Gundog Breeds

German Shorthaired Pointer

Of all the Hunt, Point, Retrieve gundogs introduced from mainland Europe to the UK after the 1939-45 war, the German Shorthaired Pointer has been the most outstandingly successful.  He has had great success in the showring as well as in the field and boasts several dual champions - those who have won at the highest level in the field and bench.

The German Shorthaired Pointer was almost certainly developed in the kennels of Prince Albrecht zu Somsbrauenfels based on the Schweisshund, a breed renowned for its scenting abilities but rather slow.  The introduction of English Pointer blood produced a much more energetic working dog.  He gives the immediate impression of a powerful and alert dog, covering plenty of ground and standing tall.  He is only of medium size, dogs up to 64cm, but weighs up to 70lbs and it is obvious, looking at the clean and elegant outline that much of that weight is muscle. Short-backed with good bone the German Shorthaired Pointer looks every inch the excellent worker that he is.  His temperament matches his other qualities; he is keen to please and immensely loyal with an affectionate and gentle nature.

His short coat is a base colour of either liver or black with variations of white spotting or ticking, and simplicity to keep clean; a regular brush and polish with a chamois leather will keep him gleaming.  The addition of some boiled linseed to his feed will really bring out the shine.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a beautiful, elegant dog; if you have the time to give him he will make an excellent family dog; like any intelligent dog he does require firm guidance as a puppy and his energetic frame requires adequate opportunity for exercise.  If you can give him what he needs he will give you a lifetime of devoted loyalty.

To read the Kennel Club Breed Standard for the German Shorthaired Pointer click here. 

German Shorthaired Pointer Breeders

Brisbar GSP

Brisbar have a litter of liver and white dog puppies.  Born 16 May, they are ready to go to their new homes now.  Excellent pedigree, from show and working lines, they are wormed to date, KC registered and come with puppy pack and free 6 weeks KC insurance.

Price £400.  The Brsibar German Shorthaired Pointers and located near Cardiff.  For more information please call Nerys Crosier on 014467 36303 or 07854 981406.

• Shellmoaur 
• Whistlecraft 
• Recuerdo 
• Zushkhan 
• Lynwater

Selected Books

The time to make sure that this is the right breed for you is before you bring him home; if you and your Pointer are to be happy together there is plenty of research to be done.  Even if you do not intend to work him, having an appreciation of Gundog Training will help you understand why he behaves as he does. 

In addition to learning what kind of behaviour is specific to Gundogs, understanding your dog, and what his motivations are on a more general level can save a lot of confusion and misunderstandings for both you and him. Many mistakes can be avoided, and quick solutions reached if you have the basics of puppy training to guide you through all the early settling in difficulties.  It helps, too, to have some idea of basic healthcare so you can make informed judgements about whether a visit to the vet is necessary or if there is a simple remedy.  For example, many cases of upset tummies are best cured by 24 hour starvation.  The books we have chosen will be able to guide you as to whether your dog can be treated at home, or a visit to the surgery is necessary.

German Shorthaired Pointer Breed Clubs

• GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER ASSOC Mr F Alcock 0114 288 3157
• GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER CLUB  Mr H T Greenwood 01274 573079

German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue and Rehoming

Contact a Breed Club. They should be able to give you information about GSPs requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own dog, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for him.

If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions.  If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.