Is a German Shorthaired Pointer the Right Dog for You?
German Shorthaired Pointers have a strong, muscular build with a sleek, athletic appearance. They have short, dense coats that are usually solid liver or liver and white. They are highly intelligent, energetic, and eager to please, which makes them excellent companions and working dogs.
As with the origin of many breeds
the exact beginning of the German Shorthaired Pointer is not clear. While it is widely believed that they descended from a combination of German bird dogs and Spanish pointer, their exact beginning remains unclear. As time went on, other breeds also played a role in their development, further adding to the complexity of their lineage.
In a Landmark Genomic Analysis of Modern
dog breeds, the GSP was shown to share the most common DNA with ancestors of the following dog breeds:
1. German Wirehaired Pointer (no surprise!)
2. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
3. Vizsla
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The German Shorthaired Pointer, also known as GSP,
was bred to hunt, point and retrieve game birds. The breed, as it is known today, appeared in the 1800’s. They first came to the United States in the 1920’s and were recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1930.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a very intelligent
breed that gets bored easily, this can lead to hyperactivity and destructive behaviors if not given enough exercise or mental stimulation. The GSP can be shy at first, but after they get used to their environment will usually become affectionate towards everyone around them.
German Shorthaired Pointers were bred
to be a working gundog, which has led them to being extremely energetic. They are excellent athletes and swimmers and NEED more exercise/activity than most other breeds. They typically excel in dog sports like agility, obedience and field trials.
GSPs are perfect as a family dog
as they get along well with children. They generally do not show aggression towards strangers or other dogs, but can be protective of those they love. They are an owner/family loving breed and research has shown they are prone to suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is slow to mature
and may exhibit puppy-like behaviors for several years. While most dogs tend to slow in adulthood, most GSP’s retain their high-energy personality.
GSP Humor!
GSP’s can have an independent nature
so training will require patience and consistency. They are willing to work with the owner, but they are just as willing to go off on their own if they see something interesting that catches their attention. A German Shorthaired Pointer may even develop selective hearing if they are not interested in their owner’s requests!
How Fast Can a German Shorthaired Pointer Run?
In the Fast CAT dog race, 100 yard timed race conducted by the AKC, the average running speed of the GSP was 25.3 mph while the fastest recorded speed was 32.05 mph by a female named Sundance Blazing Blitz. This time would put them on many fastest dog breed lists-but you will rarely see them there. They can RUN!
In research being done at the University of Pennsylvania (C-BARQ)
the GSP ranks 4 out of 124 dog breeds in energy level. They only rank behind the Belgian Malinois, Tervuren and the Toy Fox Terrier. They also rank high in excitability level, meaning they will generally have a strong reaction to stimuli such as going for a walk, arriving visitors, a ringing doorbell, going for a car ride etc.
In the same research study,
the GSP ranks VERY high in prey drive-which is no surprise as they are a hunting dog. They are 10 out of 124 breeds for chasing other small animals. They may also take some time to accept unfamiliar animals entering their territory.
Growing Up GSP
Transform Your Dog
In canine intelligence studies
the GSP is considered the 17th most intelligent breed out of 130 different dogs. Essentially, this means they will learn and follow new commands after 5-15 repetitions. In comparison, the most intelligent breeds will learn new commands in FEWER than 5 repetitions and the least intelligent breeds will learn the same commands in 80-100 repetitions.
GSP’s are generally a robust,
healthy breed and live to 12-14 years. One of the health problems that effects GSP’s and Vizsla’s is called Lupoid Dermatosis. This is an autoimmune disease that begins with skin lesions and progresses to the kidneys. This condition is fatal. Some other health issues that are seen in the breed are: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and bloat.
The Funny (but true) GSP Checklist
Check Your German Shorthaired Pointer Facts and Take a Fun GSP Quiz!
Quick Facts About German Shorthaired Pointers Infographic
Facts About German Shorthaired Pointers-Final Thoughts
German Shorthaired Pointers are an energetic breed that require adequate exercise and physical activity to thrive. For pet owners who enjoy spending time outdoors and leading an active lifestyle, the GSP puppy can be a good fit for family life. With their high energy levels and need for regular exercise, this breed is best suited for active individuals or families with a fenced area or access to open spaces. Their short coats make grooming a breeze, and their friendly and loyal nature makes them great companions. German Shorthaired Pointers are a bit slower to mature than many other breeds and they may exhibit extended puppy behaviors so it’s a good idea to start obedience training early. They were bred for hunting and have strong hunting instincts, so they will generally chase after other small animals. If you’re looking for a playful, intelligent, and athletic dog that will keep up with your activity level, a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy may be the best fit.