German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer, sometimes otherwise called the German Short Hair Pointer, is of the Sporting breed. This dog was bred during the early 1800's as a hunting dog. Originally it was bred from the Spanish pointer and several other hunting breeds until an athletic, agile and all round adept hunting dog was realized.
German Shorthaired Pointer - Description
This athletic breed has a powerful build and muscular strong hindquarters.
This provides the German Short Hair Pointer with a lot of agility and the power needed to be a hunting dog. Its ears are set high on the head and flop rather than standing. Its muzzle is broad and long giving it an acute sense of smell.
Their coat will usually be liver in color or sometimes a combination of white and liver. They can be black but this is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. The German Shorthaired Pointers' coat is quite coarse, short and thick. This endows the dog with a very water resistant covering which again, is ideal where hunting is concerned. This coat will need brushing regularly with a stiff brush.
Temperament
Due to its hunting lineage, the German Short Haired Pointer will be a lively dog and can be expected to be very responsive. That said, they have an affectionate side and although lively on the hunt, have a gentle nature with their family members. They will also be considerate to children and other pets in the family.
Where training is concerned, German Short Hair Pointer is a very intelligent dog and will respond well to training.
Training must be firm and consistent because this breed is known to have a stubborn streak. Also obedience training may be required.
The German Short Haired Pointer will make an excellent guard dog or watchdog as they can be very vocal and instinctively guard property. With respect to cats and other smaller dogs, some training from when the dog is a puppy will be needed to curb any over enthusiastic hunting instinct.
German Shorthaired Pointer - Health
In general, the Shorthaired Pointer is a fairly robust healthy breed. They have been known to suffer from hip dysplasia and some eye diseases. Another problem although rare, is epileptic seizures. Skin cancer can be another problem is some breeding lines. These conditions tend to be quite rare and in general the German Shorthaired Pointer is a tough healthy dog. |
