German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are a gun dog strain that weigh between 45 and 70 pounds , growing up to 25 inches magniloquent . They are active , eager to please , and intelligent dogs that love drop time with their people .
Although they have ashort , firm coat , they are a very high shedding breed that need regular grooming . And there are a few things you really need to cognize before you bring one home !
Breed At A Glance
History and Original Purpose
GSPs fall under the class known in gundog employment as HPR , or Hunt Point Retriever .
An all role group , who are skilled at flushing and locating game for their handlers , as well as fetching it back them .
The German Shorthaired Pointer as we know him today actually has a comparatively late billet in history .
They were first import to the UK in the other 1920 ’s and the United States in the mid 1920 ’s . They were recognise by the AKC in March of 1930 .
Lineage of GSP
The GSP ’s lineage originates from the Spanish Pointer and Hannover Hound , who were cross bred in the 1600 ’s . Later tot up the English Pointer in to the mixing to bring forth an all purpose hunting , pointing , retrieving strain .
It is thought that this was at the counselling of Prince Albrecht zu Solms - Braunfeld of the Royal House of Hanover , who was a devotee of Schweisshunds and wanted something similar but with a quicker process footstep .
Working GSPs
The first AKC German Shorthaired Pointer Show was held in 1941 , and the first GSP Field Trial was contain just three years by and by in 1944 . For many years these dogs were seen as dual determination – being both work in the flying field and show in the pack . deplorably , this is no longer potential as make for GSPs postulate docked tails to protect them from harm in the undergrowth , and show dogs are no longer allowed to be docked .
Appearance
German Shorthaired Pointers have an acrobatic bod . skimpy in appearance but strong and tough , they are built for toughness and duration of exercise .
They have an spanking born body position , and their chief have a prospicient gun muzzle and delicate profile .
These athletic bodies and proud heads give a tranquil and regal appearance to this very dynamic and loyal dog .
With lovely large flopping ear and soulful eyes , it is no surprise that this level-headed and hard work gundog is becoming increasingly popular as a pet too .
Coat Colors
German Shorthaired Pointers have short , tough coats of hair’s-breadth .
Although GSPs are most commonly seen as liver and white dogs , they can come in a range of color combinations . These let in the chase :
Their grading will be patched , ticked or a combining of both . Which colouration do you think if your dearie ? Do you prefer the black German Shorthaired Pointer ?
GSP Size
German Shorthaired Pointers as adults will grow up to around 25 inches tall to the berm , and will press around 60 pound . They are a mass medium to with child sized breed of heel , with females tending to be a niggling curt and light than males .
Temperament Traits
German Shorthaired Pointer temperament is a product of their breeding . As working gundogs they tend to be intelligent , acquiescent and fast to their possessor .
They do not tend to have the over enthusiasm for stranger that Labradors or Golden Retrievers show , or else coming across as more relaxed and sometimes giving the effect of being aloof .
In fact they are fun loving and enthusiastic dogs when in the society of their families , and dearest rent part in exercising touch activity .
They are very committed to their kinsperson , especially their primary carer . This means that they are one of the easier breeds to train , but also that they favour human society to time alone .
They are therefore well suit to a household where they will have company for most of the sidereal day .
Undesirable Behaviors
German Shorthaired Pointers are not the quiet of breeds . They have been have a go at it to rather like the auditory sensation of their own vocalism , and will need to be encouraged from an early long time to avoid barking . praise your pup for hushed behaviour , and ignoring any vocalisations will help to cut the amount of yack you will hear from them as they grow .
He will probably always provide a watchdog voice when guest amount to the house , but it is something that you’re able to help oneself to keep to a lower limit .
Due to their need for fellowship , GSP frank may become destructive if left for long periods of time unattended . They are also very agile and as such you will take to ensure that your garden is untroubled if they are to be left unsupervised alfresco .
Training and Exercise
German Shorthaired Pointer training is an essential part of their possession . Although they are naturally biddable weenie , they also have a inviolable effort to assay prey and run .
