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German Shorthaired Pointer

Description:

The German Shorthaired Pointer, with its athletic physique and smooth lines, conveys the image of a competent and well rounded hunter. The head is clean cut and well developed, with the ears sitting high and lying flat against the dog’s relatively broad skull. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown in color, conveying an expression of intelligence and alertness. The body is compact and strong, with a short back and deep chest. The forequarters are long and well muscled, the hindquarters defined and angulated. The tail is set high and customarily docked. The coat is short, thick and somewhat coarse, either solid liver or some combination of liver and white in color. The dog walks with a smooth and agile gait, and runs with a powerful driving motion. 

Temperament:

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a great dog at home and in the field. Being an active dog, it needs ample daily physical and mental exercise, otherwise it can become frustrated and destructive. The dog tends to be too energetic and raucous for very small children, but is nevertheless a delightful playmate for child and adult alike. It is in the breed’s nature to hunt mammals, so some German Shorthaired Pointers may be aggressive toward small pets (e.g. cats) unless they are raised with them. Generally, this breed is a pretty good people pleaser, and should warm to strangers and newcomers fairly quickly. Keep in mind that 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. 

Caring for a German Shorthaired Pointer:

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. The German Shorthaired Pointer is able to live outside, but is a companion breed that does best with the family and access to a yard. Its coat needs minimal care, only an occasional brushing to remove dead hairs. 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.