July 4, 2009

The All-Purpose Hunting Dog, The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP)

by Chuck Berry

German breeders thought of creating a much faster and much more versatile gundog and so the German Shorthaired Pointer was born. This dog was bred from the lines of the old Spanish Pointer, Hounds of St. Hubert, Foxhound, the English Pointer and some other hound breeds. As a result of this development, the GSP came out faster and excellent in hunting.

The GSP can be considered as an all-around hunting dog. Whatever tasks a hunting dog should do such as being a pointer, a retriever, upland bird dog or a water dog, the GSP can surely do. The GSP is a great hunting companion because it possesses characteristics of being intelligent, bold, biddable, and alert but those GSPs that lack these traits are surely improperly trained.

As additional proof of the GSP’s excellence in the hunting scene, Stanley Cohen’s The Intelligence of Dog ranked the GSP as 17th on the list. The GSP has a strong sense of hunting that is why it is a must for the owner to train this dog in identifying the right prey from the small animals that should be left alone. It is not so surprising to find a GSP that is not well-trained to come home with a dead rat, bird or cat as a trophy of its personal hunting escapades.

Today, hunters still use the GSP as a hunting companion because of its unfading great skills. In hunting, you can expect the GSP to be highly reliable, hardy, quick-witted, fearless and infinitely tireless. Signs of an ill-trained GSP are timidity, fear, over subservience, wariness, un-trainability and most importantly, aggression.

Aside from being a commendable gundog, the GSP is also outstanding as a family pet. Around the family, this dog is loyal, devoted, obedient, sociable and protective. It loves to play with children and likes to be surrounded by humans and other kinds of dogs.

The body of the GSP manifests a powerful and agile capability because of its streamlined and lean physique. Its uniquely built hind legs are so powerful it allows him to turn quickly and rapidly. It has floppy and moderately long ears and a snout that is broad and powerful that allows him to carry heavy game.

It is a must for the GSP to be docked (unless it is banned in the country) and thus its tail is only long enough to give a wag or a subtle wave. The coat is double layered and is short and flat. The inner coat is dense while the outer coat is stiff which serves as a repellant against water.

Generally, the GSP is found in colors of dark brown, chocolate or chestnut (liver), black and white. Some dogs may come out in solid colors and some may come out with sprinkles or patches of other shades all over their bodies. This color formation of the GSP allows it to camouflage with the woods and bushes especially during winter season.

About the Author:

Author Chuck Berry came from a family of German Shorthaired Pointer breeders. Learn some of his works in his website and read about German Shorthaired Pointer puppies, German Shorthaired Pointer training, German Shorthaired Pointer rescue and many more!