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CaninpediaDog Breeds

German Shorthaired Pointer

A versatile, tireless pointing dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer is cheerful, affectionate and made for very sporty families.

Photo of the German Shorthaired Pointer dog breed
Photo: Bonnie van den Born — CC BY-SA 3.0 (source)

History and origins

The German Shorthaired Pointer was developed in 19th-century Germany as an all-round gundog: it searches, points, retrieves on land and from water, and tracks.

Today it is one of the most widespread pointing breeds in the world.

Temperament

Enthusiastic, affectionate and very attached to its family, the GSP is usually good with children. It overflows with energy and copes poorly with inactivity and being alone.

Intelligent, it learns well with positive, consistent training.

Health

Hip dysplasia, bloat, some heart diseases and an inherited skin condition should be monitored.

Regular veterinary follow-up is recommended.

Leishmaniasis prevention is essential for hunting dogs.

This is general information. For any question about your dog's health, consult a veterinarian.

Feeding

It needs a rich diet matched to its intense activity, in two meals.

Avoid exercise just after eating.

Exercise

It needs at least two hours of daily activity: running, canicross, swimming, hunting or dog sports.

A GSP that cannot burn off energy quickly becomes destructive.

It needs a house with a garden and active owners.

Grooming

Its short coat needs weekly brushing.

Check its paw pads and ears, and look for grass seeds after outings.

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