German Shorthaired Pointers Information

The Dog Breed Info website states that the German shorthaired pointer is an energetic dog that is by nature a hunting breed. The German shorthaired pointer is protective of its family and intelligent, two admirable traits that allow it to get along well with children. The German shorthaired pointer is a long-lived breed; the average dog lives between 12 and 15 years and some as long as 18 years.

  1. Identification

    • The typical male German shorthaired is between 23 and 25 inches high at the shoulders and weighs in the range of 55 to 70 lbs. The females are 21 to 23 inches tall and weigh about 10 lbs. less. The muzzle on this breed is broad and long, the eyes and nose are brown and the coat colors are some combination of liver and white, with some being all liver-colored.

    History

    • Although the exact date of its origin is unclear, as with many breeds of dogs the German shorthaired pointer breed came into existence at some point during the 1800s. The dog is the result of a cross between Spanish pointers and breeds such as foxhounds, English pointers and German birddogs. The dog that breeders created can bring back birds and small animals on the land or from the water. The American Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1930.

    Activities

    • The German shorthaired pointer is not a dog that should lead an inactive life. The animal requires plenty of opportunities to exercise, and you can take your pointer on long walks or jogs almost every day. The dog is primarily a hunting breed and is the perfect companion for individuals or families who enjoy this pursuit. The dog will also take pleasure from such activities as swimming, agility training and running alongside as you bicycle.

    Considerations

    • The Terrific Pets website says that because German shorthaired pointers can easily scale a 6-foot high fence, a much higher fence is necessary if you keep your dog in an enclosure. The site suggests that this breed not live in a kennel setting but rather with you in your home. A pointer that is kept constantly caged can suffer from hyperactivity and become aggressive. The dog's coat is short but the fur is thick, allowing it to withstand extremes of cold and heat. The German shorthaired pointer is ill-suited for city living; a country home where it can run about in a closed-in yard is the ideal setting for this dog.

    Health

    • Like many dogs with floppy ears, a German shorthaired pointer may be prone to ear infections. If you take the dog swimming, dry its ears out so bacteria cannot take hold. Epileptic seizures and deterioration of the hips are two other concerns. A disorder of the eyelids known as entropion can occur, and these pointers can also suffer from cancerous lesions in the mouth.