Breed Group: Sporting Group
Shoulder Height: 23-26 in.
Weight: 45-70 lb. (depending on variety)
Life Span: 12-14 years
Colors: Black, white, roan, liver
Interesting Facts
- German Shorthaired Pointers in Germany in the 1800s as a working companion for hunters.
- They are an all-around versatile dog, capable of serving a variety of functions in the field and will point and retrieve in both wooded and open fields and in water.
- Their soulful eyes and expressive faces make them a popular dog for families.
Overview
The German Shorthaired Pointer is an attractive dog with a number of different coat colors and a noble demeanor.
Like most dogs developed as hunters, they are smart dogs and very willing to please. They require human contact in order to thrive and so they crave attention. This also makes them very friendly dogs that are comfortable around strangers.
Their short coat and high energy makes them the ideal breed for active families, but they can shed a lot. Regular grooming is a necessity. Their size and need for exercise also makes them less suited to apartments unless a person is committed to meeting their needs for physical activity and socialization. Obedience training is necessary to bring out the best in this intelligent and capable dog.
Health Facts
Like any dog, German Shorthaired Pointers do have their share of problems, though as a breed they are physically tough and do not get sick very often.
- They can develop hip and elbow dysplasia like any other large breed.
- Hereditary eye disease and heart disease may also occur in the German Shorthaired Pointer.
- Puppy buyers should ask their breeder about testing for thyroid disease and Von Willebrand's Disease before purchasing a puppy.
- Working dogs can develop skin trauma and scratches from trees and shrubs if they're retrieving from heavily wooded areas.
Notable Animals
- The protagonist of the Spenser series of mystery novels by Robert B. Parker has kept three liver-colored German Shorthaired Pointers over the course of the books.
- The popularity of the breed exploded following Rick Bass's memoirs about living and hunting in Montana with his Pointer.
Photo ©iStock.com/WilleeCole, ©iStock.com/TorriPhoto
