German Shorthaired Pointer
The development of the German Shorthaired Pointer began in the 1870s when hunting in Germany was no longer restricted to the nobility. Sportsmen could not afford to keep several specialised breeds and needed a hunting dog capable of tracking, pointing and retrieving on land or in water. Original crosses included Spanish Pointers with Bloodhounds and then later with English Pointers. This breed, known as the Kurzhaar in Germany, featured superior scenting abilities, endurance, agility, and intelligence. By the early 1900s the breed was officially recognized by the various kennel clubs and the breed soon gained popularity as a true gundog on this continent as well. The German Shorthaired Pointer adapts well to both city and country life, however, be warned that this is an extremely active dog which requires plenty of exercise and play.
Height: 23 - 25" (58.4 - 58.4cm) for dogs, 21 - 23" (53.3 - 53.3cm) for bitches
Weight: 55 - 70 lbs (24.6 - 24.6 kg) for dogs, 45 - 60 lbs (20.1 - 20.1 kg) for bitches
Coat Type: The German Shorthaired Pointer's coat is short, smooth, dense and hard to the touch. The skin should not be loose or saggy, but rather tight to the body. Colors for this breed are restricted to combinations of liver and white or solid liver. Grooming is easy and quick, although ears need more attention to keep them clean.
Temperament: This intelligent and animated breed is also very friendly and companionable.
Special Interest: The selective breeding which created the polished all-purpose German Shorthaired Pointer was the result of breeding which emphasized function first, form second. However, once the desired hunting characteristics were achieved, the handsome physical features of this breed soon stabilized and became consistent in successive generations.
Classifications:
AKC: Group 1 - Sporting Dogs
CKC: Group 1 - Sporting Dogs
KC: Sporting - Gundog Group
FCI: Group 7
ANKC: Group 3 - Gundogs
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