The original breeders of the German Shorthaired Pointer wanted a dog that was biddable and loyal, and they did an excellent job of cultivating these traits. Most German Shorthaired Pointers are eager to please and affectionate with their human family members. 

German Shorthaired Pointers are energetic, intelligent, and enthusiastic dogs in both work and play. They tend to love spending time with children especially, though they require supervision due to how excited they can get. They don’t get aggressive with other dogs or with strangers, but it may take a while for them to get used to new people. 

As born hunting dogs with a strong prey drive, they don’t get along with smaller animals such as cats, rodents, or birds – and German Shorthaired Pointers are more than smart enough to break into almost any cage. 

A German Shorthaired Pointer needs an active family that can keep up with their energy and love of life. However, if your family fits the bill, a German Shorthaired Pointer would be a wonderful protector and companion, whether it be out in the wilderness or at home lounging by the fireplace. 

German Shorthaired Pointers are naturally athletic and energetic dogs, and need significant amounts of exercise each day. Under-exercised German Shorthaired Pointers may develop destructive behaviors to release their excess energy. 

Most German Shorthaired Pointers will require at least an hour to an hour and a half of vigorous exercise each day, whether through a run around the park, or a swim in a lake. The German Shorthaired Pointer will rarely give up in exhaustion before their owner. They tend to enjoy two medium-length exercise sessions each day, rather than one long one. 

For almost any outdoor excursion you plan, the German Shorthaired Pointer will be up to the task. They can also excel at obedience, tracking, and agility sports, as well as nosework. German Shorthaired Pointers who are kept as housepets will need significant mental stimulation if they aren’t being put to work. It may be a good idea to give them puzzle treat dispensers and other types of dog toys so that they don’t get bored and moody. 

German Shorthaired Pointers are remarkably easy to maintain for a hunting dog with their short, smooth coat that sheds minimally throughout the year. A hound glove or soft-bristle brush can be used when brushing your dog, ideally two to three times a week, to keep their coat healthy and shiny. 

This coat does shed more around twice a year, in the spring and fall, in a phenomenon called “blowing coat”. These periods may see whole clumps of a German Shorthaired Pointer’s coat falling out. Daily brushing is recommended during this time to keep the shedding under control.

Bathing a German Shorthaired Pointer does not need to be done very often, with most needing baths only every three to four months. Their coat is also water repellent and may help to keep the dog clean of mud and dirt. 

One area that may need more care is the German Shorthaired Pointer’s floppy ears – wipe around the outside of the ear canal and check for swelling or irritation, as their ears may become a breeding ground for bacteria when wet. 

Tooth brushing should be done regularly, if not daily, to prevent plaque and tartar buildup and maintain gum health. Nail trimming can be done monthly if the dog does not wear them down naturally. 

It’s relatively easy to train a German Shorthaired Pointer, owing to their high intelligence and eagerness to please their owners. Their love of work and enjoy being given tasks by their owners, both of which make them excited and eager to train. 

However, they are prone to distractions, as their razor-sharp senses allow them to pick up on all sorts of sights, smells, and sounds that people would not notice. They’re not being stubborn or are uninterested in learning – they’re simply curious about everything. 

Short and focused training sessions with positive reinforcement for proper behavior will be the best way to teach your German Shorthaired Pointer. It’s important not to get frustrated with your dog, as they may be sensitive to your emotions.

German Shorthaired Pointers also do well with agility courses, obedience trials, and other dog sports. Really, they can be trained to fill any role, and will do so with aplomb. The key is to give your German Shorthaired Pointer tasks to fulfill so that they don’t get bored. 

German Shorthaired Pointers have a normal lifespan for their size, having a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. German Shorthaired Pointers may be prone to:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia – these conditions affecting the hip and elbow joints, causing the dog pain
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus – also known as GDV or “bloat”, this is a life-threatening condition caused by the stomach twisting and trapping gas inside
• Hypothyroidism – a disorder of the thyroid that may cause weight gain, hair loss, and lethargy 
• Von Willebrand’s Disease – an inheritable condition that causes the dog’s blood to clot poorly 

The German Shorthaired Pointer is not overly large, but they do have serious exercise needs. Adult German Shorthaired Pointers may stand between 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder for males, while females will be 21 to 23 inches at the shoulder. Male German Shorthaired Pointers typically weigh between 55 to 70 pounds, with females weighing 45 to 60 pounds.

Their energy levels and need for outdoor activities mean they’re best suited to homes with large space to move around in, as well as a fenced yard in which to play. They also bark very loudly, though not often, which may make them unsuitable for apartments. Larger homes or rural properties will give your German Shorthaired Pointer the space they need to stretch their legs and thrive.

German Shorthaired Pointers tend to bond deeply with their owners and human family, and do not do well when left alone for long periods. A typical German Shorthaired Pointer will want nothing more than to spend time working and playing with their family, so they need to be part of most family activities.