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Need to Know
- Suitable for owners with some experience
- Extra training required
- Generally healthy breed
- Enjoys active walks
- Can be left alone occasionally with training
- Large dog
- Some drool
- Requires regular grooming
- Quiet dog
- Welcomes everyone happily
- Generally friendly with other dogs
- Gets along with other pets with training
- Great family dog
- Needs a large yard, either in suburban or rural areas
- AKC Registered Breed
Personality
The German Shorthaired Pointer’s dream day is spent swimming, running, and solving puzzles followed by a night curled up next to their owner on the couch. These active dogs are gentle, loving creatures whose brains are sharp and finely tuned to the world around them.
German Shorthaired Pointers have high amounts of energy. They need to have something to do or else they can become unruly. A bored German Shorthaired Pointer can result in poor behavior including digging, chewing, hyperactivity, and getting up to no good.
They are highly specialized working dogs with a history as retrievers and swimmers—they even have webbed feet. Any activity an owner can throw their way they will be happy to tackle—especially if their owners are right there with them.
The German Shorthaired Pointer breed was developed in the 17th century as a quick, powerful hunting dog. This mission was further honed by Prince Albrecht zu Solms-Braunfels and his fellow enthusiasts, creating a versatile breed that combines top-tier pointing, retrieving, and trailing abilities. The breed found full recognition in the late 1800s with the first dogs making their way to America in the 1920s.
An active dog needs an active owner, so those who enjoy long walks, runs, swims, and training these well-rounded dogs are perfect for the German Shorthaired Pointer. They make good family pets but need to be with humans who can match their energy level and be open to being nearby most of the day.
German Shorthaired Pointers need plenty of exercise to keep their mind occupied. Swimming, running, dog sports, playing, brain games, and anything else that will help burn off some of their endless energy are all key to keeping these active dogs happy. They love spending time outdoors, especially with their families.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a large dog that needs ample space to roam and live indoors and outdoors. They are not ideal for urban areas but can live comfortably in rural and suburban settings.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are easy to groom, needing only to be brushed every few days to limit shedding and keep their coat nice and clean. During certain seasons, shedding will increase and they will need to be brushed more frequently to prevent. Bathing can also help keep stray hair at bay.
German Shorthaired Pointers are a very intelligent breed that learns quickly. They should complete puppy training courses and be heavily socialized from a very early age. German Shorthaired Pointers need to have a purpose and a safe place to unleash their high energy levels. If left alone and without things to occupy their time, they can be destructive.
Their active lifestyle and friendly, affectionate demeanor are perfect for an active, on-the-go family. However, they may be a little too boisterous for families with small children. Households with small fluffy cats or other pets beware—this dog’s sharp hunting skills can easily take over.
The cost of a German Shorthaired Pointer from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Learn more about feeding and caring for your German Shorthaired Pointer on Purina.
Did You Know?
- German Shorthaired Pointers have webbed feet and are excellent swimmers.
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