German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Breed

Country of Origin: Germany
Height: Males 23 to 26 inches, females 21 to 25 inches
Weight: Males 55 to 70 pounds, females 45 to 60 pounds
Coat: Double coat with short, rough, dense, hard outercoat and dense, short undercoat
Colors: Solid liver, liver and white spotted, liver and white spotted and ticked, liver and white ticked, liver roan, also solid black or black and white with same variations as liver [UKC] may have tan markings [UKC]
Other Names: Deutsch Kurzhaar; Deutscher Kurzhaariger Vorstehhund
Registries (With Group): AKC (Sporting); UKC (Gun Dog)

Origin and History

As early as the 1700s, dogs referred to collectively as huehnerhunden (bird dogs) were used by the Germans. Specific types had not yet evolved, but they stemmed directly from brackes and slow-working schweisshundes (both types of tracking hounds), refined with pointing dogs. By the 1800s, individual breeds of versatile gundogs began to be fixed.

In the mid-1800s, Prince Albrecht zu Solms-Braunfels wanted to create an all-purpose hunting dog and encouraged breeders to follow function over form. His schweisshunds, the German Bird Dog, and English pointers are some of the breeds believed to have formed the basis of the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP). Originally short and heavy bodied with long ears and a slow pace, additions of pointer blood helped create a dog who could excel in water work, retrieving, and tracking. American hunters enthusiastically received the breed when it was imported in the early 1900s. He has maintained his popularity with both serious hunters and with those who admire his good looks and ready disposition.

Personality Profile

The German Shorthaired Pointer has an exuberant personality. He is enthusiastic about just about everything, whether it be walks, opportunities to hunt, being with people, going on trips, meals, or organized sports.

Care Requirements

Exercise

Like many of the pointing breeds, the GSP needs exercise—the more, the better. He won't be satisfied with a stroll around the block—he needs to run. When properly trained, the GSP should be taken regularly to parks or other open spaces where he can gallop across fields, dive into ponds, and work hedgerows for game.

Grooming

The GSP's short, sleek coat requires only minimal care to keep it looking neat. A good rubbing with a nubbed hound glove removes dead hair and massages the skin—a double treat.

Life Span

The average life span of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 12 to 15 years.

Training

The German Shorthaired Pointer is an eager, responsive breed. Because he is so people-oriented, he aims to please (as long as it's interesting to him). Short, positive training sessions conducted several times a day will accomplish the best results.

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