German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Breed Information

General Information

Physical And Size

Ranking

Characterisitics

Friendliness

German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the most versatile sporting breeds and a superb hunting dog who excels as a family companion. He hunts feathered and furred games and will even trail deer. The German Shorthaired Pointer will be happy to hike or jog with you.

German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the few hunting breeds that can perform the activities of almost all gundogs. They can be a pointer and a retriever too. They can hunt upland birds and waterfowl, as well as rabbits, raccoons, and deer. They are high energy dogs and require regular exercises.

Origin and History

The German Shorthaired Pointer was created in Germany in the mid- to late 19^th century to be a multi-purpose hunting dog. They were probably derived from the German bird dog crossed with various German scenthounds. The English Pointers were brought in to give the new breed some elegance.

German Shorthaired Pointer is a standout in the show ring though he is a super hunting dog. Two German Shorthaired Pointers have taken best in a show at Westminster Kennel Club. Today, the German Shorthaired Pointers rank 16^th among the breeds registered by American kennel club, up from 24^th in 2000.

Is German Shorthaired Pointers Child-Friendly?

Yes, German Shorthaired Pointers are child-friendly because they can do well with children if they are raised with them. They have high energy and make excellent playmates for active older children.

Adult German Shorthaired Pointers who are unfamiliar with children may do best in a home with older children who understand how to interact with dogs.

Teach your child how to interact with the German Shorthaired Pointers. Proper supervision is necessary with children because dogs can harm the children until they are trained and habituated. So never let your child pull the ear or tail of the dog while he is sleeping or taking food.

Behavior, temperament and personality

German Shorthaired Pointers are smart, friendly and willing in behavior because they are enthusiastic in everything they do without being nervous. They do not like being left alone and can develop separation anxiety. This is a house dog, not a kennel dog. These dogs love everyone in the family and are easily trainable.

The temperament of German Shorthaired Pointers is determined on the basis of training and socialization. Early training helps them to treat and play with small children. They should be socialized and exposed to many different people, sights and experiences. Taking to the puppy kindergarten can be a great start for socialization.

Pet owners love the German Shorthaired Pointers because of happy-go-lucky and eager to please personality.  The breed is easy going but hard working with high energy. Because of this, it is important to ensure that these dogs receive plenty of exercise and a nice big area to live in.

Trainability

German Shorthaired Pointers are highly intelligent dogs who are capable of learning a great deal but this doesn’t mean they are the easiest to train. Because of being so smart and independent, they will require some patience to train. However, you should start training your puppy the day when you bring him home.

It can be difficult to train German Shorthaired Pointer to focus, but they are able to learn with consistent training exercises. The positive reinforcement training method should be applied so that the dogs will be motivated and always try to do good things.

Facts of German Shorthaired Pointers

Some of the facts related with German Shorthaired Pointers are as follows:

• The German Shorthaired Pointers were first bred in Germany.
• Lots of breeds went into the creation of German Shorthaired Pointers.
• German Shorthaired Pointers were bred to hunt.
• The air force uses one German Shorthaired Pointer.
• The noses of German Shorthaired Pointers matches their coat.
• German Shorthaired Pointers have a life span of 12 to 14 years.
• German Shorthaired Pointers’ female has a weight of 20 to 27 kg and the male has a weight of 25 to 32 kg.
• Female has a height of 53 to 59 cm and the male has a height of 58 to 64 cm.

Health Issues

German Shorthaired Pointers are healthy but like other breeds they are prone to certain health issues. Some of the poor health conditions are given below:

• Hip dysplasia: This is a condition of deformity of the hip joint.
• Cancer: The reported cancers are mammary tumors, mast cell tumors, and lymphosarcoma
• Lymphedema: It is a disorder in which valvular blockage of lymph flow causes tissues to swell  from the accumulation of fluids
• Entropion: It is a condition in which the eyelid roll inward
• Von Willebrand’s disease: It is a condition of blood disorder
• Bloat or Torsion: This is a condition which affects large, deep chested dogs

Puppies

Cost

The average cost of the German Shorthaired Pointers puppy is about $1000 to $3500 USD

Size

The female of German Shorthaired Pointers has a height of 53 to 59 cm and the male has a height of 58 to 64 cm. The male has a weight of 25 to 32 kg and the female has a weight of 20 to 27 kg.

Colors

German Shorthaired Pointers are found in following colors:

• Liver roan
• Liver and white
• Brown and white
• Liver
• Black and white
• Brown

Which dogs breed are they similar to?

Some of the breeds similar to German Shorthaired Pointers are as follows:

• German Longhaired Pointer
• Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer
• Portuguese Pointer
• Pointer
• German Wirehaired Pointer

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