The German Shorthaired Pointer Community

The German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the most capable and versatile of all gundog breeds, a German hunting dog developed in the nineteenth century to perform the full range of hunting functions - pointing game, tracking wounded quarry, retrieving from land and water, and working across every type of terrain - in a single, athletically capable dog. The breed was developed in Germany through crosses of German hunting breeds with English Pointers, producing a dog of exceptional working ability, intelligence and physical versatility. Registered by the Kennel Club in the Gundog Group, the GSP has become one of the most popular gundog breeds in the UK, though it is also one of the breeds most frequently surrendered to rescue when owners discover the true scale of its exercise needs. The appearance is athletic and purposeful: a well-muscled, medium to large dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat in liver, liver and white, black or black and white. The characteristic liver colouring is perhaps most associated with the breed. Adults typically stand 53 to 64 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 20 to 32 kilograms. The overall impression is of a capable, energetic, beautifully constructed working dog. The character is defined above all by energy, intelligence and enthusiasm. The German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the highest-energy breeds available as a companion dog and this is the single most important fact for prospective owners to absorb before acquiring one. It needs two or more hours of vigorous, sustained daily exercise - not a gentle stroll but running, swimming, retrieving and other high-intensity activity. A GSP that receives adequate exercise is a devoted, settled and remarkably good-natured family companion. One that does not is a significant management challenge. The breed is enthusiastic and genuinely friendly - it loves its own family deeply, is excellent with children, and is welcoming rather than suspicious of strangers. It is not a guarding breed and its instinct is companionship and activity. It can be exuberant and boisterous when young, which requires management around very small children. Intelligence is high and the GSP is among the more trainable working breeds. It responds extremely well to positive, reward-based training and can excel in gundog work, field trials, agility, obedience, canicross and other active disciplines. Training from puppyhood is strongly recommended and professional guidance is valuable for first-time GSP owners. Hip and elbow dysplasia are the primary health concerns and both parents should be tested before breeding. Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-tested breeders range from £800 to £1,500. Monthly running costs average £120 to £190. The German Shorthaired Pointer Club is the primary resource for breed information, health testing, responsible breeders and rescue contact.