The German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the most popular hunting dogs in Germany, known for its appearance and its entire disposition towards hunting. While initially preferred by hunters, it is now recognized for its affectionate nature, making it a loyal family dog. Learn more about the history, character, care, and maintenance of the German Shorthair in this overview.

History of the German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer originated from German pointing dogs used in falconry and net hunting. These dogs primarily came from France and Spain and were introduced to German princely courts around 1810. The German Shorthair evolved through crossbreeding with other pointing dogs. The first of its kind was named Hector I and is considered the progenitor of the breed.

Character and Temperament

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a hunting dog and shows this in many situations. Its excellent nose and great stamina make it perfect for these purposes. For this reason, it is used by many huntsmen and women for hunting. It has sufficient strength to reliably retrieve most of the game it encounters.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a real working wonder and is not called the thoroughbred of hunting dogs for nothing. Even though he is very fast and persistent in action, he is very docile in training. Once he has understood something, he recalls the knowledge again and again. After just a few repetitions, every command is actually memorized, which is not only an advantage on the hunt, but also in private life.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	High
Kid-Friendly	High
Pet-Friendly	Medium
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	High
Energy Level	High
Trainability	High
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Bark	Medium
Amount of Shedding	High

Acquiring a German Shorthaired Pointer

If you want to get a German Shorthaired Pointer, you should consider a few things beforehand. For example, you should know that he always likes to be the center of attention. Nevertheless, the German Shorthair is also capable of withdrawing and resting. It has often been observed that this breed is very interested in a social group and adores it, so to speak. The German Shorthair can also live in families and often enjoys playing with children.

However, you should always bear in mind that this is a very spirited and energetic dog that needs to be challenged. If you don’t have much time and can therefore only give them very little exercise, it is better to choose a different breed. Among other things, the German Shorthaired Pointer likes to live on farms and in families with a large garden.

What to Consider When Buying

Some points that should be considered when buying a German Shorthair have already been described above. Even if this breed is not affected by any specific hereditary diseases, you should take a close look before deciding on an animal. First of all, it must come from a good and reliable breeder. Pay attention to how the animals are kept. This is the first indication of how the four-legged friend is doing.

A reputable breeder will always provide you with a health certificate for your four-legged friend. You can present this to the vet so that they know what condition the dog is in. If the vet confirms all the information, you are on the safe side and know that you have bought a healthy German Shorthair.

Development and Training of the Puppy

As with many other hunting dogs, training is a very important point. This is because his energetic nature would otherwise cause him to run away again and again and chase after every noise. You can avoid this with good training and the right commands. Because, as described above, he masters these quite quickly and also likes to learn new things. You should therefore also take him for regular walks in new places.

Despite your energetic nature, he is also very balanced and is always friendly towards other dogs. Keep in mind, however, that this is still a hunting dog that likes to chase rabbits from time to time. Of course, you can’t prevent this completely, as the instinct is simply there. Nevertheless, you should try to show him from puppyhood what he can and cannot do. Once the German Shorthair has become part of a social group such as a family, he will even protect it if it is in danger.

Basically, the German Shorthaired Pointer needs strong leadership. However, once a strong bond has been established between you and the animal, you will soon realize how loyal and reliable it is.

In any case, refrain from shouting at your four-legged friend. Even if he makes a mistake. Otherwise he could get upset and no longer perform certain tasks. It is also important to challenge your dog not only physically but also mentally. So think up new games from time to time and take your four-legged friend for regular walks.

Ideally, the walks should take place in a region where you can take the lead off. Because then the German Shorthair, if he is already properly trained, can also go for a walk on his own. When you call him, he should come straight back to you and not get too far out of reach.

This breed even likes to spend time in the water, so you can incorporate a lake or river into your walk from time to time. This is no problem thanks to its short coat, which dries very quickly.

How to Care for a German Shorthaired Pointer?

Always ensure sufficient exercise and take care of the German Shorthair. In doing so, you’ll have a loyal companion by your side who would prefer never to leave. Despite their active nature, these dogs bark relatively little, making them suitable for areas with multiple households. If you’re away for an extended period during the day, such as at work, make sure the dog gets regular exercise and preferably has access to a garden.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is suitable for individuals with some prior experience with dogs.

Activities with the German Shorthaired Pointer

You can engage in numerous activities with the German Shorthair. The hunting dog has a high need for movement, so always provide sufficient exercise. Through various games, you can challenge them mentally, complemented by long walks, bike rides, or a combination of both to keep them adequately stimulated.

They particularly enjoy tracking or participating in dog frisbee. The German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile dog, and there are many possibilities for activities.

Always make an effort to introduce something new occasionally to prevent boredom. You can even take them on trips, provided they get enough exercise there. In general, this dog feels very comfortable in nature, which is something to consider if you’re thinking of getting one.

Health and Grooming

Due to the German Shorthair’s short coat, grooming is straightforward and uncomplicated. Occasionally brush the coat and remove larger dirt particles. This step is only necessary once a week to eliminate loose hairs. Thanks to the short fur, there will be fewer hairs left on various sitting surfaces, such as the couch, bed, or chair, compared to other breeds.

Their dietary needs are also straightforward. You can feed them both wet and dry food. Occasionally, these dogs may suffer from a condition called bloat. If you notice your dog feeling unwell, always consult a veterinarian. Additionally, you can prevent this situation by providing your dog with multiple smaller portions throughout the day instead of two or three large portions.

We also recommend to avoid high-protein diets during the puppy stage. However, this becomes less critical once the dog reaches adulthood.

Conclusion

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a highly versatile dog suitable for both hunting and being a family member. By following the tips and tricks described above, you’ll have a fantastic companion who would gladly spend every moment of the day with you.

Do you have a German Shorthaired Pointer or plan to get one in the future? Share what makes this breed special in the comments!