German shorthaired pointer ‘s idea of heaven is the day hunting in the field and an evening curled up by the side of its owner. It is a devoted family pet, although at times it is overly boisterous for little kids. Because part of its legacy contains hunting traits, some can be aggressive to small pets but for raised with them. It is a sensitive breed and responds to moderate and gentle training. Some can bark a lot or whine.

The shorthaired is an all-purpose close-working gun dog which combines power, agility, and endurance. It’s square or somewhat longer than tall; though they have a short back, it must position over abundance of ground. It should have a well-groomed head, elegant outline, well-built quarters and an athletic build. Its ground-covering gait is smooth and light. It has a short and tough coat.

For hunting, during 1800s, a breed was developed in Germany that is known as German shorthaired pointer. To create them the old Spanish pointers was crossed with numerous other breeds such as tracking hounds and scent hounds, Foxhounds, German Tracking Hounds, Italian Pointers, German Bird Dogs, and English Pointers. The mixture created a lean hunting dog that is responsive with tremendous versatility that is capable to retrieve both soft thick mass of hairs & feather, on land and water. Breeders focused on the basis of function rather than form, in creating the breed. In 1930 the AKC Accepted German Shorthaired Pointers and 1941 the first specialty show was held by their parent club. The efforts of nineteenth century German breeders, has created a dog today that is one of the most versatile of all gun dogs and an ideal weekend hunting dogs. They do well in companion hunting as well as hunt tests, field trials, tracking trials, and also in the show ring.

Temperament

This breed was created to be a family friendly dog and as a hunter also. German shorthairs should be an affectionate and intelligent dog that is easy to train and eager to please. They are sociable cheerful, comical and friendly. German shorthaired pointers do love children and get well along them; however, sometimes as puppies they can be too boisterous. If taught from early on to be calm, as young they can make grand companions to the children. Most German Shorthairs make excellent watch dogs because they are loyal and protective to the family. They love to be with their people, and yearn for human contact and mental stimulus. A German Shorthair that lacks socialization and exercise could show behaviors such as aggression, shyness and destructiveness. Males can domineer and outgoing, while females can be less governing. Both genders need a strong owner with the knowledge of being a pack leader and staying in charge of the dog. A meek owner will find their dog overpowers them and will not be controllable. They tend to be a “one-man” dog.

This breed is extremely smart. Intelligence, combined with energy, creates a dog that needs to keep his mind and body occupied. Teaching the dog commands like as come, sit, down, stay, etc. keeps the psyche engaged and pleased, as well as dynamic exercise. If raised with other pets, German Shorthairs can do well with other animals, including cats and other dogs as well.