The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) is a versatile gundog developed in Germany for hunting, pointing, and retrieving on both land and water. Athletic, intelligent, and energetic, this breed is known for its endurance, trainability, and strong work drive.
While often kept as a family companion, the German Shorthaired Pointer is fundamentally a working breed. They thrive in active homes where they receive regular exercise and mental stimulation. Without adequate activity, they can become restless or destructive.
In the right environment, the GSP is loyal, affectionate, and highly capable.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium-to-large, athletic dog built for stamina and agility.
Key physical characteristics include:
A lean, muscular body
A short, dense, water-resistant coat
Long, broad ears set high
Intelligent, alert expression
A strong tail (traditionally docked in working lines where permitted)
The coat is typically liver or liver and white, either solid, patched, or ticked.
Height:
Males: 62-66 cm
Females: 58-63 cm
Weight:
Males & females: 20-32 kg
The German Shorthaired Pointer is intelligent, energetic, and eager to work. They form strong bonds with their family and generally enjoy being involved in daily activities.
They are best described as:
Loyal and affectionate
Driven and enthusiastic
Highly trainable
Intelligence: Very high
Affection: High
Energy level: Very high
Loyalty: Strong
Playfulness: High
Aggression: Not aggressive
Trainability: High
Guarding ability: Moderate alertness
German Shorthaired Pointers are typically sociable when properly socialised from an early age.
With other dogs: Generally good
With children: Good with active families
With cats and small pets: Strong prey drive - supervision required
With strangers: Friendly but alert
Because of their hunting instincts, they may chase small animals.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is not a low-exercise breed. They require structured activity every day.
They are best suited to:
Active individuals or families
Owners who enjoy running, hiking, or outdoor pursuits
Homes with secure outdoor space
First-time owners: Not ideal
Apartment living: Not recommended
Left alone: Poorly tolerated
Noise sensitivity: Low
Barking: Moderate
Drooling: Low
Heat tolerance: Moderate
Cold tolerance: Good
Without sufficient exercise and stimulation, behavioural problems are likely.
The German Shorthaired Pointer has an average lifespan of 12-14 years and is generally robust when responsibly bred.
Hip dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
Epilepsy
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Responsible breeders carry out health screening and select for stable temperament.
The GSP requires at least 2 hours of daily exercise, and often more.
Ideal activities include:
Running or long-distance walking
Retrieving games
Scent work or field training
Swimming
Daily exercise requirement: 2+ hours
This breed thrives when given a job.
Due to their activity level, GSPs require a high-quality, protein-balanced diet.
Adults: 300-500 g per day, depending on workload
Puppies: Controlled feeding to support joint development
Monitoring weight is essential, particularly during growth.
The short coat is low maintenance:
Weekly brushing
Seasonal shedding management
Routine nail, ear, and dental care
German Shorthaired Pointers are people-oriented and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. They require daily interaction and structured routines.
Developed in 19th-century Germany, the GSP was bred as a multi-purpose hunting dog, capable of pointing, retrieving, and tracking. The goal was to create a versatile companion for hunters working across varied terrain.
The breed is now recognised worldwide and remains popular in both working and companion homes.
Bred as an all-purpose hunting companion
Excellent swimmers
Known for exceptional stamina
Frequently used in field trials and sporting competitions
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a high-energy working breed. Before buying, assess whether your lifestyle genuinely matches the breed’s needs.
You can read our general buying guide here, with the most important steps being visiting your puppy in person, seeing it with its mother, and evaluating the breeder’s standards carefully.
More specifically, here is some German Shorthaired Pointer puppy buying advice:
This breed requires significant daily exercise and training. Owners who cannot commit to high activity levels should reconsider, regardless of how appealing the puppy may seem.
Because the GSP remains popular, always ensure:
The breeder carries out health testing
The puppy has been raised in a stimulating environment
You meet the mother and assess her temperament
Avoid meeting in neutral locations and never rush into a purchase.
For further information about the breed and responsible ownership, you may consult:
The Kennel Club (UK): https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk
Dogs Trust: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk
Blue Cross: https://www.bluecross.org.uk
While this page focuses on responsibly buying a puppy, some owners may also explore rehoming options through recognised organisations.
Whichever route you choose, ensure the breed aligns with your long-term lifestyle.
