German Shorthaired Pointer
‘Deutsch Kurzhaar’

German Shorthaired Pointer
Deutsch Kurzhaar
Weight: 55 — 70 lbs
Height: 23” — 25”
AKC Rank 2008 #16
Lifespan: 12—14 yrs
Group Sporting
Origin Germany

Dog Breed Info – German Shorthaired Pointer

Breed Overview

The German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the most versatile of the hunting breeds. He is gaining popularity in the USA as a companion and house pet quite rapidly.

Crosses of the Spanish Pointer with the Hannover Hound resulted in a heavy, hound-like dog that could both trail and point and was interested in both birds and mammal. When trailing, these dogs would bay, if needed, and they would dispatch wounded game and even fox.

The breed was recognized in the late 1800’s in Germany with the first Shorthaired coming to America in the 1920’s. The German Shorthaired Pointer gained AKC recognition in 1930.

Trainability

Fairly easy to train. This breed has a difficult streak in it and training takes persistence and patience. They are capable of learning and very intelligent, just give her time. Use of a CLICKER is the best way to go. clicker training works every time, especially with sensitive and high-strung dogs.

German Shorthaired Pointer

Crate Training

Want to crate train your German Shorthaired Pointer puppy? It’s easy and if you’re interested, take a look and you’ll see what to do. Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems.

Potty Training

Some German Shorthaired Pointer puppies can be difficult to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Training which will help you decide and from there you can get all the information you need to get the job done. Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing. Either method will work for this breed.

If you have an older dog, take the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do.

Temperament

The German Shorthaired Pointer’s idea of Heaven is a day hunting in the field and an evening curled up by his owners side.

This is an active dog that can become frustrated if not given daily exercise, both mental and physical. It is a devoted family pet, although at times it is overly boisterous for small children. Because part of it’s heritage includes hunting mammals, some can be aggressive to small pets unless raised with them. It is a sensitive breed, responsive to gentle training. Some can whine or bark quite a lot.

Although able to live outside in mild weather, this is a companionable breed and needs live indoors to be socialized with his human family and have a doggie door leading to a fenced yard to roam in. He should be raised with children as a puppy.

If you happen to get a Pointer with a separation anxiety problem, that can be dealt with by investing a few hours of work on your part and some “tough love.”

Friendly Toward Other Dogs

Somewhat. Picks her own dog friends. If she likes another dog, she REALLY likes her.

Friendly Toward Other Pets

Not very. Would rather be the main even in the household.

Friendly Toward Strangers

Moderate. Bring on the relatives… she’ll adjust quite well.

Playfulness

Very playful dog. Lots of energy, needs plenty of play time.

German Shorthaired Pointers are very affectionate.

Good with children

No. Not if the dog is beyond puppyhood.
If the dog is purchased as a puppy and grows up with the child, he will do OK.

Good with Seniors over 65?

No. Needs too much exercise.

Living environment

House with a medium size yard where the dog can chase balls or Frisbee’s and get some exercise.

Energy level

Very high energy breed.

Exercise needs, daily

Bred to be an active hunting companion, this breed has a lot of energy and requires a lot of exercise.

Two long walks a day would be good.

The German Shorthaired Pointer thrives on mental and physical stimulation which it can get from both hunting or playing for a long period each day… at least an hour daily; two hours is better.

They love the water and will swim if given the chance. They have web feet to facilitate swimming.

Good. The German Shorthaired Pointer tends to become tightly bonded with his family and very protective of them. As such, he exhibits some natural guard dog characteristics.

Brush the dog every week or so. The coat is thick and heavy.

Suggested Reading For The German Wirehaired Pointer
Click on the cover photo for more book information.

Note – The two books on the right are very informative Gun Dog Training Books for the serious sportsman. ________________________________________________

German Shorthaired Pointer Breeders

In the event you decide to go looking for Short Haired Pointer puppies, be SURE to find reputable breeders that really know what they are doing. Be sure the puppy has been VERY well socialized and started in obedience training.
Short Haired Pointer Breeders with puppies for sale.

Short Haired Pointer Rescue

In the event you are seriously considering the adoption of a GSP and are looking for a Short Haired Pointer rescue group or groups in your state, here are several links that might help:
Petfinder – Short Haired Pointer Rescue – (Nationwide) At the time of this writing, Petfinder is listing 677 Short Haired Pointers for the USA, available for adoption. That number can vary, of course but it is an indicator.
Adopt A Pet This is an interesting site but you might want to go online and search for German Wirehaired Pointer Rescue groups (or shelters) for more selections..

You may need to do some web surfing, as this is not the most common breed to find.

Health Issues For German Shorthaired Pointers
Below are the illnesses or medical problems listed for the German Shorthaired Pointer by various vets.

This is basically a healthy breed. Don’t let the list below scare you! Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. These are medical issues this breed is prone to that have been listed by various veterinarians at different times over the past decade or so and some pertain to puppies and very young dogs that a breeder would deal with.

The information contained herein has been gathered from numerous books by veterinarians and is intended as general information only. Every dog and situation is different. You must see your vet. Our information is for general interest only and not intended to replace the advice provided by your own veterinarian.

Lymphedema—Hereditary disease. Abnormal flow of fluids to the lymph glands causing swelling. Your fingers will leave “dents” in a “spongy” skin if you press the dog’s ears, abdomen, legs or tail. The affected skin is open to bacterial infections. Otherwise, the dog will appear normal. The vet will take skin samples for biopsy. You must see a vet – don’t fool with this.

Other health problems could occur with your German Shorthaired Pointer. If you notice any problems with your dog, take it to the vet immediately. This website is for general information only and is not intended to, in any way, be a medical guide.

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