German Shorthaired Pointer Info & German Shorthaired Pointer Breeders

The German Shorthaired Pointer was developed to be a dog suited to family life as well as a versatile hunter.  The correct temperament is that of an intelligent, bold, boisterous, eccentric, and characteristically affectionate dog that is cooperative and easily trained. Shyness, fearfulness, over submissiveness, aloofness, lack of biddability, or aggression (especially toward humans) are all traits that can occur. The GSP is usually good with children, although care should be taken because the breed can be boisterous especially when young. These dogs love interaction with humans and are suitable pets for active families who will give them an outlet for their considerable energy; they must be exercised well multiple times a week. Most German shorthaired pointers make excellent watchdogs. The breed generally gets along well with other dogs, though females appear to be much more dominant during interbreed interaction. A strong hunting instinct is correct for the breed, which is not always good for other small pets such as cats or rabbits. With training, however, the family dog should be able to discern what is prey and what is not, and they can live quite amicably with other family pets.

The GSP's need for exercise (preferably off lead) coupled with the breed's natural instinct to hunt, means that training is an absolute necessity. Failure by the owner to give this active and intelligent dog sufficient exercise and/or proper training can produce a German shorthaired pointer that appears hyperactive or that has destructive tendencies. Because of this, the breed is not a suitable pet for an inactive home or for inexperienced dog owners. These dogs are athletic and can escape from four foot and sometimes six foot enclosures with little difficulty.

The GSP is intelligent and bred for a certain amount of independence (e.g., when a dog is working out of sight or sound of its handler in the field). Along with its superb hunting ability and companionable personality, the intelligence and the obedience of the GSP make it one of the more popular large breeds.

GSPs are a very clean dog and they need very little grooming, just occasional brushing. Like all dogs with flop ears, GSP can be prone to ear infections and their ears require regular checking and cleaning.