History

A descendent of the old Spanish Pointer, the German Shorthaired Pointer was introduced to Germany in the 1600s. However, the breed’s lineage is a bit hazy, though speculations have thrown up breeds like Foxhound, Schweisshund, Italian Pointer, German Bird Dog, and possibly an assortment of French hounds and Scandinavian breeds. What is clear about the German Shorthaired Pointer’s predecessors is that the English Pointer was added to its breeding program in the 1800s.

Appearance

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a well-balanced dog of medium size. The breed either has a square profile or is longer than it is taller. Almond-shaped eyes; broad ears, set moderately high, lying flat; well-developed, powerful jaws; a considerably long muzzle that is equal to the length of the skull; large, opened and broad nose; scissor bite teeth; close and tight skin; short, thick coat in colors like liver and combination of liver & white; these are some of its characteristics.

Color

The only acceptable color for the GSP is liver or brown. The coat can be solid liver or a combination of liver and white. Combinations being liver and white ticked, liver patches and white ticked, or liver roan. The head is typically solid or almost completely liver.

Personality

Willing to please, the German Shorthaired Pointer is smart, energetic, amiable, and loyal and protective of the family. The breed doesn’t do well alone, and needs lots of companionship. Since it’s a hunting dog by nature, the instincts of barking are present. The German Shorthaired Pointer is wary of strangers, and are fine with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood.

Health Concerns

Though generally a healthy dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer has a few hereditary problems. Health concerns with this breed are epileptic seizures, hip dysplasia, eye diseases, cancerous lesions, skin problems etc.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR