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German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer (known in Germany simply as Kurzhaar, or “Shorthair”) was developed from 18th century to a more recognisable breed in the early 19th century. As the German aristocracy broke up, the changes in availability of guns and dogs meant that one dog that could point, retrieve, track wounded game and was good at water work was very much in demand. The breed was developed from European hunting dogs; dogs that pointed, “held” game for netting and tracked game. This is not well documented.
The “Kurzhaar” Studbook was established late in the 19th Century to continue the development of the breed. A cross to solid black English Pointers not only improved the breeds hunting qualities, but introduced the solid colour and the black colouring to the breed.
From early times, the Club Kurzhaar, responsible for the studbook in Germany, promoted an attitude of “through performance to type”, and to this day, performance in the field is the most important consideration, although standards for good conformation and soundness are dictated by the club.
The result is an athletic, energetic dog that air scents, points, retrieves on land and water with a gentle mouth and tracks (ground scent).
They are very intelligent, affectionate and love their families. They are very easy to maintain. Their short coat needs very little grooming – a game with the hose or a swim in a dam or at the beach is all they need to keep clean. You rarely notice their shedding hair.
They come in some striking colours: black OR a deep dark brown that can have any combination of white ticking and flecking and patches.
In Australia, dog breeds are separated into 7 groups. German Shorthaired Pointers belong to Group 3 – Gundogs. For a list of all the breeds in Group 3 – Gundogs, please visit the Australian National Kennel Club.
For enquiries about owning a German Shorthaired Pointers, please contact: The German Shorthaired Pointer Club Victoria, The German Shorthaired Pointer Club SA, German Shorthaired Pointer Breeders on Dogzonline.
Personality
Activity Level
Size
Food
Environment
German Shorthaired Pointer Personality:
The breed makes a very affectionate family dog. All retrieving dogs tend to be gentle. GSPs love kids, but supervision is always advised for two reasons. Firstly, you do not want the kids accidentally hurting the dog and secondly, you do not want the dog accidentally hurting the kids, if an overly playful GSP gets a bit too boisterous.
GSPs have a sense of humour and can act the clown. They will entertain you and love it when you laugh. Nothing makes them happier than playing a game with you such as fetch, doing tricks, cuddling on the couch or a more physical game of tug.
German Shorthaired Pointer Personality:
The breed makes a very affectionate family dog. All retrieving dogs tend to be gentle. GSPs love kids, but supervision is always advised for two reasons. Firstly, you do not want the kids accidentally hurting the dog and secondly, you do not want the dog accidentally hurting the kids, if an overly playful GSP gets a bit too boisterous.
GSPs have a sense of humour and can act the clown. They will entertain you and love it when you laugh. Nothing makes them happier than playing a game with you such as fetch, doing tricks, cuddling on the couch or a more physical game of tug.
German Shorthaired Pointer Activity Level:
A German Shorthaired Pointer is very active, but one good walk a day (with some free running) usually does the trick. The rest of the time they are happy to settle. If they miss more than one day’s exercise, you might expect them to get a bit stir crazy.
It is also very important to exercise a GSP’s brain. This intelligent breed needs some training, or they can be a little delinquent. Just a short session each day doing some training and you will have a well behaved energetic companion. They respond well to positive reinforcement training. It might be something as simple as teaching them how to calm down or getting them to pay attention to you by teaching a few tricks. It does not have to be “formal training” but if you enjoy your training, the breed does well in some of the canine performance sports including agility, noseworks, gundog work, tracking, search and rescue or rally obedience.
German Shorthaired Pointer Size:
No weights are described on the “breed standard” but “course conformation” is a serious fault. Never let your GSP be overweight. You should be able to feel their ribs, although the ribs should not stand out too obviously when they are standing comfortably.
Height at the withers: Dogs 62-66 cms Bitches 58-63 cms
German Shorthaired Pointer Food:
GSP’s will happily eat a varied diet, so mixing Taste of the Wild formulas is recommended. When changing formulas, gradually introduce the new formula with the old. They love their food, so do not let them get overweight.
Keep freshwater available at all times.
We recommend speaking to your breeder for further dietary advice.
German Shorthaired Pointer Environment:
They have a great life with an active family, a medium sized yard will be fine so long as they get their daily exercise. Some training and human interaction time is essential. They love to be with their humans. They can be “outside dogs” but they prefer closer contact with their family.
German Shorthaired Pointer Breeders:
| Breeder Name |
Le Hammer and Keith Edwards |
| Kennel / Prefix Name |
Fenrik German Shorthairs |
| Recommended Food | All Taste of the Wild formulas |
| Email Address |
fenrikgsp@icloud.com |
| Phone Number | Le: 0499 944 800 Keith: 0428 980 840 |
| Website | |
| State | NSW |
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