Male Height (typical): 58.5-63.5 cm. (23-25 inches)
Female Height (typical): 53-58.5 cm. (21-23 inches)
Size: Medium – Large
Male Weight (typical): 29.5-32 kg. (65-70 pounds)
Female Weight (typical): 20.5-27 kg. (45-60 pounds)
Country of Origin: Germany
Exercise Required: Daily long walks.
Expected Life Span: 12 – 15 Years
Best suited as: Working Dog, Family Pet
Other names: German Short-haired Pointing Dog, Deutsch Kurzhaar, German Pointer Shorthaired
Description – The German Shorthaired Pointer is a classic hunting dog. They will stiffen their entire body in a pointing stance when they discover prey to alert the hunter to the direction of their quarry. In addition to the dog being an amazing hunting companion, they also make a great family dog and love to spend time outdoors playing. This breed is very intelligent and can learn commands for common tasks. They are also a very fast and agile breed and can run with you if you like to jog. They sport a medium to large frame and are great with family members of all ages.
Origin & History – This breed originated in Germany quite a few centuries ago and the original mix is unknown. The current breed was the result of trying to create the perfect hunting companion and includes the traditional Shorthaired Pointer and a SchweissHund. This coupling eventually led to the modern German Shorthaired Pointer. The early members of this breed were shorter and slower than modern breeds and this was thought to be due to the introduction of some Bloodhound into the breeding lineage. This was ultimately not the case as Bloodhounds track differently than the German Shorthaired Pointer who is also adept at retrieving their quarry.
Temperament – The German Shorthaired Pointer is a loving and loyal dog that craves attention. They are at their happiest when outdoors and playing with the family. They are smart and will immediately recognize a leash or ball and know it’s time to play. Even though they make good apartment dogs they won’t do well if left alone for long periods of time in isolation. They crave the attention and approval of the family and will become withdrawn if ignored. They are great with kids and can play for hours once engaged. The German Shorthaired Pointer will tolerate other dogs in the home if introduced to them when young. They are skittish with strangers and will slowly warm up to them if they are consistently around them in the presence of the family.
Exercise & Grooming – This is a very social breed and needs the loving interaction of the family. Long walks or backyard play are great exercise for the dog and the more they get, the happier they are. Once exercised, they are happy to lie at the feet of their master and will jump to attention when called. They do not do well if left alone and need as much love from their family as they give back. They have a trouble-free coat that will do well with regular brushing to keep it looking great. If they need more attention when particularly dirty you can use a wet cloth to clean them. Their ears need to be checked regularly if they are outside a lot to prevent infections.
Health Concerns – This is a very healthy and active dog that can live longer than many other breeds if properly cared for. Because of their active lifestyle, they are prone to hip dysplasia as they age and should be checked for this. Since they also spend some of their time in the water while hunting they need to be properly dried off when done for the day. They should also be checked for other water related parasites on occasion if they spend time in unfamiliar waters.
German Pointer (Shorthaired) – German Shorthaired Pointer Organisations in the UK
German Shorthaired Pointer Club
German Pointer (Shorthaired) – German Shorthaired Pointer Organisations in the US
National GSP Rescue – GSPCA
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German Shorthaired Pointer Dog FAQS
Yes, German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train.
Yes, German Shorthaired Pointers are generally good with children and make great family pets.
German Shorthaired Pointers are active dogs and require a lot of exercise. They are better suited for homes with a yard or access to outdoor space.
German Shorthaired Pointers are prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, and eye issues. Regular vet check-ups can help prevent and manage these issues.
Yes, German Shorthaired Pointers shed moderately and require regular grooming.
A German Shorthaired Pointer needs at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day.
The amount of food depends on the dog’s age, weight, and activity level. Generally, 2-3 cups of high-quality dog food per day is recommended.
It is recommended to take your German Shorthaired Pointer to the vet for a check-up at least once a year.
The average weight of a German Shorthaired Pointer is between 20-32 kg.
The average lifespan of a German Shorthaired Pointer is 10-12 years.
