The German Shorthaired Pointer is a hunting dog breed that requires challenge and exercise. The dog is affectionate and sensitive and needs maximum love from its owners. It has an athletic build, perfect for the adventures it so often craves.
A combination of the Spanish pointer and the Hanoverian hound, this dog goes back to the 1600s. German breeders, wanting an all-in-one dog, perfected the Shorthaired Pointer into a dog fit for hunting. After the popularity of its founding fathers, “Nero” and “Treff,” the German Shorthaired Pointer’s hunting abilities have grown in popularity.
Today, the German Shorthaired Pointer both hunts and acts as a good companion. This dog is excellent around children and is always content to play and spend time with you. Considering that you reward a German Shorthaired Pointer, it will try its best to make you happy at all times.
This dog breed can be destructive if left alone, not given enough exercise, or not given enough attention. Its sporting abilities allow it to wreak havoc in your home or any other place.
When purchasing a German Shorthaired Pointer, make sure that the seller is reputable and can provide you with all essential medical information about the dog. It doesn’t hurt to check for German Shorthaired Pointer pet insurance either.
German Shorthaired Pointers are very sensitive dogs. They do not like to be left alone and want love at all times. They return the love they get and are very friendly and affectionate with your family, children, and other dogs. They are moderately friendly with strangers.
German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train due to their willingness to learn and their high level of intelligence. They are excellent at catching prey and love to roam around and have adventures. For hunters and lovers of travel, these dogs make great companions.
German Shorthaired Pointers tend to get very energetic. To keep them calm, you need to give them at least an hour of exercise every day. If you fail to do that, this dog can get messy and destructive. They are also playful and mischievous, which makes for good entertainment.
Apart from hunting, German Shorthaired Pointers love to swim. Its water-resistant coat and webbed feet contribute to this, as does its love for the water.
The German Shorthaired Pointer Breed can protect itself, but it can also be dangerous to small animals.
The ideal owner of a German Shorthaired Pointer owns a big house with a large yard.
The ideal owner should not leave the German Shorthaired Pointer alone at home for long intervals. They should also have the time and dedication to give them regular exercise and to spend time with them.
A busy person who cannot spend much time with their dogs should not own a German Shorthaired Pointer. As mentioned, they do not like to be left alone and demand constant attention.
A good owner would be able to challenge the dog and reward it for good behaviour. The owner should allow the dog to function by itself since it is an independent hunting dog.
It is easy to groom the coat of a German Shorthaired Pointer breed. This is because it does not shed much. You should brush it weekly and bathe it infrequently. You can decide on bathing times depending on need.
It is important to groom a German Shorthaired Pointer’s feet after it returns from hunting. You should also check for ear infections or bad smells. Look out for excessive ear scratching, which could be a result of an infection.
You should dry your German Shorthaired Pointer after it hunts and trim its nails whenever they grow too much.
German Shorthaired Pointers are generally very healthy dogs, so you don’t have to worry too much about them getting sick.
As healthy are they are, these dogs are also quite hungry! German Shorthaired Pointers have a large appetite and need high-protein food.
However, make sure you don’t overfeed these dogs. Given their large appetite, these dogs tend to overeat. Hence, you must make sure you provide them with food and treats in moderation.
German Shorthaired Pointers are also susceptible to bloating, so owners should try to make sure these dogs eat slowly and minimise any high-intensity activity after eating.
Hip Dysplasia is an inherited condition that means the thighbone doesn’t fit snuggly in the hip joint.
The symptoms are generally pain and lameness which will vary in severity and can be present in one or both rear legs.
Sadly, it’s not uncommon for the disorder to lead to hip replacement.
Make sure you ask any breeder if the puppy’s parents have been tested and cleared for Hip Dysplasia. If they have not, or the issue is present in one or both, find another breeder.
Bloat doesn’t sound too serious, but if it’s left untreated it can be deadly for your dog. Large, deep-chested dogs are more commonly affected than smaller breeds.
Bloat causes the stomach to swell with gas and then twist. The dog can’t belch or vomit to release the gas, blood flow to the heart is impeded, blood pressure drops, and the dog goes into shock.
To avoid bloat, split their feeds into multiple smaller meals through the day instead of one large portion. You must also avoid exercise for at least half an hour to an hour after eating. Another cause can be drinking too much water rapidly, so keep a watchful eye on that as well.
Symptoms of Gastric Dilation Volvulus are a swollen abdomen, excessive drooling, dry retching, lethargy and a rapid heart rate.
Without immediate medical attention, bloat can be fatal, so if you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately.
Entropion causes the lower eyelid to fold inward toward the eye. The result is chronic irritation of the surface of the eye.
Fortunately, it can be corrected by surgery.
Von Willebrand’s Disease is an inherited blood disorder that hinders the blood’s ability to clot.
The main symptom is excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery. You will find that a wound just simply won’t stop bleeding like it would on a normal dog or human.
Other less severe symptoms are bleeding gums, nose bleeds and bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
Sadly, there’s currently no cure and a blood transfusion from unaffected dogs is the only treatment.
Generally, a dog with this condition can live a normal life, but you will need to pay closer attention and take precautions to limit the likelihood of injury.