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A versatile hunter and all-purpose gun dog, the German Shorthaired
Pointer possesses keen scenting power and high intelligence. The
breed is proficient with many different types of game and sport,
including trailing, retrieving, and pointing pheasant, quail,
grouse, waterfowl, raccoons, possum, and even
deer. A medium-sized
breed, he has an aristocratic bearing. The origin of the German
Shorthaired Pointer is not clear, but the source of the breed seems
to have been the German Bird Dog, related to the old Spanish
Pointer, and various crossings with local German scent hounds and
track and trail dogs. When the Germans introduced the English
Pointers to lend elegance to the German Shorthaired Pointer
prototype, the result was a utility dog that combined sporting
virtue with clean lines, good looks and sound temperament. The
efforts of nineteenth century German breeders, has created a dog
today that is one of the most versatile of all gun dogs and an ideal
weekend hunter. They do well in companion hunting as well as field
trials, hunt tests, tracking trials, and the show ring. German
Shorthaired Pointers were accepted into the American Kennel Club in
1930
General Appearance
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a clean-cut, lean, well-balanced,
hunting dog with an elegantly chiseled head. The muzzle is long, but
never pointed. The length of the muzzle should be the same as the
length of the skull. Unlike the English Pointer, the occipital bone
is not very conspicuous nor is there a pronounced stop. The
almond-shaped eyes and nose are brown. The eyes have an intelligent,
good-humored expression. A large nose is preferred. The larger the
better. The broad ears are set high and lie close to the head. The
teeth should form a scissors bite. The coat on a German Shorthaired
Pointer is rough on the hand, short, thick, and flat. On the ears
and head, the hair is softer. Hair may be longer under the tail and
the back edges of the haunches The short, dense, sleek coat should
be solid liver or liver & white, patched, ticked or roan. A dense
undercoat protected by the stiff body hair makes the dog water
resistant and better adaptable to cold weather. The skin should be
tight. The tail is customarily docked by 60% (the dog should be able
to sit on his tail), and the dewclaws removed. The feet are webbed.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a little smaller than the standard
Pointer.
Temperament
A versatile and good natured dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer is
an active and agile dog, and is tolerant, obedient, and intelligent.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is quick to learn, and this can make
training far easier, although some may have a stubborn or dominant
streak that make them best suited to owner with some experience of
dog ownership. Others may be overly submissive, and in order to
ensure a well balance temperament early socialization in important.
These are dogs that have plenty of energy and love to play. The
German Shorthaired Pointer get along well with children, although
his size can prove a problem if you have very small children, as
they could inadvertently knock them over. They also tend to get
along okay with other pets when well socialized, although some may
chase cats and they can be aggressive with strange dogs. Their
reaction around strangers can vary between friendly and reserved
depending on the personality of the individual dog. This is a
focused, dedicated, and protective breed, and can make a good
watchdog. These are dogs that are well suited to family life, and
are ideal for active people with confidence and assertiveness.
Grooming
The German Shorthaired Pointer is extremely easy to groom. They must
be brushed regularly with a stiff bristle brush. It is important to
check this breed's feet after exercising and working. They must be
dried thoroughly after strenuous activity to keep them from becoming
chilled. This breed is an average shedder.
Health Problems and Life Expectancy
They are generally healthy, but can be prone to
such problems as ear infections, hip dysplasia, and skin cancer. The
life expectancy of the German Shorthaired Pointer is around 14-16
years
Activity Level
Because the German Shorthair is a hunting dog, they naturally have a
lot of energy to burn and can be tireless. They need to be with an
active family that can provide lots of outdoor activities,
preferably off lead. The German Shorthaired Pointer are tireless and
full of energy. Vigorous exercise is extremely important. If they
are not given an appropriate amount of exercise and stimulation they
become restless and destructive. They are a good family pet for the
active family. This breed needs a lot of space and room to run. They
must have a fenced yard.
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