German Shorthaired Pointer

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German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired Pointer Characteristics

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Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
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German Shorthaired Pointer Breed Information

Breed Group: Sporting

Weight: Male: 55-70; Female: 45-60 lbs

Height: Male: 23-25; Female: 21-23 inches

Color(s): liver or combinations of liver and white

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Overview

The German Shorthaired Pointer is an all purpose gun dog capable of excellent abilities in both field and water. They are well balanced with an elegant head and are lean in body. This breed originated in 19th century Germany by hunters who required a dog that was serviceable for men hunting on foot.

Character

The German Shorthaired Pointer is an active breed that is responsive, affectionate, and gentle. They are friendly and willing to please. They do not have a flighty or nervous disposition, but may become easily distracted.

Temperament

This breed is high energy, willing to please their master, and very smart. They are happy and friendly and get along well with children. They will also get along well with other dogs and cats provided that they are introduced to them and raised with them from puppy-hood. This breed does enjoy barking. They are loyal and protective, and prefer to be indoors with their family.

Care

The German Shorthaired Pointer is extremely easy to groom. They must be brushed regularly with a stiff bristle brush. It is important to check this breed's feet after exercising and working. They must be dried thoroughly after strenuous activity to keep them from becoming chilled. This breed is an average shedder. They are generally healthy, but can be prone to such problems as ear infections, hip dysplasia, and skin cancer.

Coat

The German Shorthaired Pointer's coat is of a harsh texture. It is short, flat and thick and is of a dense nature, which makes it water resistant. The coat may be solid liver in color or a combination of liver and white spotted and liver roan.

Training

The German Shorthaired Pointer is easily trained, but can be stubborn. They require patient, firm, and consistent guidance. They excel in obedience, agility, tracking, hunting, and flyball. This breed has a natural instinct to guard and must have obedience training.

Activity

The German Shorthaired Pointer are tireless and full of energy. Vigorous exercise is extremely important. If they are not given an appropriate amount of exercise and stimulation they become restless and destructive. They are a good family pet for the active family. This breed needs a lot of space and room to run. They must have a fenced yard.

Ask a Question German Shorthaired Pointer Questions & Answers

QUESTION: Do German shorthaired pointers have hair or fur?

Anonymous - 2/4/2012 7:31:26 PM

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QUESTION: I am married and have two small children and we just got our 8 month old gsp, the house we're living in is very small. Would our gsp be ok with living outside until we get a bigger place?

Anonymous - 1/24/2012 4:15:10 AM

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As an owner of a 10 year old female GSP, I can't recommend having her outside all the time. She could be outside while you were gone, but when you're home, they want to be with you. They're very attached and tuned in to their people and need to be by your side when you're home. I do realize they are quite rambunctious and with two young kids, can be part of the riot! Playing ball inside or out will get her energy needs taken care of. And lots of walks, off leash if there's a place locally.

Anonymous - 1/29/2012 9:01:07 PM

QUESTION: I am getting a female GSP at the end if the month. I am a runner and plan on taking her with me for 4-6 mile runs daily. When can I start and how far can a puppy typically run? I also live in Ohio so the temperature is anywhere from low teens to 40s in the winter. Is she ok without a coat? Should I buy her boots to protect her paws? We run on trails.

Anonymous - 1/11/2012 12:43:05 PM

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You can't take your GSP puppy running until she is fully grown at 1 to 1 1/2 year. Running before can seriously damage her joints. A coat is definitely a good idea for the winter and in order to protect her paws against salt on the streets you should consider boots or a special wax for dog paws. Nadine

Anonymous - 1/30/2012 5:23:59 PM

I live in MIchigan, which has similar weather. If you take your GSP on streets that are salted, you might want to get boots. Also, they get ice inbetween their toes and being that they're webbed, she will start biting at them if you don't reach down and clean them out. She will LOVE running but start with fewer miles until she's a little older and can handle the distance (8-9 months). Once she's older, she'll outrun you, I guarantee it! She should be okay without a coat unless it's in the teens. I put a coat on mine when it's below 25 or so and/or windy. They have some that are waterproof that just clip underneath.