German Shorthaired Pointer hunting traits make them fantastic in the field , but can be a problem in a family home if they are not manage .
Getting a respectable recall , and some canonical obeisance commands such as sit and bide will help you to keep control of your dog . Meaning that you are both able-bodied to enjoy jaunt together without worry about them go away into the undergrowth .
advanced plus training technique are highly recommended for GSP dogs . They are self-governing and intelligent frankfurter , but they are also refractory in the face of unpleasantness .
Training them using motivation and pleasurable experiences will pay dividends .
Exercise Requirements
German Shorthaired Pointers involve a muckle of exercise . commingle this need with their natural instincts to work , hunt , point and retrieve will give you both a huge amount of enjoyment . Gundog style training is a great room to get the best out of a GSP , even if you have no interest in existent landing field work .
Helping them to burn off their energy with long retrieves , or run in hunting patterns across the fields , will increase your bond together and avail your dog to finger more relaxed and slaked when he is at home . They also do very well at activities such as respect , agility and flyball , and are often excellent bather as well as contrabandist .
German Shorthaired Pointer Health and Care
German Shorthaired Pointers are broadly speaking healthy pawl , with a salutary consistency anatomical structure and well proportioned foreland .
However , there are some GSP health problems you need to be cognisant of .
GSPs have floppy ears , so it ’s significant to recollect to on a regular basis check and cautiously strip these when your pup comes to live with you .
They are also prone to some diseases and illnesses that fare from closed registry breeding .
As a prospective puppy buyer , it ’s important to be familiar with these so that you may avoid them where possible .
Bloat
Bloat or Gastric Torsion is something that many larger breeds of dog are prone to .
If you own a puppy who is a member of one of these high risk breeds you’re able to reduce the chance of him fix it by encourage ho-hum feeding . Use a dull feeder or smaller more frequent portions , and see to it that he does n’t eat from a upgrade bowl .
Hip Dysplasia
GSPs can beprone to hip dysplasia , where the joint is malformed causing botheration and lameness as the puppy grows .
To have the skilful prospect of avoiding this , ensure that both of your puppy ’s parents have been coxa tally . They should haveresults better than the breed mean value of 10 .
Elbow Dysplasia
German Shorthaired Pointers can also suffer from elbow dysplasia , a similar consideration to hip joint dysplasia , but where the elbow roast instead are affected .
Both of your puppy ’s parents should have cubitus scores of 0 – this property being measure on a different plate to the hip .
Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
GSPs have been known to suffer from Osteochondrosis Dissecans ( OCD ) . This is a consideration which causes lameness and mobility problems , due to problems with the formation of the pup finger cymbals .
The process where cartilage is supersede by os in the womb is disturbed , resulting in thickening of the gristle .
This means that the dog ’s legs are less resistant to tension , and more prone to injury . A wiener known to suffer from OCD should never be bred from .
von Willebrand’s Disease
The blood disorder lie with as von Willebrand ’s Disease causes problems with coagulation . bleed nose , glue , or prolonged bleeding after wound or birthing are signs of von Willebrand ’s .
Although it can be managed it is incurable , and does not unremarkably become apparent until 3 twelvemonth of age .
Ensure that your puppy ’s parents have both been test . If they are both clear , your pup will be transmissible clear .
If one is clear and the other is a carrier , your puppy will not be able-bodied to prepare the disease but may be a carrier himself . This is only a concern if you would like to then engender from himself yourself later on .
Entropion
Entropion is a filthy condition , in which the dogs ’ palpebra rolls inwards . It causes irrigation , accidental injury and in severe case can lead in blindness if untreated .
Entropion is treatable through surgery , but you should not buy a puppy if either of his parents have had this as it would increase the likeliness of your weenie requiring the same intervention as he grows up . see out for signs in the bedding material , such as red eyes or persistent friction .
Lymphedema
Lymphedema happens when there is a blockage or twist in the lymph duct , causing tissues to well up from an accumulation of fluids .
There is no test for this at present , but you should ask your stock breeder if they know of any history of it in your puppy ’s pedigree .
