Training and intelligence
They are very willing to work, which helps with training. German Pointers are very intelligent, and this coupled with a calm confidence means they can have a tendency to be dominant.
Temperament
The German Pointer is loyal and protective, although not aggressive. Their hunting background means that they are very energetic. A balanced temperament means they are good family dogs, although they have to have enough exercise to keep them happy.
Attitude towards strange dogs and people
German Pointers are reserved with people they don't know. Their strong hunting instincts necessitates thorough socialisation if they are not to be a problem with smaller dogs.
Grooming and shedding
The Short Haired German Pointer needs little grooming for its smooth coat, and is an average shedder. The Wire Haired German Pointer requires weekly brushing, plus hand stripping of the coat.
Exercise
German Pointers have lots of energy, and needs considerable amounts of vigorous exercise to keep them happy and well balanced.
Need for company
It is not advisable to leave German Pointers alone too much. They need to be with their people, whom they love, and they can also become destructive if boredome sets in.
General
German Pointers like to bark. They are good watch dogs as they are very alert and concerned for their pack's safety.
Jake - photo by Verity W. Ogilvy
I have a 4 year old GSP
I have a 4 year old GSP called Josh, he is absoloutly wondeful; playful, friendly, brave, protective but not aggresive. However, he is awful with all small dogs, and he cannot be let off a lead when being walked because of this. He also chases sheep, and has nearly killed a deer, he would've done had my dad not prized his jaws of the poor things neck!
But, all this said, he is the best a dog can be around people and children, this breed is so eager to please!
I have a rescue German
I have a rescue German pointer called Peter. He is absolutly lovely, however is the most vocal dog I have ever known. He cconstantly moans and whines, he wants to play 24/7!!! Does anyone eles have this moaning problem? Im on the edge of a nervous breakdown!!!! He is a resuce and is approx 10 years old. H was found wondering around in Scotland. Judging by the way he tries to kill evrything in sight, he was obviously a working dog. He is also very agressive with other dogs and fights a lot.
I have tried everything I know to try and encourage him to stop moaning but nothing works!
german poiters are fantastic dogs to own although they need alot of excersize.We have a GSP called jasper, he is 6 years old and i love him to bits but he has recently moved away with my dad so we could not resist to buy another one i cannot wait it is arriving in 2-3 weeks!
and i recomend GSP to have as a family dog as they are very cute and playful.
x
We have a 2 year old German Shorthair names Louie that is the best dog I have ever owned. I cannot begin to sing his praises enough! He is an absolutely fantastic family dog, and GREAT with other large dogs. Probably too playful for a small dog, I would worry that he would accidentally injure a small dog because of his size, not because of agression. Natural hunters, even with little training. They have to be around people, please do not get a pointer if you are going to be gone a lot -- they are more like people than a dog -- Loiue thinks he is one of my kids and finds a way to get sqeeze in on the couch to be on us. They are SO affectionate and smart!
I have had a pointer for seven years and all through
those years I forgot I had a dog it was like having a best friend.
Pointers are so cute when they are pups all rincly.
I would recommend one to any one.
We live in Cyprus and have just given a home to a rescue german shorthaired pointer pup. Pointers are used here for hunting but treated badly by local people. They are locked up in cages in the middle of nowhere for days on end, little food, little water, not cleaned out and little excersise. The only time they get out is during the hunting season (twice a year for 2 months at a time) After the hunting season has finished many of the dogs are dumped on the motorways to get killed by vehicles or left behind in the hills to starve and fend for themselves as the owners do not want the expense of keeping them until the next season. Thank God we found Rhea before this became her fate. Either to spend her life locked up and being bred from or treated as the other poor souls. what a sweet girl she is too. Crazy but sweet natured. She has accepted 2 rescue cats into our home as well although the occasional chase is too tempting! Can anyone tell me when her first seson is likely? She is about 7 months now. Also how long after her season is it safe to get her speyed? Many thanks