The German Shorthaired Pointer

• 

If you're thinking about getting a dog, we here at DogHealth.com recommend you consider adopting a rescued one. If you're interested in a purebred dog, you can find them in shelters and through rescue groups.

German shorthaired pointer dogs (GSPs) have many great characteristics. Of course, not everything in this article will be true about each member of the breed because they have their own experiences and personalities. Still, you can learn some of the general characteristics of GSPs here.

German Shorthaired Pointer Personality

GSPs are High Energy with capital letters. They were bred to help humans hunt and are as athletic and eager as you'd expect a dog with that career to be.

GSPs are usually quite friendly and get along with other dogs and kids. Because of their instincts to hunt, care will need to be taken with cats, birds, and other small animals in the home. Most GSPs can be trained to get along with them too, but you should pay close attention to how your dog does in the beginning.

GSP Care

German shorthaired pointers don't need too much grooming care. A simple brushing once a week, regular tooth-brushing, routine nail trimming, and possibly occasional ear cleaning should cover it for most GSPs.

Where the GSP is high on the "care scale" is in the area of making sure he gets enough exercise. And that can be a lot, especially for a young dog. Most GSPs need at least an hour of vigorous exercise each day, and that means a long jog or fetch session.

GSPs can do great in agility work, and that's an excellent way to burn off energy too.

If you don't give your GSP enough exercise, he will cause endless amounts of trouble in your home trying to make his own entertainment and fun. Don't put both of you in that position. Plan to exercise your GSP a lot.

Training is especially crucial for young GSPs. They can be a bit more headstrong and stubborn than some other breeds, so if you aren't diligent with training and socialization in your puppy, he may be harder to deal with later.

German Shorthaired Pointer Physical Characteristics

GSPs can end up between 40 and 75 pounds. They usually live to be 12-14 years old.

Hip dysplasia, a genetic malformation of the hip joint, is common in the GSP breed. An eye disease called cone degeneration is also more common in GSPs than in other breeds. Entropion, or inwardly turned eyelashes, also occurs in GSPs more often than in some other dogs.

You May Also Like These Articles:

The Chihuahua

The Boston Terrier

Designer Dogs: Do Cross-Breeds Have Fewer Health Problems?

The German Shepherd

The Labrador Retriever