German Shorthaired Pointer

Standard German Shorthaired Pointer Characteristics

About the German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer was first created in Germany in the 1800's for use as a hunting dog.

Today, these dogs are used as both a companion dog and gundog.

Energetic and cheerful is what the German Shorthaired Pointer is. These dogs love to play with other animals and kids with a seemingly endless amount of energy. They love to be around their family members and to work preferrably by carrying things for their family. If kept away from the family they can become destructive and depressed. These dogs are reserved with strangers and like to bark so their are not the best animals to have in the city. These dogs are hunters by nature and will not do well unsupervised with other animals unless they are raised with them by from puppyhood.

The head of the German Shorthaired Pointer is small and compact. Their almond shaped eyes are dark brown and set far apart. Their ears are set far apart and lie flat against the head. Their muzzle is in direct proportion to the length of their skull and enables them to catch prey easily. Their nose is bron in color and has well opened nostrils. Their jaws slope downwards and gently curve intot heir muscular neck. Their skin is close and tight and shows the muscular body clearly. Their back is short and strong. It continues through the tail to the wither. It has a slight curve and is neither long or short. Their arms are straight and very well muscled whilet he back legs are well arched. Their feet are compact and round with well arched toes and thich toe pads. Their coat is rough and is longer on the underside of the tail than on the top. Under the ears and on the head the hair is soft. The most common colors are solid liver, liver and white, liver patched or liver roan.

Usually a healthy breed, these dogs have been known to have entropism, epilepsy and stomach problems.

German Shorthaired Pointers are best suited in a home with a large yard that has a high fence. If bored, these dogs can get into trouble and escape.