Dog Breed Information & Characteristics
The German shorthaired Spanish pointer is an absolute aspiration dog for any out-of-door enthusiast . German shorthaired pointers ( GSPs for short ) are bright , favorable blackguard who are always up for an adventure . This majestic strain is easy to trail , eager to please , and make an excellent family unit dog . Because they ’re so energetic , GSPs do best with an participating family who have a go at it to play and move as much as they do . If you give your German shorthaired pointer circumstances of dear , affection , and playtime , he ’ll reward you with an unbreakable family bond .
These spry , athletic family andiron are also versatile hunting dogs . German shorthaired pointers can do it all in the discipline , from trailing and tracking to pointing and regain . If their homo are n’t up for hunting , no trouble — GSPs are great at find plaything , too . They ’re wonderful companions who bed to bring in the backyard with tyke , join their pet parents for a dayspring jog , and go for a swimming ( those webbed foot come in handy ! ) .
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Appearance
German shorthaired pointer are medium - to - magnanimous dogswith good posture and a regal posture . male reach a height of 23–25 inches and a weight of 55–70 lb , while female person time in at 21–23 inches and 45–60 pound .
GSPs have a with child brown nose , floppy ears , and dark , sweet almond - shaped heart . But it ’s their uniquemarkings and color combinationsthat make them one of the most placeable breed in the worldly concern . German shorthaired pointer can be satisfying in colour , but more usually their coats are liver and white or black and bloodless with spots ( referred to as " patches " or " retick " ) . But one matter ’s for certain : You ’ll never find a black nozzle on a liver - colored frankfurter ( and vice versa)—a GSP ’s nose always match the color of his coat .
This breed does n’t involve a long ton of upkeep beyondregular brushingand theoccasional bath . They require more frequent brushingduring the shed seasonsto rid them of loose hairs , which can be difficult to remove from piece of furniture and carpeting . But compare with other breeds , they ’re considered very clean dogs andmild shedders .
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Temperament
German shorthaired pointersare smart dog , willing to please , and easy to get along with . They have lots of energy to burn and will let you jazz when they ’re experience playful . They ’re active their whole sprightliness — but from 6 months to 3 years old , this strain is particularly up-and-coming and willneed Lot of activityand affection .
GSPs have ahigh prey drivebecause of their hunt history , which means they ’re electrify to tag any small animal that crosses their path . Afenced yardandleashed walksare a must for this free - spirited breed . Your German shorthaired Spanish pointer is likely to drift off and do his own thing if he ’s not trained to quell by your side . The good news program ? With a little forbearance and lots ofpositive reinforcement , these dogs are warm to learn .
Kid - friendly and genial , GSPs get along with other wienerwurst and are genteel with most stranger . Theylove playing with childrenbut can be a lilliputian rambunctious at multiplication — as with any dog , child should be supervised during GSP playtime andbe teach how to interact with pets . They won’tbark excessively , but theywillalert you to visitor and unusual noises .
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Above all , GSPs detest being world-weary . These working cad were bred with a purpose and thrive on get a Book of Job to do . Left to his own devices , your playful pointer could become a daring escape creative person on a mission to see what the rest of the neighborhood has to offer . Plenty of workout , games , interactive toys , andpuzzle feederswill keep his creative thinker absorb .
Living Needs
German shorthaired pointer need room to run and play . Apartment lifewill not foreshadow well with an up-and-coming GSP in the mixing . These dog-iron require an owner with an active life-style and sizeable space to accommodate their boundless energy .
This breed craves aim and social structure , and without it they can begin manducate and barking . Their high-pitched get-up-and-go floor — peculiarly as puppies — can be heavy for impatient orfirst - time ownersto handle .
German shorthaired pointer are sensitive dogs who demand positive reinforcement and a stable support environment to thrive . They do n’t care being left alone , so if you ’re gone a lot , you may need to rethink have a GSP . This strain needs patient human race with the inscription to stick through the puppy phase and keep these super - smart bounder occupied .
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German shorthaired cursor are high performing artist when it comes to organized dog sports . But if you ’re not intocompetitive nimbleness training , your GSP will be more than glad to get together your family on acamping triporlong hike .
Care
These frank are well-fixed to groom . You ’ll require totrim their nails , check andclean their ear , and sweep their coat with a groomer ’s mitt or firm bristle brushwood once a calendar week . They ’ll also enjoy the occasional bath with mild shampoo — twice a year should be plenty for these dogs , who rely on natural oil to protect their skin . GSPsshed more in the spring and falland want extra brushing during those time of year to keep them from leave a trail of small at large hairs behind .
These enthusiastic dogs thrive on tons of exercise and drift . " German shorthaired pointers are bred for search , which makes them very outgoing , high - free energy dogs , " saysNicole Goudey - Rigger , proprietor and CEO of Pets a Go Goin Stamford , Conn. " They want so much exercise that they even makegoldensandLabslook sluggish . Off - leash running andnose workare great ways for them to expend their energy . " Just make certain they ’re trained to stick by your side before letting them off the III !
Because these dogs are so chic , they’reeasy to train . Positive , encouraging methods ahead of time on are the tonality to success . Reward their good doings with treats , praise , and play . These sensible dogs only become kill with coarse commands or discrepant training .
" German shorthaired pointers need a plenty ofsocializing to ramp up up their confidence , " Goudey - Rigger says . " Daily handling is authoritative to get puppies used to being touched . As soon as thepuppy has a couplet of vaccine , they should be introduced to new people day by day . You require them to get comfy with new sight and sounds . "
Feed your German shorthaired pointer dog nutrient withhigh - quality ingredients . Check with your ex-serviceman for information about how much and how often to feed your pup base on years , activity level , and single needs .
Health
The German shorthaired pointer has a life-time of 12–14 years and istypically a healthy dog .
According to the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America ( GSPCA ) , potential wellness complication for this breed can includehip dysplasia , center progeny , andheart problems . GSPs are alsoprone to bloat ( gastric dilation volvulus ) , which can be lifespan - minatory . owner of German shorthaired Spanish pointer puppies should talk to their vet about what they can do to forbid GDV .
Reputable German shorthaired pointer confidential information breeders will shield for health issues in your puppy . you may help your GSP guide clear of serious complications byscheduling even check - upsand taking the advice of your veterinarian .
History
German breeders wanted one dog to " do it all , " so they pass generations perfecting this hound weenie in the 1700s and 1800s . While it ’s punishing to distinguish which breeds were combine to ultimately create the GSP , a combining of German bird dog and Spanish pointers is potential behind this versatile and intelligent gundog , according to the GSPCA .
Those early breeders did such a estimable job that even today GSPs are among the top - ranking search and trail dogs . They ’re sleek , speedy , and full of stamina . They ’re pry for their keen sensation of smell , their power to recall waterfowl , and their courage to take on bigger animals like cervid . The American Kennel Club recognize the GSP in 1930 .
Fun Facts
Best in Show Winners . Westminster Kennel Club .
