German Shorthaired Pointer



German Shorthaired Pointer The German Shorthaired Pointer is a great breed of dog. They were developed in Germany in the 1800’s as a Hunting Dog. And today they are fantastic companions for active families and for hunters too.

If you are looking for an energetic, smart and fun loving dog that is friendly then this might be the right breed of dog for you.

German Pointer Personality


The German Shorthaired Pointer is an intelligent breed that is quite easily trained. This is because they are very loyal and want to please their owners. They were breed as an all purpose hunting dog so they come by this intelligence and loyalty through years of breeding.

They have very high levels of energy though, so it is important that you are already a physically active person or family and are looking for a companion to join you in physical activity. Without exercise and mental stimulation, high energy dogs have negative behaviors as they try to create their own fun. If you are prepared and able to spend time every day being active with your dog then this is a great breed to consider

If you are looking for a dog that is good with children this breed is one to look at. They are very affectionate and protective of their family.

I must caution you that young children need to be supervised with any dog and they need to be taught proper behaviour around dogs. The actions of young children could surprise or scare a dog resulting in a bite.

It is a very good idea to spend time training and socializing your dog early and consistently from the time you adopt or buy one. The more you do to train and socialize your dog, the better you will enjoy its personality. With the right care your pointer will be a fantastic family pet

German Pointer Size and Appearance

The German Shorthaired pointer is thin and lean but quite powerful. They are normally brown with white speckles but colours vary. They have nice dark eyes, medium floppy ears, and their tails are docked. Their coats are short, flat, and easy to groom.

They are a medium size standing at 21-25 inches and weighing 45-70 pounds

Care, Lifespan and Health

If you adopt a pointer you will find that they are quite hardy. They do not require a lot of grooming thanks to their short coat, just an occasional brushing.

With proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and veterinary care your pointer should live at least 12-14 years. Many will live longer.

The most common health problem that I am aware of is occasional difficulty breathing due to a narrow nose.

And like other hunting dogs, some may suffer from hip dysplasia, genetic eye diseases and skin disorders. Regular veterinary checkups are recommended for all breeds of dogs.

Where to Adopt a Pointer

Pointers may be adopted from Animal Rescue Shelters like the SPCA or Humane Society. More often you can adopt one from a Dog Rescue dedicated specifically to the breed. Visit German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue for more

Of course there is nothing wrong with buying from a reputable breeder if you want a very young puppy. But I encourage looking at shelters and rescues since the dogs at shelters and rescues are usually well cared for and deserve a good home.

I hope you found this information useful. The German Pointer is a very popular dog breed for good reason. If you would like to learn about the Most Popular Dog Breeds click here



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