German Shorthaired Pointer Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The German Shorthaired Pointer, or GSP, is a versatile hunting dog that points, retrieves on land and in water and tracks. It is enthusiastic, intelligent and tireless, and needs a very active family.

Origins and appearance

The breed was developed in nineteenth-century Germany for all-around hunting. GSPs are medium-large and athletic, with a long head, drop ears, a short, dense coat in liver or liver and white, often ticked or roan, and a docked or natural tail.

Temperament

They are friendly, bold and eager. They bond with family and love to be involved. They are energetic and bouncy. They are intelligent. They can be destructive or anxious when bored. They have strong prey drive. They dislike being left alone.

Exercise

They need two hours or more of daily exercise, with running, hiking, swimming and play. They excel at field work, agility and canine sports. Mental work matters. They need secure fencing.

Training

They are very intelligent and eager. Use positive methods, variety and early socialization. Teach a reliable recall, a settle and impulse control. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The short coat needs weekly brushing. See short coat dog grooming guide. Clean ears, trim nails and brush teeth. They feel the cold.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Lymphedema, a condition affecting puppies
• Eye conditions, such as entropion
• Cancer
• Von Willebrand disease

Living with a German Shorthaired Pointer

They suit very active families with space. They do best with company and a job. They are poorly suited to sedentary homes.

A typical day

A GSP wants a long morning outing, training, a rest, a swim or play and an evening walk. Many are calm indoors once exercised.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and clumsy. Begin socialization, handling and training. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food for an active dog, training and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold water well, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well when exercised.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping training, leaving the dog alone and weak fencing.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip and eye tests, and the parents' temperaments. Field lines are more intense than show lines.

All-around hunter

GSPs point, retrieve, track and swim. Pet owners often use these skills in games, from scent trails to fetch in water.

Bloat awareness

GSPs have deep chests and are at risk for bloat. Feed measured meals, avoid hard exercise around meals and learn the signs. See bloat prevention in dogs.

Is it the right breed for you?

A GSP suits very active owners who want a versatile, devoted hunting partner or sport dog. It may not suit sedentary homes. For a different pointing breed, see the English Pointer.

Daily exercise plan

A GSP's day might start with a hard run or bike ride, followed by a training session at lunchtime and a long walk or swim in the evening. On bad weather days, add scent games, puzzle feeders and indoor training to burn mental energy. A dog that gets both physical and mental work is calmer and less likely to chew furniture or dig under the fence.

Hunting and sport

GSPs excel at hunting, dock diving, agility, tracking and obedience. If you do not hunt, scent work and field-style classes can fulfill similar instincts. Start with a beginner class and build gradually.

The takeaway

German Shorthaired Pointers are athletic, versatile and driven, and they need exercise, training and company.