German Shorthaired Pointer
Bred to do the whole job: find the bird, point it, then retrieve it from land or water. Webbed feet, endless stamina, and no off switch worth speaking of.
Overview
The German Shorthaired Pointer was bred to do everything: point, retrieve on land and in water, and track wounded game, which is what German hunters call a versatile gundog. Most British and American gundogs specialise, and this one does not.
That versatility produced an athletic, driven, tireless dog, and it is the reason the breed is so often rehomed by families who wanted a handsome pet.
Temperament
Enthusiastic, affectionate and relentlessly energetic. GSPs are good with children, sociable with other dogs, and intensely attached to their people.
They are sensitive and biddable and they are not calm. A GSP without serious exercise is destructive, and they are prone to separation anxiety. They also have a high prey drive and will hunt cats given the chance.
Care and grooming
A short hard coat, a weekly rub down, moderate shedding. Very easy.
Hip dysplasia, entropion and von Willebrand's disease occur, and this is a deep chested breed so bloat is a real risk. Ten to twelve years is normal.
Living and exercise
Two hours a day minimum and they can do far more. Running, hiking, field work, agility and swimming all suit them.
They have thin coats and feel the cold, so winter work needs a coat. This is a superb dog for an active outdoor household and a genuinely poor one for anybody else.
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