German Shorthaired Pointers are a versatile breed, and as such are able to turn their paw to almost all canine activities.
The GSP is a very intelligent animal with an easy to care for coat, a kind temperament and an excellent family dog, medium size, This unique breed did not just come about but was purposely bred for by German Breeders. Documentation did not start until the late 19th Century, but the old German Pointer dates back as far as the 16th Century. Being a gundog means he has been bred to be athletic, therefore he needs plenty of exercise. He has been bred to have an extremely sensitive nose, to point, track and retrieve game. To do these things it means he is a very intelligent dog, therefore he needs his owner to appreciate this.
The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) is a very adaptable dog and is willing to please. He is hardy enough to stand living outdoors but is clean enough to make a very good house pet. In this their short coat and docked tail are a real bonus. Like all dogs he needs training and will benefit from going to an obedience school for training. His willingness to please, and inbred instinct to work with his owner, will mean that with a consistent owner he will advance rapidly through the grades so as long as his owner does not let him become bored with it.
A wonderful family dog, he loves children and is very patient with them, and is willing and able to join in any outdoor family activity. An energetic dog, he loves water and to run and play, and he travels well. He likes to go for walks, or if time does not permit is quite happy to retrieve anything that is thrown. The instinct to retrieve makes exercising your dog easy, you can throw a ball or a stick and he will exercise himself chasing it and bringing it back. He is a wonderful dog to have around the house as he will bark to warn you of anything he thinks is suspicious but does not bark for the sake of barking. They like company, both human and canine and will fit in well into a household that already has a pet, or will happily accept another pet or child for that matter into the family. They are protective of the family but not aggressive and will only fight if attacked. Not fully mature until about 3 years of age, he is the ideal dog to get fit with, but don’t over-exercise while he is still growing. Like any dog care must be taken of young bones and joints to prevent problems in later life.
As a gundog he has no equal, he only needs an intelligent handler. As a show dog, a good G.S.P. can win as much as any other gundog, he only needs early training to know what is required of him. As a family dog there is none better, a friend and companion of the whole family to love and enjoy.
HOW DOES ONE PURCHASE A GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER?
If you decided that a G.S.P. is the dog for you, you now have to find one. Contact the Club secretary who should know of any litters our members have or will have in the near future, or contact Dogs SA. Once you have located a puppy you will find the breeders will help all they can, and will supply a diet sheet as to what their puppies are used to eating. Careful notes should be made and any changes made gradually, as all young puppies, like babies, should not have abrupt changes in their diet or it could lead to stomach upsets. Puppies should have injections against distemper, hepatitis and parvo. If purchasing a puppy that has not been vaccinated (this should NOT happen if you purchase from a registered breeder), then it should be taken to the Vet on the way home. Puppies have booster injections at approximately 12 weeks then every 12 months, but your Vet will advise you of all this.
As with any dog, he needs to be registered and to wear a collar when he is out, he should be wormed regularly and given a good diet and kept free from fleas. Having a short coat makes this job easier than with some breeds. The G.S.P. is extremely robust given the correct foods, exercise and kept free of fleas and worms, so trips to the Vet are only needed usually for regular booster injections and you should enjoy many happy years with your G.S.P.
From Project Upland ‘The Most Popular Versatile Dog in the World’ — A Historical Breakdown of the German Shorthaired Pointer The author explores the German Shorthaired Pointer’s multiple connections with hunting dogs around the world to give a comprehensive overview of the breed.
The GSP Club of SA is proudly sponsored by PURINA PRO PLAN