About the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP)       

                       The information below is adapted from information provided through the
                       German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America

The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) was developed in Germany in the late 1800's to be an all-purpose dog. It was the original intent of the breeders to develop a breed of dog with inbred instinct for multiple tasks, thus requiring little time to "force train". The GSP was bred to point, retrieve, trail wounded game, hunt both large and small game, furred and feathered and to work in low or heavy cover as well as water. The dog was also intended to be a family companion good with both adults and children.

It is important to remember this is primarily a hunting dog, bred for a purpose, and as such will have a high level of activity and/or energy that needs to be channeled. Just like people not all are created equal and while some will learn a task quickly others may take more time and patience. GSPs tend to be eager to please and willing to learn at relatively young ages if the training sessions are not forced and kept short and simple. Even though some may appear physically mature by the time they are six months old their brain may not be engaged until they reach two years of age. Thus you may have an adult size dog with a "teenage" brain.

The breed is considered medium in size with the males slightly larger than the females. One should be able to determine the sex of the dog based on general appearance, i.e. males should look masculine and females should look feminine. A fairly healthy breed but the first time buyer should always inquire about health clearances of the sire and dam when looking for a puppy. Breeders should have no problem discussing or answering any health issues being asked. The following are considered as a minimum to ask about: OFA or PennHip - hip dysplasia; Cardiac-echocardiogram for congenital cardiac; CERF - current eye clearance of PRA done each year until age 6 every two years afterward; CD - DNA test for carrier status for cone degeneration (may be cleared by both Parents DNA test indicating "normal" a non-carrier. Read more about health clearances.