German Shorthaired Pointer

Size: Medium to Large
Other Names: GSP, DK, Deutscher Kurzhaariger Vorstehhund, Deutsch Kurzhaar, Kurzhaar
Country of Origin: Germany
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Sporting
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Sporting
United Kennel Club (UKC): Gun Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Gun Dogs
The Kennel Club (KC): Gun Dogs
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Gun Dogs
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Gun Dogs

Height:

Male: 21-25 inches; Female: slightly shorter

Weight:

Male: 45-70 pounds; Female: slightly lighter

Color(s):

Dark brown (liver) or black, with our without white; roan, with or without patching

Coat:

Double; short and flat; water-resistant; dense undercoat

Description:

The German Shorthaired Pointer is descended from the old Spanish Pointer, which was taken to Germany in the 1600s.  From that time until the first studbook was created in 1870, however, it is impossible to identify all of the dogs that went into creating this breed.  He was developed in Germany for hunting.  In addition to hunting, the German Shorthaired Pointer has been used in Scandinavia as a sled dog for the popular sport of Dogsled racing.  The GSP can perform virtually all gundog roles.  He is pointer and retriever, an upland bird dog and water dog.  The German Shorthaired Pointer can be used for hunting larger and more dangerous game, and in addition has a scent hound's talented nose.  He is an excellent swimmer, and also works well in rough terrain.  He is tenacious, tireless, hardy, and reliable.  In short, he is a superb all-around field dog.

Temperament:

The German Shorthaired Pointer is an intelligent and characteristically affectionate dog, who is cooperative and easily trained.  He is extremely loyal, friendly, and fun.  The GSP is usually very good with children, tending to be careful and protective of young children.  Care should be taken, however, because the breed can be boisterous, especially when young.  He loves interaction with humans, and appreciates active families who will give him an outlet for his energy.  Most GSPs make excellent watchdogs.  Generally, he gets along well with other dogs and, with socialization, can live quite amicably with other family pets.

Training:

The German Shorthaired Pointer is easily trained.  He has a strong hunting instinct, and requires early socialization to discern what is prey and what is not, such as cats or pet rabbits.

Care & Grooming:

The German Shorthaired Pointer needs plenty of vigorous activity.  This need for exercise (preferably off lead) coupled with the breed's natural instinct to hunt, means that training is an absolute necessity.  As with all high-energy dogs, any unused energy can result in the dog amusing itself, most probably in a human-undesirable manner.  He can escape from four-foot and sometimes six-foot enclosures with little difficulty.  Regular hunting, running, carting, bikejoring, skijoring, mushing, dog scootering or other vigorous activity can alleviate this desire to escape.  The short GSP coat needs very little grooming, just occasional brushing.  The dog should be bathed only when needed.  Like all dogs with flop ears, GSP can be prone to ear infections and their ears require regular checking and cleaning.  The German Shorthaired Pointer can require considerable food, especially if active, however, he can also become obese if fed too much for his individual activity level.  A healthy weight should permit the last two ribs to be felt under the coat and the dog should have a distinct waist.  Due to his high activity level, he needs to drink considerable amounts of water to prevent dehydration.  Early symptoms of dehydration are demonstrated by thick saliva and urine with an excessively strong and distinct smell.

Shedding:

Low to moderate; the short coat sheds year-round.

Health:

German Shorthaired Pointers may develop hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, and lymphedema in some lines.  They stay healthier when kept fit and not overfed.

Lifespan:

12–14 years

Litter Size:

6–8 puppies