POINTER – German shorthaired
Origin: German shorthaired pointers, also known as ‘GSP’ or ‘DK,’ were first bred in Germany in the mid-19th century to hunt dogs for game and bird hunting. This breed of dogs was used for different purposes, such as pointing and retrieving. They were first imported to America in the 1920s and later recognized by the American Kennel Club in the 1930s.
Size: Male German Shorthaired Pointers have a shoulder height of 23-25 inches and weigh 55-70 pounds, whereas female German shorthaired Pointers stand up to 21-23 inches at the shoulder and weigh 45-60 pounds. A German shorthaired pointer has a large nose, rounded ears, and webbed feet.
Coat: A German shorthaired pointer has a thick, short, and water-resistant coat that’s slightly longer at the underside of the tail and on the back edges, which are commonly known as haunches. It has thin, soft, and short hair on the head. The coat has a combination of liver and white color or markings of black on white color. They also come in solid black and brown with white spots.
Temperament: German shorthaired pointers are enthusiastic dogs and are always up for games. They can develop separation anxiety if left alone for a longer period and become destructive. A German shorthaired pointer is easy to train as they are intelligent and eager to learn. They get along well with children but be careful while playing with children as they can get quite overexcited. German shorthaired pointers are good with other dogs, but they have a high prey drive with cats and other pets, which can overcome by training them from a young age. They make good guard dogs as they are smart and active. This breed is not comfortable living outside in a kennel as they love to be around people. They will be cheerful and healthy if they get their physical and mental activities.
Care: GSP’s are not apartment dogs; they are best suited for people who have a large garden surrounded by a fence. They are a sporting breed, so their energy requirements are high. They may become agitated and destructive if their energy requirements are not fulfilled. They need at least 45-50 minutes of exercise daily to keep themselves healthy and happy. Training them is easy, but treating them with food rewards and appreciation is necessary to encourage them. A German shorthaired pointer does not shed excessively, so brushing their coat once or twice a week is enough to keep their coat healthy. Make sure to keep a check on their cleanliness.
Health: A German shorthaired pointer lives up to 12-14 years. They are generally healthy but are still prone to some health issues, which are Hips Dysplasia, Cancer, Bloating, Lymphedema, and Entropion.
Make sure to ask for a health clearance from the breeder to ensure that your pet is healthy.
