Characteristics of German Shorthaired Pointers

German shorthaired pointers are among the world's most loyal companions. They long to be at your side, live to serve you and love to work. Bred as gun dogs for tracking game through wilderness, they also make great family dogs because they are respectful of all humans, including kids. The owner of this dog breed must be prepared to give it the attention that it needs to have a well-behaved dog.

  1. Athletic

    • One characteristic that makes German shorthaired pointers so attractive is their lean, muscular body. These dogs were bred to be fast. Not satisfied with a simple walk about the block, this breed prefers a runner in the family. If you are searching for a low-maintenance dog as far as walking and playing goes, German shorthaired pointers are not for you. They are very intelligent and crave both mental and physical challenges. At least one hour of intensive off-leash exercise per day is recommended for this breed by the Dogtime website.

    Willful

    • Despite the fact that this breed was created as a working dog, it has a mind of their own. According to the Your Pure Bred Puppy website, German shorthaired pointers easily can be distracted by sights, sounds and smells. A regimented training schedule is highly recommended for owners seeking a well-behaved dog. If you are new to the dog training process, German shorthairs may not be for you. Because of their intelligence, they can be manipulative and require an owner with a strong sense of who is in charge. If your dog is properly exercised each day, the training process will go smoother.

    Hunters

    • This breed was made for tracking birds.

      There is nothing that a German shorthaired pointer likes to do more than hunt. They are exceptional at tracking and hunting in the wilderness. They were bred in the 19th century as bird dogs, according to The Westminster Kennel Club website, to assist German and Scottish hunters in tracking and trailing furry and feathered game. This working dog tracks, dispatches, swims, climbs and points and is described by Rachel Hale, author of "Dogs: 101 Adorable Breeds" as the "all-purpose dog." Because of this breed's hunting instincts, you must teach it how to behave around cats if you have them in your home.

    Energetic

    • One of the most common mistakes that dog owners make is mistaking bad behavior for excess energy. German shorthaired pointers are very energetic; this is not a dog that lies around the house all day. If its energy is not properly exhausted, the dog can display some bad habits. Howling, jumping, destroying furniture and escaping pens are all examples of what a German shorthaired pointer does to burn off energy. These dogs love people and do not handle being left alone for long periods well.