German Shorthaired Pointer
Agile, smart and active
GSPs 101
Sporting groupThe German Shorthaired Pointer is no couch potato. They are a high-energy breed, and they need as much daily, heart-thumping exercise as they can get. And then they’d like to get some more.
Not surprising, they are not an ideal choice for small living spaces, at least not without families who can make a serious commitment to their dog’s daily exercise. They are an outstanding companion for active families, and an ideal running partner. The GSP is intelligent and friendly, good with children and usually compatible with other family pets. They’re easy to train and eager to please, with a coat requiring no special care.
What we love about GSPs
You'll never have a better workout partner.
The athleticism and drive of the German Shorthaired Pointer finds them enthusiastic competitors in many dog sports.
Very vocal
Talkative
As needed
My pet’s health plannerSM
Mature adult GSP
Risk level for common GSP conditions
Skin cancer
Trauma
Seizures
Senior GSP
Risk level for common GSP conditions
Arthritis
Skin cancer
Valvular heart disease
GSP puppy
Risk level for common GSP conditions
Foreign body ingestion
Toxicity
Urinary tract infection
Young adult GSP
Risk level for common GSP conditions
Foreign body ingestion
Toxicity
Trauma
Mature adult GSP
Risk level for common GSP conditions
Skin cancer
Trauma
Seizures
Senior GSP
Risk level for common GSP conditions
Arthritis
Skin cancer
Valvular heart disease
GSP puppy
Risk level for common GSP conditions
Foreign body ingestion
Toxicity
Urinary tract infection
Young adult GSP
Risk level for common GSP conditions
Foreign body ingestion
Toxicity
Trauma
Nationwide can help you save on your German Shorthaired Pointer's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
Get your German Shorthaired Pointer’s health information in a free report
The German Shorthaired Pointer is one of three breeds that share country of origin and work as versatile hunters. The German Wirehaired Pointer is one of those breeds, as is the Deutsch Drahthaar. The latter translates to “true German wirehaired,” but the Shorthair is more popular than either of the other breeds. That may be because the breed was also meant to be a family companion.
German Shorthaired Pointer coat care and colors
The German Shorthaired Pointer’s coat is easy to care for: Sleek and short, all it needs is weekly brushing and an occasional bath to keep it in good condition. The breed comes in seven recognized colors and patterns, with freckles (called ticking), or patches of solid color, often on the head.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a large dog, and that means large nails that need to be kept short. Avoid wrestling matches with adult dogs by acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails clipped. Some dogs better tolerate nail grinding rather than trimming, so experiment with which method works best. As with other drop-eared dogs, regular ear cleaning can help keep infections at bay.
How often do German Shorthaired Pointers need to be groomed?
German Shorthaired Pointers don't need much in the way of grooming. Weekly brushing and bathing as needed will keep coats gleaming. Clip or grind nails weekly to prevent nails from becoming long daggers that are painful when cut. Finally, check ears and clean as needed with a veterinary-approved product.
Do Pointers need their hair cut?
Your German Shorthaired Pointer doesn't need trimming. Brushing and nail trims will keep your German Shorthaired Pointer looking great.
Do GSPs get cold easily?
The German Shorthaired Pointer was developed where cold weather and snow are normal. Their coats aren't the thickest, though. On cold or rainy days, a sweater or jacket wouldn't be a bad idea at all.
GSP exercise & training
GSP fun facts
Top girl names for GSPs
of GSPs are female
of GSPs are male
Top boy names for GSPs
Nationwide loves German Shorthaired Pointers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
Other breeds like GSPs
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