Meet The German Shorthaired Pointer: Insider Research From Owners

Discover the German Shorthaired Pointer, a breed celebrated for its playful, affectionate, and trainable nature. Recognized as a large dog, German Shorthaired Pointers have their origins in Germany, where they were initially bred for hunting starting in the late 19th century.

In this post, we share insights from nearly 10,000 Sniffspot users, offering practical advice for new and prospective German Shorthaired Pointer owners. Whether you’re considering adopting or rescuing a German Shorthaired Pointer or already have one, you'll find valuable tips on how to care for and enjoy life with a playful German Shorthaired Pointer.

As Sniffspot user Ruger says, "He loves to swim and please his owners. Very playful!"

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024

German Shorthaired Pointer Quick Characteristics

• Breed Type: Hunting
• Size: Large
• Life Expectancy: 10 - 14 years
• Healthy Weight Range: 45 - 70 lbs
• Height Range: 21 - 25 inches
• Temperament: Playful, Affectionate, Trainable
• Coat Type: Short
• Color: liver, liver and white, black, black and white

About the German Shorthaired Pointer

According to nearly 10,000 Sniffspot community users who shared real-world data about their German Shorthaired Pointer, we learned that these dogs are playful and affectionate. The German Shorthaired Pointer is also known to be very friendly and social with children and cautious around new pets.

When living with a GSP, 81% of our owners indicated that a large house with a fenced yard is ideal. Additionally, 52% of owners found that a rural or suburban area with open spaces is also acceptable. This dog is highly trainable by all types of dog owners and owners say that the German Shorthaired Pointer learns best with positive reinforcement, training aids, and consistent routines.

In terms of exercise, 58% of Sniffspot owners say their German Shorthaired Pointer benefits from high exercise every day, including over 2+ hours of activity a day, including walks, runs, and play sessions. The Sniffspot GSP community would not recommend this dog for first-time owners due to its high energy needs.

History and Origin of German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) is a versatile and intelligent breed with a history deeply rooted in hunting. Originating in Germany during the late 19th century, this breed was developed through the careful crossbreeding of various pointers, hounds, and other hunting dogs. The goal was to create a dog that excelled in both pointing and retrieving game, making it a valuable asset for hunters.

Initially bred to assist in hunting both upland game and waterfowl, the GSP quickly gained a reputation for its remarkable versatility and endurance. Its ability to track and flush game, combined with its agility and strong scenting skills, made it an ideal companion for hunters across Europe.

By the early 20th century, the German Shorthaired Pointer began to gain recognition beyond its homeland. Its popularity spread to the United States and other parts of the world, where it continued to impress with its adaptability and strong work ethic. Despite its transition from a hunting dog to a family companion, the GSP retained its inherent drive and enthusiasm for physical activity.

Today, the German Shorthaired Pointer is cherished not only for its hunting prowess but also for its friendly and energetic nature. It thrives in active households and remains a symbol of the successful melding of function and companionship, reflecting the breed's enduring legacy as both a working dog and a beloved family pet.

German Shorthaired Pointer Traits and Characteristics

• Temperament: Playful, Affectionate, Trainable
• Energy Level: High
• Trainability: Highly trainable - Learns commands quickly and responds well to training.
• Grooming needs: Low maintenance - Requires minimal grooming, such as occasional brushing and baths.
• Good with Kids: Very friendly and social with children
• Good with Other Pets: Cautious around new pets

What to Expect as a German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Owner

As a German Shorthaired Pointer owner, it's important to know the best dog breed tips and what to expect from current German Shorthaired Pointer owners.

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Research 2024

Grooming Needs

German Shorthaired Pointer dogs require low-maintenance grooming. This means German Shorthaired Pointer owners should expect minimal grooming, like occasional brushing and baths. German Shorthaired Pointer dogs have a short coat, which is ideal for protection from weather. Their short coat is considered moderate shed.

To keep your German Shorthaired Pointer's coat healthy and up to breed standards, include brushing in your daily routine. Of the coat types for common breeds in the hunting group, the grooming needs for the German Shorthaired Pointer are considered low maintenance.

Exercise Needs

German Shorthaired Pointers require high activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, GSPs are considered a very athletic, high-energy breed.

GSPs make great pets and thrive with over 2+ hours of activity a day, including walks, runs, and play sessions. Owners of GSPs report their dogs especially love playing with squeaky toys, hiking, and hiking.