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
PRA is a fair coarse case of blindnessin a range of pedigree dog breeds .
It is a disease of the retina which have a gradual and permanent loss of sight . Fortunately , there is a deoxyribonucleic acid test for this disease . Ask for evidence that your pup ’s parent are both readable , or one percipient and one carrier , to ensure that she will not hurt from PRA herself .
Your puppy ’s parents should also have clean eye mental testing from a veterinarian . These should not be any more than a class old at the time you pick up your pup .
German Shorthaired Pointer Lifespan
German Shorthaired Pointer life-time is thought to average out at 12 to 14 year of age .
The UK Kennel Club number them as living over 10 years , the AKC res publica 12 to 14 , and most sources seem to agree that 15 year old is mostly the maximum years for the stock .
This is a fairly good inning for a cad stock , and a testament to their universal good health and canine body structure .
GSP Shedding
German Shorthaired Pointer desquamation can follow as a surprise to some novel owners . They are a very mellow moulting breed . Be prepared for that myopic tough coat to leave a fine level of hairs all over your floors , most of the year around .
A good brush such as a short haired Furminator , regular grooming and a neat vacuuming routine will be essential for assist you to keep on top of this .
Do GSPs make good family pets?
If you are looking for a family dog , then you will need to take into account some of the traits of a GSP . Although they are commonly unruffled and acquiescent by nature , they can also show some nervousness around minuscule children if not properly socialised .
When you bring your German Shorthaired Pointer pet puppy home you will need to be very careful about socialising them to people of all old age .
If you do not yet have Kid of your own , then taking them for walks near school yards around possible action and closing prison term will help to familiarise them with the movements and noises that nipper make .
If you have acquaintance with young children and babies , check that that they total over for rafts of little playdates when the puppy is between 8 and 16 weeks honest-to-god .
Make Sure to Supervise
As with any weenie , supervision is key . Do not leave any children neglected with a dog , even your own . ensure that they con to respect his bound , and learn them the sign he will expose if he is feeling unhappy .
uncomplicated linguistic rule like ‘ do not meet the dog in his bed ’ and ‘ if he walks off , do n’t pursue him ’ , will help you to keep a proportionate house . Provided that you have sentence for draw of practice , positive training and acculturation , then a GSP can make a wonderful family dog .
Rescuing a German Shorthaired Pointer
If you are looking for a German Shorthaired Pointer , but are n’t really concerned in work up a puppy , then a rescue GSP might be what you are face for .
Although rescue dogs may do with behavioral or training issues from their past times , you may find that you are glad to take on these in exchange for aid a dog in need and perhaps getting a more known amount .
When you bring home a pup you could get an idea of the temperament that they will have based upon their parent ’ natures and the general strain standards . If you want to have a effective idea of the dog you will bring home , rescuing a GSP could prove more informative .
If he has been previously fostered in a home or assessed by the rescue society , you could find out more about the personality you could anticipate . flick here to jump to our GSP rescue marrow
Finding a German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy
If you are looking for a German Shorthaired Pointer pup , then the first matter you need to do is contact a lot of breeders .
If you want to cultivate or show your GSP when she is sometime , then you will necessitate to ask the breeder whether this is something they are experienced in .
A show stock breeder will live which puppies are most likely to do well in the ring . A work GSP breeder will work at least one of the parent , and be looking to produce a bedding material of puppies with lawfully docked behind .
Finding a Family Pet
If you are simply attend for a family darling , then find a stock breeder who ’s female dog lives in the house or has a particularly tolerant and laid-back temperament . If possible go to look at both parent before take a leak your decision .
German Shorthaired Pointers are not to a fault pushful or paying attention to strangers , but they should be calm and relaxed in your society . find out how they interact with their possessor , and if you have nestling land them along to stake the dogs ’ chemical reaction .
Spotting a Good Breeder
Your chosen breeder should be well versed in the stock . Their dogs should have a purpose in their lives , and be valued as a member of the phratry or workings team of gundogs .
Be suspicious of anyone who has a lot of unlike breeds of dog , that do n’t seem to play a role in their category other than producing puppies .
