What is it that breeders are thinking when they breed German Pointers? It is possible that they could be considering the most handsome or beautiful dog ever to grace their kennels. On the other hand, some breeders might be considering the tasks that this particular breed may be required to do. Therefore, breeders may try to capitalize on either form (beauty), function (job) or both. At times, the importance of these two factors have been seriously debated. Many breeders started focusing on the appearance of the German Shorthaired Pointer, then gravitated to recognizing the importance of the breed's function as a hunter. Both form and function involve the coat of the German Pointer, not only for its looks, but also the contribution of the coat to the hunting function. At present, it seems that breeders are in more agreement that both the form and the function of the German Pointer are important when breeding the dogs.

There are numerous color combinations in the German Pointer. If an owner wants to "show" the dog, the dog's coat must be liver or liver and white in color if it is entered in specific dog breed conformation trials. However, some dogs of this breed may be or include orange, lemon, roan , red or black. The head is usually a solid color while the body may by speckled or patched with colors. The dogs of other coloring can enter other "show" competition events. No matter the color, the short, flat coat of the German Shorthaired Pointer is important for obedience trials.

The visible coat of the German Pointer is rough while the undercoat is more dense to provide protection from the weather extremes of heat and cold in which the dog may need to function. The rougher overcoat provides a kind of raincoat for the dog. Essentially the texture of the dog's coat is very helpful in rugged winter weather. It is possible that the coat of the German Pointer is its most important feature because the dogs might have to work in geographic areas that are wickedly cold. In essence, the German Shorthaired Pointer has to be able to work in the bitter cold and to be able to work in the water. Therefore, the short, but dense and thick coat is assists with both aspects of function. This breed can function in the water, on land, and in very cold weather.