German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Breed Characteristics & Information

If you are looking for a dog that is athletic, agile, highly energetic, and versatile, German Shorthaired Pointers are a perfect choice. German Shorthaired pointers are great companions, and owing to their high energy, they can run around throughout the day.

So, if you want to learn more about German Shorthaired Pointer Dogs, scroll down and keep reading!

Some of the characteristic features of German Shorthaired Pointers are:

• Lifespan: Their lifespan is just like any other medium-sized dog breed, ranging from 10 to 12 years. You will spend a decade with them if you bring a German pointer puppy.
• Height: The male German Shorthaired Pointer has a size between 23 to 25 inches, while the females measure between 21 to 23 inches.
• Colour: The German Shorthaired Pointers are seen in various colours such as black and white, liver, black and liver, and liver roan.
• Weight: The males weigh around 55 to 70 pounds, whereas females weigh about 45 to 60 pounds.
• Temperament: Several factors decide the temperament of the dog, such as heredity, training, and adaptation to other animals. Usually, they are friendly. However, they might behave differently if raised in harsh situations.
• Energy Level: German Shorthaired Pointers are highly energetic and require plenty of exercise to keep them happy.

Even though German Shorthaired Pointers are family dogs, they can turn unruly and destructive if not trained properly. Apart from strengthening your bond, obedience training will also keep your German Shorthaired pointer safe.

Here are a few tips to train German Shorthaired Pointers:

• Start Early: Puppies tend to learn quickly. Hence, starting early will be better for your German Shorthaired Pointers.
• Ensure Socialisation: Expose your German Shorthaired Pointers to the world, out of their comfort zone. Take them to different places and environments, such as crowded streets, parks, etc. 
• Allow Plenty of Exercises: German Shorthaired Pointers are very fond of exercise. Therefore, one of the ways to make them happy and obedient is to make them tired with plenty of exercise.
• Be Consistent: Although German Shorthaired Pointers are an intelligent breed of dogs, training is a time-consuming process. Work with them patiently and playfully until they get a hold of the house rules.
• Go for Short Training Sessions: Don’t make your German Shorthaired Pointers train for too long, as it might bore them. Hence, start with 5 minutes and gradually increase it. However, don’t exceed it more than 15 minutes. Do it once or twice a day.
• Introduce Them to the Basic Commands: German Shorthaired Pointers are very intelligent. Hence, teaching them the basic commands like sit, stay, or come will be a cakewalk.
• Allow Positive Reinforcement: Praising and appreciation are very important when it comes to training any dog. Hence, every time your German Shorthaired Pointer listens to your commands, treat them with his favourite treat.

The following section contains those health problems that are very common to German Shorthaired Pointers:

• Infections: Just like other breeds, the German Shorthaired Pointers are very much prone to certain bacterial and viral infections such as parvo and rabies virus. If not vaccinated properly, these infections can prove to be fatal for your dogs. 
• Dental Diseases: One of the most common dog diseases is dental disease. The precursor of the dental disease is the build-up of tartar on the teeth, which gradually infects the gums and roots.
• Spinal Deformity: At times, your German Shorthaired Pointers might be born with spinal deformities, which may result in disability or spinal cord damage. Hence, if diagnosed early, rehabilitation and medication might be useful in recovery. 
• Bleeding Tumour: German Shorthaired Pointers are more prone to developing a type of bleeding tumour, Hemangiosarcoma. These tumours break open due to idiopathic reasons, giving rise to internal bleeding.
• Neurological Problems: Neurological problems are very common in German Shorthaired Pointers, which clinically manifest as imbalance, seizures, tremors, and weakness. 
• Hip Dysplasia: German Shorthaired Pointers are highly susceptible to developing hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint does not form properly.
• Entropion: It is another serious health condition wherein the eyelid rolls inward, thereby causing irritation or injury to the eyeball.
• Von Willebrand’s Disease: It is a blood disorder that affects the clotting process. This particular disease is characterised by reduced levels of the Von Willebrand factor.
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Also referred to as torsion or bloat, this is a potentially life-threatening condition wherein the stomach fills with gas or air and then twists.

The following part lists some of the tips to take care of your German Shorthaired Pointers:

• Feeding

The meal portion of your German Shorthaired Pointer depends on the age of your dog. Big dogs can satisfy their hunger with two meals a day. However, German Shorthaired Pointer puppies under the age of 6 months need to be fed more often.

• Vet Visits

Owing to their agility and high energy, they are more likely to get injured. Hence, veterinary visits at regular intervals are essential to maintain a healthy German Shorthaired Pointer. You should also make sure that your dog has received the core set of vaccinations for distemper, adenovirus, rabies, etc.

• Grooming

As by the name, you can understand that German Shorthaired Pointers don’t have a thick coat and hence require less grooming as compared to other breeds. They shed minimally during the hot seasons. The nails and ears should be cleaned to avoid related medical conditions.

• Exercise

German Shorthaired Pointers need heavy physical activity to keep them happy. They are great fans of swimming, running and dog-based sports. You can also keep them busy with certain dog toys, as boredom is not healthy for them.

It is very crucial for pet parents to understand the needs of a dog breed and cater to it. When it comes to German Shorthaired Pointers, the owners should understand their high energy requirements and should try to meet them to avoid certain unwanted and destructive behaviours.