German Shorthaired Pointer

Overview of German Shorthaired Pointers

  • German shorthaired pointers can make an excellent “alarm system.” They’ll sound their alarm bark the moment a fewone steps foot on your property, but they shouldn’t be aggressive once you’ve made it clear everything is ok. 
  • German shorthaired pointers are typically the most common choice for pointer/Labrador mixes, so I’ve provided another table that compares them to Labrador retrievers on a number of characteristics that will battle for the top spot when they’re mixed.
  • A German Shorthaired Pointer is an excellent choice for an active dog that doesn’t require as much mental stimulation, but if you’re looking for a less active dog that loves to snuggle, you may want to consider a French Bulldog.
  • German Shorthaired Pointer + Boxer = Boxapoint This medium-sized crossbreed called Miniature Boxer owns square jaw, floppy ears, deep chest and muscled legs, all features provided by the Boston Terrier and the Boxer.
  • German Shorthaired Pointers are proficient with many alternative types of game and sport, including trailing, retrieving, and pointing pheasant, quail, grouse, waterfowl, raccoons, possum, and even deer.[5]
  • German shorthaired pointers are high-energy canines who need a minimum of one hour of playtime every day, and most would be happier still if given the chance to run around for twice this long.
  • German Shorthaired Pointer temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
  • German Shorthaired Pointers need a lot of exercise to burn off energy – about an hour or two every day – and they’re really smart so they need adequate mental stimulation, too.
  • German Shorthaired Pointers need a strong leader who is firm but calm — they won’t respond well to either wishy-washy commands or overly strong discipline.
  • German shorthaired pointers are the ninth most popular purebred dog breed in the U.S., according to the American Kennel Club rankings released Friday, May 1, 2020.
  • Allergies

    Follow the bath with a conditioner or Luxury Remoisturizer to keep the coat in great shape.German Shorthaired Pointer’s require 2 baths when you bathe them.If your German Shorthaired Pointer has allergies or sensitive skin we would suggest a Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo and follow it with a medicated shampoo depending on your dog’s needs.If your German Shorthaired Pointer has normal skin then the second bath you would want to pick one of our wonderful fragrant shampoos and conditioners.

    Bloat

    German Shorthaired Pointers are usually healthy but they can get certain health conditions.Once they have eaten, they shouldn’t run or exercise for at least an hour after eating and drinking.[6] Most German Shorthaired Pointers are tough, healthy dogs, but the breed can be subject to a number of hereditary disorders due to their breeding.Since German Shorthaired Pointer can bloat, they shouldn’t be fed immediately after running or other vigorous exercise.Some GSP are prone to epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and hermaphroditism.Some of these health disorders include, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD), pannus, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), epilepsy, skin disorders and cancerous lesions in the mouth, on the skin and other areas of the body.[7] As with other breeds, un-spayed female GSPs are prone to breast cancer.There are scans and test to verify vWD.There are things like cancer, Lymphedema, Entropion, Van Willebrand’s Disease, and Gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV).This risk is reduced if they are spayed.When feeding a pup under 6 months they will need to be fed more than twice a day but once they reach adulthood they can be fed twice a day.

    Breed

    Dale Westly calls himself a “backyard breeder of German shorthaired pointers” and considers that designation a positive description of what he and groups of his hunting buddies do to produce a versatile gun dog that will find all the common upland gamebirds, plus retrieve every species of waterfowl.

    Cancer

    Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in German Shorthaired Pointers, and the sooner they are surgically removed the better.All suspicious lumps should be tested and any questionable lump should be surgically removed as soon as possible.Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them, so early detection and removal is critical.Trouble is, they often look just like other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, some of which are harmful, and others not.

    Coat

    Solid liver and solid black coats also occur, often with a small blaze of ticking or white on the chest.The coat can be very glossy if washed.The color can be a dark brown with some lighter brown colors, referred to as “liver” (incorrectly as “chocolate” or “chestnut”), black (although any area of black is cause for disqualification in American Kennel Club-sanctioned shows), white, liver roan, or liver and white.[2][5] Commonly, the head is a solid or nearly solid color, and the body is speckled or “ticked” with liver and white, sometimes with large patches of solid color called “saddles.” Roan coats are also common, with or without patching.The colouring of the GSP provides camouflage in the winter seasons.The German Shorthaired Pointer’s coat is short and flat with a dense undercoat protected by stiff guard hairs making the coat water resistant and allowing the dog to stay warm in cold weather.This allows the German Shorthaired Pointer to be an agile hunter with high performance in both field and water.While the German standard permits a slight sandy colouring (“Gelber Brand”) at the extremities, this colouring is rare, and a dog displaying any yellow colouring is disqualified in AKC and CKC shows.

