Good-natured and adaptable, but primarily bred to be a hunting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer has a high energy level and belongs with an equally athletic owner who will take him running, biking, or hiking. A walk around the block is barely a warm-up for a vigorous German Shorthaired Pointer. Too much confinement can lead to barking, hyperactivity, and destructive chewing. Toward strangers he may be very friendly or somewhat reserved, so his alarm bark may be welcoming or mildly protective. But this is NOT an aggressive breed. Most German Shorthairs are good with other pets, but some can be aggressive with strange dogs, and some are determined cat chasers. Obedience training is a must for instilling self-discipline and control, for this breed can be a bundle of intense energy. Fortunately he is eminently trainable . . . but he does not obey blindly. Indeed, though the German Shorthaired Pointer can become focused when required to do so, he is easily distracted and does know his own mind and you need to be both patient and firm.

Is large, tautly-muscled, and athletic Has a sleek easy-care coat Thrives on vigorous exercise and outdoor activities Makes a sensible watchdog, but is good-natured and dependable with almost everyone A German Shorthaired Pointer may be right for you. Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young or not exercised enough "Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much Possible aggression toward other animals -- chasing instincts A distractable mind of his own -- tends to ignore calls and commands when an interesting sight or scent catches his attention A German Shorthaired Pointer may not be right for you. But you can avoid or minimize some negative traits by choosing the RIGHT breeder and the RIGHT puppy or choosing an ADULT dog from your animal shelter or rescue group – a dog who has already proven that he doesn't have negative traits training your dog to respect you avoiding health problems by following my daily care program in 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy

If I was considering a German Shorthaired Pointer, I would be most concerned about... To learn more about training German Shorthaired Pointers to be calm and well-behaved, consider my dog training book, It's a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will make your German Shorthaired Pointer the smartest, most well-behaved companion you've ever had. Teaches your dog to listen to you, to pay attention to you, and to do whatever you ask him to do. My dog buying guide, , will teach you everything you need to know about finding a healthy German Shorthaired Pointer puppy. Health problems have become so widespread in dogs today that this book is required reading for ANYONE who is thinking of getting a purebred, crossbred, or mixed breed dog. If you'd like to consult with me personally about whether the German Shorthaired Pointer might be a good dog breed for your family, I offer a Dog Breed Consulting Service. Once you have your German Shorthaired Pointer home, you need to KEEP him healthy -- or if he's having any current health problems, you need to get him back on the road to good health.

My dog health care book, is the book you need. Raise your dog the right way and you will be helping him live a longer, healthier life while avoiding health problems and unnecessary veterinary expenses. When you're acquiring a German Shorthaired Pointer PUPPY, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult dog, you're acquiring what he already IS and you can decide whether he is the right dog for you based on that reality. Dynamic Air Cleaner ReviewsThere are plenty of adult German Shorthaired Pointers who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics that are "typical" for their breed. Match Furnace Ac UnitIf you find such an adult dog, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you. Hot Tub Movers Chicago

Just be happy that you found an atypical individual -- and enjoy! Adopting a Dog From a Dog Breed Rescue Group Adopting a Dog From the Animal Shelter MORE OF MY ARTICLES YOU MIGHT ENJOY..... Copyright © 2000-2015 by Michele Welton. No part of this website may be copied, displayed on another website, or distributed in any way without the express permission of the author.A handsome, energetic dog, the English Pointer is one of the earliest breeds to be used for sport, dating back as far as the 17th century. As the name suggests, this Pointer directed hunters to hares and birds for what became the new 18th-century sport, wing shooting. Focused and graceful, the English Pointer is also an accomplished competitor in field trials. Should you choose a Pointer as a pet, you'll find your new puppy to be a loving, intelligent, devoted, exceedingly patient member of the family. Although this dog can be reserved with strangers, it is also extremely adaptable to new situations and will become friendly once you knows you approve.

