The German Shorthaired Pointer is a human family oriented and hunter dog. They need quite a bit of exercise and are just as willing to hunt as they are to play games in the yard. They can tend to roam and they are known as escape artists so a properly fenced in yard for exercise is ideal. Some say that a six foot or higher fence is necessary. They can tend to be noisy dogs. They may chase cats and other pets so early socialization is key. They like older children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the German Shorthaired Pointer male is 23 to 25 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 55 to 70 pounds. The female ranges from 21 to 23 inches to the withers and 45 to 60 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the German Shorthaired Pointer is no exception. Be on the look out for Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), epilepsy (common in dogs), and Entropion, (hereditary disorder where eyelid, usually lower one, rolls inward and irritates the cornea and can cause visual problems. Surgery can correct this condition but may disqualify the dog from shows). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The German Shorthaired Pointer has a tough, short and thick coat. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.
*Life Span. The German Shorthaired Pointer can live between 14 and 16 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The German Shorthaired Pointer comes from Germany where they were bred as hunting dogs. They may be a cross between the Bloodhound, Old Spanish Pointer, Hounds of St. Hubert and the German Pointer. They came to the United States in 1925. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1930.
Some Registries:
*German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America, Inc.
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 7 to 8 German Shorthaired Pointer puppies
Category: Sporting Group, Gundog
Terms To Describe: Agile, power, endurance, intelligent, friendly, willing to please, sensible.
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Very fast learner.
Good watch dog.
Good swimmers, webbed feet.
Even personality.
Very intelligent.
They are very healthy.
They generally like kids.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
They need obedience training.
Medium guard dog ability.
May be a one person dog.
Can be noisy.
They may roam.
*Other Names Known By: Deutscher Kurzhaariger Vorstehhund
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
Mitch Endick
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/german-shorthaired-pointer-puppy-and-dog-information-83861.html
Information on Dalmations and German shorthaired pointers please
?
In a couple of years we would like to get 2 puppies and have been quietly narrowing down our choices.
I'd like to get a Dalmation and a German short haired pointer. My questions are….
1) are these breeds well matched IYO's?? We think they are for exercise requirements, temperament etc.
2) Is either breed of a destructive temperament?? I have had dogs and puppies before (we have a very old collie who I have had from a pup, hence waiting for a couple of years
) and have had no real problems but ,y sister has huskies and they ripped her house apart!!
Just so you know, we live in the country with 10 acres of land and I work from home so would be about all day.
Any dallie or pointer owners very welcome to answer
Thanks x
i work at an animal hospital, and i know from experience that dalmatians can be more aggressive than they seem. if you have any small children be wary. they can be active or they can be couch potatoes. it all depends on the dog and the owner.
not much info on pointers, we don't see too many of them.
References :
Try the Airedale, I hope I am spelling that right. I've never owned any of the breeds but one of the scariest dogs I ever met was a dalmation. The Aierdale was a good sporting dog with a patient temperment.
References :
Here are two links about both breeds, from the AKC website.
Dalmation:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/dalmatian/
German Shorthaired Pointer:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/german_shorthaired_pointer/
They are both great dogs. Good luck with them!
References :
Mutt
These two breeds would be well-matched. Their size, exercise requirements, coat type, and nutritional needs are similar. However, training will have to be individualized. GSPs are a sporting breed and are going to have the temperment of a hunting dog. Dalmations were guardians of horse carriages, and they still carry the desire to run and chase. You may want to consider the possibility of the dogs chasing traffic. The GSP has fewer genetic concerns (hip dysplasia is #1); the dalmation has problems with allergies, deafness, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia. It would be wonderful to find a good breeder and buy a brother/sister pair of either the GSP or the dalmation.
References :
As an owner of three GSP's, I can vouch that they need loads of excersise as they have boundless amounts of energy. Good even temperaments and great family dogs, but essentially 'workers', and need a lot of stimulation! Our three usually have three good runs per day, as well as having the opportunity to work at weekends when my son takes them to shoots. As with all dogs, its the time and training given in the early part of their lives that shapes their future with you. We have been extremely lucky with our three, who have been really well behaved, and haven't destroyed anything in the house, even when left alone for several hours.
We did have a friend who had a Dally for many years, and although he was l a lovely dog, well behaved, and very affectionate, he could be agressive too, which I have heard can be a trait with this breed.
At the end of the day, it really is all down to you, and to how you train your pup.
good luck with whatever you decide to do.
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