German Shorthaired Pointer

Appearance: Graceful hunter

According to the breed standard, the German Shorthaired Pointer’s appearance should be “harmonious”. Its muscular build and broad chest emphasise the speed, strength and stamina of this pointing dog.

How big does a German Shorthaired Pointer get?

Males reach a shoulder height of up to 66 centimetres. Females are between 58 and 63 centimetres tall.

The head is framed by long, floppy ears. The long, broad muzzle allows the German Shorthaired Pointer to retrieve game.

The tail and docking

Its naturally tapering tail, which reaches down to the hocks, is usually docked by about half for hunting purposes. However, under animal welfare legislation, tail docking is banned in many countries. This also applies in Germany, where hunting dogs are exempt – a point that is often viewed critically.

Does a German Shorthaired Pointer have an undercoat?

The short coat has an undercoat and can be brown or black, with or without white markings. It is dense in texture and not too soft.

© ivan / stock.adobe.com

Temperament: A likeable, keen worker

For hunters, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a dream on four paws. It is regarded as a brave and reliable companion that bonds closely with its two-legged pack.

Its balanced nature means it is neither overly shy nor aggressive. At most, it may show a certain reserve towards strangers.

A working dog with high demands

Above all, it is an eager working dog that is very spirited and thrives on its demanding tasks in woodland and fields.

Within the four walls of its pack, however, it is calm and affectionate, provided it has had enough mental and physical stimulation beforehand. A bored German Shorthaired Pointer, on the other hand, will quickly find its own entertainment – usually not to the delight of its owners.

Training: Gundog training for the German Shorthaired Pointer

Although the German Shorthaired Pointer can sometimes be a little stubborn, it usually likes to follow its main carer. As it is very intelligent and curious, it learns quickly and reliably.

From puppyhood onwards, make sure to focus on thorough familiarisation and socialisation so that your companion gets on well with other dogs. Training naturally includes proper gundog training, so you should look for a suitable club at an early stage.

Reliable recall is essential

Place great emphasis early on recall and train your companion consistently, but always with kindness. A trusting bond is the basis for loyal obedience.

Health: Beware of gastric torsion

Provided it comes from a reputable breeder, this tireless, outdoorsy dog has excellent prerequisites for a long and healthy life.

Which illnesses is this hunting dog more prone to?

According to club regulations, only dogs with healthy hips may be approved for breeding, in order to minimise the risk of hip dysplasia (HD). Do not hesitate to ask to see the relevant test results. A responsible breeder will be happy to show them to you.

German Shorthaired Pointers can also be prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and epilepsy. Speak to a breeder you trust about preventive measures within their breeding programme.

Prone to gastric torsion

Due to their build, this breed can be susceptible to life-threatening gastric torsion. Help prevent this by giving your German Shorthaired Pointer a rest after every meal.

It is also better to offer several small meals a day rather than one large one. Even after drinking a lot of water, your dog should not immediately start exercising again.

Skin checks after the hunt

Keep an eye on your companion’s skin, especially around the head and mouth. During hunting outings, small wounds can quickly occur here and become inflamed.

How long does a German Shorthaired Pointer live?

A German Shorthaired Pointer can reach an age of twelve years or more.

Nutrition: Natural food with plenty of meat

Alongside responsible breeding and appropriate exercise, nutrition is another key pillar for a long and healthy canine life.

Ideally, feed a high-quality food that supplies your German Shorthaired Pointer with sufficient energy. What matters most for quality is a high protein content – typically from meat.

How often should I feed my German Shorthaired Pointer?

Offer at least two meals per day and allow your four-legged friend to rest afterwards. Young dogs need up to four portions daily.

On longer outings, it is best to take a water bottle with an integrated bowl. This allows your companion to drink easily while on the go.

The right training snacks

If you would like to treat your German Shorthaired Pointer to a snack, we recommend tasty natural snacks such as cattle ears or chew bones and chew rolls made from beef hide. These also support dental care. For training, dog treats are particularly suitable.

Grooming: Easy-care coat

As the name suggests, the German Shorthaired Pointer has a short coat that is very easy to care for. Brushing once a week or using a rubber grooming glove is sufficient to remove dead hair.

Especially during the coat change in spring and autumn, the rule is: the more often you brush your dog, the fewer hairs will end up around your home. Regular coat care also strengthens the bond between you and your German Shorthaired Pointer.

Particularly in the warmer months, you should check your dog after woodland walks for ticks so that you can remove any unwanted guests straight away using tick tweezers.

Cleaning the floppy ears

Take this opportunity to look into the ears from time to time, as in the warm, moist environment of floppy ears, ear infections can develop quickly and unnoticed.

Any dirt can be effectively removed with a dog ear cleaner. However, if there is inflammation or a case of mite infestation, you should consult a vet as soon as possible.

A bath should only be given if dried-on dirt can no longer be brushed out. In that case, use a mild dog shampoo that does not irritate your pet’s skin.

