GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER

German breed, developed since the XVII century with the objective of achieving a dog that was a good hunter, of feathered animals as well as furred, in land and in water and, mostly, which was very fast. This was achieved very satisfactorily and elevated this pretty dog to the court’s favorites. Its predecessors are other types of pointers, foxhounds, Italian bracos and some Spanish hunting dogs. In 1920, it was taken to the United States and its breeding began successfully amongst the hunters that now take care of its selection and development with genuine commitment. It has a great sense of smell and is able to follow a track during an entire night without necessarily seeing the prey.

PHYSICAL TRAITS of the GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER
The male’s average height, measured to the cross, is 64 cm and females are 60, which indicate that this is a medium sized breed, which has a consistent, strong and elegant stance, agile movement and a wide stride. Its head is slender, with a wide and slightly bulky skull, a long muzzle, arched nasal canal and dark nose, which can be spotted in dogs with predominant white. The eyes are medium sized and dark, and the high inserted ears are medium lengthed, smooth and droopy. The fur is short, rigid and hard to the touch; it is softer at the head and can be several colors, amongst which uniform brown, brown with white spots, white with brown spots, black with brown spots or reddish are the most common.

After many crossings, German hunters chose the pointer for its extraordinary sense of smell, energetic temperament, speed and fondness for water.

TEMPERAMENT AND ADAPTATION of the GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER
Aside from its great ability as a hunting dog, the German shorthaired pointer is very affectionate, intelligent and obedient, which has made it stand out as a company animal as well, although it doesn’t demand the master’s constant presence, it can’t stand long solitude periods which, in case they are, this can turn it into an undisciplined and destroying dog. This eagerness for destroying, if it feels abandoned, requires a firm and constant education. It is an excellent pet as long as it is provided with enough space. Living in a farm is ideal for this dog, or a house with a large yard, where it can exercise as much as it needs.

EXERCISE AND CARE required for a GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER
Its short hair demands little care, brushing it now and then is enough to keep its natural glow. Being it a medium sized dog it can live in flats, as long as the owner takes it out for walks which are necessary for its development and well being.

The pointing a hunting dog performs when perceiving a scent or seeing the chased animal is a way of alerting its master, the hunter, where the prey is exactly located.