German Shorthaired Pointer Breed description: Character & Co

What are typical character traits of the German Shorthaired Pointer?

The dog is considered to be versatile and balanced. Given you train them well and provide them with sufficient and appropriate stimulation. It is a courageous and reliable companion to hunters, that reliably and happily performs the tasks given to them. A lot of the time this agile, intelligent dog with its great sense of smell and the pronounced hunting instinct is one step ahead of their master. As they are extremely performance-oriented, they strongly strive for recognition, which they receive by achieving success in hunting. The German Shorthaired Pointer is also attractive to non-hunters because of their pleasant character and noble appearance. They perfectly adapt to the family, they meet children in a friendly manner. They act a little distant towards strangers. However, if qualities such as intelligence, versatility, courage and family friendliness are important to you and you would like to buy a German Pointer, you should remember that they are originally hunting dogs. They are the wrong choice if you are just looking for a weekend dog.

Keeping, use, special features

The four-legged friend is a hunting dog and therefore best kept by a hunter. It is a reliable companion on the hunt. They have an excellent sense of smell, retrieve well and are easy to train. Their tail is usually half-way docked when they are used as hunting dogs. However, this is not permitted in many other countries. In Northern Europe it is also used as a sledge dog.

As a family dog that is not used for hunting, it needs to be kept busy. Extensive walks outside in nature or sportive challenges, but also accompanying you while horse riding, jogging or cycling, contribute to their agility and health. An apartment is not a suitable home for them, nor is the big city. Apart from that, their attitude is uncomplicated - provided that they have a personal connection to their master and their family.

What are typical diseases of the German Shorthaired Pointer?

With the German Shorthaired Pointer, which represents a large breed of dogs, hip joint dysplasia often occurs - mostly at an older age. As a result, it can only move its hind legs with difficulty. As a hunting dog it is constantly exposed to the risk of coming into contact with diseases. It is therefore necessary to have all the important vaccinations done on them - especially the rabies vaccination. Deworming the dog as well as an examining the coat for parasites should also be carried out regularly. Should you find lice or anything similar, quick action is required. This also applies if the large ears are infested with mites.

What should be considered in regards to German Shorthaired Pointer breeding?

The German Shorthaired Pointer breeder must observe a number of regulations in regards to breeding. Generally, the rules of pure-breeding apply.  The examination for suitability of breeding (done with gene tests and performance reviews) is mandatory, which are carried out in two steps by the German Shorthaired Pointer Association. The assessment, "suitable for breeding" or "unsuitable for breeding" is indicated with a stamp. Only bitches which have exceeded the age of 18 months may be used for breeding. According to the regulations of the association, the animal can only have litters twice in two years at most. All German Shorthaired Pointer puppies are listed in the stud book which also shows their pedigree.