    Energy

    A couple of 20- to 30-minute walks a day won’t suffice for these high-octane dogs.Providing a German shorthaired pointer with enough opportunities to exercise is likely the most challenging aspect of their care.

    Genetic Predispositions

    At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your GSP looking and feeling her best.This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for German Shorthaired Pointers.This information helps you and us together plan for your pet’s unique medical needs.You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that we’re taking the best possible care of your pal.

    Grooming

    German shorthaired pointers have minimal grooming requirements.That said, German shorthaired pointers don’t shed very heavily anyway.Their hair isn’t long enough to brush in most cases, although you can always do so to knock some of his soon-to-be-shed hair off while you’re outdoors – your pet will probably enjoy the process too.

    Health

    German shorthaired pointers are often healthy and live long lives, but the breed is susceptible to a number of mild to serious health problems.You can avoid some of these by only purchasing German shorthaired pointers from breeders who implement strict health-screening protocols in their breeding programs, but others are not easy to avoid by any means.

    Heart Disease

    Early detection of heart disease often allows us to treat with medication that usually prolongs your pet’s life for many years.German Shorthaired Pointers are prone to multiple types of heart disease, which can occur both early and later in life.Veterinary dental care and weight control go a long way in preventing heart disease.We’ll listen for heart murmurs and abnormal heart rhythms when we examine your pet.When indicated, we’ll perform an annual heart health check, which may include X-rays, an ECG, or an echocardiogram, depending on your dog’s risk factors.

    Infections

    German Shorthaired Pointers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper.Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors.

    Obesity

    Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk.It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease.Obesity can be a significant health problem in German Shorthaired Pointers.She’ll feel better, and so will you!Though it’s tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, you can “love her to death” with leftover people food and doggie treats.

    Personality

    This will hopefully help you decide if a German shorthaired pointer would be a good fit for your family.We’ll talk more about German shorthaired pointers below, including information about their physique, personality, history and the common health concerns of the breed.

    Social

    German Shorthaired Pointers are loyal, enthusiastic, and energetic around their owners, but may be aloof with strangers, especially if not socialized well.They can be quite vocal.

    Temperament

    Breeding true to the breed means that no matter how many times there are offspring of offspring, the puppies will always have the right colors, conformation, and temperament that is known to the German Shorthaired Pointer breed standard.

    Training

    Although you can start housebreaking your German shorthaired pointer as soon as you get him, you’ll want to wait to begin basic obedience training until he’s about 7 or 8 weeks of age.Start with simple commands, such as “sit” and “lay,” and work up to more complicated tasks as he learns.

    What’s the Price of German Shorthaired Pointer Puppies?

    If you want a purebred German Shorthaired Pointer, you’re almost certainly going to need to go through a breeder.From there, it all depends on how you feel about bloodlines.

    Are German shorthaired pointers protective?

    German shorthaired pointers are vocal dogs, who won’t hesitate to bark at anything unusual or that they perceive as threatening.However, they’re unlikely to physically intervene in emergency situations.

    Are German shorthaired pointers smart?

    German shorthaired pointers are very intelligent dogs.They’re usually easy to train and they require plenty of mental stimulation to remain happy and enjoy a good quality of life.

    Exercise ??

    GSPs are exercise addicts.They will find a way to burn off their excess energy, with or without your help — and trust us, you’ll want it to be with your help.If left to their own devices, they will invent new ways of destroying things, so it’s best if you can supply them with all the exercise they need.

    Wrapping Up: Is a German Shorthaired Pointer Right for Your Family?

    German shorthaired pointers are fantastic dogs, who have a lot of great traits – there’s a reason they’ve become the AKC’s 11th most popular breed.They are sweet, loving, loyal and gentle, and they are one of the most playful breeds in the world.

    Do German shorthaired pointers shed a lot?

    All dogs shed, including German shorthaired pointers.However, GSPs don’t shed very heavily and they have relatively short coats.Accordingly, they may make a good choice for owners who have allergies or simply want to maintain a tidy home.

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    Are German shorthaired pointers good with kids?

    Provided that they are properly socialized and trained, German shorthaired pointers are usually good with children.They’ll certainly make great playmates for family kids, but they may be a bit shy around unfamiliar children until they get to know them.Nevertheless, supervision is always required, as large dogs may injure children accidentally.

    Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

    Given their seemingly insatiable appetite for play, GSPs generally welcome other dogs.No matter the size or breed, they simply see one thing: a potential playmate.It’s best to introduce them as puppies if possible, though.

    Are These Dogs Good for Families? ??

    German Shorthaired Pointers can make fantastic family pets, and they’re so energetic, you may need your entire brood to get involved in tuckering them out.

    Do German shorthaired pointers like to swim?

