What Are German Shorthaired Pointers?

We own two GSPs and they couldn't be more different. Our male is the breed standard: Just under 25 inches, weight in the mid to high 50 pounds range, lean, very muscular and a high set tail that's always up (unless he has been a bad doggie). It is customary to have the tail docked 60% (not a must) and the dew claws removed (a must). GSPs have long muzzles and broad ears that are set high and lay close to the head. He is agile, fast and has the most beautiful point (Head and tail on the same plane, paw up).

Our female is the breed anti-standard. Loose skin, soft, lazy, tail set low and wouldn't know a point if she ran into it. As a matter of fact, I don't think she knows how to lift her tail up over her body. And those feet...she has the most spread apart, webbed feet.

But, she has a gorgeous face and has given birth to two fantastic litters. All the pups got dad's body and mom's face. Lucky us.

GSPs have short, coarse hair that require very little grooming and they are average shedders.

GSPs are, for the most part, cheerful dogs and extremely intelligent. They are great with kids and tend to have a special fondness for smaller children. They are great family dogs but they will choose one to be closest to. This goes back to the purpose of the breed, to hunt and to bond with the hunter/trainer. Regardless of which family member they have the special bond with, they remain loyal and loving to the rest of the family.

GSPs do tend to be a little hard headed and obedience training is a good idea if you are not going to have them trained for the field. They also make great Agility Dogs and this training would be great for them also. GSPs were bred to do a job and are happiest when they have tasks to perform.

Male GSPs that aren't fixed do not always mesh well with other male dogs and both young males and females should be "socialized" and trained if you have other small animals around (cats, very small dogs). Needless to say, these are bird dogs and will do everything in their power to go after birds. Don't have a bird in the house if you are going to own a GSP!

GSPs are a high energy breed that require consistent vigorous exercise and a firm, yet calm, hand. If you live in an apartment of close quarters neighborhood this may not be the best breed for you. Exercise is best done off lead and on a daily basis.
If you have a fence, it should be at least 6 feet high as GSPs are escape artists and some of them are "runners".

GSPs tend to have separation anxiety and it is best to box (kennel) them when they are young and you are not home. Doing this at a young age will lead them to believe that this is how things are. If you wait until they are older, they will not take well to being put in a kennel. If you give them the run of the house when you are not home and are gone extended periods (hours), be prepared to find chewed/destroyed furniture, bedding, anything left on the floor and quite possibly drywall.

You have been warned!

Now that you have your new dog, or you have been thinking that your dog's behavior isn't really as good as it should be, you need to have an understanding of why dog training is so important for you and your dog. Dog training and dog obedience training isn't really a hard thing to do, because the number one thing your dog cares about is your happiness. If you are happy with your dog's behavior, your body language tells your dog how happy you are, and he is happy too. This point is the number one thing people forget when they are dealing with a "bad dog"...a dog's number one goal is to please you.

Get more information on the importance of dog obedience training by visiting Dog Training Dog Obedience Training