Anonymous - 1/29/2012 9:06:50 PM

QUESTION: We live in an area where everyone has underground fences. Will GSP's respond and stay in a yard like this? We do have the woods behind us so we do have some wild life also such as deer / wild turkey's.

Anonymous - 12/23/2011 9:53:11 PM

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We live in the same type area,on 2 acres. Started training our dog at 6 mo. of age on a in ground fence. It's been approx.a month, and I'm confident she is contained at this point. We haven't experienced letting her out with wild life in the yard, where I'm sure when she's out wild life would not approach.

Anonymous - 1/22/2012 10:26:19 AM

QUESTION: My wife and I love to go on long hikes and walks. At what age can a German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy begin to go on walks of 2 miles or more? Thank you

Anonymous - 12/4/2011 4:17:29 PM

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As long as the GSP is not fully grown you have to be careful not to over exercise. Ours is 3 months old and a 2 mile run seems to be fine. I wouldn't walk longer than that though until at least 6 or 7 months of age.

Anonymous - 1/30/2012 5:28:23 PM

QUESTION: How can I tell the difference between a German Shorthaired Pointer and an English Pointer?

Anonymous - 11/25/2011 11:34:02 AM

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QUESTION: I have a 16 month old male german shorthair. He weighs 53 pounds which is the same weight when he turned one year of age. He is very healthy and is fed premium puppy food. What can I expect his weight to be at full maturity? His mother weighs 50 pounds and his father weighs 75 plus pounds. He also measures 24" at the withers.

Anonymous - 11/23/2011 7:18:09 PM

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QUESTION: We have a 1 year old female spayed GSH that had developed bald spots on her neck. The hair is changing color to a copper shade that rings the balding area and washes out to her normal color. We have had it check by the vet but it continue to grow in size. No suggestions from him yet as to the cause. Everything keeps coming back normal. Area is not red, just balding and has a copper color ring in the fur that fades into white with the usual spots. Lookes like someone pulled the hair out. Any ideas or suggestions would be helpful. Skin looks healthy and is just smooth like a baby with freckles. The copper color seems to be growing and I am concerned that she is going to be a baldy.

Anonymous - 10/16/2011 12:56:09 AM

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This is just a guess, but ask your vet if the spot could be a button tumor or puppy strangles. I was told by my vet that both of these are somewhat rare conditions, but my pup had one of these. We used cortizone cream twice a day and it cleared up. Good luck.

Anonymous - 11/25/2011 2:52:19 PM

QUESTION: How can you tell how old a gsp puppy is. I have a full blooded gsp female puppy. She was the runt of the litter and was almost starved when i got her. The man told me she was 7 weeks but the vet said no way. She fit in one hand and her docked tail was still raw looking. I am guessing 2 to 3 weeks but how can I know for sure. She is eatting soggy food and drinking well. The vet gave vitamins but she is still small. How much should they weigh from 2 to 6 weeks?

Anonymous - 10/10/2011 6:49:55 PM

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QUESTION: I want to get a GSP but I also have 2 cockatiel birds. Would the GSP attack my birds to kill?

Anonymous - 10/2/2011 5:45:44 PM

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I don't think you would have any problems if you get a puppy...

Anonymous - 10/11/2011 10:52:05 AM

QUESTION: We are looking at getting a GSP, but we are worried about leaving him in a crate during the day. We both work about 8 to 9 hours a day. He would get lots of exercise in evening , but worried the dog would be too stressed out. thoughts?

Anonymous - 10/2/2011 10:30:22 AM

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GSP's do demand alot of attention and affection. I don't think I would leave one in the crate for 8 to 9 hrs. Maybe if you could come home at lunch to let it out and exercise it a bit...Just a suggestion.

