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History and Details of the German Shorthaired Pointer

  • 26/01/2014

Among the finest gun dogs, the German shorthaired pointer is near the top of the list. The breed, known for its reliability on the trail, has always been considered an asset to traditional hunters.

Though this dog's exact origin is not known for a fact, it emerged in Germany for hunting purposes during the 19th century and is a likely descendant of the German bird dog. It is also likely to have been a product of several other hounds from the area, as well as the English pointer.

Physically, this breed is medium sized with a streamlined figure, powerful legs and webbed feet. These features allow for its agility and speed. It has a broad, long muzzle that is strong enough to carry heavier prey. The dogs ears, set high on the head, are long and floppy, and its eyes are usually dark.

Although the tail is often made shorter by docking, certain places have made this practice illegal. When it is docked, it is important to keep in mind that the tail should balance out the body.

As for the coat, its water resistant qualities allow the dog to withstand an array of climate conditions. It has a thick, soft undercoat covered by a stiffer outer layer of hairs, which can be dark brown or black, often speckled with white. This specific coloring of the dog is ideal for camouflaging the pointer in the winter.

For the fact that this particular breed was originally created for not only hunting, but also a smooth transition to a family life, it generally has a bold, intelligent and loving personality. It can also be trained easily as it is a great working dog. Although it is good with children, it can be a bit too friendly for the younger ones and should be properly monitored with them. As for other pets, it works well with dogs but smaller animals such as cats and rabbits should be avoided, due to its natural hunting instinct.

So long as its family is active, it will have a suitable home, as it requires plenty of physical activity and loves human interaction. Training is highly recommended and even necessary for this breed because its instinct to hunt combined with its need to exercise and independent intelligence can result in some potentially unwanted effects, including seeming hyperactivity and destructiveness. This is why it is important that it does not find itself in a home with an inactive or inexperienced family.

In addition to its training, it is also imperative that it is taught to distinguish good prey from off limits animals, or the family could end up with a dog that unexpectedly brings home dead animals on occasion. It may also have the urge to run away if not exercised enough, so performing regular physical activities is necessary to prevent a feeling of physical insufficiency.

The German shorthaired pointer has earned its place as one of the top gun dogs. With its diverse range of capabilities, including its ability to hunt large, dangerous game, swimming skills and water resistance, sensitive nose for scent trailing and more, this canine can play virtually any role. Its headstrong loyalty and reliability help to make it an excellent, well-rounded hunting companion.

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