German Shorthaired Pointer

The sportsman who likes to do his hunting in a somewhat leisurely manner would do well with the German Shorthaired Pointer. This dog is fairly new to America and is a great dog for pointing game and retrieving from land and water. This dog is all business.

The German Shorthaired Pointer originated in Germany, but the basic stock of this breed was the old Spanish Pointer. This stock was crossed with various other breeds to develop desired characteristics for the sportsman. The first cross was with the Bloodhound. This cross brought a stronger nose, greater intelligence, and a better trailing ability, along with bigger bone, less speed, and greater size. This dog was not entirely satisfactory, so a cross with the Foxhound was attempted. This resulted in a dog that had the desired speed, but with this speed the dog lost some of its pointing instinct. Early breeders finally crossed the Spanish Pointer with an English Pointer. After several generations the resulting dog had great versatility, was able and willing to track down ground game, pointed instinctively with a sure location, and had strength and fortitude.

The versatility of the German Shorthaired Pointer has attracted attention among American sportsmen. In Minnesota, Michigan and other nearby states where there is a varied game supply he is growing in popularity. This type of environment allows full use of his abilities. He has a kind and mild disposition, meaning he is seldom quarrelsome.

The German Shorthair Pointer is not intended for speed, which is good since he is not a fast dog. His rugged, somewhat bulky makeup prevents him from being speedy. It is the nature of this dog to work his ground carefully and with his keen nose he can pick up the faintest scent. If the scenting conditions are good he will travel with nose held high.

The general appearance of the dog is created in the observer's eye that of an aristocratic, well-balanced, symmetrical animal indicating power, endurance and agility with a look of intelligence. The German Shorthaired Pointer should give the impression of a medium-sized dog. The skin should look close and tight. The hair should be short and thick and feel tough.

The male dogs weigh from 55 to seventy pounds and stands from the shoulders down about twenty-three to twenty-five inches. The female weighs from 45 to sixty pounds and stands from the shoulders about two inches shorter than the male

Additional information on the German Shorthaired Pointer can be found at the website for the American Kennel Club.