German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Breed Profile

by Dr. Chris

AKC Group: Sporting Group

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium sized dog that is a great hunting dog. Long ears, a roman nose, and a docked tail set this breed apart. The dog is great at hunting game like grouse, pointing pheasant, possum, quail, raccoons, retrieving, trailing, waterfowl and even deer.

History

The foundation of German shorthaired pointer isn't clear; however the origin of the breed is believed to have come from the German Bird Dog, related to the old Spanish Pointer and different crossings with native German scent hounds and trail and track dogs.

When Germans crossed them with English Pointers to give classiness to the German shorthaired pointer breed, the effect was a utility canine that mixed sporting virtue with clear lines, good looks and a sound temperament.

Physical Features

The height is usually between twenty three to twenty five inches for males and twenty one to twenty three inches for females. Differences of 1 inch below or above the defined heights can be seriously penalized. Weight of males varies from fifty five to seventy pounds. The weight of bitches varies from forty five to sixty pounds.

The coat could be of solid liver or a mix of white and liver like white and liver ticked, liver spotted and liver roan or white ticked. A dog with any part of tan, red, orange, red or black, or a dog with strong white will probably be disqualified.

The hair is thick and short and feels hard on the hand; it's a bit lengthier on the bottom of tail and back sides of haunches. The hair is shorter, softer and thinner on ears and the head. Any canine with long hair on the body will be seriously penalized.

Personality

The German Shorthaired Pointer is intelligent, and ready to please. The very first perception is that of a passion for work with no sign of tenseness or flighty personality. The most lively of the dog breeds, the German shorthaired is a natural hunting dog. Protective, clever, eager, they're very keen on their human families. Loyal, spirited and mix well with kids.

Common Health Problems

Often a healthy breed however, many are susceptible to epilepsy, hermaphordism, hip dysplasia and lymphedema. Some minor problems are CHD, entropion, VWD, gastric torsion, OCD, and pannus.

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