The German Shorthaired Pointer is an intelligent family dog.  It thrives where there are high levels of activity and energy in which the dog is included. These dogs do not deal well with separation from their family.  Some even show signs of separation anxiety after 3 or 4 hours.  This is not a kennel dog or a pet that can be tied up to the dog house in the back yard (no dog deserves this).  It loves being outside for activity, but come time to lay down, this dog needs to be in the house with its family. First time owners of this breed may experience frustration due to the intelligence of this dog.  They are capable of outsmarting the new, or inexperienced owner; they can be stubborn about some things (the dog chooses what it wants to be stubborn about), and if they get some idea in their head they can be almost intractable.  All that aside, if the owner is smarter than the dog, and is patient and persistent, this breed will make an outstanding companion, a loving family member, and it will be eager to please its master. It is commonly referred to as the "velcro companion dog."
     The German Shorthaired Pointer is known for its gentleness, affection and devotion towards its family, and possesses an even-tempered disposition.  They are very loyal, and can be an alert watch dog as well as a family dog. They are a very versatile breed of dog, in that they can be trained for all sorts of jobs.  GSP's have been used for conformation (show ring), obedience, field trials, agility, search and rescue, bomb detection, and as therapy dogs.
     For  people who are considering getting a German Shorthaired Pointer, it would be best if when talking to the breeder inquiry is made to determine the breeding function that the breeder is developing for his/her bloodline.  Sometimes if a breeder is concentrating on Field Trial dogs, these dogs do not always make for ideal companion dogs.  Field dogs are bred to run all day long.  These dogs focus on what is over the next hill.  If the breeder is instead, looking to develop a bloodline for a personal gun, or conformation dog, these dogs are more likely to be family oriented and their focus is on you and the family.  There are exceptions, this is why getting to know the breeder, viewing the breeding stock, and asking questions of the breeder is very important.
     The male GSP's average in height is between 23 and 25 inches at the shoulder (withers).  They can weigh between 55 and 70 pounds.  The female is only slightly smaller being 21 to 23 inches in height at the withers, and weighing 45 to 60 pounds.
     The GSP needs very minimal grooming.  A weekly grooming session where a good brushing, and a routine of ears, nails, and teeth are checked and/or cleaned, should be established. These dogs shed all year long, but the hair is very short.  The coat of a GSP is short, dense and rather coarse to the touch.  But it is very easy to maintain.
     The coat color, is in the U.S, very specific.  The color must be solid liver, or liver and white.  If the coat has any traces of black, red, orange, lemon or tan, or a solid white dog, this dog will be disqualified from being shown in the conformation show ring.
     The average life span for a German Shorthaired Pointer is 12 to 14 years.

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