Anonymous - 10/11/2011 10:51:08 AM

QUESTION: Whats the difference between GSP's & GWP's? I met a shorthair in a store on Mackinac Island and she was extremely sweet and laid back most likely from a great exercise. I know they're a highly energetic dog, thats why I want one. But will they calm down after a while and be as laid back as the one I met? I'd also like to train it to be a therapy or service dog. Would that make me able to bring it everywhere with me? I love dogs so so much. THX (:P)

Anonymous - 8/10/2011 10:17:08 AM

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gsp german short haired gwp german wirehaired pointer

Anonymous - 11/24/2011 12:42:46 PM

The older a dog is, the more laid back that it is.The close they are to the German lines, the more laid back that they are.They were initially bred by German peasants to hunt with on the masters land & were hidden in their hits with them.They love their people and are known as "velcro" dogs, they love to be with their people.They MUST have exercise, preferably with you, like running, rollerblading or lots of catch,& then snuggle on the couch!

Anonymous - 9/18/2011 10:23:38 PM

QUESTION: CAN a GSP live with a bunny?

Anonymous - 7/17/2011 9:17:02 AM

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Yes, I have two GSP's and a bunny. The bunny as of now is in a cage, but I know people who have trained their dogs to be accostumed to them, and sometimes the dog lets the bunny sit on it's head :) it's so cute.

Anonymous - 8/1/2011 9:35:17 AM

QUESTION: I have a GSP and he loves to carry around like 3 toys in his mouth at once. Why is that?

Anonymous - 7/14/2011 6:59:12 PM

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Although I do not know why I also have a GSP that wants to carry all his toys or balls at once. My concern is that his favorite ball is smaller and he picks it up 1st which scares me he may get it lodged in his throat.He is 3 yrs old now and so far never gotton choked. Amazing how much they can fit in their mouth at once.

Anonymous - 7/19/2011 9:35:51 AM

QUESTION: After I graduate and get my own home I would like to get a German shorthaird pointer. I read that they need a fenced yard... is that actually necessary? Also do they HAVE to grow up with other dogs or cats to be ok with them or will they get used to them if they come later?

Anonymous - 6/22/2011 6:33:07 PM

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My GSP lives indoors as my lap dog but has a doggie dog to go out in a fenced lot. When he has his daily run he does sometimes gets to interested in the wildlife and runs off to explore so I never let him run free without me. Also do not waste your money on a fence shorter than 6 ft, mine has jumped shorter ones without a problem. My GSP came in to my home as a puppy with 2 other dogs already here so I do not know how he would accept a new puppy coming in but I would not think with his disposition it would be a problem although he does seem to be pocessive of me at times

Anonymous - 7/19/2011 9:57:53 AM

A fenced yard would be good as German shorthaird pointers tend to run away or take little jaunts especially if their not fixed. If you get them spayed/neutered it tends to calm their urge down. Just like any other dog it will take a little bit to smell and get used to each other but they don't necessarily have to grow up with cats or dogs to like them in the future. You just have to let dogs be dogs and get to know one another. They do need lots of attendtion and room to run since they are such an active breed.

Anonymous - 6/27/2011 4:32:16 PM

QUESTION: We have a four monhth old GSP that is well behaved most of the time but occasionly he is aggressive towards us barking, growling, and even biting us with no provacation. We're not sure how to handle this behavior. Any suggestions ? Bob

Anonymous - 6/16/2011 9:01:40 PM

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German Shorthair pointers love to hear the sound of their voice so they tend to bark and growl when they are playing or in a playful mood. I believe it's a dominance thing with the aggressive attitude. He wants someone to play with but at the same time when he starts growling and being aggressive need to show him that your in charge not him. A good way to do that is if he gets too rough take him by the scruff of the neck and hold him to the ground and say NO. That lets him know that your in charge not him.

Anonymous - 6/27/2011 4:23:30 PM

QUESTION: are german shorthaired pointers good with small dogs

Anonymous - 5/30/2011 1:17:04 PM

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I have a German shorthair and a cat. My shorthair is very very tolerant of the cat, even!

