Mary Allen
Crossing fields and forests, pressing the nose to the ground – this is the favorite pastime of the German Shorthaired Pointer. An intelligent hunting dog is an outspoken working dog that wants to be challenged and needs plenty of exercises. After work, he enjoys spending time with his family and proves to be a devoted member of the family.
Avid Hunter with Southern European Ancestors
The ancestors of the German Shorthaired Pointer were hunting dogs from the Mediterranean countries, which were mainly used for tracking and registering poultry. The so-called pointing dogs were brought to Germany via France, Spain, and Flanders, where they also accompanied the princes on hunting trips. The first entries in the studbook were made in Germany in 1897. Prince Albrecht zu Solms-Braunfeld laid down the criteria for the breed and thus laid the foundation for modern breeding. Over time, the German Shorthaired Pointer evolved more and more from a pointer to a versatile hunting dog.
Personality
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a passionate hunting dog, distinguished by a balanced, strong nerve and reliable character. He definitely needs a job, and hunting is the best way to do it. That is why responsible breeders usually give their puppies only to hunters. The wiry four-legged friend is full of energy and needs mental and physical development. If he is busy, he shows himself to be friendly, child-loving, and adaptable, so a “second job” as a family dog is definitely an option.
Training & Maintenance of the German Shorthaired Pointer
A self-confident and purposeful dog needs strong guidance and consistent training to keep a pronounced hunting instinct under control. At the heart of such education are relationships based on partnership and trust, in which it is nevertheless clear who is in charge. Ideally, the dog is trained to hunt. His superior sense of smell, orientation skills, and stamina come into play. The German Shorthaired Pointer is comfortable in all-terrain and is also suitable for working in the water. His short coat dries out again after a few minutes.
If not kept as a hunting dog, the four-legged friend needs a lot of exercise and mental stress. Long walks, bike rides, and dog sports such as frisbees, triathlons, mannequin training, or tracking are what this powerful dog needs. A vigilant animal with an exceptionally sensitive sense of smell needs close contact with the owner.
Care & Peculiarities
Coat care does not require much time and effort: periodic combing is enough. Dogs of this breed are at times prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and epilepsy. The risk of hip dysplasia is largely minimized through responsible breeding selection.