German Shorthaired Pointer
A skilled hunting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
Origin
The German Shorthaired Pointer originated in Germany in the mid-to-late 19th century. The breed was developed to a well-rounded hunting dog. The German Shorthaired Pointer’s ancestry is believed to include multiple German scent hounds as well as the English Pointer.
Size
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a lean dog that weighs 45 to 70 pounds and measures 21 to 25 inches.
Grooming Needs
The German Shorthaired Pointer is an average shedder that blows their coat twice a year. Their short, thick coat only needs to be brushed weekly and bathed occasionally. In between baths, German Shorthaired Pointers can have their coats rubbed with a special cloth for extra shine. The German Shorthaired Pointer’s floppy ears should also be checked regularly for signs of irritation and infection, especially after hunting trips.
Like all dogs, the German Shorthaired Pointer also needs basic grooming. Brush their teeth and trim their nails on a regular basis.
Character
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a hard worker with a deep devotion to their family.
Temperament
The German Shorthaired Pointer has lots of love for their family and especially adores children. They are known for being playful and affectionate. German Shorthaired Pointers are never far from their family, preferring to be as close to them as possible. They can almost be called clingy and will develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
With strangers, German Shorthaired Pointers are aloof and standoffish. Their natural wariness makes them great watch dogs. German Shorthaired Pointers are bold and protective, but not aggressive.
Training Needs
German Shepherd Pointers are intelligent and learn quickly. They like having a task to perform and will respond well to structure. German Shorthaired Pointers do best with short, consistent training sessions. With proper training, German Shorthaired Pointers can excel at obedience, agility, tracking, retrieving, and search and rescue work.
German Shorthaired Pointers strive to please their owner and are very sensitive to their tone and behavior. They should always be treated with kindness or they can shut down.
Activity Level
The German Shorthaired Pointer is very energetic – not just as a puppy, but throughout their life. If the German Shorthaired Pointer is not used for hunting, they should have another outlet to release their energy. They can become destructive without sufficient activity. At the very least, the German Shorthaired Pointer needs a long, daily walk, but does even better when given lots of time to play, run and even swim.