Anonymous - 7/17/2011 4:19:02 PM

German Shorthair Pointers origianlly came from the peasant land in Germany and had to be tolerant of small children poking at them as well as other family pets being around them all the time. They are very tolerant of small dogs and children.

pointerdogs - 6/11/2011 9:29:32 AM

QUESTION: How old are German Shorthaired Pointer puppies when their final coat color is determined? I hear that they obtain their various colors over time as pups, is this true?

Anonymous - 5/19/2011 2:11:31 PM

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The German Shorthaired Pointer puppies that are not solid colors are born with the head being predomitaely black or liver and the large spots being evident the rest of the body is White like a snow ball. After about 2 weeks the ticking shows up, some times light ticking and sometimes very dark ticking called roan when you can't determont the ticking as a defined spot or tick mark. You won't see the complete coat color untl they are 6 months of age but after about 6 weeks you have a pretty good idea of how dark and what they look like.

pointerdogs - 6/11/2011 9:32:45 AM

QUESTION: My shorthaired pointer got a case of bad gingivitis. He lost a couple of back teeth because of it.This year i wanted him to get a dental cleaning and a vet.says his gums are bad again. Does this breed have this problem often? Is there any meds for it?

Anonymous - 5/12/2011 10:35:32 PM

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German Shorthairs as a breed do not have a significant health problems. The gingivitis could be an environmental condition based on the food its recieving and genitics could always play a part. All dogs should have adequate chew toys specifically for dental hygene and you could always offer them the greenies once in a while or a very hard milk bone with low ash.

pointerdogs - 6/11/2011 9:35:30 AM

QUESTION: Our German Shorthaired Pointer is great with comands as such but when were out if he starts playing with other dogs and gets a bit to boystress i can never break his attention and get him to come back , any suggestions please?

Anonymous - 1/23/2011 4:40:38 PM

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It is better to not compete with the dogs contrary desires if at all possible as they quickly learn that they can ignore that command. You can plan ahead and entice your German Shorthaired Pointer with a favorite treat or toy. It is better to calmly walk over to your dog, place the leash on them and walk them away from the distraction. You can then take them back and repeat this process until they learn that not responding denies their wishes and responding rewards them. The second half of this is to make them responding to your commands rewarding and desirable with praise or other reward. Gradual and consistant training with small steps is recommended by a variety of trainers with much more experience then my own. Our GSP's have marked positive shift in their responsiveness after their field training is complete and then agan through added maturity at about two years old.

algonquin - 3/14/2011 8:47:53 PM

Our german shorthair loved to run when she was young, and we always worried about her getting hit by a car, but they come back sooner, and better if you don't chase them.

Anonymous - 3/10/2011 5:00:44 PM

QUESTION: I have a German Shorthaired Pointer and she loves rolling stuff like dead amimals and poop! every time i have to give her a bath. Why do they do this?

Anonymous - 12/1/2010 10:20:15 AM

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to cover their sent or to mark it

Anonymous - 5/30/2011 1:13:16 PM

Nothing to do with hunting. Change shampoo.

amysmocha - 1/13/2011 1:03:52 PM

It's because German Shorthaired Pointers are naturally hunting dogs. That being said, if they're hunting they wouldn't want to be smelling like a dog to trigger the small game. Thus, it's a natural instinct for the breed to descent themselves by rolling in smelly things.

Anonymous - 1/5/2011 2:50:47 PM

German Shorthaired Pointer dogs love smelly stuff, including poop, and they will roll in any thing like this

Anonymous - 12/18/2010 11:52:08 PM

QUESTION: How long is the pregnancy for a German Shorthaired Pointer?

Anonymous - 11/29/2010 12:06:49 PM

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From time of inception until a German Shorthaired Pointer gives birth should be right at 9 weeks.

Anonymous - 12/14/2010 12:36:10 PM

QUESTION: Can a German Shorthaired Pointer dog hunt well or not?

