German Shorthaired Pointer was developed by German hunters who wanted a versatile hunting dog who could retrieve on land or in water, work with birds of all kinds, and trail at night. As with so many breeds, the exact origins of this pointer are unknown, but experts believe that the German Bird Dog, Spanish Pointer, English Pointer, and local German scenthounds were all used to create an intelligent, attractive, utilitarian dog with excellent scenting abilities.
The German Shorthaired Pointer dog breed stands between 21 and 26 inches tall and usually weighs between 45 and 70 pounds. He appears well-balanced, is muscular without being bulky, and gives the appearance of a fine athlete. The German Shorthaired Pointer has a broad head with a long muzzle, dropped ears, and almond-shaped amber eyes. His tail is docked. His coat is short and tough and is solid liver, liver and white, or patched, ticked, or roan. This coat can be cared for by brushing twice weekly with a soft bristle brush or curry comb.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is an active athletic breed and needs vigorous daily exercise. The natural exuberance of a young German Shorthaired Pointer can make him difficult to live with if he is kept confined and not exercised. Although these dogs enjoy daily brisk walks, they do better with a good run. The German Shorthaired Pointer breed is also good at many canine activities, including obedience competitions, field trials, search-and-rescue work, agility, and more.
Early training is very important for this breed—both to teach him household rules and to establish some control over a rowdy young German Shorthaired Pointer puppy. He needs structured, firm yet fun training. Young German Shorthaired Pointers can have very short attention spans. If the training is in short sessions, interspersed with some playtimes, he will be more apt to cooperate. The German Shorthaired Pointer dog breed does best with an active owner. He is good with older children; German Shorthaired Pointer puppies may be too rowdy for small kids. German Shorthaired Pointer are good with other dogs. The primary health concern in this breed is hip dysplasia.
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Good-natured and adaptable, but primarily bred to be a hunting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer has a high energy level and belongs with an equally athletic owner who will take him running, biking, or hiking.
A walk around the block is barely a warm-up for a vigorous German Shorthaired Pointer. Too much confinement can lead to barking, hyperactivity, and destructive chewing.
Toward strangers he may be very friendly or somewhat reserved, so his alarm bark may be welcoming or mildly protective. But this is NOT an aggressive breed.
Most German Shorthairs are good with other pets, but some can be aggressive with strange dogs, and some are determined cat chasers.
Obedience training is a must for instilling self-discipline and control, for this breed can be a bundle of intense energy. Fortunately he is eminently trainable . . . but he does not obey blindly. Indeed, though the German Shorthaired Pointer can become focused when required to do so, he is easily distracted and does know his own mind and you need to be both patient and firm.