German Shorthaired Pointer - A fireball on legs...!
Looking after and training the German Shorthaired Pointer dog
Breed Introduction
If you're looking for a highly active dog, then the German Shorthaired Pointer should certainly be at the top of your short list. A versatile sporting utility dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer was originally bred in Germany as a multi-purpose gun dog; one that would do away with the need to own both a Pointer and a Retriever. The breed is energetic, intelligent, affectionate and loyal, not to mention highly enthusiastic at both work and play. Happy-go-lucky is a great description of the GSP, and he loves nothing more than to engage in constructive family activities. Extremely friendly and eager to please, they get along well with children. However, this people-loving personality, means they can become high strung and frustrated if left alone for long periods of time. They need a great deal of exercise and regular companionship otherwise they have a tendency to indulge in destructive behavior.
Free Online Workshop On Dog Training
Join our next free online workshop and learn the secrets that the pros at the K9 Training Institute use to train service dogs to be so calm and well-behaved – and how you can use those same training methods to train YOUR dog!
Space is limited – so please reserve your spot right away.
Will a German Shorthaired Pointer be a suitable dog for my family?
- Yes, if you're looking for a medium to large sized dog (30-120+lbs)
- As long as you have a back yard of at least half an acre for the dog to run free in
- Your back yard is well secured with a highly visible fence
- If you are able to spend at least 1-2 hours total per day for the feeding, exercising, training, and grooming of your dog
- You want a short coated dog
- The youngest person in your home (or regularly visiting) is over 18 years of age
- If you want a dog that takes an average amount of time to housebreak (approx 6-12 weeks)
- You want a dog to join in with your activities (e.g. jog with you, play active games, go hiking, etc.) or active in specific area (e.g. hunting, flyball, or agility)
- As long as you don't mind a dog that can be a little stubborn when it comes to training issues
- You want a dog that will bark to warn you of odd noises or strangers
- You've owned several dogs in the past or currently own a dog
German Shorthaired Pointer Stat Chart
Rating System:
Ease of training: 1 is hard to train, 5 is easy
Ease of grooming: 1 is hard to groom, 5 is easy
Sociability: 1 is not social, 5 is very social
Guarding: 1 is not a good guard dog, 5 is very good guard dog
Suitable for Apartments: 1 is not suitable, 5 is very suitable
Noisiness: 1 is quiet, 5 is loud
Biting and Nipping: 1 is doesn't nip/bite, 5 high chance of biting/nipping
Energy Level: 1 is low energy, 5 is high energy
Shedding: 1 is low energy, 5 is high shedding
Affection: 1 is not very friendly, 5 is very friendly
Exercise Requirements: 1 is low exercise needed, 5 is a lot of exercise
Breed Stat
Size: Large,Medium
Life span: Over 10 Years
Exercise: More than 2 hours per day
Grooming: Once a week
Coat length: Short
Coat sheds?: Yes
Home Size: Large
Garden Size: Large
Rating System:
Ease of training: 1 is hard to train, 5 is easy
Ease of grooming: 1 is hard to groom, 5 is easy
Sociability: 1 is not social, 5 is very social
Guarding: 1 is not a good guard dog, 5 is very good guard dog
Suitable for Apartments: 1 is not suitable, 5 is very suitable
Noisiness: 1 is quiet, 5 is loud
Biting and Nipping: 1 is doesn't nip/bite, 5 high chance of biting/nipping
Energy Level: 1 is low energy, 5 is high energy
Shedding: 1 is low energy, 5 is high shedding
Affection: 1 is not very friendly, 5 is very friendly
Exercise Requirements: 1 is low exercise needed, 5 is a lot of exercise