Anonymous - 11/6/2010 7:04:04 PM

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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are the most versatile hunting dog in the hunting community we have ever had. I can spend the morning and evening shooting ducks and geese over sloughs with mid-day pheasant fun. Read " Training the versatile hunting dog"

amysmocha - 1/13/2011 1:09:08 PM

I raise German Shorthaired Pointers and all my dogs love to hunt. Most of my dogs will retrieve ducks and geese but really aren't adapted for water fowl. By the way I don't train my dogs to hunt ducks or geese they love to retrieve. My dogs are excellent on quail and great on pheasent.

gawkeycreekmastiffs - 11/18/2010 11:05:43 AM

German Shorthaired Pointers are excellent hunters - I live in louisiana - and they will go after ducks, have webbed feet but their hair is sooo fine they get cold easy - they are better with quail - their going to point ability is amazing - the best dogs I have ever owned

Anonymous - 11/7/2010 8:45:27 PM

QUESTION: How heavy should a GSP be at three months of age? 4 Months? Ect?

Anonymous - 11/4/2010 8:04:03 PM

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You can expect a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy to be around 25 pounds at 3 to 4 months. The actual weight will depend on how large the puppy is going to be as a dog, usually at 4 months of age the puppy will be about 35 to 40 percent of the over all weight the dog will eventually be.

pointerdogs - 6/11/2011 9:38:25 AM

It depends on the genetics of the dog, however GSP dogs tend to very svelt, slender, and lithe. These are athletes and their body type definitely reflects it!

Anonymous - 1/5/2011 2:55:16 PM

QUESTION: My boyfriend recenctly had a german shorthaired pointer male and he was a really hyper dog when in the house. I am planning on getting one myself and a male also but a puppy. Will the older one try to harm him and will the puppy be real hyper like him ?

Anonymous - 11/3/2010 2:41:39 PM

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Dogs are only hyper if they are raised to be ( any breed ). Dont get wound up when you see them or are training them ( high pitch baby talk) gets a hyper reaction. Stay calm and they will too. Keep kids calm around pups and that is the way they will act.

amysmocha - 1/13/2011 1:01:08 PM

I love GSP so I may be biased - but if you notice there is a difference in hyper and high energy - if they stay in the back yard all day or you take them on a run or hunt type walk - they are no problem at all until the doorbell rings - but they are barking before that happens - after about 3yr old - they still love thier excercise but are excellent couch potatoes :)

Anonymous - 11/7/2010 8:47:42 PM

QUESTION: How long can a pointer be kept outside in the cold ?

Anonymous - 11/3/2010 2:38:47 PM

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It is of course going to depend on how cold it is. However as long as the German Shorthaired Pointer has a good insulated or nicely designed dog house with proper bedding he can remain outside for hours at a time. You can help the situation by adding some heat to the dog house with a 100 Watt lightbulb or a heating pad. If you have to keep your dog in a kennel for long periods while you work then you should have heated sleeping quarters.

pointerdogs - 6/11/2011 9:42:21 AM

I wouldn't leave your german shorthaired pointer out for long periods of time they have a short coat and can get cold easily.

Anonymous - 12/27/2010 11:11:08 PM

QUESTION: How well do German Shorthaired Pointer dogs do in winter time? Should they stay outside?

Anonymous - 11/3/2010 12:15:03 PM

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i live in Alaska and my GSP did wonderful up here. He actually loved to roll in the snow and hop around like a bunny. I did have some coats to keep his core warm but he hated to wear them. All in all, we never had a problem with cold weather

Anonymous - 6/4/2011 1:25:56 PM

GSPs are family-oriented dogs. An actual family is NOT required, however realize that you have become that dog's family, and the dog will want to be where you are. Also, be aware that they have a short coat and are not protected from the cold.

Anonymous - 1/5/2011 2:54:02 PM

German Shorthaired Pointer dogs can be left outside in the cold for short periods of time, but you have to remember that they have a short fine coat so they can get cold easily. I hope that helped :)

Anonymous - 12/27/2010 11:08:48 PM

QUESTION: I'm really interested in a German Shorthaired Pointer, but am not familiar with the breed's behavior when not in the field. around the house, what can I expect? Do they tend to be loud and hyper? Are they good with children? etc. Thanks!

