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Germany, the originator of many of the most athletic and capable of working and sporting dogs, had a vision for an all around hunting dog. The GSP proves to be a product of this mindset. With exceptional pointing skills, the breed also proves capable in other areas a hunter might desire. This same adaptability allows this active and interested athlete to be a worthy companion in a variety of activities.
Colors: liver or liver and white in virtually any combination but not solid white
Coat type: smooth, short, dense and harsh
Recognized Registries: NCA, FCI, UKC and AKC
Overall Appearance: Ideally lean, yet muscled, the German Shorthaired Pointer maintains the clean lines of other Pointer breeds without any excess. This is no doubt, in order to enhance its working ability in other areas. Elegant and soft but no overly refined in the head with an exceptional expression enhanced by lowset floppy ears, the GSP looks capable, friendly and ready for every endeavor. Remarkably alert and agile with stamina to match, the GSP continues to prove itself able to maintain its reputation of a working dog despite all the interest it engenders as a show dog.
Personaility - Behavior - Training
Energy Level: very high
General Nature:
good but prone to hyperactivity if lacking in enough exercise
with Children: generally good if properly socialized, trained and exercise, again prone to be exuberant
with other pets: generally good though often not ideal with birds for obvious reasons
with dogs: generally good
Socialization requirements: moderately high
Ideal home characteristics: This exuberant, intelligent and highly active breed REQUIRES plenty of physical outlet. Mental outlets like activities and training only help this dog master his/her remarkable potential better.
Training requirement: fairly high, socializing, basic manners and some mental/physical activity (agility, retrieving, flyball, field work) is nearly mandatory
Trainer notes: The young German Shorthaired Pointer can prove to be quite the challenge for the typical trainer that is constantly frustrated by the high distractability of the dog. Not to worry however, once the GSP has a handle on all the world has to offer (of interest visually, smell, and audibly) they can typically settle down to be incredibly adept, focused, and confident workers. As such, the socialization aspect of this breed is NOT to be rushed even if it seems to take an extra year or so for the dog to get it's head together. The four year old GSP generally works with an ease, aplomb and certainty rarely seen in dogs, much less dogs under 6. In the meantime, this breed's active interest in everything can cause certain issues to develop (like destructive behavior, excessive barking, etc.) which are best managed by very close supervision, guidance and some crating.
Background Information
Year range of first recognition: early 1900s in the US
Country of Origin: Germany
Original Function: bird dog
History: A bit obscure but appears to have the German Bird Dog and other German Hounds as ancestors.
Adoption Information
Deviations from Standard: oversized, short muzzle, incorrect coloration,
