German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is an excellent breed for active, outdoorsy families. These loving, loyal, protective dogs tend to be friendly towards children. GSPs enjoy being around people and want nothing more than to be included in family life.

This breed is usually safe around other pets and dogs. But it's not uncommon for them to display dominant behavior. Because of their hunting instincts, they love to play and chase. However, GSPs may choose unwilling playmates, such as cats or wildlife.

German Shorthaired Pointers make commendable watch dogs. And though they may be reserved with strangers, they are generally very sociable dogs.

GSPs are an intelligent and highly energetic breed. They mature later than other breeds. The resulting elongated "puppy phase" can be challenging for some owners.

German Shorthaired Pointers need plenty of activity and exercise to be happy. If they get bored, they may take it upon themselves to find things to do, which can lead to undesired behaviors, such as barking or digging.

To meet their nutritional needs, feed your GSP a high-quality food appropriate for their life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior) and activity level.

German Shorthaired Pointers are prone to bloat (also known as twisted stomach). To help prevent this condition, don't feed your dog immediately after any kind of vigorous activity. And wait at least an hour after meals before allowing them to run or exercise.

To keep your dog at a healthy weight, monitor their food intake carefully. Avoid accidental overfeeding by measuring out meals. And don't forget to account for treats in their daily calorie totals. As a guideline, treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog's calories.

The German Shorthaired Pointer's grooming needs are relatively few. Most of the year, weekly brushing is all it takes to keep the breed's coat looking good. During periods of heavy shedding, your GSP will need frequent brushing to remove loose hairs and prevent them from ending up in unwanted places.

It's also smart to trim nails regularly to keep them short and tidy. Overgrown nails can split and become painful, or lead to issues walking or running.

In addition to professional dental cleanings, establish an at-home dental care routine that includes regular daily teeth brushing. Though that may seem ambitious, maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for the overall long-term health of all dogs.

German Shorthaired Pointers have a higher exercise requirement than most dogs. Long daily walks, running in enclosed yards, hiking, and swimming are all outdoor activities that they enjoy. But the ultimate way to a GSP's heart is retrieving, whether that involves a tennis ball or frisbee.

This breed also seems to enjoy dog sports—such as field trials, tracking, agility, and competitive obedience—which provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation.

German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent, extremely eager to please, and hard-working—qualities that make them easy to train. Consistent, firm training starting from an early age and positive reinforcement techniques are the best ways to train a GSP.

As all breeds do, German Shorthaired Pointers benefit fromEarly socialization. It helps them develop into well-adjusted adult dogs.