The German Shorthaired Pointer: A Great Family Pet

German Shorthaired Pointers are an excellent choice for a family pet. They prefer to be in a home with active people, where they can get all the exercise they require. They are very good with children, but can become very boisterous. They are excellent watchdogs also. These dogs are intelligent, bold, affectionate, cooperative, and easily trained. They are also loyal, friendly, and fun. They even rank 17^th in Stanley Coren's, The Intelligence of Dogs.

The German shorthaired pointer was bread to have powerful and strong hindquarters. This made it to where they could move rapidly and turn quickly and easily. They are distinguished by many characteristics.

Their long flop ears are high on their head; their muzzles are long, broad, and strong. This makes it easier for them to retrieve even a heavy game animal. They normally have brown eyes and their tails are docked. Docking of tails has become prohibited in some countries however. They have webbed feet and a short, flat coat with a dense undercoat. Stiff guards protect the undercoat. This makes the hair water resistant. Colors of the German Shorthair are liver (dark brown, never to be confused with chocolate or chestnut), Black (which disqualifies them from AKC shows), and sometimes wither color with solid white. Nearly solid or ticked coloring is also common. You will also find some have saddles, which are large patches of solid color.

The German Shorthair normally stands 21 to 25 inches tall at the withers and weighs anywhere from 45 to 70 pounds. This size classifies them as a medium dog. Their life expectancy ranges form 12 to 14 years with 16 to 18 years not being uncommon.

They descended from old Spanish Pointers around the 1600's, but many other breeds were used to create the German shorthaired pointer. Some of these breeds were, Dalmatian, wimeriner, vizsla, and the English wolfehound. They are excellent working dogs that require a lot of exercise. Without the proper amount of exercise, these dogs can get built up energy, in which they will release by amusing themselves. This could lead to hyperactive and destructive behaviors. This breed can be used for several types of hunting. It can be used as a pointer, a retriever, upland game bird dog, and a waterdog. When on point the dogs' tail should make a straight line with its head and body.

Although normally this is a very healthy breed of dog, it can sometimes come with hereditary disorders. These disorders can be a narrow nose and air passages, which cause gagging and difficulty breathing, hip-dysphasia, genetic eye disorders, epilepsy, skin disorders, and cancerous lesions in the mouth, on the skin, and other areas of the body.

The German shorthaired pointer is a great addition to any family looking for an energetic, fun, loving protective pet, and hunting companion. With its well-structured body, and wonderful personality, it will bring a lot of joy into a home.