The graceful German Shorthaired Pointer , or GSP for short , is a brilliant search dog who also doubles as a loving family companion , pass water them one of the most popular sporting breeds . They adore being outside , but after a day of escapade , they are also content relaxing on the couch to a movie of your choice .
Origins and History
Early variation of this breed day of the month back to the seventeenth century , but modern German Shorthaired Pointers were developed as versatilehunting dogsin the mid- to recent - nineteenth century . The German Pointer , also known as the German Bird Dog , was created by span Spanish Pointers and Bloodhounds , resulting in a large hound - like Canis familiaris with a keen nozzle . hunting watch sought dog-iron with eager - to - please attitude , but they also desired beauty to go with their obedient nature and stiff scent acquirement . They added panache with Pointers imported from England , and they produced a dog who could go in both pee and on country .
Dr. Charles Thorntonof Montana brought the first known German Shorthaired Pointer in the United States in 1925 and began breeding the weenie . The American Kennel Club recognized the breed only five years after in 1930 .
The German Shorthaired Pointer is now rate 19th out of 155 breeds and variations recognized by theAmerican Kennel Club .
Characteristics of the Breed
The GSP is unequalled in their show and their various personality . Their loyalty is unmatched and their keenness to please is something dog owners yen for .
Appearance
The overall visual aspect of this breed is a silklike , graceful , well - primed eye tooth , quick for duty at a mo ’s posting .
fit in to the American Kennel Club breed standard , the German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium - sized dog , slightly rectangular in appearance . Its bone density should neither be all right nor heavy , but proportionate to its sizing . Balance and consideration are of prime importance .
The GSP has a finely sculpted head with dark , Amygdalus communis - shape eyes , a clever , well - humored countenance , and a wide , moody nose , and is somewhat smaller than aPointer . The blanket , drooping ear are situate high on the skull and lie flat against their headspring . Typically , the keister is docked , leaving around 40 percent of its original length . Males stand 23 to 25 in marvellous at the shoulder and matter 55 to 70 pounds . female put up 21 to 23 in tall at the shoulder and count 45 to 60 pounds .
The German Shorthair has a short , compact , water - repellent coating that is importantly longer on the underside of the tail and the back corner of the back end , name to as the haunch . Fur is softer , thin , and shorter on the school principal . satisfactory colors outlined by the AKC let in :
Temperament
German Shorthaired Pointers are openly friendly souls , with whole , steady characters . They are quite enthusiastic and willing to please , without really being hyperactive . Their abundance of energy is tempered by their keen word .
In the field , there are few better comrade than these pointer . Their innate hunting instincts make an wanton chore of train this breed to direct and retrieve .
If raised with children , GSPs can be greatfamily Canis familiaris . They have a lot of energy and make slap-up playmate for older small fry who are more active . They can be too rambunctious for toddlers . They may rap them over by chance during play or spurts of the zoomies . Adult GSPs that are n’t used to being around child may do well in a family with older child who know how to enlist with dog .
German Shorthaired Pointers get along well with other frump most of the time , though some can be aggressive toward other dogs of the same gender . They may be fast-growing toward small furred brute , such as cats or rabbits , because they are hunting dogs with a high quarry drive . They can generally do well with them if they are raised with other pets from puppyhood , but strange animals who transgress on their property may not receive the same handling .
Exercise Requirements
The athletic GSP requires a significant amount of exercising . Expect them to want a lower limit of one hour , but preferably two , dedicated to some form of exercise each 24-hour interval . They ’re fantastic water wienerwurst who are excellentswimmers , thanks to their net feet and their water - resistant coating . Going for a swimming in the pond or lake is extremely commend if you have an area available .
Training
German Shorthaired Pointers are experience to be comparatively easy to rail , yet they can be independent thinkers due to their hunt lineage , which often forces them to form far by from the hunter . In other words , they can be refractory at times .
Positive reinforcements , such as yummy delicacy and congratulations , can be utilized to cater incentive while training . When a GSP is handled gratingly , they will become more headstrong and less quick to follow commands . Keeping their interests and need in high spirits is the best method . Keep education academic session short and to the point , and always end on a positive banknote by praising what they action during the session .
Health Concerns
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a hardy breed , but there are a few health issue associate with this stock , as with so many others .
weather commonly associated with this breed let in :
Lifespan
With a life history expectancy of about 13 old age , it just get good sense to spend some time carefully considering whether a German Shorthaired Pointer will fit into your lifestyle . If you may give one the amount of employment they need and deserve , you will probably have chance yourself a terrific new companion .
Fun Facts About the GSP
There are interesting facts that many prospective proprietor do n’t know . If you already have a GSP , many of these will be like 2nd nature to you , but if you do n’t , you ’re in for a goody .
Buying or Adopting a GSP
German Shorthairs are often purchase without a full grasp of the responsibility that come with having one . Unfortunately , as a final result , many end up in rescues or shelter . Searching for a deliverance is one option or you’re able to pick out to buy a GSP from a reputable stock breeder if you ’re searching for something specific .
Breeders
A German Shorthaired Pointer pup from a reputable breeder willtypically costbetween $ 800 and $ 1,500 , with a top - tone German Shorthaired Pointer puppy costing upwards of $ 3,000 . The price is determined by the dog ’s line of descent , breed conformation , years , and grooming . A directory of reputable breeders and puppies is available onAKC Marketplace . There is also a list of stock breeder available on theGerman Shorthaired Pointer of America Club’swebsite .
Rescues
If you ’re searching for a GSP , you could bulge by looking at the directories onPetFinderandSave - a - delivery . There are also a number of rescue group depending on where you subsist in the United States , admit :
Is the GSP Right for You?
If a good daily romp just is n’t your style , it ’s best to admire this strain from a distance . Better to leave them to those who sincerely understand these pointer ' durability and talent , and who will dedicate the metre necessary . If you are searching for a patriotic companion who enjoys outdoor activity and spending as much sentence as possible with their possessor , this could be the breed for you .
