Instructions
Look at the general appearance of the German shorthaired pointer. This is an all-purpose gun dog that is capable of performance in both the field and in water, making it a versatile hunter. When you look at this breed, you should picture an aristocratic, symmetrical and well-balanced dog that has power, intelligence and plenty of endurance and agility.
Make sure the size and proportion are correct for this breed. The German shorthaired pointer males are 23 to 25 inches at the withers and weigh 55 to 70 pounds. The females are 21 to 23 inches at the withers and weigh 45 to 60 pounds. When measured from the forechest to the outer projection of the rear, the measurements are either very close to being equal or the length may be a tad longer than the height. This breed should not have thin, fine bones, as it must be able to work any type of terrain.
Check that the head is in proportion to the rest of the body—it should not be too light or too heavy. The medium-sized eyes are intelligent-looking and should have a good-humored expression. The almond-shaped eyes should not protrude, nor should they be sunken. The broad ears lie flat and should not hang away from the head. The muzzle is long enough for the German shorthaired pointer to grab game and carry it for a long time. It should be equal to the length of the skull. The brown nose should be very large and the nostrils should be well-opened.
Look at the neck and body of the German shorthaired pointer. The neck may have moderate throatiness, and should be long enough to allow the jaws to reach game. The chest is rather deep and reaches to the elbows. This breed should not be roached or sway-backed. The tail is high-set and is docked to approximately 40 percent of its length. It hangs down when the dog is resting or quiet and is held horizontally when walking. It should not curve or bend toward the head. The muscle-covered shoulders have a slope to them, and the shoulder blades are close to a 45-degree angle. The dewclaws on the front legs may be removed. The compact feet are close-knit and may be round or spoon-shaped. The arched toes have heavy nails and strong, thick, hard pads. The strong, rear thighs are well-muscled. The hocks are angulated, as is the stifle, giving traction and balance to the drive. The German shorthaired pointer should not be cowhocked.
Feel the short, thick hair. It will feel tough to your hand. The ear and head hair is a bit softer and thinner. The coat may be solid liver or a combination of liver and white. The liver and white combination may be liver and white ticked, liver patched, liver roan or white ticked.
How to Identify a German Shorthaired Pointer
The German shorthaired pointer is friendly, intelligent and willing to please. It is a good hunter and should not show any indication of nervous character. The breed can trail, retrieve and point birds and even deer. It has an aristocratic bearing, possibly garnered from the German bird dog and English pointers. This breed loves to be part of an active family. It is even-tempered and a loyal family watchdog.