This where you will find information about GSP's in general.  It is important that all potential owners understand what is necessary to comfortably own a GSP.  German Shorthairs are very active dogs and have large amounts of energy.  GSPs are bred to be fine hunting dogs and exceptional companions.  It is this hunting instinct and drive that gives them an extraordinary amount of energy and mandates certain physical exercise requirements.  Any person inquiring about owning a GSP should fully understand this prior to obtaining a GSP.

Ok, that having been said..  It is my earnest opinion that GSPs make the finest hunting companions imaginable.  GSPs are terribly intelligent and learn quickly once they reach maturity.  Like any working breed the GSP requires large amounts of attention, exercise and training to reach it's full potential.  I also believe that the best shorthairs all have one item in common...  a GREAT owner.  By that I mean their owner provides lots of attention and socialization during the dog's developmental period(see below).  Additionally the necessary discipline and training is equally important.

In my experience, most GSPs reach their maturity(physically and mentally) between the ages of 18 months and 30 months of age.  In general terms I do not begin any intensive training until the dog reaches 18 months of age and some as late as 30 months of age.   Too much too soon will result in negative and lasting training difficulties.   Since, I specialize in field dogs, please keep in mind my thoughts follow field training and events.  Understand, I do expect a young pup to have the most basic of manners in and outside my home.  No jumping, biting, digging etc.... certainly puppies will be puppies and so they must be... the occasional accident or hole in the yard should not result in condemnation .. but rather a mild lesson.

Shorthairs are mid to large sized dogs and given their athleticism, they can be a handful on the end of a leash.  Inquirers should bear in mind this fact.. manners is the only real solution for a full grown shorthair on a leashed walk.  Without this innate ability and physique a GSP simply would not be a GSP you will not regret it in the field I assure you.

Shorthairs require little grooming other than the occasional bath and nail clip, they generally do not require a significant amount of maintenance.  They do shed once or twice a year but the hair is very fine and can be maintained quite well with a very fine brush.  They stand the cold much better than you might believe given their short hair and only fine(if any) undercoat.  Obviously there are limits.... but certainly most upland and water fowl hunts should not be a problem in all but the very worst conditions(of course then I live in So. New Mexico ....).

The puppy stage is the most important part of a shorthair's development in my book.   Lots of direct attention, play and free time are paramount.  The skills(yes I said skills) that a puppy learns between the ages of 7 weeks and 18 months are simply unexplainable.  It is during this period that the shorthair is the most demanding on it's owner.  Potential shorthair owners should take heed, this will determine much of the dogs makeup as an adult.  This is when the dog will learn to hunt for you, point, back, use the wind, be cautious around game and  be bold in the field.  I understand this sounds ridiculous.. since I have already stated that I don't do intensive training at this young age.... but this is the beauty of a puppy... he will learn much of this on his own.. through experience given the right environment.

To conclude... I will give some generalities about the breed.. please keep in mind they are simply that generalities...

Max Age - 11-15
Weight - 50-85 pounds
Height - 22-26"
Heritable Diseases - few of significance though the obvious should be screened for.

Please watch this area of my site for more and new information about the fabulous German Shorthaired Pointer. I also am amenable to publishing others' articles and observations. I also would appreciate not reproducing any content from here without explicit permission..

Happy Hunting... and Be Way Cool !