Anonymous - 10/19/2010 7:12:06 AM

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I have a German Shorthaired Pointer and she is great! Pretty much all she does when she is in the house is look out our windows. She can be very hyper at times but then very mellow at others. She sleeps in my bed every night and is very well behaved. She really doesn't bark or whine very much. She loves running! When we got her we had kids in 2nd grade and 4th grade and she was wonderful with them. We really "annoyed" her all the time so she would get used to being poked and stuff. Now it doesnt even bother her. Over all she is a great dog!

Anonymous - 10/8/2011 11:06:53 PM

I have a 5 yr old GSP that we have had since he was only a few weeks old. He has been a family dog and around both my children, a 4 yr old and 1 yr old. He is GREAT with both kids. He loves to play with the kids. When he is inside he is not loud, but he does bark when someone is knocking. He does bark if he is left outside too long. He wants to be with the family. He has been active since we have gotten him, but if you give then plenty of exercise, no problems. One warning, though, if you leave them alone for long periods of time they will find things to entertain themselves. The best thing that I can suggest is to get a kennel. When you are not home even for 1 hr, put the dog in the kennel, then nothing will get tore into (trash especially). GSP's are great dogs for the family and are great protectors too! After this dog, I will never buy another breed. It is hard to find a dog that is good with kids and a good protector.

Anonymous - 6/8/2011 2:11:36 PM

I am the proud owner of 5 German Shorthaired Pointer dogs. They do get to go out hunting a bit, but for the most part they are pets which are a big part of our lives. They are wonderful loving dogs that look forward to pleasing you. They do need there excersie, but in the evenings during tv time they become the best cuddle buddies ever. They are very smart and quick to learn. Mine are all crate trained and love there beds. We do leave a few loose in the house and they are very well behaved. They are not a barking dogs, but will let you know when someone is there. They get a little excited when company arrives, however, they settle right down and love the extra affection. They are great family pets and love kids. They love to be outside and play fetch but also love to cuddle. I own several dogs, and they all get along great. Hope this was some help to you.

pointsnorthk - 10/27/2010 11:59:45 AM

My German Shorthaired Pointer is 14 months old. He has chewed up numerous shoes, books chords & anything within reach. Loves toys. We have him leashed inside to prevent teething damage when we're not watching him (or crate). Yes, meal time must be routinely structured or he'll eat whatever's in sight including butter off the table. The good news is he's food motivated & loves treats which can be helpful in training. I don't feed or water after 4pm (it's been hard to potty train). He loves to play fetch w/ tennis balls. He needs lots of intense exercise. I believe it's especially important to make sure the breeder has socialized the pups sufficiently. Ours is agrressive towards strangers so we're looking into a wire muzzle. He is great with our other dog & 3 kids though.

Anonymous - 10/27/2010 11:58:02 AM

QUESTION: My dog is Black and white, is that normal?

Anonymous - 10/14/2010 5:25:40 PM

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My GSP was really dark liver and bright white and would've made a great show dog. When he was a pup I thought he was black and white, but he was not because he had a brown nose. If your dog has black pigment at all, the nose will be black. Black GSPs are not uncommon and are OK as far as German standards go. The AKC does not, but that may change if it already hasn't.

Anonymous - 9/21/2011 2:12:37 PM

im a breeder of gsp in england and i can tell you that gsp only come in solid black / solid liver / liver and white tickled and black and white tickled there is no other colors

Anonymous - 8/25/2011 11:46:56 AM

German Shoirthairs come in more colors and markings then people realize. There are White, Black, brown and even silver in coloring. Most people are use to seeing the traditional brown with heavy ticking but there are several colors and markings a GSP can have.

pointsnorthk - 10/27/2010 12:02:17 PM

If you are looking for German Shorthaired Pointer puppies for sale from reputable German Shorthaired Pointer breeders or to adopt a German Shorthaired Pointer from a German Shorthaired Pointer rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the German Shorthaired Pointer puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find German Shorthaired Pointer puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.