The German Shorthaired Pointer
Excerpted from the American Kennel Club Complete Dog Book
Name: Sprig
Color: Liver Roan, Patched and Ticked
Sire: Bernstein's Sunshine Browne
Dam: Bernstein's Molley Mae
Name: Maggie
Color: Liver and White, Ticked
Sire: TLC's Willie Smoking Bullet Conner
Dam: Darryl's Dicey Delight
The German Shorthaired Pointer combines in field-dog requirements those qualities which have long popularized the various breeds of hunting dogs. So successfully have keen scenting powers, linked with high intelligence, been fused into the breed through judicious crossing the old Spanish Pointer, English Foxhound, German tracking hound, and English Pointer, so varied this dog's field accomplishments, that its adaptability has earned it the reputation of being an all purpose dog.
It is indeed rare to find wrapped up in one package a staunchly pointing bird dog, a keen-nosed night trailer, a proven duck dog, a natural retriever on land and water, pleasing conformation and markings, great powers of endurance and an intelligent family watchdog and companion. Indicative of this dog's versatility is its successful work on pheasant, quail, grouse, partridge, woodcock, duck, rabbit, coon and possum. It is also used to trail and handle deer. With a water repellant coat and webbed feet, it retrieves well from rough terrain and icy waters.
The magnificent utility dog combines these virtues with good looks, sound temperament and longevity, making the German Shorthaired Pointer a favorite with sportsmen everywhere.
BREED CHARACTERISTICS
The German Shorthaired Pointer is especially admired for its temperament and trainability. This breed makes an outstanding family companion, relating
well to children, your friends who come to visit, and other dogs. The typical Shorthair is outgoing but not aggressive, although he certainly will let the world know when a stranger knocks on your door. He is anxious to please and responds well to consistent training both in the home and in the field where he shines as an upland game finder, stylish pointer, and retriever.
Keep in mind that the German Shorthaired Pointer is an athlete. Although he adapts readily to almost any living situation, he needs consistent exercise to keep in condition and to burn off excess energy. The natural exuberance of a young Shorthair can make him difficult to live with if he is kept confined and not exercised. Shorthairs bond readily to the family and can show separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. It is strongly recommended that owners crate-train house dogs so that they may be left alone. Otherwise, an owner runs the risk of finding significant destruction upon returning home.
German Shorthaired Pointers, in addition to their use as hunting companions, have acquitted themselves admirably in the show ring, in field and obedience trials, in search and rescue work, in drug and bomb detection, in agility competition, and as therapy dogs.
CARE AND FEEDING
Regular veterinary care and proper feeding are vital to your dog's health. Yearly DHLPP vaccinations, rabies shots, a monthly heart worm
preventative regimen, and in many parts of the country a Lyme Disease vaccination, should not be neglected. Proper nutrition is easily maintained by feeding a high quality dry dog food available in most feed stores and grocery stores. Puppies should stay on a growth formulation for the first year. After that, your dog's food may be changed to an adult maintenance diet. If he is in a stress situation (hunting, field trailing, or rigorous training) he should be on a performance diet with higher protein and fat content. Fresh water should be available at all times. The availability of today's well balanced dog food precludes the addition of table scraps, cottage cheese, oil, vitamins and other mineral supplements. Above all, DO NOT OVERFEED. Remember that your athletic breed should be hard muscled and lean. Fat dogs die younger than well conditioned dogs. With proper care, the average Shorthair will have a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years.
TRAINING
Basic obedience traning is an essential part of responsible dog ownership. It quickly establishes a bond between you and your Shorthair an makes him a joy to live with. In urban areas, there are obedience clubs which offer training classes, starting with very young dogs and working up to advanced courses for the serious obedience competitor. If courses are unavailable in your locality, there are many books and video tapes on the subject at your local library. Consistency and repetition are the keys to success in this training.