today. Thanks to their hunting skills, athleticism, and loyal personality, they continue to be cherished by dog lovers around the world.

 In addition to their hunting abilities, GSPs have also inspired modern-day writers to immortalize the breed in their works. One such writer is Robert B. Parker, whose popular mystery series is about a Boston detective named Spenser. Throughout the series, Spenser has three solid-liver German Shorthair Pointers, all named Pearl. Parker often appears on the dustjackets of his Spenser books with a solid-liver GSP.
another well-known writer who was inspired by a German shorthaired pointer is Rick Bass. Bass wrote a book called Colter: The True Story of the Best Dog I Ever Had about living and hunting with a German Shorthair in Montana. Sportswriter Mel Wallis also wrote a book titled Run, Rainey, Run about his relationship with his intelligent and versatile hunting German Shorthaired Pointer. As these examples show, the German shorthaired pointer is not only an excellent hunting dog, but also an inspiring companion.

German Shorthaired Pointer
About this Breed

The German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the most energetic breeds of dog. Protective, clever, and eager to please, this breed is perfect for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. German Shorthaired Pointers are also very fond of their human family members and do not do well when left alone in a kennel. When it comes to other dogs, this breed is happy-go-lucky and usually gets along well with other animals.

  • Loyal

    The German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile breed that is known for its loyalty and spirit. These dogs love to be active and will often engage in constructive activities with their owners, such as long walks, jogs, hikes, or games of Frisbee. If you are looking for a high energy dog that will keep you active, the German Shorthaired Pointer is the breed for you! This breed is also known for its loyalty, which means they make great companion dogs. So if you are looking for a loyal friend that will always be by your side, the German Shorthaired Pointer is the perfect breed for you!

  • Might be a Handful with Children

    The German breeders who developed GSPs wanted companionable family pets, as well as hunting dogs—and they succeeded. The GSP is a very affectionate, loving companion that mostly likes children and other dogs, though since they’re so rambunctious, some experts advise against having them in households with children under seven.

  • Lots of Exersize

    GSPs aren't recommended for apartment dwellers. They are best suited to active people who have a home with a large yard surrounded by a high fence. German Shorthaired Pointers were bred to have energy and stamina to last all day in the field, so exercise is important for them. If they don't get enough exercise, they can become nervous and destructive.

Check Out Other Breeds