If you’re looking for an active and lovable dog, look no further than the German Shorthaired Pointer! The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes the German Shorthaired Pointer as smart, willing to please, and friendly, originally bred to be a hunting dog. But These dogs have high mental stimulation needs, making them perfect to participate in dog sports.
What is it about these pets that makes them such wonderful companions? We’ve narrowed it down to three main traits. German Shorthaired Pointers are:
For decades, German Shorthaired Pointers (GSPs) have been athletic dogs, originally working as German bird dogs. As with most breeds in the ‘pointer’ classification, this medium-sized dog was bred to be hunting dogs, companions for out in the fields on long, tiring days.
These dogs are brilliantly bred to be trained to do their jobs – finding prey and bringing it back to their handler. All this training requires a dog to be intelligent and anticipate the needs of its owners out on the field.
Their background as hunting dogs and gundogs means that GSPs have been bred to be receptive to a reward system when training them. This means that a German Shorthaired Pointer will always strive to do exactly what its owner wants from it, making obedience training a great way to engage with your dog.
It comes with the territory for working dogs – bundles of energy. Because GSPs were bred to be able to handle long, difficult days in fields, they will naturally do well with agility training. Your German Shorthaired Pointer will want to get plenty of vigorous exercise with consistent training sessions to be mentally stimulated.
So, this is a phenomenal companion to have with you out on a hunting trip, but does this correlate well with being a great family pet? And what are they like with the rest of the family members?
German Shorthaired Pointer puppies are incredibly friendly dogs, and they are easily socialised in order to make them open to new animals as adult dogs. Their desire to please and be praised might make them a bit jealous of other dogs, but there is rarely a cause for concern in the GSP’s behaviour around new dogs.
Pointers are natural hunters, and in order to differentiate prey from a companion, the GSP will have to be exposed to other small pets from a young age. When a GSP has been raised with other animals, they will learn to live with them, but it is essential to introduce them when the GSP is still a puppy.
High-energy dogs love children. GSPs can run around with children for hours on end without tiring them out. They are wonderful family dogs and will likely develop the same fierce loyalty for your children as they do for you.
Male GSPs are more likely to be overly excited and energetic day-to-day, and they can develop certain behavioural problems if they do not get exercise and companionship.
Another consideration is that GSPs are prone to jumping, so it’s important to keep them away from any place where their jumping could be destructive. All of these issues can be kept under control with daily exercise.
A rule of thumb for pets is to try not to leave them alone for more than six hours. The maximum recommended time to leave your GSP alone is six hours, and even then, you might find some level of destruction or chaos when you get home.
It is best to provide them with adequate entertainment and engage with your dog during the day to avoid these issues that arise out of boredom.
Yes. A pointer was supposed to bark to alert its owner back when it was a working dog on a farm, and its vocal behaviour carries on with the breed today. If this is something that a landlord or superintendent doesn’t appreciate, it is important to train your dog not to bark and not to leave it alone too often.
A GSP is an incredibly active dog compared to many other breeds. The breed is known to be one of the most high-energy dog breeds available, and its energy only increases for the first six months of its life. They will calm down a little bit after a year, but they will remain a ball of energy.
German Shorthaired Pointers are brilliant companions for someone who is willing to put in the work with their dog. Having your dog by your side daily and keeping it mentally engaged is good for you and your dog, and a GSP demands that of you come rain or shine.
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