    All dogs are individuals, who exhibit their own preferences and personality quirks, but most German shorthaired pointers love to swim.In fact, this is a great way to give your pet exercise, as it burns a ton of calories, yet doesn’t cause the wear and tear on a dog’s joints the way some other types of activity do.

    Am I Ready For A Dog?

    Is your dog’s coat looking a little shaggy? Our grooming guide will help you safely snip and get them looking (and feeling) good again.

    Is a GSP Right for You?

    It is a special time in your life.You are considering adopting a displaced GSP, or acquiring a GSP from a reputable breeder, and making them part of your family.This is a lifetime commitment that, like any relationship, should not be taken lightly and can present its share of challenges.

    Training ??

    These dogs crave obedience training, but that doesn’t mean they’ll make it easy on you.They quickly pick up on commands, and once they’ve learned something, they can grow bored with repetition.

    Food & Diet Requirements ??

    GSPs need a food that’s capable of keeping them fueled all day long, which usually means one that’s high in protein.Look for one that has a variety of lean meat sources, and avoid those with animal by-products or other questionable ingredients.

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    Are German shorthaired pointers hyper?

    “Hyper” or “hyperactive” may not be the words we’d choose to describe this breed, but German shorthaired pointers are undoubtedly high-energy dogs.They aren’t a good choice for owners who simply want a dog that’ll lounge around on the couch.They need one to two hours of exercise every day to remain healthy and happy.

    Grooming ??

    GSPs are low-maintenance dogs.Their short coats don’t shed much, and you can get by with just the occasional brushing.

    What Kind of Dog Is a Heeler?

    German shorthaired pointers are distinctly their own breed, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have an extensive lineage that includes many other kinds of dogs.These midsize sporting dogs have rich heritage from several other canine breeds and varieties, notably German bird dogs.True to their name, they are German natives.

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    Can German Shorthaired Pointers be black?

    German Shorthaired Pointers carry the recessive genes that create various shades of liver and white.Dogs that contain any black are not recognized by breeding organizations like the AKC to be a GSP.

    What should I expect from my German Shorthaired Puppy?

    German shorthaired pointer puppies are friendly and intelligent.They are eager to please which makes training them a lot easier.If you prefer peace and quiet, then this breed is not for you.They are bold, boisterous and very protective of their families.You can expect minimal grooming when it comes to this breed.

    Health Conditions ??

    These dogs are so active that they’re usually quite healthy.However, there are definitely a few conditions that often crop up in this breed, so it’s best to know what to look for.

    When do GSP’s get their spots?

    German Shorthaired Pointer puppies usually develop their ticking/spots in the first 5 weeks after birth.The GSP will most likely keep changing, developing more and more ticking as it grows older.You might start off with a nearly pure white and liver dog and end up with a liver roan 8 years later.

    Should You Get A German Shorthaired Pointer?

    GSPs need an active parent who likes spending time outside.If you enjoy hunting, running, hiking, swimming, etc., then this is an excellent breed for you.

    History of German Shorthaired Pointers

  • In 1890, Karl Friedrich Louis Doberman was a tax collector in Apolda, Germany.
  • In 1925, following the popularity of Chow Chow, the Pit bull displaced the Chow as the top dog.
  • In 1925,
    when a diphtheria epidemic hit the small
    town of Nome, both Alaskan and Siberian Huskies were plentiful among the dogs
    that transported the life-saving medicine through 658 miles of blizzard
    conditions from Nulato to Nome.
  • In 1928 the GWP was recognized by the German Kartell for dogs, the equivalent of the kennel club in the US.
  • In 1929, C.R.
  • In 1945 during World War II, many Hungarians fled the Russian occupation, taking their vizslas with them.
  • In 1962, the GSPCA reorganized to its present structure.
  • In 1993, a 7-year-old female Jindo named Baekgu (백구; 白狗; translated as a White Dog), raised by Park Bok-dan (박복단), an 83-year-old woman on Jindo Island, was sold to a new owner in the city of Daejeon which is located about 300 km (180 mi) away from the island.
  • In 2015, Wisconsin became the first state to introduce a bill to make blaze pink a legal hunting color.
  • In 2016, a German shorthaired pointer named CJ (pictured below) won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.
  • In 2016, an important genetic study of the Bulldog was published.
  • In 2016, Nunes-Atkinson the owner, breeder and handler of CJ (3-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer) won the highest honor at the 140th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
  • In the 1800s, German nobles, including Prince Albrecht zu Solms-Braunfels, bred what became the German shorthaired pointer in an effort to produce a top birding dog.
  • in the 1920s.
  • In the 1930s, hunters and falconers in Hungary needed a sturdy hunting dog with a tough, wiry coat that could resist the harsh weather conditions while on the hunt.