German Shorthaired Pointer Facts

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile hunter that’s easily trained. And there’s a lot you’ll want to know about this intelligent breed. So here are the top German Shorthaired Pointer facts.

Well-Rounded German Native

This dog was developed in Germany as a pointing dog for hunting birds. It is known there as the Deutsch Kurzhaar. While it is primarily a bird dog it’s also used as an all-around hunting dog that can track just about any type or size game.

Help From A Prince

Different from most breeds, this one actually had help getting started from a royal. German Prince Albrecht Zu Solms-Bronfels was inspired by the look and hunting skills of the German Shorthaired Pointer which was not yet recognized as an official breed at the time.

He pushed to have the breed registry created in 1872 and not long after the first dog, Feldman I, became the first official German Shorthaired Pointer. The prince also started a school with specific methods for evaluating the hunting abilities and conformation of the breed.

Texture Makes A Difference

The texture of the German Shorthaired Pointer coat has a very important function. Its job is to protect this hunting dog in a wide range of weather conditions and terrain. It is dense and hard to the touch. And this helps to prevent injury in the thickest of brush and even thorns.

The texture of the coat is also vital for keeping the dog warm in cold weather and also cold water. In fact, the coat is so dense that dogs can be hard to wet down. The water will actually form beads on the top of the coat unless the dog is thoroughly drenched.

Dewclaws Removed

Typically German Shorthaired Pointer puppies will have their dewclaws removed shortly after birth. This is done to help protect the dog when hunting. If they are left intact, they can easily catch on the brush and be torn out as the dog is running. This is not only painful but causes heavy bleeding.

Traditionally Docked Tail

This breed is one that traditionally has its tail docked. Similar to dewclaw removal this is for the safety of the dog when it’s out hunting in the field. If you’re lucky enough to see these dogs work, you’ll notice their tails wagging furiously when they’re on a hunt.

By docking the German Shorthaired Pointer tail it helps to prevent it from striking trees and breaking in the heavy brush. Longer tails also can take much longer to heal when damaged. That’s because they are often re-injured each time the dog’s wagging tail strikes something.

Heart Issues

While it is considered to be a healthy breed, some of the  German Shorthaired Pointer health issues are heart-related. For example, subaortic stenosis (SAS) and mitral valve disease are both inherited problems known to affect the breed. Heart murmurs are also a concern as well.

Noble Canine

This is a dog that has an elegant and distinguished appearance. In fact, the American, German, and international German Shorthaired Pointer breed standard all describe it as noble in appearance. It’s a dog that is refined and graceful in both looks and movement.

Like Glue

One of the facts about German Shorthaired Pointer dogs that prospective owners should know is that this breed gets very attached. This is a dog that will lovingly follow and want to be with you at all times. It sticks to its owner like glue.

This comes from its roots as a hunter that works very closely with its master, therefore, forming a strong bond. It’s also undoubtedly a result of the fact that the breed was typically kept as the only dog in the home that functioned as a family companion and protector as well.

Fairly New

The German Shorthaired Pointer was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930. Although it was not until 1946, that the official standard for the breed was written. This actually makes it a fairly recent addition when compared to many other breeds.

Color Controversy

There is a lot of controversy over which color coats are allowable in the show ring. The solid black German Shorthaired Pointer or dogs with black markings are acceptable according to the breed standard in its home country of Germany. However, in the U.S. black color on the coat is a disqualification. Therefore they are not allowed to be shown in the ring.

No Divergence In Lines

Over time many hunting breeds have developed into separate show and hunting lines that are quite different from each other. The Irish Setter is one such example. With the German Shorthaired Pointer however this has not happened, and many show dogs are also active hunting dogs as well.

High-Energy Pet

As a hunting breed, this is a dog that was developed to run and work all day long. It is a high-energy dog and this is one of the German Shorthaired Pointer facts that need to be considered before deciding on this breed. It needs an owner who is active and will help the dog to burn off its extra energy daily.

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