Meet the Friendly and Smart German Shorthaired Pointer Dog What Makes This Breed Special

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German Shorthaired Pointers photo
Large Breed Hip Dysplasia Epilepsy German Shorthaired Pointer

Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Right For You?

  • 1 German Shorthaired Pointers are well known for their intelligence, loyalty, and determination.
  • 2 They make outstanding family pets and are happiest spending time with the family.
  • 3 German Shorthaired Pointer puppies tend to be aloof with strangers and benefit from early socialization.

HISTORY

While the origin of their pedigree cannot be guaranteed, it is thought that the German Shorthaired Pointer derives from a number of different game dogs, such as the Old Spanish Pointer, German Bird Dog, Foxhound, English Pointer, and an ancestor of the Bloodhound. Bred to be the Swiss Army Knife of hunting dogs, the German Shorthaired Pointer can act as a scent hound, retriever, gundog, and pointer. They also bred this dog to have a kind temperament, making them a great companion dog as well. They were recognized by the AKC in 1930.

Quick Facts

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    Size

    Large

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    Lifespan

    12-15 years, with some living to be 18

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    Hair Length

    Short

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    Male Height

    23-25 inches tall

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    Male Weight

    55-70 pounds

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    Female Height

    21-23 inches tall

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    Female Weight

    45-60 pounds

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    Litter Size

    7 to 8 puppies

Personality

Always ready to play, the German Shorthaired Pointer is an intelligent, energetic, fun, loyal, and dedicated breed. They crave companionship, making them less than ideal if they need to be left alone for long periods of time. Since they are hunters by design, they are vocal dogs and are wary of strangers. They can get along with other pets, but only if raised around them. .

Color

The German Shorthaired Pointer can come in either solid liver or brown, or in liver or brown with patches of white. There can be combinations of these colors, like liver and white ticked, liver patches on white, or liver roan (same combinations with brown). The head is almost always a solid liver or brown.

Health Concerns

Though generally a healthy dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer has a few hereditary problems. Health concerns with this breed are:

Appearance

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a well-rounded hunting companion of medium size. They have a slightly rounded head with a long, flat ended muzzle with powerful jaws, and thin, droopy ears that hang down by the sides of their head like two kites that had the wind taken out of them. They are either squarely built or slightly longer than they are tall. They have a short, dense coat and a short nub of a tail.

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