The German Shorthaired Pointer is a smart, athletic, and affectionate dog. Originally bred to hunt, GSPs are active, nimble, and intelligent. This high-energy breed is a great companion for people who need a regular running buddy or hiking pal. With training and regular exercise, German Shorthaired Pointers are excellent pets for an active individual, couple, or family.
Are GSPs right for you? Learn more about this breed below.
Key
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Origin: Germany
- Size:
- Weight: 45–70 pounds
- Activity level:
- Shedding:
- Shedding: Seasonal
- Hair type: Short
- Grooming level:
- Drooling level:
Appearance
A German Shorthaired Pointer is the quintessential medium-sized breed. Standing at 21-25 inches tall, full-grown GSP males weigh 55-70 pounds, while females average 45-60 pounds by adulthood. With a lean yet athletic build, GSPs sport a short, smooth coat that comes in several colors: “black roan” (a blend of black, white, and gray coloring), “liver” (a reddish-brown coloring), or a spotted assortment of the two.
The GSP is born with a long and powerful tail that is traditionally docked. While the practice of surgically altering a dog’s features such as cropping ears and docking tails is falling out of practice—and in many countries, is an illegal procedure—the German Shorthaired Pointer breed standard maintains that the tail “must” be docked.
Personality
The GSP thrives with an active lifestyle. This high-energy dog requires daily exercise and will be most content engaging in activities such as hiking, running, swimming, agility courses, and exploring the great outdoors. In addition to burning energy, these highly intelligent dogs also crave mental stimulation. Engaging in play that challenges their mind is key to a healthy and happy GSP.
A German Shorthaired Pointer forms a close bond with their family, is loyal, and can be an exceptional guard dog. They’ll likely want to let you know when someone is approaching your home but are easily trainable when it comes to excessive barking or aggressive behaviors. The GSP’s high intelligence makes this dog a receptive listener and eager to please.
Ideal Environment
This breed requires routine and vigorous exercise, so a spacious yard with plenty of room to sniff, roam, run, and explore is essential (for the times when you’re not out training for marathons together). Without the ability to burn energy, the GSP may become stir-crazy and destructive. With proper exercise, you’ll have a very good boy or girl indeed.
Typically non-aggressive, the German Shorthaired Pointer can be wary of meeting new animals. Make sure to supervise any meeting between an unfamiliar animal and your GSP. German Shorthaired Pointers are hunters by nature and can be territorial in stressful situations.
Ideal Human
If you’re someone who loves an active lifestyle and adventuring outdoors, a German Shorthaired Pointer will be an ideal companion and a loyal work out buddy.
This type of dog is a great fit for people who enjoy walking, hiking, jogging, and other forms of exercise that can be shared with your pet. Those adopting a GSP puppy should be prepared for a naturally curious, playful, and high-energy dog. Some of this energy tapers as your GSP grows into adulthood, but a love of activity is a hallmark of the breed.
GSPs can be great with children and wonderful family dogs. As with any interactions between dogs and children, supervision is key. You might notice your German Shorthaired Pointer growing protective of your little ones, as this breed enjoys forming a deep bond with those in their pack.
Training
Compared to other breeds, GSPs are fairly easy to train. GSPs are great listeners, eager to please, and thrive with mental and physical challenges.
Originally bred to be hunting and “bird” dogs, GSPs are naturally competitive. They do well with training that tests both mind and body and will flourish with consistent instruction and positive reinforcement from their humans.
Grooming
With a short, smooth coat that requires minimal maintenance, some seasonal shedding is to be expected, but in general, the GSP’s grooming needs are fairly simple (that is, unless your dog’s boundless energy regularly finds them exploring muddy ponds or brambly thickets).
A weekly brushing is sufficient to keep your dog’s coat in good shape. Regular brushing is also a good way to monitor your dog’s physical condition and to check for ticks or injuries that may go unnoticed otherwise.
Health
GSPs are at risk for several eye issues, skin disorders, heart problems, and hip dysplasia. Reputable breeders will abide by the breed’s official health statement and screen their dogs for these concerns so that their puppies are less likely to inherit them.
German Shorthaired Pointer are also susceptible to bloat, a dangerous and sudden distention of the stomach. Bloat can progress quickly and, if left untreated, can be fatal.
In terms of lifespan, the average GSP will live to be 10-12 years.
History
German Shorthaired Pointers were originally bred for hunting and retrieving. German hunters and landowners in the 1800s bred the GSP in hopes their canine companion might assist in tracking, hunting, and retrieving birds and other game. Today, the modern GSP remains a champion breed in organized dog hunting and sporting events.
Similar Breeds
The German Longhaired Pointer is similar to its shorthair cousin with the same knack for adventuring outdoors and a longer coat of fur. Likewise, the Braque Francais Pyrenean shares many of the same personality traits as a GSP and a similar build but in a slightly smaller form.
Adoption
GSP Breeders
If you have decided to bring a GSP puppy into your family, finding an ethical breeder is the first step. To avoid puppy mills and online scams, it’s crucial to check the references of a breeder, meet the puppy’s parents in person, and to ask questions regarding health history. The German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America is a great place to start for those interested in researching reputable GSP breeders.
GSP Rescues
You can consider a rescue, shelter, or pet-finding website to find your GSP. Whether you come across a purebred GSP or a GSP mix, you’ll save a life of a deserving pet who in most cases was placed for adoption simply because their original owner was unable to care for them. Adopting an older dog means your new companion is likely housetrained and won’t be as hands on as a new puppy.
Conclusion
Eager to please and endlessly energetic, German Shorthaired Pointers are great dogs for individuals or families who can keep up with the breed’s innate need for exploration and exercise.
