GERMAN SHORTHAIRED

Temperament: Friendly, Smart, Willing to Please

AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 9 of 197

Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)

Weight: 55-70 pounds (male), 45-60 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Group: Sporting Group

ABOUT THE GERMAN SHORTHAIRED

The versatile German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) sporting dog breed hunts many types of game, retrieves on land or from water, and is an affectionate companion. They have a striking, easy-care coat, but they need plenty of vigorous exercise.

GSPs like to please their people and will work hard for them, especially if they’re rewarded with praise, play, or food. They typically aren’t stubborn and learn new exercises quickly. The biggest challenge is to keep them focused on training. They can get bored easily. This is one of the few hunting breeds that can perform virtually all gundog roles. The GSP can be a pointer and a retriever. He can hunt upland birds and waterfowl, as well as rabbits, raccoons, and deer. Whatever you ask of your GSP, he will gladly comply with unshakable reliability.

PERSONALITY

Smart, friendly, and willing, the GSP is enthusiastic in everything he does without being nervous or flighty. He doesn’t like being left alone, however, and can develop separation anxiety. This is a house dog, not a yard or kennel dog. He’ll love everyone in the family but may choose a special favorite. He’s highly trainable.

Like every dog, GSPs need early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when they’re young. Socialization helps ensure that your GSP puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills.

NUTRITION

Feed a high-quality dog food that is appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. Because the breed is subject to bloat, they should not be fed immediately after running or other vigorous exercise, nor should they be allowed to run or exercise for at least an hour after eating and drinking. The ideal evening mealtime would be after physical activities are through for the day. Also keep your German Shorthair in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time.

HEALTH

Although German Shorthaired Pointers are generally healthy, there are some conditions the breed may be prone to:

Hip Dysplasia

Cancer

Lymphedema

Entropion

Von Willebrand’s Disease

Gastric dilatation-volvulus, also called Bloat or Torsion

CARE

The GSP does best with plenty of exercise and things to do, such as running, swimming, and dog sports—in fact, anything that will burn some of their boundless energy while spending time outdoors with a human buddy. Their routine should ideally include ample physical activity twice a day. This might be in the form of brisk, half-hour walks morning and evening or running and playing in a securely fenced area.

GROOMING

The GSPs coat is easy to groom most of the year, requiring only a good once-over with a brush or grooming glove every few days. Although the coat is short, it still sheds—especially at certain times of the year, when more frequent brushing will be needed to remove the loose hairs before they end up all over the house. The hairs can become embedded in fabrics and carpet and hard to get out. An occasional bath (using a gentle shampoo) can help. The ears should be regularly inspected and cleaned, and the nails trimmed short.

Source: dogtime, akc.