German Shorthaired Pointers are versatile hunting dogs, can retrieve from land or water, and are affectionate companions. It has a striking, easy-care coat but needs plenty of vigorous exercise.
This dog will be your best four-legged friend if you provide the mental and physical challenges they crave. People who are away from home a lot and apartment dwellers should beware. A bored dog may engage in destructive behaviour at home if it does not have enough space to play and exercise.
Famous German Shorthaired Pointer
Bud light – Sausage – commercial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEpGSyeoex8
In Literature:
“Colter: The True Story of the Best Dog I Ever Had,” by Rick Bass
“Run, Rainey, Run” by Sportswriter Mel Wallis
Famous Owners
Bradley Cooper, country music star Tim McGraw, and writer and politician Ben Stein.
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German Shorthaired Pointer History
The first German Shorthaired Pointers date back to the 17th century, but the breed as we know it today was developed to be multipurpose hunting dogs in the mid-to-late nineteenth century. An ancestor of the GSP, the German Bird Dog, was a cross between Spanish Pointers and Bloodhounds, resulting in a big, houndlike dog with a keen nose. In addition to their powerful scenting abilities and obedient nature, hunters sought dogs with biddable personalities.
The Royal House of Hanover’s Prince Albrecht zu Solms-Braunfeld encouraged breeders to select early specimens based on function rather than form. Lean, athletic, and responsive, this dog is also an intelligent and affectionate companion.
German Shorthairs were imported into the United States for the first time in 1925. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed five years later.
German Shorthaired Pointers were affected by World War II. As the war’s end approached, many breeders hid their gold, diamonds, artwork, Lipizzaner stallions, and German Shorthaired Pointers. Yugoslavia received the best dogs for safekeeping. West German breeders had to rebuild their beloved breed from a limited gene pool, given that, after the second world war, Yugoslavia was behind the Iron Curtain.
Meanwhile, GSPs in the U.S. were advancing rapidly. There was significant progress for the German Shorthaired Pointer in the 1950s, but many believe 1968 was the year the breed reached its zenith in the United States.
Aside from their hunting abilities, GSPs have inspired modern-day writers to immortalize the breed. Robert B. Parker, who writes popular mystery series about Spenser, a Boston detective, is one such author. Throughout the series, Spenser has three German Shorthair Pointers named Pearl. Parker often sports a solid-liver GSP on the dustjackets of his Spenser books.
Traits
In addition to being a superb hunting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) also excels as a family companion. Besides hunting feathered and furred game, he also trails deer. Playing with the kids or curling up next to you on the sofa is his favourite thing to do in the evenings. Are you not a hunter? With a German Shorthair, you can hike or jog together.
The GSP has an elegantly chiseled head, dark almond-shaped eyes, a good-natured expression, and a large, dark nose. Dropped, broad ears lie flat against the head. A GSP’s most striking characteristic is its short, sleek, dense coat of liver and white or solid liver, which can be patched, ticked, or roan. About 40% of the tail’s original length is usually left after docking.
He is an energetic, intelligent dog who enjoys both work and play. Despite being a bit rowdy for children, he enjoys being around people and is a good friend. Due to their people-loving personality, GSPs can become anxious and destructive if left alone for long periods. When left alone outside, bored German Shorthaired Pointers can become escape artists, so you need a fence at least six feet tall.
Despite barking at strangers, he is not aggressive. Males are generally more outgoing and aggressive hunters than females.
Muscular GSPs require a great deal of exercise. You should give him an hour or two of activity every day. He loves swimming as a water dog with webbed feet and a water-resistant coat. You can expect him to be in the pool with you if you have one.
It’s a GSP’s nature to please their owners, so they will work hard if rewarded with praise, food, or play. In general, they aren’t stubborn and learn new exercises quickly. Focusing them on training is the biggest challenge. It is easy for them to get bored.
The breed is one of few that can perform virtually all gundog functions. In addition to being a pointer, the GSP can also be a retriever. In addition to upland birds and waterfowl, he can hunt rabbits, raccoons, and deer. Your GSP will happily comply with your requests with unshakable reliability.
Health
This breed is typically healthy, but like all breeds, they may experience specific health conditions. Not every dog of this breed will get these diseases, but it’s essential to be aware of them. Some common health problems include:
Regardless of how healthy your dog is, a pet’s health insurance plan can
help you stay prepared for any of your dog’s medical needs.