Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Right For You?
- 1German Shorthaired Pointers are well known for their intelligence, loyalty, and determination.
- 2They make outstanding family pets and are happiest spending time with the family.
- 3German Shorthaired Pointer puppies tend to be aloof with strangers and benefit from early socialization.
HISTORY
While the origin of their pedigree cannot be guaranteed, it is thought that the German Shorthaired Pointer derives from a number of different game dogs, such as the Old Spanish Pointer, German Bird Dog, Foxhound, English Pointer, and an ancestor of the Bloodhound. Bred to be the Swiss Army Knife of hunting dogs, the German Shorthaired Pointer can act as a scent hound, retriever, gundog, and pointer. They also bred this dog to have a kind temperament, making them a great companion dog as well. They were recognized by the AKC in 1930.
Quick Facts
Size
Large
Lifespan
12-15 years, with some living to be 18
Hair Length
Short
Male Height
23-25 inches tall
Male Weight
55-70 pounds
Female Height
21-23 inches tall
Female Weight
45-60 pounds
Litter Size
7 to 8 puppies
Personality
Always ready to play, the German Shorthaired Pointer is an intelligent, energetic, fun, loyal, and dedicated breed. They crave companionship, making them less than ideal if they need to be left alone for long periods of time. Since they are hunters by design, they are vocal dogs and are wary of strangers. They can get along with other pets, but only if raised around them. .
Color
The German Shorthaired Pointer can come in either solid liver or brown, or in liver or brown with patches of white. There can be combinations of these colors, like liver and white ticked, liver patches on white, or liver roan (same combinations with brown). The head is almost always a solid liver or brown.
Health Concerns
Though generally a healthy dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer has a few hereditary problems. Health concerns with this breed are:
Appearance
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a well-rounded hunting companion of medium size. They have a slightly rounded head with a long, flat ended muzzle with powerful jaws, and thin, droopy ears that hang down by the sides of their head like two kites that had the wind taken out of them. They are either squarely built or slightly longer than they are tall. They have a short, dense coat and a short nub of a tail.
