Although German Shorthaired Pointers are reputed to come from Germany, experts have different opinions on this. As a result, the exact ancestry of this breed remains unknown.
What is known is that this noble-looking breed is intelligent, athletic, powerful, and makes an affectionate and loyal family pet. They are well known for being happy to please their owners and families.
| Weight (pounds) Male: 55-70 Female: 45-60 | Height (inches) Male: 23-25 Female: 21-23 | Lifespan (years) 10-12 | Dog Breed Group Sporting breed |
Characteristics Ratings
We rate 19 characteristics for each breed, divided into three categories:
Highest Rated – Characteristics for which this breed is rated 4 or 5 stars (on a 5 star scale).
Neutral Rated – Characteristics that rated 3 stars.
Lowest Rated – Characteristics that rated only 1 or 2 stars.
Highest Rated
- Good Family Dog
- Kid Friendly
- Low Drooling
- Friendly to Strangers
- Likes to Play
- Protective Nature
- Handle Change Easily
- Easy to Train
- High Energy Level
- Good General Health
- High Intelligence
Neutral Rated
- Good With Other Dogs
- Low Shedding
- Low Amount of Barking
- Tolerates Hot Climate
Lowest Rated
- Suitable for Small Yards/Apartments
- Good for Novice Owners
- Tolerates Being Left Alone
- Tolerates Cold Climate
General Overview
German Shorthaired Pointers, Or GSPs as they are commonly called, are excellent family dogs. They love being with their families and are good with children of all ages.
They get along well with other dogs, especially when raised together, although males can be aggressive towards other male dogs due to their inbred hunting instincts. This also means they may see smaller creatures such as cats and rabbits as prey, so early training and socialization are important to head this off.
They are generally friendly toward strangers, but their protective nature causes them to be cautious. They will alert their owners to strange people and strange noises and hence are both excellent watchdogs as well as guard dogs.
As to grooming, GSPs are low maintenance. Their short coats only need a weekly brushing and they are fine with only occasional baths.
They do shed, although not excessively, and they are very low droolers. Keeping your house clean is thus fairly easy with this breed.
GSPs need a yard with plenty of room to run and play, and most importantly a fence that is at least six feet tall. These are incredibly athletic dogs and can easily escape from fences under six feet.
Due to their love of family, GSPs have separation anxiety and are unhappy and depressed when left alone. As with all dogs that suffer from separation anxiety, this can lead to destructive behavior.
GSPs are supercharged with energy and have the stamina to run and play for hours. They need active families that can provide proper outlets for all that energy. At a minimum, they need an hour daily of intense exercise and play.
Long hikes, frisbee play, and canine sports are all excellent choices. Like all German Pointers, GSPs have webbed feet, which makes them excellent swimmers, an activity they love.
GSPs are exceptionally intelligent and eager to please their owners and are very easy to train. They learn new commands quickly and enjoy learning new things.
They are not stubborn but can get bored easily. This means training will be most effective if done in short, fun sessions.
From a health standpoint, GSTs score high and enjoy few health problems.