Facts About German Shorthaired Pointers

German shorthaired pointers or GSPs are similar to German wirehaired pointers, but mainly have different coats and slightly different body builds. The German shorthaired pointer is the older of the two German pointer breeds. Originally bred to be hunting dogs, German shorthaired pointers also make excellent pets. They do have special care needs and often suffer from certain medical conditions.

  1. History

    • The German shorthaired pointer was developed in Germany during the 1600s. The ancestors of the breed are thought to be Spanish pointers, English pointers and the Hanover hound, according to the "Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds." Germany's national kennel club recognized the breed in the 1800s when dog shows grew in popularity across Europe. The GSP arrived in the United States around 1920. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed by 1930.

    Size

    • Male GSPs are usually larger and more muscular than females. Males average 23 to 25 inches high from the ground to the top of their shoulders. They weigh an average of 55 to 70 lbs. Females, in contrast, stand 21 to 23 inches tall and average 45 to 60 lbs., according to "Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds."

    Identification

    • GSPs have long noses, floppy ears, a deep chest that tapers to a very narrow waist, long legs and a naturally long, thin tail. In some countries, such as Ireland and America, 60 percent of the tail is docked or surgically removed as a custom and not for medical reasons. This practice is banned in many countries. GSPs can have white bodies with lots of brown spots or a mostly brown spotted body. The head and ears are often solid brown.

    Function

    • GSPs were bred to find game, flush it out of hiding into the hunter's line of fire and then bring the corpses back to the hunters. In order to accomplish these takes, the dog must have a lot of energy and intelligence. This makes GSPs an easily trainable dog, according to Petfinder.com, but does mean the dog needs lots of exercise and interaction with people on a daily basis in order to keep from becoming destructive.

    Health Problems

    • According to "The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms," German shorthaired pointers are prone to deafness, congenital leg coordination problems, diabetes, XX sex reversal disorder that can cause genital deformities and inability to breed, heart problems and blood clotting disorders. In a 2005 health survey done by the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America, cancer was listed as the most common problem.