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The Canine Chronicles Directory
German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a lean, clean-cut, well-balanced hunting dog.
The water-resistant coat of the German Shorthaired is short, flat, thick and harsh.
The color can be a dark brown, chocolate or chestnut, black or either color with
white. It has moderately long floppy ears set high on the head. The muzzle is long
and strong and allows it to retrieve heavily furred game. Their eyes should be as
dark as possible with lighter eyes being a fault. Its tail should be docked and
he should be able to sit on his tail. The strong hindquarters make this breed able
to move rapidly and turn quickly.
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Temperament
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German Shorthaired Pointers are very smart, energetic and always willing to please.
They love children and are loving towards all members of the family especially the
one holding the leash, Frisbee™, or car keys. This breed should not be isolated
from their family as they are very people oriented. They tend to become nervous
and destructive if left on their own for too long. The male of the breed is more
outgoing and more aggressive than the female. They get along fine with other pets
if they are raised together from puppyhood. They tend to bark and are reserved with
strangers.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 23-25" ; Weight: 55-70 lbs.
Female Height: 21-23" ; Weight: 45-60 lbs.
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Health Problems
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This breed is prone to epilepsy, lymphedema and hermaphrodism.
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Living Conditions
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German Shorthairs should not live an apartment. They do best with a large yard and
a very athletic family. Shorthairs require at least a six foot fence but can become
escape artists if they become bored.
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Exercise
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This tireless and energetic breed needs regular exercise and should not be adopted
by a family unless they are able to give plenty of vigorous exercise. A restless
Shorthair is a destructive Shorthair.
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Life Expectancy
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About 12-15 years
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Grooming
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German Shorthairs are very easy to groom. Brush daily and only bathe when necessary.
Check the feet and ears often. This breed is an average shedder.
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Origin
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Prince Albrecht zu Solms-Brauenfels, in the middle of the 1800s, spearheaded a tireless
effort to create the ultimate vorstehhund ? the all-purpose hunting dog. Records
show that the Prince owned good schweisshunds and fine Pointers imported from England,
and these were probably the basis for the German Shorthaired Pointer. When the breed
was imported to the US in the early 1900s, it was enthusiastically received by American
hunters. In fact, since his official recognition by the AKC in the 1940s, the breed
has fared well in AKC registrations. He is one of the favorites of the average weekend
hunter because of his natural abilities, ease of training and adaptability to family
life. The Shorthaired is described as "all business, no frills". They are recognized
by the AKC and the UKC.
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Group
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AKC Sporting, UKC Gun Dog
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