HistoryAlthough the Pointer is believed to have originated in Spain, the breed was developed in Britain, explaining its name, the English Pointer. A number of breeds may have contributed to its evolution including the Foxhound, Spanish Pointer, Bloodhound, Greyhound, Setter and Bulldog.Pointers were first recorded in history about 1650, before hunting with guns became commonplace. Pointers made hunting easier because they would find prey, usually hare, and then stand motionless (thus, "pointing") to indicate where to find the prey, unlike Greyhounds, who would kill it. Once guns became commonplace in bird hunting, the Pointer became the dog of choice for this purpose.Within early historic descriptions, Pointers were portrayed as fierce and ferocious, nothing like the gentle temperament of the dogs in existence today. It seems likely that the setter’s role in the breed’s development resulted in a successful mellowing of the Pointer's temperament.Pointers were brought to the United States before the Civil War and became popular in the South for hunting quail.

Since then, Pointers have remained largely the same except that they have become somewhat more refined in appearance. Illustrations dating from 1786, in fact, look very much like the modern Pointer.The Pointer was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1884. Today they are members of the Sporting Group.AppearanceA powerful hunting dog with a long neck, wide head, and deep muzzle, the Pointer is compact and full of energy. In the field, the expression is alert and ready to go. At home, the expression is relaxed and can be mischievous and playful. Coat colors are black and white, orange and white, lemon and white, or liver and white, but can be solid in color, as well. When mature, Pointers stand 23 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 45 to 75 pounds.PersonalityAlthough aristocratic and dignified, the Pointer ironically can also be very sly. This truly "bird-brained" dog has birds "on the brain." Yet, it also loves to spend time with family and friends, whether adults or children.

This dog senses that it is the center of attention, and strives always to be in the midst of everything. Whether acting as your hunting companion or playmate to your children, Pointers are comfortable in just about any situation as long as it is with someone it knows. Pointers are extremely sensitive to a young child’s needs, in fact, instinctively standing patiently still if a toddler needs to balance while learning to walk.Exquisitely on task during the hunt, once home the English Pointer is once again a calm family dog. However, this is not your average pet. By instinct, it is a hunter first, and therefore needs a lot of exercise. Make sure you build vigorous activity into every day, at least for several hours. Take your dog for a couple of long runs, with you on your bike if necessary, and hunting, training for hunting, or doing trials for show. However, keep in mind that until your dog is at least two years old, overexertion can lead to bone or joint injury so a judicious approach while the dog is young is most beneficial.

Finally, in spite of your pet's good nature, make sure that you always provide the upper hand, as the "alpha dog" in charge. With timid owners or without much direction, Pointers can become destructive out of boredom. This dog needs a loving but firm owner who provides the structure it needs for best behavior.Proper EnvironmentPointers are actually relatively quiet indoors, even somewhat reserved but loving with family, and generally quite relaxed. Nonetheless, Pointers cannot tolerate apartment living and need room to run and play. Daily vigorous exercise outside as well as enough room to roam a little bit inside will keep your pet happy. You should have some acreage outside in the immediate vicinity – in your own "backyard," as it were – if at all possible, so that your pet can run and play at will whenever the need arises, and it will arise often, because this dog has a lot of energy.With hunting as its prime purpose, this intelligent dog needs to be shown firm boundaries. When is it time to hunt, and when is it not?

Once your pet learns the distinction, it will remain placid and content in its non-working time, but eagerly ready to go to work when you say so.HealthPointers can be prone to thyroid problems, hip dysplasia, and, in some cases, chondrodysplasia, also known as dwarfism, where limbs are shorter than they should be. Some dogs are nearly normal, while others have exceedingly short limbs. Even though dogs with chondrodysplasia can live normal lives, they should not be bred to avoid perpetuating the condition. Pointers can also be prone to Addison's disease, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, and demodectic mange. While all dogs can carry tiny demodex mites who live in hair follicles, Pointers can develop weakened or compromised immune systems that will result in demodectic mange. Usually a puppy disease, this most often clears up on its own. At the first sign of mange, though, seek your vet’s care because this condition can escalate quickly. Spay or neuter your pet once it has had mange even if you had originally planned to breed, because demodectic mange has a genetic link.