German Shorthaired PointerCharacteristics, history, training and care
German Shorthaired Pointer. · Bonnie van den Born / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized.
The German Shorthaired Pointer (Deutsch Kurzhaar) is a versatile hunting dog that searches for, points, tracks and retrieves game, on land and from water. It has a short, harsh coat, brown or brown and white. It is firm, balanced and reliable, very intelligent and has almost boundless energy.
Quick facts
| Common name | German Shorthaired Pointer (Deutsch Kurzhaar) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | Germany |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 1954 (group 7, continental pointing dogs, with working trial; standard no. 119); also recognised by the AKC |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years, according to the AKC |
| Size (males) | 62–66 cm at the withers; about 25–32 kg (AKC) |
| Size (females) | 58–63 cm at the withers; about 20–27 kg (AKC) |
| Coat type | Short, dense, harsh to the touch |
| Common colours | Solid brown, brown and white, dark or light brown roan |
| Energy level | Very high |
| Suited to an apartment? | Not really; it needs a great deal of exercise |
| Temperament | Firm, balanced, reliable, intelligent |
| Tendency to aggression | Very low |
| Good with children | Very good |
| Good with other animals | Good with dogs; strong hunting instinct |
| Genetic predispositions | Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, heart disease, bloat |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The FCI standard says the breed's history begins with the dogs used for netting birds, especially in the Mediterranean countries, and for falconry. Through France, Spain and Flanders, pointing dogs reached the German courts. Their most important quality was pointing.
After the double-barrelled shotgun appeared, around 1750, birds were shot in flight in front of the dog, and the pointing dog became a versatile hunting dog. The breed's stud book has existed since 1897, and Prince Albrecht zu Solms-Braunfeld set out the breed's traits, the judging rules and the first rules for hunting trials.
How the breed developed
- Middle Ages – Pointing dogs work in netting and falconry.
- Around 1750 – The double-barrelled shotgun appears; the dog becomes versatile.
- 1897 – The “Zuchtbuch Deutsch-Kurzhaar” stud book appears.
- 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
- 25 October 2000 – The current FCI standard is published.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★★★ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★★ |
| Independence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★★ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★★ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★★ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★★☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★★ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★★ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★★☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★★ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a noble, balanced, strong and athletic dog, with lean muscles and harmonious movement. The head is lean and clearly defined, in keeping with the dog's size and sex.
General appearance
The skull is moderately broad, with well-developed brows above the eyes. The short, harsh coat covers the whole body and is finer on the head and ears.
| Feature | German Shorthaired Pointer |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Height at the withers | males: 62–66 cm; females: 58–63 cm |
| Weight | about 20–32 kg |
| Coat | Short, dense, harsh |
| Head | Lean, clearly defined |
| Type | Versatile pointing dog |
The standard accepts solid brown, brown with small white patches or ticking on the chest and legs, dark brown roan with a brown head and brown patches, light brown roan and other combinations of brown and white.
Training and socialisation
The standard describes it as firm, balanced, reliable and restrained, neither nervous, nor shy, nor aggressive.
The AKC says it is an intelligent breed that learns quickly with regular sessions. It needs a purpose: without an activity, it can become destructive. Early training, socialisation and puppy classes are essential.
Tips for effective training
- Give it a purpose. The AKC says that without activity it can become destructive.
- Start training early. It is essential with this breed.
- Use rewards. It learns very quickly.
- Do not feed it after exercise. The AKC says it should not eat straight after running, because of the risk of bloat.
Activity needs and lifestyle
The AKC says it needs a great deal of exercise and activity: running, swimming, dog sports, anything that burns off its boundless energy, together with its owner. Ideally, it exercises twice a day, for example a brisk half-hour walk in the morning and in the evening, or a run.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk walk or run | twice a day, 30 minutes each | Boundless energy |
| Swimming | weekly | It loves water |
| Fieldwork or dog sports | several times a week | Mental activity |
Tips for a balanced life
- It suits a very active family.
- The yard must be well fenced.
- In winter it may need a coat: its own coat is short.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The AKC says the short coat is easy to care for, with a brush or a grooming mitt every few days. It does shed, however, especially at certain times of the year, and the hairs stick into fabrics and carpets.
Common health problems
The AKC says the breed is generally healthy, but it can have a few predispositions:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
| Progressive retinal atrophy | An inherited disease that gradually destroys the retina | Sees less and less well at night, then in the daytime too |
| Heart disease | Some heart conditions, including congenital ones | Tiredness, coughing, laboured breathing |
| Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) | The stomach fills with gas and may twist; this is a veterinary emergency | Swollen belly, trying to vomit without success, drooling, restlessness |
Other care
- Check the ears regularly.
- Trim the nails when they start to touch the floor.
- Brush its teeth regularly.
Diet and nutrition
The AKC says puppies under 6 months eat more than twice a day, and adults in the morning and evening. Because of the risk of bloat, it should not be fed straight after running or intense exercise.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 kg | 1,060 kcal | 1,190 kcal | 260–340 g |
| 26 kg | 1,290 kcal | 1,450 kcal | 320–410 g |
| 32 kg | 1,510 kcal | 1,700 kcal | 380–490 g |
- Leave at least an hour between exercise and meals.
- Training treats count towards the daily portion.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- Versatile. It searches for, points, tracks and retrieves game, on land and from water.
- The shotgun changed the breed. After the double-barrelled shotgun, the pointing dog became a complete hunting dog.
- A stud book since 1897. The breed's stud book has existed since 1897.
- A prince in its history. Prince Albrecht zu Solms-Braunfeld set out the breed's rules.
- Boundless energy. The AKC gives it top marks for energy.
Frequently asked questions
What does “Deutsch Kurzhaar” mean?
It means “German shorthair”, that is, the German Shorthaired Pointer.
How big does it get?
Males measure 62–66 cm and females 58–63 cm; they weigh about 20–32 kg.
Is it a family dog?
Yes, it is very good with children, but it needs a great deal of exercise.
How long does it live?
The AKC gives 10–12 years.
