German Shorthaired Pointers were originally bred to be strict hunting dogs. But today, they are more known as loving companions to people who love the outdoors. This is for the simple reason that they have evolved into domesticated dogs that retain all their hunting qualities whilst adapting to social environments that expect love and companionship from them.

Generally speaking, German Shorthairs are energetic, intelligent, and unexpectedly cheerful. They are extremely comfortable around people and display a distinct eagerness to constantly please their masters. They are safe to have around kids and are easily integrated with other pets around the house, if need be. German Pointers have great potential for possessing all these positive traits, the key here is to start puppy training as early as possible. Socialize your German Shorthaired puppy as early as possible and expect nothing but good results.

Just a side note on having German Shorthairs around children, keep in mind that their size is still something to keep under consideration. There may be times that they accidentally knock over small children. They may have the best intentions but just won't know how to express these feelings when it comes to children. Just as a precaution, still make it a point to supervise young children around German Shorthairs. German Shorthairs will never intentionally hurt their little companions, but it is always better to be on the safe side.

Another thing to be aware of is the fact that gender also plays a part when it comes to figuring out the temperament of German Shorthairs. Males tend to be much more aggressive and outgoing. Female German Shorthairs, on the other hand, are less dominant.

When it comes to barking, know that German Shorthairs never do this is an act of aggression. Whenever they do, they simply see it as an act of communication to alert you about a need or concern. Hence, it is important to be sensitive to your dog's needs and not misinterpret its actions.

At the end of it all, all you have to know is that German Shorthairs are incredibly pleasant dogs to deal with. They have great potential for learning all the good traits one looks for in a dog and they certainly have the capabilities to do so. All they need is a little help and guidance from you.

About the Author

Camille Goldin discusses temperament and training of German Shorthairs. Visit TrainPetDog.com to learn more about Puppy Training.