GSPs 101

Sporting group

The German Shorthaired Pointer is no couch potato. They are a high-energy breed, and they need as much daily, heart-thumping exercise as they can get. And then they’d like to get some more.

Not surprising, they are not an ideal choice for small living spaces, at least not without families who can make a serious commitment to their dog’s daily exercise. They are an outstanding companion for active families, and an ideal running partner. The GSP is intelligent and friendly, good with children and usually compatible with other family pets. They’re easy to train and eager to please, with a coat requiring no special care.

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You'll never have a better workout partner.

The athleticism and drive of the German Shorthaired Pointer finds them enthusiastic competitors in many dog sports.

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
21 to 25 inches tall
Group Size Large
Lifespan
10 to 12 years
020
Weight
45 to 70 lbs
0150

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Mature adult GSP

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common GSP conditions

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Skin cancer

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Trauma

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Seizures

Senior GSP

9+ years

Risk level for common GSP conditions

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Arthritis

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Skin cancer

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Valvular heart disease

GSP puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common GSP conditions

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Foreign body ingestion

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Toxicity

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Urinary tract infection

Young adult GSP

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common GSP conditions

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Foreign body ingestion

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Toxicity

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Trauma

Mature adult GSP

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common GSP conditions

risk-level-bar

Skin cancer

risk-level-bar

Trauma

risk-level-bar

Seizures

Senior GSP

9+ years

Risk level for common GSP conditions

risk-level-bar

Arthritis

risk-level-bar

Skin cancer

risk-level-bar

Valvular heart disease

GSP puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common GSP conditions

risk-level-bar

Foreign body ingestion

risk-level-bar

Toxicity

risk-level-bar

Urinary tract infection

Young adult GSP

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common GSP conditions

risk-level-bar

Foreign body ingestion

risk-level-bar

Toxicity

risk-level-bar

Trauma

2-German shorthaired pointer laying down GettyImages-490735671

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The German Shorthaired Pointer is one of three breeds that share country of origin and work as versatile hunters. The German Wirehaired Pointer is one of those breeds, as is the Deutsch Drahthaar. The latter translates to “true German wirehaired,” but the Shorthair is more popular than either of the other breeds. That may be because the breed was also meant to be a family companion.

German Shorthaired Pointer coat care and colors

The German Shorthaired Pointer’s coat is easy to care for: Sleek and short, all it needs is weekly brushing and an occasional bath to keep it in good condition. The breed comes in seven recognized colors and patterns, with freckles (called ticking), or patches of solid color, often on the head.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a large dog, and that means large nails that need to be kept short. Avoid wrestling matches with adult dogs by acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails clipped. Some dogs better tolerate nail grinding rather than trimming, so experiment with which method works best. As with other drop-eared dogs, regular ear cleaning can help keep infections at bay.

How often do German Shorthaired Pointers need to be groomed?

German Shorthaired Pointers don't need much in the way of grooming. Weekly brushing and bathing as needed will keep coats gleaming. Clip or grind nails weekly to prevent nails from becoming long daggers that are painful when cut. Finally, check ears and clean as needed with a veterinary-approved product.

Do Pointers need their hair cut?

Your German Shorthaired Pointer doesn't need trimming. Brushing and nail trims will keep your German Shorthaired Pointer looking great.

Do GSPs get cold easily?

The German Shorthaired Pointer was developed where cold weather and snow are normal. Their coats aren't the thickest, though. On cold or rainy days, a sweater or jacket wouldn't be a bad idea at all.

GSP exercise & training

Full speed ahead

Exercise level

Keeping the German Shorthaired Pointer exercised helps avoid boredom and, possibly, destructiveness. An ideal running partner, this breed needs strenuous exercise daily.

Class clown

Trainability

The German Shorthaired Pointer is smart and energetic. Strenuous, regular exercise is the best tool to help this high-drive hunter concentrate.

GSP fun facts

Top girl names for GSPs

100%

of GSPs are female

0%

of GSPs are male

Top boy names for GSPs

Nationwide loves German Shorthaired Pointers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like GSPs

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