How does the German Shorthaired Pointer work in the field?
The German shorthaired pointer is an HPR: it hunts, points and retrieves. It quarters at speed, holds point until the handler arrives, flushes on command and retrieves on land and from water.
The German shorthaired pointer is an HPR: it hunts, points and retrieves. It quarters ground at speed, well out in front of the gun, freezes on point when it winds game, holds the point until the handler is in position, flushes on command and then retrieves on land or from water. That makes it a natural choice for walked-up and rough shooting, and it is also used for picking up and by deer stalkers. HPR field trials in Britain test exactly this range of work. Because the dog works at distance, control matters more than in most breeds. Buy from parents with working credentials and, if you can, see them work. For a closer-working HPR, compare the Hungarian vizsla.
What is the German Shorthaired Pointer like to live and work with?
Energetic, intelligent and affectionate, with a strong hunting instinct. It suits an active owner who enjoys training; for a quiet household it is a lot of dog.
GSPs are energetic, intelligent and affectionate, and they form strong bonds with their family. They are also athletic dogs with a strong hunting instinct, which can show itself as chasing if training and exercise are neglected. Most are friendly with people. A GSP is happiest with a job and an owner who enjoys training; for a household that wants a quiet companion it is a lot of dog. Look for parents that are bold on game but responsive to their handler.
Which health tests matter for the German Shorthaired Pointer?
Both parents should have hip scores under the BVA/KC scheme, ideally elbow scores and a current eye certificate. Key DNA tests are cone degeneration, von Willebrand disease type II and the skin condition ECLE.
Ask for both parents' hip scores under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme; elbow scores are worth asking about too, along with a current eye certificate under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme. DNA tests are available for inherited conditions in the breed, including cone degeneration (day blindness), von Willebrand disease type II (a bleeding disorder) and exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus, a skin disease. These are inherited recessively, so a puppy is not expected to be affected by the tested variant when at least one parent has a reliable clear result. Results for Kennel Club registered dogs can be checked on the Kennel Club's Health Test Results Finder. Ask to see the certificates.
How much training and exercise does the German Shorthaired Pointer need?
More than a retriever, because there is more to teach: quartering, pointing, steadiness and retrieving. An adult needs well over an hour of running a day.
Training an HPR takes longer than training a retriever, because there is more to teach: quartering, pointing, steadiness on point and to flush, and retrieving. Most handlers start with obedience and the stop whistle, since a pointer working a hundred metres out has to stop when asked. Many GSPs are not finished until two or three years old. Joining an HPR training group is a good way to learn, and many of the part-trained and trained GSPs for sale come from handlers who do. An adult GSP needs well over an hour of running a day, and does better with varied work than with the same walk every day.
How long does it take to train the German Shorthaired Pointer?
For the German Shorthaired Pointer, readiness for the intended role matters more than a birthday. Check demonstrated foundations, physical suitability and the support needed for the next stage.
During early learning, the puppy learns its name, recall, the sit and the stop whistle, and is introduced to the scent of game. After comfortable everyday foundations, it is taught to quarter in a pattern and encouraged to point, while retrieving is built separately with dummies. With reliable foundations, steadiness on point and to flush is added, along with retrieves on land and from water, and the dog meets real game. If you would rather start partway through, look at the part-trained GSPs for sale, and take our buying checklist when you go to see one. Use the training progression guide to discuss readiness with a reward-based trainer. Ask your vet about physical demands, and plan game, water and gunfire introductions with competent help.