Behind the Breed: German Shorthaired Pointer

Have you ever wondered where a dog breed originated from? In our “Behind the Breed” series we’ll dive into the history, personality and physical appearance of a particular breed. We’ll also cover some of the FAQs about the breed and maybe some fun facts, too!

German shorthaired pointers (GSP) are affectionate, high-energy dogs that love spending time with their humans. A German shorthaired pointer makes a great companion for active pet parents who have the time to spend with these excitable and energetic dogs. They also excel as all-purpose gundogs for avid hunters. 

German Shorthaired Pointer Temperament

German shorthaired pointers are playful dogs that have an extended puppy phase — they act like they’re puppies until around 2 years of age. They are very active and make a great family dog as long as you provide ample physical activity and mental stimulation, like long walks, agility training, dock diving or field trials. A fenced yard to play with their family is also recommended. The youthful exuberance of a German shorthaired pointer remains even into their senior years. 

Hunters with a GSP can use these versatile gundogs year-round for both pointing and retrieving. They will retrieve pheasants, chase rabbits and even track down deer. According to the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America:

“This is one of the few hunting breeds that can perform virtually all gundog roles. The German Shorthaired pointer (GSP for short) can be a pointer and a retriever. He can hunt upland birds and waterfowl, as well as rabbits, raccoons, and deer. Whatever you ask of your GSP, he will gladly comply with unshakable reliability.”

German Shorthaired Pointer Puppies

Like all puppies, early socialization with other dogs, other pets and different types of people is essential for German shorthaired pointers. They’re extremely intelligent dogs, and as a hunting dog have an innate ability to know how to point and retrieve at a very young age. They’re eager to learn and please their owner, which is a good trait to have given that they need to be trained and mentally exercised regularly. A bored GSP dog is a naughty GSP dog that can display destructive behaviors, especially while they’re in their extended puppy phase. 

German Shorthaired Pointer Colors

German shorthaired pointers can be solid liver or solid black, liver roan, black roan, black and white or liver and white. Their hair is short like a vizsla, which allows them to travel through tall grass without picking up burs in their hair. Their short coat requires minimal grooming — it typically only needs brushing every few days, although brushing is needed more often during heavy shedding periods. 

As well as a shorthaired pointer, there is another breed called the wirehaired German pointer. As you’d expect, wirehaired German pointers have a wiry coat, but they also have a distinguished-looking beard! 

German Shorthaired Pointer Lifespan

The life expectancy of a German shorthaired pointer is usually between 10–12 years. German shorthaired pointers typically grow to around two feet tall and weigh up to 70 pounds. They have long legs with big webbed feet that allow them to swim well. 

As with other deep-chested breeds like Weimaraners, GSP are prone to bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening condition. So it’s best to hold off on feeding them any dog food for at least an hour after vigorous exercise. Their long floppy ears need regular inspection, and they can also be susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia. 

GSP Dog History

Not surprisingly, the origin of German shorthaired pointers is Germany. German hunters crossed Spanish pointer breeds with German bird dog breeds until they achieved their ideal bird dog. German shorthaired pointers were recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1930. 

With intuitive hunting instincts, endless energy and a willingness to learn, German shorthaired pointers are great pets for families as well as versatile hunting partners.