GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER
APPEARANCE
The German Shorthaired Pointers have a sturdy and athletic build, and their expressions are intelligent and alert. They have moderately long flop ears set high on the head. Their muzzle is long, broad, and strong, allowing it to retrieve even heavy game. Coat is short and flat with a dense undercoat protected by stiff guard hairs making the coat water resistant. The color can be a dark brown, black, or either color with white. The weight of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 45-60 pounds for females and 55-70 pounds for males. The height is 21-23 inches for females and 23-25 inches for males.
PERSONALITY
When it comes to everyday family life, the pointer is a recommended addition to the family. They are extremely loyal, friendly and fun. This is an intelligent, bold, and characteristically affectionate dog that is cooperative and easily trained. If left alone for a long time, they might become bored and destructive.
TRAINING
This breed is not a suitable pet for an inactive home or for inexperienced dog owners. The German Shorthaired Pointer is an intelligent and highly trainable breed, thoroughly capable of working out of sight of its handler. This independence can lead to the dog seeming to have a mind of its own, especially if poorly trained. They excel in obedience, agility, tracking, hunting, and flyball. The German Shorthaired Pointer is very sensitive, so gentle training is crucial; the dog can get into the habit of whining and barking excessively if mistreated.
EXERCISE
A high-energy dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer needs at least an hour of physical or mental exercise every day. If it can’t hunt, it is just as satisfied with running, hiking, or playing with its master. They love water, so they will swim if they are presented with the opportunity. Lack of sufficient exercise and/or proper training can produce a German Shorthaired Pointer that appears hyperactive or that has destructive tendencies.
SOCIALIZATION
Generally, this breed is a pretty good people pleaser, and should warm to strangers and newcomers fairly quickly. They are usually very good with children, although care should be taken because the breed can be boisterous especially when young. They also tend to get along okay with other pets when well socialized, although some may chase cats and they can be aggressive with strange dogs.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The German Shorthaired Pointer can adapt to different climates. However, it is not recommended for people who live in small living quarters. This breed needs a lot of space and room to run. They must have a fenced yard.
GROOMING
The short German Shorthaired Pointer’s coat needs very little grooming, just occasional brushing. The dog should be bathed only when needed. They can be prone to ear infections and their ears require regular checking and cleaning. This breed is a medium shedder and sheds more heavily on a seasonal basis, so may not be ideal for those with allergies.
HEALTH ISSUES
The German Shorthaired Pointer has a longer life expectancy than many breeds of this size, commonly living 12 to 14 years, with individual dogs living to 16 to 18 years not uncommon. The breed has a propensity to develop a health condition known as lymphedema. Other less common problems include canine hip dysplasia, entropion, gastric torsion, von Willebrand’s disease, pannus and hypothyroidism.
HISTORY
This breed originated in 19th century Germany by hunters who required a dog that was serviceable for men hunting on foot.The breed was registered with the AKC in 1930.