When large breeds like GSPs don't get sufficient exercise, they're more likely to act out with undesirable behaviors like high energy. They need consistent training, mental activity, and regular exercise to avoid excess energy.

Diet and Nutrition

What should you feed your German Shorthaired Pointer to keep them healthy? As a high-energy breed, what you feed them is important. A reported 78% of our community feed their GSP commercial dry kibble.

With high exercise, GSPs should eat 3 - 4 cups daily of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 45 - 70 lbs. However, your German Shorthaired Pointer's ideal weight and food depend on your pet's sex, activity level, and age.

German Shorthaired Pointer Health Concerns

The German Shorthaired Pointer breed is most prone to skin conditions (e.g., allergies, dermatitis) and digestive issues (e.g., bloating, sensitive stomach). A reported 27% of our German Shorthaired Pointer owners reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. GSPs' risk for these challenges increases as they age.

Similarly, 24% reported digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Lastly, 15% of German Shorthaired Pointer owners claim their dog struggles with joint problems like arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma — a common GSP health concern. If you're worried about any of these health issues above, talk to your GSP's vet.

How Friendly Are German Shorthaired Pointers?

Another important thing to consider when adopting a GSP is whether or not they fit with your current family. How friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers compared to other large-sized breeds?

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024

With consistent training, you can hone your GSP's hunting instinct into a playful and affectionate family dog. Introducing your pet to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, rewards) and use of training aids (e.g., harnesses, leashes, training collars) early helps them avoid undesirable behaviors like high energy. Our community German Shorthaired Pointer owners comment on their pet's friendliness:

• I love how energetic he is, but once he’s tired he’s the most affectionate love bug I’ve ever had! He’s so sweet and although guarded, he’s very good with strangers once he greets them. (Allie )
• They're always happy and everything is exciting/fun for them. You can always count on them to put a smile on your face. (MR)
• Velcro dog follows you everywhere super affectionate and loyal. (Jackie)

How to Train Your German Shorthaired Pointer

Whether you're adopting a GSP puppy or an adult German Shorthaired Pointer, training is a significant part of owning a large-sized breed. Without proper training, your GSP is more likely to display undesirable behaviors such as high energy. Providing stimulating activities is a great first step, but this needs to be paired with the right training for your GSP.

As a hunting breed, German Shorthaired Pointers benefit from praise and positive reinforcement. Here's what our GSP community recommended based on their experience with their own dogs:

• Positive Reinforcement (93%): This includes treats, praise, rewards, and so on for positive behavior
• Training Aids (67%): Dog training aids like martingale collars, walking harnesses, and no-pull attachments
• Consistent Routines (54%): A consistent training routine allows your pet to get comfortable with expectations

As dogs bred for hunting, GSPs are considered highly trainable by all types of dog owners.

What Do Owners Love About German Shorthaired Pointers?

We asked Sniffspot GSP owners what they love the most about their German Shorthaired Pointer pups, and here's what they had to say:

• They are one of a kind and have the perfect temperament for kids and other animals. (Talcy)
• He’s goofy. Very playful and energetic with a bit of a personality. (Mikayla)
• His curiosity is endless. He's always interested in seeing what is going on in his world. (Olivia)

What Are the Biggest Challenges for German Shorthaired Pointer Owners?

Similarly, GSP owners share some of the biggest challenges of living with their German Shorthaired Pointer:

• Very energetic, and this is the only thing I would warn a first-time dog owner. Sniffspot has been the best thing to help get his energy out as we don’t have a yard for him to run in, and just playing with toys will not tucker him out. If he’s not properly exercised he will act out. (Allie )
• This breed needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. (Laura )
• My GSP's challenges include his constant “go go go” attitude. I have to remind myself that just because he isn’t stopping, doesn’t mean that he should keep going. Sometimes it’s up to me to remind him to take a break, catch his breath, and not run into trees. (Sami)

Is a German Shorthaired Pointer Right for a First-Time Dog Owner?

Source: Sniffspot 2024 Community Dog Breed Survey

According to 81% of our Sniffspot community, German Shorthaired Pointers are not great first-time dogs to own. This comes from their playful nature and high exercise needs. German Shorthaired Pointer owners say it best:

• Puppy and adolescent dogs can be very destructive. Must have daily exercise and brain exercises. Can and will be very destructive if left unsupervised and bored. (SL)
• He can be very stubborn and needs to play multiple times a day to the point he's close to death. (Olivia)
• This dog is hyper. Think hound dog but on steroids with the drive of an Olympic runner. (Jackie)

Advice for German Shorthaired Pointer Owners

Luckily, our Sniffspot community is full of experienced, trustworthy GSP owners. These German Shorthaired Pointer breed owners share the most essential dog breed tips and advice for prospective or new dog owners:

Do your research about this dog breed.