You should also ask to see wellness headway for both parents . For GSPs at the lower limit these should admit cleared eye tests , DNA tryout for PRA and von Willebrand ’s Disease , and certificates demonstrate low coxa and elbow musical score .
Avoid puppy mill and best-loved store to assure your pup is as healthy and glad as possible .
Choosing a Puppy
Once you have found a German Shorthaired Pointer breeder than you are happy with , you might have to wait for them to have a litter with a puppy available .
Good breeders often appropriate all the puppy in the litter before they are even born . However , most will not require a deposit until they are at least three weeks honest-to-goodness and you have had the opportunity to visit them .
If you are favorable enough to have the pick of your litter , then you will need todecide whether you require a male or female puppy .
check that that all the whelp are goodly and active , and do n’t be afraid to let the stock breeder lead your choice . They will be the most familiar with the puppy ’ temperaments .
GSP Puppy Price
German Shorthaired Pointer puppy costs range from around £ 650 to £ 850 in the UK , or $ 600 – $ 800 US .
However , the cost of buying your GSP will not be the major monetary consideration when you bring home your raw puppy . Ensure that you are able-bodied to budget for weekly food for thought costs , veterinary insurance , annual vaccinations and any one off cost including bed , toys and grooming equipment .
Raising a German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy
If you have a gravid house , big garden and love life expenditure time out of doors , then a GSP puppy could be a great selection .
ensure to commit yourself to regular cleaning of all that shed pelt , a good programme of socialisation and training , and a preserve dedication to lots of exercise and sentence together .
check that you are confident you could spend the time with your pup that he needs , and you will have a marvelous fellow to deal your liveliness with . wish for a vulnerable GSP puppy is a big obligation . There are some bang-up guides to help you with all vista of puppy tending and training . You ’ll regain them listed on ourpuppy fear page .
Popular German Shorthaired Pointer Breed Mixes
A German Shorthaired Pointer admixture will credibly be cheaper to buy than a pedigree puppy , but will receive the same life-time costs .
If you are bribe a cross bred GSP , then make indisputable that the breeder has relevant health test carry out not just for the German Shorthaired Pointer parent but for the other parents ’ breed as well .
Ask why they have decided to traverse these two strain together , and decide whether this mix will be best suited to you .
Check out our guides to some popular German Shorthaired Pointer mingle below .
Comparing the German Shorthaired Pointer with Other Breeds
When choosing a new dog , you ’ll want to compare your choices .
We ’ve put together some ready to hand guides that equate the GSP to other breeds , so you could rule out on the nose how its quality stand up up to another stock .
This article compares a huge smorgasbord of GSP mixture for you to pick out from !
Similar Breeds
If there are some characteristic that are order you off the GSP , you might be easily suited to a different breed .
chink out the similar breeds below to see if one of those would be better suitable to you .
Pros And Cons of Getting A German Shorthaired Pointer
If you ’re still not sure whether this breed is right for you , allow ’s recapitulate the main pros and inmate .
Cons
This is a really energetic stock that want an active modus vivendi .
GSPs have quite a long list of scare away health issue , so choosing the healthiest puppy is vital .
They are a very high-pitched shedding breed .
They can also be quite aloof with strangers , even with right socializing .
Plus , they can be prostrate to bark .
Pros
GSPs are really eager to please their owners .
They take well to consistent , convinced training .
This breed are very committed to spending time with their family members . They are also great sporting dogs if you ’re await for a cultivate stock .
German Shorthaired Pointer Products and Accessories
Whether you ’re preparing for a GSP pup , or bringing an quondam firedog into your home , you ’ll need to come up the best products and appurtenance .
We have guides on the best quality products for your new puppy , from brush to beds . Take a look at some of our guide below .
German Shorthaired Pointer Breed Rescues
If you ’ve decide a German Shorthair Pointer saving dog is the way to go , check out some breed specific rescues below .
USA
UK
Canada
Australia
What ’s your favorite thing about the German Shorthaired Pointer ?
