The German Shorthaired Pointer was developed in Germany from a cross
of the old Spanish Pointer, the Bloodhound for greater intelligence and
trailing ability with bigger bone and size, the Foxhound for more speed,
and the English Pointer for more pointing instinct. The resulting dog is
one of great versatility that can track game, point instinctively with the
strength and fortitude to retrieve wildfowl from icy water. The German Shorthaired
Pointer is a good pointing game and retrieving dog for both land and water.
He is a pointing dog of medium speed and medium range. He was recognized
the American Kennel Club in 1930.
The German Shorthaired Pointer has a mild disposition. He is affectionate
and good with children Besides being a very versatile sporting dog, he also
makes a wonderful house and watch dog. Because he has a natural desire to
hunt and tends not to recognize natural boundaries, he needs plenty of exercise
to keep him from becoming bored.
The overall dog has an aristocratic bearing and is well-balanced and symmetrical.
The head has a reasonably broad skull that is slightly rounded at the top.
There is an indentation between the eyes to the top of the skull. The jaw
is powerful with a scissors bite and the muzzle is capable of properly seizing
and carrying game. It should not be pointed or tapered. The years are broad,
set fairly high and hang next to the side of the neck. The eyes are dark
brown by preference and of medium size with an expression of intelligence
and good humor. The neck must be muscular and strong. The chest must be
deep. The back is short, strong and straight. There must be a definite tuck
up at the loin. The legs are straight and closely muscled. a lithe smooth
gait is the most desirable. The tail is docked to two-fifths of its natural
length and set high. The average weight is between 55 and 70 pounds and
the average height is between 23 and 25 inches. Coat color is solid liver,
liver and white spotted and/or ticked, and liver roan. The coat is water
repellent and the feet are webbed to enable him to retrieve across rough
terrain and icy water.
benniedog@picknowl.com.au of Adelaide, Australia writes:
Informative.
I wish to add that the German Shorthaired Pointer is also black or black
and white, the same as the liver or liver and white. Although not recognised
by the AKC for conformation showing they can be competitive in all other
fields of dog activities. The GSP is a brilliant companion dog, but of course
must be given plenty of exercise. In general they love the hunt, retrieve,
swimming, company of the family home, and want to be "where the action
is!"
ebunny691@hotmail.com of Georgia writes:
GSPs are great.
I love German Shorthaired Pointers. I highly advise getting one if you
have somewhere fenced in to let it run as they get lost easily. My GSP goes
against all the said hyperness, and in fact is sleeping at my feet right
now.
madeleineclarke89@hotmail.com of Sweden writes:
Great dog.
Our German Shorthaired Pointer loves to be with people. She's a friendly
and loving dog, always happy and full of energy!
vkfox@sdcoe.k12.ca.us of Califronia writes on 4/18/00:
The best breed I've ever dealt with.
My dog is the best balanced, most eager to please canine I've ever had.
He's enthusiastic, energetic and intelligent. Great around the house and
children. He'll bark at strangers, growl at a perceived threat, but has
never bitten anyone. He quick to learn, eager to please and easy to care
for. Can't imagine a finer dog.
ElTrohel@aol.com of Texas writes on 11/3/99:
One of the best family and hunting dogs you could have.
My dog is protective of my home, barking at people she is not familular
with. She does not bite. She is a great hunter, no matter if we are are
shooting quail or if she is pointing at the neighbors cat. My GSP is not
touchie-feelie like many Labs, but she is loving in her own way. I'm not
sure if most GSP's are like that or not. I believe you would you would be
hard pressed to find a type of dog that makes a better contributing family
member. If you want a dog just to sit around in your back yard......and
don't plan working very much with the dog, don't get a GSP. It would be
a waste of talent.
Name withheld by request of Washington, DC write on 10/10/99:
Affectionate energetic dogs.
When I was a little girl, my Dad arrived home one night at our new house
in New England with a German Shorthaired Pointer. We named her Coco. She
was an energetic puppy, always jumping up on me and my brothers and licking
us, as puppies do. When she grew up, she was sleek and beautiful, and while
we never went hunting, she was always assuming the pointing position. She
would respond if I was sad, sitting by my side patiently, and she was a
great playmate and ran like the wind. I loved my dog Coco. I highly recommend
this fine breed.