Other Names: GSP
Country of Origin: Germany
Dog Group: Gundog
German Shorthaired Pointers were developed in Germany as a multi-purpose gun dog, to replace the need for both a pointer and a retriever. Pointer refers to the stance a dog takes when it finds game and then strikes a rigid pose to indicate to its handler that there is game ahead.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile all-purpose gundog. The head is in proportion to the body. The skull is slightly round on top, broad and arched on the sides. The length of the muzzle should be equal to the length of the skull. The muzzle is long with a slight stop that can be viewed from the side. The large nose is brown with wide open nostrils. The almond-shaped, medium sized eyes are dark brown. The high set ears are broad, hanging close to the head. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The chest is deep. The compact feet are webbed. The skin is tight. The short coat is thick and rough to the touch. It is slightly longer on the underside of the tail, and the back edge of the hips and softer, shorter and thinner on the head and ears.
Colour
Coat colors include solid liver, liver and white, liver ticked or patches, white ticked or liver roan.
Coat Length
Short
Age Expectancy
10 - 12 Years
Weight/Height Range
On average dogs stand at 23 - 25cms at the withers and weigh 25 - 32kgs, bitches average at 21 - 23cms from the withers and weigh 20 - 27kgs.
Ailments
German Short Haired Pointers are a healthy dogs, however there is a very low incidence of hip dysplasia and Hypothyroidism.
Common Ailments
-
Breed Classification
-
On the whole these dogs are not big eaters when you consider the amount of exercise they require.
Food Cost
$15- 20
Other Expenses
-
One of the most energetic breeds, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a hunting dog by nature. Protective, clever, eager and willing to please, they are very fond of their human families. Happy-go-lucky, they love nothing more than to engage in some type of constructive activity with their family. Faithful, spirited and friendly, they like and mix well with children. Best suited for an active family. When they lack in exercise they can become high strung, and frustrated.
Intelligence
GSPs are intelligent and therefore learn reasonably quickly. Because of their sensitive natures, training should be done with kindness and rewards. They do not like to be dominated.
Energy
High
Tendency to bark
Medium
Overall Exercise Requirement
Exercise is of paramount importance for these tireless energetic dogs, they need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle.
Suitability as a guard dog
Medium
Ease of Transportation
High
Level of Aggression
Medium
Other animal compatibility
Medium
A low maintenance breed, these dogs require only a wipe over with a hand mitt once a week to remove loose hairs and a bath when warranted. Ears should be checked and wiped clean at least once a week.
Grooming Requirements
Once a week
Trimming Requred
-
Tendency to shed hair
Average