German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) originated in Germany in the mid to late 19th century. Breeders aimed to create a versatile hunting dog that was equally proficient on land and water. They bred various German tracking hounds with English Pointers, Spanish Pointers, and others to achieve the desired traits. The GSP is known for its skill in hunting, retrieving, and pointing at both small and big game. It was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1930.
- Origin
- Germany
- Alternate Names
- Deutsch Kurzhaar
- Life Expectancy
- 10-12 years
- Average Male Height
- 23-25 inches
- Average Female Height
- 21-23 inches
- Average Male Weight
- 55-70 pounds
- Average Female Weight
- 45-60 pounds
- Coat Length
- Short
- Coat Type
- Smooth
- Coat Colors
- Black, Black & White, Liver, Liver & White, Liver Roan, White & Liver, Black Roan
- Coat Pattern
- Ticked, Patched, Patched & Ticked
Genetic Predispositions and Health
German Shorthair Pointers can suffer from achromatopsia, acral mutilation syndrome, amaurotic idiocy, brachygnathism, cataracts, chronic inflammatory hepatic disease, cruciate ligament disease, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, deafness, entropion, epidermolysis bullosa (junctional), everted cartilage of third eyelid, Factor I (fibrinogen) deficiency, Factor VII deficiency, Factor VIII deficiency (hemophilia A), Factor XII deficiency, gastric dilation/volvulus, GM-2 gangliosidosis, hemivertebra, hip dysplasia, immune-mediated polyarthritis, intersex (gonadal), Lupus erythematosus (discoid), Lupus erythematosus
(exfoliative cutaneous), lymphedema, meningoencephalitis, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, osteochondritis dissecans (shoulder), overshot jaw, panosteitis, persistent hyaloid artery, prognathism, recurrent flank alopecia, sensory neuropathy, subaortic stenosis, von
Willebrand disease (Type II). Hip elbow and ophthalmologist evaluations are recommended along with cardiac exams. Genetic testing is recommended, including for the following additional conditions: hyperuricosoria, degenerative myelopathy, and progressive rod-cone degeneration.
Personality and Behavior
The German Shorthair Pointer (GSP) has an energetic and friendly nature. They are intelligent, eager to please, and are known to form strong bonds with their families. This breed requires ample physical exercise and mental stimulation, as they can become destructive when bored. Running, agility games, or fetching are great ways to exercise both their body and mind. Their high level of intelligence makes them highly trainable, but they can be independent and stubborn at times. They are typically good with children and other dogs, but their hunting instincts can make them chase smaller pets. German Shorthair Pointers like to be around people, and don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time.
Fun Facts
Prince Albrecht zu Solms-Braunfels is credited as a key player in the early development of the German Shorthaired Pointer.
In Germany, before a German Shorthaired Pointer can be bred, they must pass a rigorous test of their hunting abilities to ensure the continuation of the breed's skills.
The German Shorthaired Pointer was featured in the U.S. postal service's "Working Dogs" stamps series in 2012.
References
https://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/119g07-en.pdf https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shorthaired-pointer/
https://www.ukcdogs.com/german-shorthaired-pointer https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_german_shorthaired_pointer