Known for being smart, friendly and willing to please, the German Shorthaired Pointer has a great reputation amongst pets. Loved for their ability to literally point, they may seem like a fun dog to have around. But much consideration goes into preparing to add this breed of dog to your family.

With a dog who is good-natured and easygoing, it seems like a no brainer that this would make a good pet for your family. But largely bred to be a hunting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer has lots of energy and fits best with a similarly athletic owner who will take him hiking, biking, or running.

A simple walk around your block is barely even a warm-up for a spirited pointer. If they have too much confinement, it can lead to destructive chewing, hyperactivity, and barking. Bored Shorthairs are notorious for chewing through drywall, ripping out stuffing from sofas, and turning the yard into a wasteland of giant craters.

Young pointers up to almost two years old frolic and jump with great force, and things can go flying, even people. So be aware if you have young children. Make sure the pointer gets lots of physical activity.

German Shorthaired Pointers are able to learn a great deal, but they have independent minds and are easily distracted by exciting sounds, sights, scents. Some German Shorthairs are stubborn and obstinate and some can be scheming. You must demonstrate to them, through complete consistency, that what you say is what you mean.

They are very smart dogs, even varying in their barks. For example, if they meet with a stranger, they will either give you a warning, protective bark or a welcoming bark depending on if they feel friendly toward the stranger or not. But they are not aggressive with people, only sometimes with strange dogs and some cats.

With pointers, obedience training is vital for implanting self-discipline and control, for this dog can be a bundle of extreme energy. While being exceedingly trainable, they are also easily distracted and can lose focus. So his owner needs to be patient yet firm.

These dogs are truly lovable and make fine companions for sports, like hunting. After good training, they do as they are told and love their master unconditionally. They would make a great addition to any family, they just need the right circumstances so they can grow happy and do their best to please their master.