German Shorthaired Pointer

This breed is high energy, willing to please their master, and very smart. They are happy and friendly and get along well with children. They will also get along well with other dogs and cats provided that they are introduced to them and raised with them from puppy-hood. This breed does enjoy barking. They are loyal and protective, and prefer to be indoors with their family.

The history of the German Shorthaired Pointing Dog starts with the dogs which were used for the hunt with nets on feathered game, especially in the Mediterranean countries, and in combination with falconry. Via France, Spain and Flanders the Pointers came to the German courts. The most important distinctive feature of these dogs was their pointing performance. After the first double-barreled gun was made (1750), a pointing dog was even more required. In full sight of the dog « game birds in flight » were shot. That was the beginning of the transition from a mere pointer to a versatile gundog. As a fundamental basis for the structure and development of the breed the « Zuchtbuch Deutsch-Kurzhaar » (Studbook) has been published since 1897. It was Prince Albrecht zu Solms-Braunfeld who compiled breed characteristics, judging rules for conformation and finally also simple trial regulations for hunting dogs. Today the German Shorthaired Pointing Dog still passes through the filter of elaborated breeding- and trial regulations. The standard stipulates the consitution of the German Shorthaired Pointing Dog, as a versatile hunting dog, which enables him to perform all requirements in connection with hunting activities, even when advanced in age.

Bred to be an active hunting companion, this breed has a good deal of energy and requires a good deal of exercise. He thrives on mental and physical stimulation and can get both by hunting, hiking or playing with his people for a long period, at least an hour, every day. They like water and will swim if given the chance. This is a companionable breed that does best when allowed to live in the house with access to a yard. His grooming needs are minimal, consisting only of occasional brushing to remove dead hair.

The German Shorthaired Pointer are tireless and full of energy. Vigorous exercise is extremely important. If they are not given an appropriate amount of exercise and stimulation they become restless and destructive. They are a good family pet for the active family. This breed needs a lot of space and room to run. They must have a fenced yard.

Exercise, fenced yard, job or activity, leash and training.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is extremely easy to groom. They must be brushed regularly with a stiff bristle brush. It is important to check this breed's feet after exercising and working. They must be dried thoroughly after strenuous activity to keep them from becoming chilled. This breed is an average shedder. They are generally healthy, but can be prone to such problems as ear infections, hip dysplasia, and skin cancer.

It is an intelligent dog, eager to learn and hard working and that is why it is not difficult to train. With a consistent, gentle, varied and firm training, beautiful results can be obtained.

The fur should be casual brushed to remove the dead hair bristles.

Beware of hip dysplasia; buy only from OFA certified stock. Needs daily active exercise to be truly happy. Best with an athletic family. A minimum 6-foot-high fence is a necessity. Bored Shorthairs can become escape artists.