German Shorthaired Pointer

While not proven, it is believed that the German Shorthaired Pointer descended from the Spanish Pointer, German Bird Dog and a local German scenthound. It was originally bred to be a multi-purpose hunting dog in the mid to late 19th century.

In the late 1880s, records show that German breeders continually refined the GSP to develop a breed that is elegant, with improved stance, keen intelligence and effective scenting skills. Through the process of selective breeding, the English Pointer was later added to the mix, along with the Foxhound.

However, the breeding program was disrupted when World War II broke out. As a result, most breeders hid their German Shorthaired Pointers while some of the best GSPs were sent to Yugoslavia for safekeeping. After the war, access to Yugoslavia became impossible, which means German breeders had to start redeveloping the earliest version of the breed to what it is today.

In 1930, the GSP was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club and later by the United Kennel Club in 1948. The German Shorthaired Pointer is said to have contributed to the development of the German Wirehaired Pointer.

One of the most adaptable sporting breeds, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a stylish and regal hunting dog that is also a superb family companion. It is slightly smaller than most pointer breeds, standing 53 to 64 centimetres at the withers and weighing 45 to 70 pounds. This dog breed is described as having a square body being slightly longer than it is tall. The GSP has a chiselled head and dark almond-shaped eyes that expresses intelligence and humour. It has a large brown nose with wide nostrils, broad ears that drop and lie flat against the head. It has a graceful outline, sturdy quarters and athletic physique that allows for smooth movement, light and ground-covering.

The GSP's skin is tight, sporting a short water-resistant coat that is thick and rough to the touch. Its coat is slightly longer on the underside of its tail and the back of the edges of the hip or haunches, while shorter and thinned on the head and ears. The German Shorthaired Pointer wears coat colours such as solid liver, liver and white, liver patches, white ticked or liver roan. Other colours are not acceptable by breed standards.

Bred as a multipurpose hunting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a loving and devoted family companion. This breed is smart, friendly and sometimes overly enthusiastic about everything it does. GSPs love being around people and will like nothing more than being outdoors with friends and its family engaging in some activity such as a long walk, hike, jog or a game of Frisbee. It is best suited for a family who is equally active. When GSPs lack exercise, they can become high-strung, agitated and can develop bad behaviours. It also doesn't like to be left alone and can develop separation anxiety.

This dog breed is excellent with children, preferably with older ones, since toddlers may easily get knocked over, which means interaction should always be supervised.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is an excellent watchdog and will not hesitate to alert by barking when someone is approaching the house. The breed gets on well with other dogs, but with its strong hunting instinct, it is not always good around small pets such as cats or rabbits.

When it comes to training, the GSP is a people-pleaser so providing instruction and guidance will be easy. Although it does not respond well to harsh discipline, the German Shorthaired Pointer will need an owner who can display an air of authority, able to provide a firm, calm, and consistent training. Early socialisation will help ensure that the GSP will grow to be a more flexible and adaptable dog.

• Senior and less active: up to 1,250 calories daily
• Typical adults: up to 1,400 calories daily
• Physically active/working dogs: up to 1,570 calories daily

Once you find a German Shorthaired Pointer breeder that you are happy with, you might have to wait for them to have a litter with a puppy available. To buy a German Shorthaired puppy will cost about £650 to £850 for a purebred. However, the price to buy your GSP will not be the major financial consideration when you bring home your new puppy. Make sure that you can set aside a budget for monthly food costs (£40), pet insurance (£20 to £50 a year), veterinary consultations (£800 to £1,000 a year) and any one-off costs including beds, toys and training equipment (£200).