Activity: Sport and play centred around hunting

A German Shorthaired Pointer belongs with a hunter, where it can pursue its passions in everyday life. It is an excellent all-rounder that supports its two-legged companion in every situation – whether before the shot through tireless searching and pointing, or afterwards when it happily retrieves or reliably carries out blood tracking work.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is also sharp on predators and ideally suited to work on and in water. Professional hunters can offer this dog exactly what it needs: plenty of tasks and several hours of exercise each day.

Jogging and cycling with an animal companion

Apart from hunting, the German Shorthaired Pointer also greatly enjoys tracking work, retrieving games and dog sports. It is also well suited as a jogging companion or running alongside a bicycle.

Remember that your young athlete should only start dog sports from the age of one and after veterinary approval. Too much exercise beforehand could damage bones and joints.

© PhotoHunter / stock.adobe.com

Things to consider in advance: Is a German Shorthaired Pointer right for me?

Only for experienced owners

This breed is primarily a dog of hunters, for hunters. That is why you will usually only be happy with a German Shorthaired Pointer if you are a hunter.

The most important requirement for living with this breed is that you share its passion for hunting. If it gets enough daily exercise in woodland and fields, it can be a loving and well-balanced family dog.

You should also already have experience with gundogs and their training if you want to bring such a multifaceted pointing dog into your home. Due to its independent streak, the breed is not particularly suitable for beginners.

How much exercise does a German Shorthaired Pointer need?

If you can offer several hours of exercise in the great outdoors every day and also practise other dog sports with your German Shorthaired Pointer, you do not necessarily have to be a professional hunter to take one on.

However, if you only hunt in your spare time, you should critically assess in advance whether your living situation is suitable for this demanding dog.

Living in a house and garden

This four-legged friend belongs in a house in the countryside, ideally with a fenced garden where it can let off extra steam.

Make sure the fencing is secure and high enough so that your companion cannot go off hunting on its own. It reliably guards house and grounds.

Is a German Shorthaired Pointer a family dog?

This breed is very devoted to its two-legged pack. Therefore, allow your dog close family contact and life with you in the house. Permanent kennel housing is not an option for this sociable German Shorthaired Pointer.

If children live in the household, teach them respectful behaviour towards dogs at an early stage. Then nothing will stand in the way of a deep friendship, as the breed is renowned for its child-friendliness. Nevertheless, young children should never be left alone with a dog unsupervised.

Living with other animals

It goes without saying that living with other pets is only very rarely possible, as the German Shorthaired Pointer will see them as prey.

One exception may be cats that the dog has already got to know as a puppy. Even then, however, it is still possible – indeed likely – that it will chase a cat running through the garden.

History and breeding aim: An all-rounder for woodland and fields

The exact origins of the German Shorthaired Pointer are not known, as several breeds were involved in its development.

A mix of various pointing dogs

The German Shorthaired Pointer is the result of crosses between the rather heavy Italian and Spanish pointing dogs of German noble courts and the more elegant, agile English Pointers as well as English Foxhounds. The aim was to create a dog better suited to the demands of hunting.

In 1897, the first “German Shorthaired Pointer stud book” marked the beginning of pure breeding of the breed with the standards recorded there. In northern Europe, the athletic German Shorthaired Pointer has also been used as a sled dog since the 1950s.

The German Shorthaired Pointer conquers the USA

Thanks to its versatile abilities and graceful appearance, the breed has now also gained a certain level of popularity in the USA.

In the English-speaking world, it is known as the “German Shorthaired Pointer”, which underlines its relationship and similarity to the English Pointer.

Acquisition: Where can I find a German Shorthaired Pointer?

Most representatives of the breed can be found – as the name suggests – in Germany. In recent years, around 1,100 to 1,200 puppies have been registered there each year.

If you are looking for a puppy, the German Shorthaired Pointer Association provides an overview of numerous breeders who have litters or are placing young dogs. Internationally, enthusiasts of the breed are organised in the “World Union Deutsch Kurzhaar”.

Usually only placed with hunters

For good reason, most breeders only place their puppies with hunters. If you are not a hunter but still very much want a German Shorthaired Pointer, do not make the mistake of buying “German Shorthaired Pointer puppies” without papers from a dubious dealer.

As a rule, this not only turns out to be a bad deal for you, but also supports the long-term business model of unscrupulous dog traders. They breed animals without the necessary expertise and sell them without health checks or proper socialisation, purely for profit.

Dogs from animal welfare organisations

If it does not necessarily have to be a German Shorthaired Pointer, you may find adult dogs through animal welfare organisations that show similar character traits.

You will often need a bit of patience and training work, but you give a dog the chance of a fresh start – an experience that is usually very rewarding for both sides.

Profile of the German Shorthaired Pointer

Special features:	The German Shorthaired Pointer is a graceful dog breed for hunters who enjoy using both body and mind.
Character:	brave, reliable, balanced
Height at the withers:	Males: up to 66 cm Females: 58–63 cm
Weight:	approx. 20–30 kg
Coat:	short and dense with undercoat, brown or black with or without white markings
Coat care:	easy to care for
Exercise:	needs plenty of exercise and activity
Suitable for beginners:	only for experienced owners
Barking:	barks rarely
Life expectancy:	approx. 12 years
Typical illnesses:	can be prone to epilepsy and hip dysplasia
FCI group:	7: Pointing Dogs
Origin:	Germany