• People will choose this dog because of its beauty but they need to be aware of what they’re getting into in terms of time commitment. These dogs are great family dogs, very reliable, not aggressive, smart, and entertaining. (JD)
• You NEED to lead an active lifestyle. (Laura )

Lead an active lifestyle.

• They need lots of time to just run and splash and chase and can carry on for HOURS!! But once inside, they are lazy as all get out. (BlaundNordic )
• Have an active lifestyle and make sure you have time in your day to exercise the dog! (Breanna)

Consider giving your GSP a job.

• This dog needs a job and someone experienced with training and who uses positive reinforcement as they are very sensitive and don't respond well to negative corrections. They also need hours of exercise and mental stimulation daily to keep them from getting into trouble. (Amy)
• Be prepared for a very smart, velcro dog who will need to have a job to keep them occupied. (Paige)

Consider a different breed if this is your first dog.

• German Shorthaired Pointers are not a great dog for a first-time dog owner. They have a lot of energy, are very attached, intelligent, curious, and have a lot of special needs and instincts. They have a lot of quirks, are "velcro" dogs and their pray/hunting/food drive is super instinctual and is nearly impossible to alter. (Nichole)
• If this is your first dog, look for a smaller less active breed. (L. G.)

Frequently Asked Questions about the German Shorthaired Pointer

What is the average lifespan of a German Shorthaired Pointer?

The average lifespan of a German Shorthaired Pointer is typically between 10 - 14 years.

What is the size of a German Shorthaired Pointer?

An adult German Shorthaired Pointer weighs between 45 - 70 lbs and stands between 21 - 25 inches tall.

How much grooming does a German Shorthaired Pointer need?

German Shorthaired Pointer dogs require low-maintenance grooming. Regular grooming helps to keep their coat healthy and manageable. German Shorthaired Pointer dogs have a short coat, which is well-suited for protection from weather. They are considered moderate shedders.

To maintain your German Shorthaired Pointer's coat, it's important to brush weekly. Among hunting breeds, German Shorthaired Pointer grooming is categorized as relatively easy.

How much exercise do German Shorthaired Pointers need?

German Shorthaired Pointers require high activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, GSPs are classified as a very athletic, high-energy breed.

GSPs are excellent companions and thrive with over 2+ hours of activity a day, including walks, runs, and play sessions. Owners of GSPs note that their dogs particularly enjoy playing with squeaky toys, hiking, and hiking.

If large breeds like GSPs don't receive enough exercise, they may develop unwanted behaviors. These dogs need ongoing training, mental stimulation, and consistent exercise to channel their energy effectively.

How friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers with children?

According to our data, German Shorthaired Pointers are very friendly and social with children with children.

How well do German Shorthaired Pointers get along with other pets?

Our research indicates that German Shorthaired Pointers are cautious around new pets with other pets.

What should you feed your German Shorthaired Pointer to keep him healthy?

As a high-energy breed, the diet of your GSP is crucial. A significant 78% of our community feed their GSP commercial dry kibble.

For optimal health, GSPs should consume 3 - 4 cups daily of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 45 - 70 lbs. The exact amount and type of food will depend on your German Shorthaired Pointer's sex, activity level, and age.

What health concerns are common for German Shorthaired Pointers?

The German Shorthaired Pointer breed is particularly prone to skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, folliculitis, and digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Our data shows that 27% of German Shorthaired Pointer owners reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. GSPs' risk for these health issues increases as they age.

Additionally, 24% reported digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Finally, 15% of German Shorthaired Pointer owners indicated their dog struggles with joint problems like arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma, which are common GSP health concerns. If you have concerns about any of these health issues, consult your GSP's veterinarian.

Resources for German Shorthaired Pointer Owners

Whether you're a current German Shorthaired Pointer dog owner or you're considering adopting a GSP, Sniffspot is here to lend a helping hand. Here are some of the most relevant resources for German Shorthaired Pointer owners.

• Most Popular German Shorthaired Pointer Names
• NorCal German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue
• German Shorthaired Pointer Club

Sources:

• German Shorthaired Pointer. (American Kennel Club)
• WebMD. (All About German Shorthaired Pointers)