German Short-Haired Pointers

German Shorthaired Pointers are a breed of dog that was developed in the 1800s in Germany. Their purpose during this time was solely for hunting. They are descendants from the old Spanish Pointer which was brought to Germany in the 1600s. It has been quite difficult thought to decipher how many and what dog were used to create German Shorthaired Pointers. Some believe that the most likely candidates for breeding were the schweisshund, the foxhound, the German Bird Dog, and the Italian Pointer.

About the German Shorthaired Pointer

•German Shorthaired Pointers are clean cut, lean and well balanced animals. They usually weigh between fifty five to seventy pounds and are between twenty one and twenty five inches in height.
•Their head is slightly chiseled with a long muzzle. Some lines of Shorthaired Pointers have a squarer head and have a very pronounced drop between the brow and the nose.
•Their eyes are an almond shape while the ears are broad and set up high, close to the head.
•Their lifespan is from twelve to fifteen years.
•They are powerful animals with strong hind legs which make it possible for them to move and turn quickly.
•Their coat is usually kept short and flat with a thick undercoat protected by stiff hairs. This makes their coat water resistant and helps them stay warm in the cold weather.
•The color of their fur can be a dark brown, black, or either color with white on it. It is important to know that according to the American Kennel Club, any area of black is cause for disqualification in sanctioned shows.
•The head is usually one solid color or close to it and the body is usually spotted with live or white spots. Its colors provide the dog with camouflage during the winter season; it is hard to see and identify when standing next to dead tress or in the broken snow.
•The German Shorthaired Pointer is considered a medium breed dog as the standards set for height are between twenty one and twenty five inches tall.
•Adult German Shorthaired Pointers generally weigh between forty five and seventy pounds; the female is somewhat lighter and shorter than the male.

Temperament

•German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent and affectionate dogs that cooperative with the masters and are easily trained.
•They are excellent with children although they can become quite rough and rowdy with young children.
•They love to interact with people and love it when they are given a place to get rid of their extra energy.
•They make excellent watch dogs and will usually get a long well with other types of dogs.
•Since they are natural hunters, it can sometimes pose a problem with other small pets. With the proper training however that problem can be overcome.
•The Pointer is a dog that requires a lot of physical activity and serious training. •They are best suited to owners that are confident in their abilities to train and capable of handling such energetic animals. Lack of training can make them seem unmanageable and hyper dogs and can sometimes cause destructive behavior.
•Pointers are very loyal and can be very protective of young children; especially if they are part of the family.
•Don't be fooled into thinking that by letting them stay in the backyard that will be enough exercise. If they don't get regular, vigorous exercise they are likely to hope the fence and get it themselves.

German Shorthaired Pointers are natural hunters, but if trained properly will be able tell the difference between what they can hunt and what they cannot. They make extremely loyal and affectionate pets and children love them.

P.S. Here's a German Short-haired Pointer coloring page.

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