Characteristics of the German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are bred to be versatile hunters capable of high performance in the field and water. As a result, they are energetic dogs that love to please their human family members.
Shorthairs are loving dogs that enjoy being close to their owners. Their interest in playing seems endless (at least to their tired owners!) and they especially love fetching games (balls, frisbees, sticks..). They are equally comfortable in the field or snuggled up in bed, preferably both in the same day. Bright, sweet, energetic, intelligent and loving -- That's a SHORTHAIR!
Activity Level: The activity level of the German Shorthair is high. They need daily exercise, and will sometimes become destructive if they don't get it. Fields in which to run or a large fenced yard are the best situations, otherwise YOU will be getting a lot of exercise too! After a two mile run, a GSP is just getting warmed up.
Intelligence: GSP's are highly intelligent and love to please their owners. They make mannerly house dogs, good obedience dogs, and of course, excellent hunting companions.
Size: Shorthairs are medium-sized dogs. The standard height of a female is 21 to 23 inches (53 to 58 cm) at the shoulder and 45 to 60 lbs (20 to 27 kg). The standard height of a male is 23 to 25 inches (58 to 63 cm) at the shoulder and 55 to 70 lbs (25 to 32 kg).
Grooming: Shorthairs require very little grooming, but they DO shed. Daily brushing with a curry brush helps remove dead hair. Nails need to be kept well trimmed, and sometimes a show dog's whiskers are clipped to smooth the appearance of the face. The hairs on the tip of the tail are usually trimmed. Bathing once a week or every two weeks will keep your shorthair smelling good, as they do not give off a particularly strong "doggy" odor.
Shorthairs are loving dogs that enjoy being close to their owners. Their interest in playing seems endless (at least to their tired owners!) and they especially love fetching games (balls, frisbees, sticks..). They are equally comfortable in the field or snuggled up in bed, preferably both in the same day. Bright, sweet, energetic, intelligent and loving -- That's a SHORTHAIR!
Activity Level: The activity level of the German Shorthair is high. They need daily exercise, and will sometimes become destructive if they don't get it. Fields in which to run or a large fenced yard are the best situations, otherwise YOU will be getting a lot of exercise too! After a two mile run, a GSP is just getting warmed up.
Intelligence: GSP's are highly intelligent and love to please their owners. They make mannerly house dogs, good obedience dogs, and of course, excellent hunting companions.
Size: Shorthairs are medium-sized dogs. The standard height of a female is 21 to 23 inches (53 to 58 cm) at the shoulder and 45 to 60 lbs (20 to 27 kg). The standard height of a male is 23 to 25 inches (58 to 63 cm) at the shoulder and 55 to 70 lbs (25 to 32 kg).
Grooming: Shorthairs require very little grooming, but they DO shed. Daily brushing with a curry brush helps remove dead hair. Nails need to be kept well trimmed, and sometimes a show dog's whiskers are clipped to smooth the appearance of the face. The hairs on the tip of the tail are usually trimmed. Bathing once a week or every two weeks will keep your shorthair smelling good, as they do not give off a particularly strong "doggy" odor.