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German Shorthaired Pointer
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The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) is a breed of dog
developed in the 1800s in Germany for hunting.
The breed is streamlined yet powerful with strong hindquarters
that make it able to move rapidly and turn quickly. It has
moderately long flop ears set high on the head. Its muzzle is long,
broad, and strong, allowing it to retrieve even heavy game. The
dog's profile should be straight or strongly Roman nosed; any
dished appearance to the profile is incorrect. The eyes are
generally brown, with darker eyes being desirable; yellow or "bird
of prey" eyes are a fault. The tail is commonly docked, although
this is now prohibited in some countries. The correct location for
docking for GSP is after the caudal vertebrae start to curl, leaving
enough tail to let the dog communicate through tail wagging and
movement. The docked tail should not be too long or too short but
should balance the appearance of the head and body. The GSP
tail is carried at a jaunty angle, not curled under. When the GSP is
in classic point stance, the tail should be held straight out from the
body forming a line with the pointing head and body. Like all
German pointers, GSP have webbed feet.
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German Shorthaired Pointer
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Country of origin
Germany
Weight
Males: 50-70 lb
Females: 45-60 lb
Height
Males: 23-25 in
Females: 21-23 in
Coat
Short and flat with dense undercoat
Color
Liver, black or either color with white,
solid and speckled
Life span
12-14 years
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Coat and color
The German Shorthaired Pointer's coat is short and flat with a
dense undercoat protected by stiff guard hairs making the coat
water resistant and allowing the dog to stay warm in cold weather.
The color can be a dark brown, sometimes referred to in English
as liver (commonly, its color is often referred to as chocolate or
chestnut), black (although any area of black is cause for
disqualification in American Kennel Club sanctioned shows), or
either color with white. Commonly the head is a solid or nearly solid
color and the body is speckled or "ticked" with liver and white,
sometimes with large patches of solid color called "saddles". Roan
coats are also common, with or without patching. Solid liver and
solid black coats also occur, often with a small blaze of ticking or
white on the chest. While the German standard permits a slight
sandy coloring ("Gelber Brand") at the extremities, this coloring is
rare, and a dog displaying any yellow coloring is disqualified in
AKC and CKC shows. The colouring of the GSP provides
camouflage in the winter seasons. When standing next to dead
trees and in broken snow, the white and dark brown coat makes
the dog difficult to see.
Temperament
Since the German Shorthaired Pointer was developed to be a dog
suited to family life as well as a versatile hunter, the correct
temperament is that of an intelligent, bold, and characteristically
affectionate dog that is cooperative and easily trained. They rank
17th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being excellent
working dogs. Shyness, fearfulness, over submissiveness,
aloofness, lack of biddability, or aggression (especially toward
humans) are all incorrect traits. The GSP is usually very good with
children, although care should be taken because the breed can be
boisterous especially when young. These dogs love interaction
with humans and appreciate active families who will give them an
outlet for their energy. Most German Shorthaired Pointers make
excellent watchdogs. The breed generally gets along well with
other dogs. A strong hunting instinct is correct for the breed, which
is not always good for other small pets such as cats or rabbits.
With training, however, the family dog should be able to discern
what is prey and what is not, and they can live quite amicably with
other family pets.
When it comes to everyday family life, the pointer is a
recommended addition to the family. They are extremely loyal,
friendly and fun. They tend to also be careful and protective of
young children.
The German Shorthaired Pointer needs plenty of vigorous activity.
This need for exercise (preferably off lead) coupled with the
breed's natural instinct to hunt, means that training is an absolute
necessity. The GSP distinctly independent character and superior
intelligence mean that any unused energy will likely result in the
dog amusing itself, most probably in an undesirable manner.
Lack of sufficient exercise and/or proper training can produce a
German Shorthaired Pointer that appears hyperactive or that has
destructive tendencies. Thus the breed is not a suitable pet for an
inactive home or for inexperienced dog owners. Although these
dogs form very strong attachments with their owners, a dog that
receives insufficient exercise may feel compelled to exercise
himself. These dogs can escape from four foot and sometimes six
foot enclosures with little difficulty. Regular hunting, running,
carting, bikejoring, skijoring, mushing,dog scootering or other
vigorous activity can alleviate this desire to escape. The natural
instinct to hunt may result in the dog hunting alone and sometimes
bringing home occasional dead trophies, such as cats, rats,
pigeons and other urban animals. In addition to exercise,
especially formal hunting, the GSP needs to be taught to
distinguish legitimate prey and off limits animals.
Like the other German Pointers (the German Wire-haired Pointer
and the less well known German Longhaired Pointer), the GSP can
perform virtually all gundog roles. It is pointer and retriever, an
upland bird dog and water dog. The GSP can be used for hunting
larger and more dangerous game, and in addition has a scent
hound's talented nose. It is an excellent swimmer but also works
well in rough terrain. It is tenacious, tireless, hardy, and reliable. In
short, it is a superb all-around field dog that remains popular with
hunters of many nationalities.
The GSP is very good with learning commands and, it is usually
very capable of figuring out how to solve problems by themselves.
Along with its superb hunting ability and companionable
personality, the superior intelligence and biddability (trainability) of
the GSP make it one of the more popular large breeds.
During hunting sessions, a completely instinctive scent-hiding
activity through rubbing against carrion can be observed.
Health
Most German Shorthaired Pointers are tough, healthy dogs, but
according to Margo B. Maloney, DVM (NAVHDA Versatile Hunting
Dog Magazine, April, 2003) the breed can be subject to a number
of hereditary disorders just as any other purebred due to their
breeding. As a hunting dog, the German shorthair pointer can
have a narrow nose and air passages—this can cause the dog to
gag and then have trouble breathing, especially under confusing
circumstances. A few individuals may suffer from hip dysplasia,
genetic eye diseases, epilepsy, skin disorders and cancerous
lesions in the mouth, on the skin and other areas of the body.
Unexplained swelling and growth of the nipples in adult males is
considered normal in this breed and is fairly common. However, if
the nipples become sensitive to the touch, a veterinarian should be
consulted. Occasionally a biopsy will be recommended. Bleeding
from the nipples may suggest infection or cancer. Female GSP in
some lines are prone to breast cancer.
As with any other hunting dog, contact with game can cause the
spread of fungi and bacteria that can easily colonise in the gums
or cause infections on open wounds and small cuts from scratching
against plants and bushes during a regular hunting session.
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