German Shorthaired Pointer

also known as Deutsch Kurzhaar, GSP, Kurzhaar, DK, Deutscher Kurzhaariger Vorstehhund

Pros Summary


The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium to large sized, hunting dog breed that originated in Germany. They were originally bred to hunt a variety of game such as birds and small mammals. The breed's name "German Shorthaired Pointer" comes from its short haired coat and its purpose as a pointing breed. The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1930.

Breed Information


Type

Is German Shorthaired Pointer a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were German Shorthaired Pointers originally used for?

general hunting

Lifespan

How Long Do German Shorthaired Pointers Live? What is average life expectancy for a German Shorthaired Pointer? How long can German Shorthaired Pointers live?

12-14 years

The average German Shorthaired Pointer lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

German Shorthaired Pointer Height & Weight


How big is a full grown German Shorthaired Pointer?

What is the average height of a German Shorthaired Pointer? How big is a Purebred German Shorthaired Pointer height? German Shorthaired Pointer dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 23-25 inches (58.4 - 63.5 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm) 24.0 inches (61 cm) 24.0 inches (61 cm)
Female 21-23 inches (53.3 - 58.4 cm) 18.0 inches (45.7 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm)
What is the average weight of a German Shorthaired Pointer? How much should German Shorthaired Pointers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 55-70 pounds (25 - 32 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg) 42.5 pounds (19 kg) 62.5 pounds (28 kg)
Female 45-60 pounds (20 - 27 kg) 26.0 pounds (12 kg) 37.5 pounds (17 kg) 52.5 pounds (24 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do German Shorthaired Pointers get fat easily?

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are German Shorthaired Pointers Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the German Shorthaired Pointer is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a German Shorthaired Pointer personality? What are German Shorthaired Pointer dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Bold
Intelligent
Boisterous
Cooperative
Trainable

Shedding Level

Are German Shorthaired Pointers heavy shedders? How Much Does a German Shorthaired Pointer Shed?

German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your German Shorthaired Pointer. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a German Shorthaired Pointer dog?

The German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do German Shorthaired Pointers come from?

Germany

Ancestry

What are German Shorthaired Pointers descended from?

german bird dog, spanish pointers, bloodhounds

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the German Shorthaired Pointer breed?

American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
Australian National Kennel Council
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were German Shorthaired Pointers first bred? How old is the German Shorthaired Pointer breed?

1600s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a German Shorthaired Pointer?

Working (AKC:1930)
Gun Dog (UKC)

German Shorthaired Pointer Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are German Shorthaired Pointer eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can German Shorthaired Pointer nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can German Shorthaired Pointer coat be naturally?

Brown
Black
White
Pied

Coat Length

How long is a German Shorthaired Pointers coat?

The coat of a German Shorthaired Pointer falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The German Shorthaired Pointer Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a German Shorthaired Pointer?

Wiry

Litter Size

How many puppies can a German Shorthaired Pointer have in a litter? How many puppies can a German Shorthaired Pointer have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A German Shorthaired Pointer can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

The adaptability of German Shorthaired Pointer dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

German Shorthaired Pointer Health Issues


Health Issues

Do German Shorthaired Pointers have a lot of health problems?

The German Shorthaired Pointer breed is commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a German Shorthaired Pointer?

Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to German Shorthaired Pointers?

Entropion
Cherry Eye
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Cataracts
Hemivertebrae
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Von Willebrand's Disease
Acral Mutation Syndrome
Lupoid Dermatitis

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for German Shorthaired Pointer breed?

Cardiac
Eye
Hip
Dna Test For Vwd
(Blood)
Skeletal
Skin Scraping

German Shorthaired Pointer Needs and Activities


Energy

Do German Shorthaired Pointers have a lot of energy?

German Shorthaired Pointers are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do German Shorthaired Pointers need socialization? How social are German Shorthaired Pointers?

German Shorthaired Pointers have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should German Shorthaired Pointers get?

The German Shorthaired Pointer needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a German Shorthaired Pointer have? Do German Shorthaired Pointers sleep a lot?

German Shorthaired Pointers are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a German Shorthaired Pointer drool a lot?

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a dog that is known for its low drooling tendency. If you dislike drool marks on your clothing, the German Shorthaired Pointer could be a suitable choice for you.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

German Shorthaired Pointers tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do German Shorthaired Pointers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are German Shorthaired Pointers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a German Shorthaired Pointer running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do German Shorthaired Pointer dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do German Shorthaired Pointers enjoy doing? How do I keep my German Shorthaired Pointer busy?

Car rides, Running, Playing fetch, Sniffing, Swimming, Walk, Run, Walking, Kisses, Walki, Hunt, Shake, Tracking, Play, Playdate, Play keep away, Fetch, Escaping, Hike, Swim, Nap, Camp, Backpack, Train, Travel

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a German Shorthaired Pointer? How much energy does a German Shorthaired Pointer have?

High

German Shorthaired Pointers are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a German Shorthaired Pointer walk each week? How many miles should a German Shorthaired Pointer walk every week?

14 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For German Shorthaired Pointer, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a German Shorthaired Pointer should exercise a day? How much activity does a German Shorthaired Pointer need?

90 minutes

In general most German Shorthaired Pointers usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a German Shorthaired Pointer?

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a German Shorthaired Pointer?

Weekly

German Shorthaired Pointer should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for German Shorthaired Pointers?

Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a German Shorthaired Pointer eat?

2.8 cups

For an average 55-70 pound (25 - 32 kg) German Shorthaired Pointer feed 2.8 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a German Shorthaired Pointer Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a German Shorthaired Pointer is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a German Shorthaired Pointer Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a German Shorthaired Pointer is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

German Shorthaired Pointer Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a German Shorthaired Pointer?

The German Shorthaired Pointer breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a German Shorthaired Pointer dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are German Shorthaired Pointer dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do German Shorthaired Pointer do well in apartments? Are German Shorthaired Pointers good indoor dogs?

The German Shorthaired Pointer is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are German Shorthaired Pointers good with kids? Are German Shorthaired Pointers good around children?

German Shorthaired Pointers are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are German Shorthaired Pointers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are German Shorthaired Pointers good with cats? How friendly German Shorthaired Pointers are toward cats?

German Shorthaired Pointers are not cat friendly dogs.

Dog Friendly

Do German Shorthaired Pointer dogs get along with other dogs? Are German Shorthaired Pointers OK with other dogs?

German Shorthaired Pointers are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do German Shorthaired Pointer dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are German Shorthaired Pointers friendly with strangers?

German Shorthaired Pointers are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do German Shorthaired Pointers like to play? Are German Shorthaired Pointers playful?

German Shorthaired Pointers are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older German Shorthaired Pointer for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are German Shorthaired Pointer easily trained?

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a breed of dog that is known for being very easy to train. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them a great choice for both experienced and novice dog owners.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Intelligence
    German Shorthaired Pointer is highly intelligent and trainable, making them great for hunting and other performance activities.
  • Energetic
    German Shorthaired Pointer has a lot of energy and requires regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
  • Personality
    German Shorthaired Pointer is friendly, outgoing and affectionate

Cons

  • Not Hypoallergenic
    While beloved by many, German Shorthaired Pointers may not be appropriate for those with allergies due to the possibility of allergic reactions.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are not typically suitable for apartment life.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Keeping a German Shorthaired Pointer in an office may not be ideal
  • Training
    German Shorthaired Pointer requires consistent and dedicated training to reach their full potential.