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German Shorthaired
Pointer
Dog Breed Information
German Shorthaired Pointers trace their origins back about
120 years. They originated in Germany, where breeders wanted to
develop a rugged, versatile hunting dog that would work closely
with either one person or a small party of persons hunting on foot
in varied terrain; from the mountainous regions of the Alps, to
dense forests, to more open areas with farms and small towns. The
breed the Germans desired had to have a coat that would protect
the dogs when working in heavy cover or in cold water, yet be easy
to maintain. The goal was to develop a wire-coated, medium sized
dog that could:
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Search for, locate and point upland game
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Work both feather and fur with equal skill
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Retrieve water fowl
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Be a close-working, easily trained gun dog
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Be able to track and locate wounded game
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Be fearless when hunting 'sharp' game such as
fox
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Be a devoted companion and pet; and
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Be a watchdog for its owners family and property.
GSP's are extremely devoted dogs. When raised in a home with one owner,
they become very definite one-person dogs. When raised in a home with
several people, including children, they become devoted to the whole
family, although some dogs may attach more strongly to one member
of the household. Young GSP's are typically fun loving and playful
and with proper supervision for both children and animal, GSP's and
kids do very well together. On the other hand, an adult GSP that has
not been raised with children may need strict supervision if sold
into a home with young children.And, as with any dog, very young children
should be taught to properly handle a puppy, as well as to understand
the difference between playing with a dog and hurting it.
GSP's make superb companion dogs and pets. In fact, they crave human
companionship, doing best in a home where they are permitted a very
warm, close relationship with 'their people'. They are one Sporting
Breed that does not make a good kennel dog, nor a dog that lives all
its life in a backyard with little contact with humans.
The GSP is a complex breed. Intelligence, strong
desire to please, sharpness are all qualities that make up the typical
GSP. Many, GSP's have have a clown-like side to their personalities.
They can be active, busy dogs that amuse themselves with various
games. However, they are not 'hyper' dogs. In general, there are
few more loving or interesting breeds.
It is their intelligence, however, that can become the GSP's downfall.
Without interaction with their family, GSP's can become easily bored.
Without mental stimulis, they can become destructive and noisy in
their attempt to "find something to do."
Because of their desire to please, the GSP does not require nor respond
well to harsh or heavy-handed training. Most truly do not like to
be 'on the outs' with their people, and can be corrected with a sharp
'NO!' A GSP that is treated harshly or roughly may completely turn
off, becoming fearful, sulky and/or remote, or may become a biter.
On the other hand, when permitted to develop a close relationship
with one or more people, and when trained with respect for his intelligence
and desire to please the GSP is a willing and able partner who will
continue to amaze you with his quickness to learn and his desire to
perform.
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