How to Identify a German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a popular pointing breed from Germany and a member of the sporting group. [1] Bred as versatile hunting dogs, GSPs have experience hunting a wide variety of prey, such as birds and game including raccoons and rabbits. [2] As one of several pointing breeds, German Shorthaired Pointers naturally have much in common with other dogs, but they do have some notable characteristics that can be used to distinguish them. This wikiHow will help you recognize those key traits so you can easily identify a German Shorthaired Pointer.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Considering the Structure

  1. German Shorthaired Pointers are medium-sized dogs. Males have a height of 23–25 inches (58–64 cm) and weigh 55–70 pounds (25–32 kg), while females are slightly smaller, standing at 21–23 inches (53–58 cm) in height with a weight of 45–60 pounds (20–27 kg). [3]
  2. A GSP's head is clean-cut and reasonably broad with arched sides and a slightly rounded top. It is properly proportioned with the dog's body. [4]
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  3. The eyes of a German Shorthaired Pointer are almond-shaped and medium in size. They are dark brown in color, appear neither protruding nor sunken in the dog's head, and give the dog an expression of energy and intelligence. [5]
  4. GSPs have broad, high-set, flat-lying ears that are placed just above the level of the dog's eyes. The ears reach near the corners of the dog's mouth, though heavier dogs may have slightly longer ears. [6]
  5. A German Shorthaired Pointer's muzzle is of sufficient length, about equal to the length of the skull, to allow the dog to carry prey for long periods of time. The muzzle's depth is proportionate. The nose is large and brown with broad, well-opened nostrils, and the lips are deep and full without being flewy. The teeth are strong and meet in a scissors bite. [7]
  6. The paws of a GSP are compact and range from round to spoon-shaped. They are close-knit with arched toes that are heavily nailed. The pads are thick, hard, and strong. Any dewclaws may be removed. [8]
    • A GSP's paws are also webbed. [9]
  7. German Shorthaired Pointers typically have a docked tail which is firm and high-set. When the dog is quiet, the tail hangs down, and when the dog is moving, it is held horizontally. [10]
  8. GSPs are symmetrically built, well-balanced, and adequately muscled. They have a downward-sloping neck, a deep chest, sloping shoulders, straight legs, sprung ribs, and a short but strong back. Their gait is lithe and smooth with good reach and drive. [11]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Checking the Coat

  1. As their name suggests, German Shorthaired Pointers have short coats. While the coat may be somewhat longer on the backs of the haunches and underside of the tail, it is overall short on the entirety of the body and shorter, thinner, and softer on the head and ears. The coat is thick and tough to the touch. [12]

    Did you know? Alongside the German Shorthaired Pointer, there is also a German Wirehaired Pointer and a German Longhaired Pointer. [13] [14] Their most notable differentiating trait is their coat length and quality - each have coats that match what their names suggest - though they do have a few structural differences as well.

  2. GSPs may be either solid liver or liver in some combination with white. Liver and white dogs may have patterns such as ticking, patches, or roan. [15]
  3. A German Shorthaired Pointer's coat is fairly easy to care for, only requiring brushing every few days and occasional bathing. Despite the coat's short length, GSPs are regular shedders, and they shed especially during shedding seasons at certain points each year. [16]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

  1. German Shorthaired Pointers are a sporting breed and require lots of exercise each day. At least an hour of exercise daily can help meet these needs. [17]
    • Be aware that if they don't get enough exercise, they may try to exercise themselves or become destructive. [18]
    • Young GSPs may appear to have even higher energy levels and bounce around if not trained, which may also lead to potential destruction. [19]
  2. GSPs typically do fine with other pets. Some, however, may show signs of aggression toward other dogs of the same sex or chase other small animals. [20]
  3. Though they are trainable, German Shorthaired Pointers may become bored or distracted and appear disobedient and independent. Their natural independent streak that comes from their hunting heritage may potentially complicate training. [21]
  4. Overall, GSPs are very adaptable dogs. This can make them either very friendly toward or reserved around strangers without appearing aggressive and can enable them to be keen watchdogs. [22]
  5. German Shorthaired Pointers are good-natured and form strong bonds with their owners. Exercising or playing to meet their energy needs can further strengthen these bonds. [23]
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      Tips

      • If you wish to know your own dog's breed, consider using a DNA test. DNA testing will confirm if your dog is a German Shorthaired Pointer.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shorthaired-pointer/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shorthaired-pointer/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shorthaired-pointer/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GermanShorthairedPointer.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GermanShorthairedPointer.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GermanShorthairedPointer.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GermanShorthairedPointer.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GermanShorthairedPointer.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shorthaired-pointer/
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GermanShorthairedPointer.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GermanShorthairedPointer.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GermanShorthairedPointer.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-wirehaired-pointer/
      5. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-longhaired-pointer/
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GermanShorthairedPointer.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shorthaired-pointer/
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/german-shorthaired-pointer-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/german-shorthaired-pointer-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/germanshorthairedpointers.html
      11. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/germanshorthairedpointers.html
      12. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/german-shorthaired-pointer-temperament/
      13. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/germanshorthairedpointers.html
      14. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/german-shorthaired-pointer-temperament/

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