German Shorthaired Pointer Training

German Shorthaired Pointer Training

German hunters of the 1800s wanted a dog with a good nose that would point within a reasonable distance for a man hunting on foot. They wanted a dog that could retrieve both fur and feather on land and in water. They also wanted a tracker. To get such an all-purpose hunting dog they bred Old Spanish Pointers, Hounds of St. Hubert, Foxhounds, and other hounds. After adding the English Pointer into the breeding, they got a faster, more energetic dog.

Although often referred to as German Short Hair Pointer, German Short Hair, or even as the German Shorthair, the official breed name is the German Shorthaired Pointer dog. The exact origin is unknown, but it was developed somewhere in Germany about mid 1800s. The average German hunter could not afford several specialized sporting dogs. They needed one, all purpose hunting dog, good nose, reliable water retrieval, aggressive towards predators and very obedient. Several German and perhaps French scenthounds were crossed to Spanish Pointers, the results then refined by Pointers from Britain. Type was standardized by 1911 and the fame spread. It met the goal of being a versatile gundog, a superb hunting dog, keen nose, sharp eyes and mind, obedient, webbed footed and ready. It willingly trails, points and retrieves, on land or in icy waters. The first US imports arrived in the 1920s and by 1930 the AKC recognized them, the CKC did likewise about 1933.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is the ideal weekend hunter’s dog. He needs little training for hunting purposes and is a great family dog.

These dogs are successful in the show ring and in obedience as well as tracking trials, field trials, and hunting tests.

A General Appearance of the Dog

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a lean and clean hunting dog with a classic pointer head. He has a long, but not pointed, muzzle on a narrow head with large, broad ears. The eyes are almond-shaped and appear intelligent, alert and ready to go. A short tail is desired, so it is docked by 60%. Dewclaws are removed. The feet are webbed. This is a very energetic breed.

Coat Color

The only permitted colors are liver and white – solid liver, liver and white patched, liver and white ticked or roan. A liver saddle is desired in the United States. In all types the ears are lever and the nose is brown.

Coat Type

The German Shorthaired Pointer’s coat is short, dense, and sleek.

Height

Males: 23 -25 inches
Females: 21 – 23 inches

Weight

Males: 55 – 70 lbs
Females: 45 – 60 lbs