The German Shorthaired Pointer got his start in Germany in the 19th century when the dogs were originally used for hunting. They are noble canine who were built to withstand long days fetching ducks from the lake or disrupting grouse from the field. The GSP is over course an active dog who is always looking for an opportunity to run, swim, or do anything that will burn off extra energy. This breed of dog is most likely a cross between the German bird dog and other species of German scent hounds. The English pointer may have also been bred with the GSP to give this breed a bit of sophistication.
The German Shorthaired Pointer also makes a great family dog, especially if that family is active and always on the go. They are alert dogs who are quick to jump into action with their protective nature. And while they will
bark when someone comes to the door, they are not aggressive dogs. That being said, it takes a certain type of family to raise a GSP because that family must be willing to live with a dog who is energetic, strong and even challenging at times. If you aren’t willing to stimulate both the body and the mind of a GSP then this isn’t the dog for you, or your family. If left alone for too long the GSP will begin to take matters into his own hands. He’ll dig up the yard or climb the fence to explore the neighborhood. The more stimulation one can give a GSP, the happier the dog will be.
If you choose to adopt a GSP then like most dogs, he’ll need to be trained, both on and off the leash. After all, they do enjoy running and learning how to run off leash is critical for their safety and well being. Your GSP will need at least an hour of exercise a week.
Because the GSP is so large and enthusiastic he’ll also need to be trained how to behave around children as well as pets. Their weight when fully grown is anywhere between 40 to 70 pounds. They are strong enough to knock over a small child and at the same time, they may even chase other animals you have in the home. Unless raised, and supervised around cats or birds, this is one dog that might do best without those two animals in the home. He might consider them to be prey.
Begin training your GSP from an early age because he will certainly come with a mind of his own. While training your new puppy, be sure he learns how to be social around other puppies and dogs as well.
The GSP requires little grooming but he’ll still need to be brushed at least once a week. He’ll also need baths as well as regular nail trims. Their coat is water repellent and their thick but short hair is coarse when you touch it. They are either solid liver, liver and white, liver and white patched, liver roan, or any combination of these colors.
All dogs may develop genetic health issues at some time during their lives, and the GSP is no exception. And while the GSP is generally a healthy breed, they are subject to certain conditions that one should be aware of.
Hip Dysplasia occurs when there the hip socket doesn’t form properly. A GSP may need expensive surgery in order to correct hip problems as he or she grows older. This can also result in arthritis later on in a dogs life. The good news is, however, that hip dysplasia is less common in the GSP than it is in other breeds, but it is something to keep in mind before bringing one home.
The GSP is also prone to cancer, eye diseases and skin issues. One eye disease in particular is called cone degeneration and while it is not common, breeders can be aware of it through DNA testing. If a parent has cone degeneration then the breeder has the ability to stop it from being passed down to the next generation of puppies.
The best way to keep the GSP healthy is to make sure the breeder has done everything they can to ensure a healthy lineage. Before GSP puppies can be included in the Canine Health Information Center database the GSPCA requires that the puppies have hip evaluations from the Orthopedic Foundation For Animals. The GSP should also have an eye evaluation every year until they are six years old and then after that the exam should be conducted every two years.
For more information about the German Shorthaired Pointer, be sure to visit www.vetstreet.com/dogs/german-shorthaired-pointer#health.
Today we would like to thank www.vetstreet.comfor helping us with this post. Be sure to visit their website to learn more about your favorite breed of dog.
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