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German Short-Haired Pointer

German Short-Haired Pointer

Highly intelligent and willing to please, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a multipurpose hunting dog with a powerful sense of smell and keen enthusiasm for work. A true athlete, the breed thrives with active families who give him regular exercise. A loyal companion and watchdog, the German Shorthaired Pointer has an even and friendly temperament. His coat sheds but requires little grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? The German Shorthaired Pointer has webbed feet, which help him to excel at swimming.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Deutscher kurzhaariger Vorstehhund, Deutsch Kurzhaar, Kurzhaar

The need-to-know
  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys vigorous walks
  • Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
  • Large dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Quiet dog
  • Not a guard dog
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • Great family dog

Pet Card

  • Living Considerations: Suitable for apartment living if adequately exercised, good with children, not hypoallergenic
  • Size: Medium/Large
  • Height: Males – 58 to 63 centimetres at the withers, Females –53 to 58 centimetres at the withers
  • Weight: Males – 24 to 31 kilograms, Females – 20 to 27 kilograms
  • Coat: Short
  • Energy: High
  • Colour: Solid liver or a combination of white and liver
  • Activities: Agility, Field Trails, Hunting Tests, Obedience, Rally Obedience, Tracking
  • Indoor/Outdoor: Both

Key Facts

Life Span: 12–14 years
Weight: 25–32kg
Height: Males measure between 58–64cm and females 53–59cm
Colours: Liver, white and black
Size: Large
Kennel Club group: Gundog

Ratings

Family-friendly:  5/5
Exercise needs:  5/5
Easy to train:  5/5
Tolerates being alone:  1/5
Likes other pets:  4/5
Energy level:  5/5
Grooming needs:  3/5
Shedding:  2/5

Personality

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a gentle, loving, people-oriented dog who makes a good companion for an active family or individual who can give them the exercise, training and attention they need. They are highly attached to their owners and do not like to be left alone. They may not be reliable with small fluffy animals or unfamiliar cats although can learn to get on with their own.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Germany

The German Shorthaired Pointer was created in Germany in the 17th century by crossing the Spanish Pointer with some of the early German bird dog breeds and, some historians suggest, Bloodhound. This was successful, but the new breed was heavy and slow and so in the 19th century steps were taken to improve the breed by crossing them with the English Pointer which produced a lighter, faster dog.

However, the emphasis has always been on the breed’s searching ability rather than their speed. The GSP is one of the versatile Hunt, Point and Retrieve (HPR) breeds and is happy to work on land and water. To their supporters, the German Shorthaired Pointer is the perfect, all-round gundog.

Did You Know?

  • The German Shorthaired Pointer was originally known as the Deutscher Kurzhariger Vorstehhund.

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