Advantages and disadvantages of having a German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer will make a great pet and a good hunting companion. It is an especially good hunting dog, as it will recover both on land and in the water. This well-balanced dog is perfect for someone looking for an outdoor companion and family pet. Consider the following information when choosing whether one of these versatile dogs will be the right pet for you and your family.
Pros:
If you have a very active and happy family, the German Shorthair may be the family pet you are looking for. This breed of dog likes to be active and will have a great deal of energy on a daily basis. You should have space for your pet to run freely and burn some of its energy every day. If you do not have this type of space, probably another breed will adapt more to your lifestyle. Without much exercise, this pet will get bored, leading to destructiveness or escapism. They can clear a 6 foot fence so make sure they have enough room to run or if you can take them frequently wherever they can.
The GSP is an intelligent dog with an exceptionally good temperament. This makes it an ideal choice as a pet that will get along well with children and other pets. They love being around people and are eager to please. If you want a dog that learns tricks, this will do the trick.
If you are looking for a great family pet that will also make a good watchdog, look no further than the German Shorthair. They adapt to their living conditions easily and with minimal training, they will adapt to the needs you have. While these dogs have too much energy to be good house dogs, they will be somewhat happy to be indoors if they can get a lot of exercise running with you or your bike. They are happiest when they can run when they want, so try to have a large yard to put them in.
Caring for the GSP is minimal, as it occasionally falls off, preventing you from being too busy brushing a long-haired dog. The best thing for your dog’s coat is to wash it every few months as well so that there is no need for constant bathing. They like water, so an occasional dip will cover most of the need for a bath.
Cons:
The problem with having a German shorthair is that you need constant exercise for your dog. If you are someone who lives alone and is at work most of the time, you will find that you have an unhappy dog who is not satisfied with being locked in a house alone all day. If you are looking for a dog that enjoys being indoors and is not overly energetic, look for another breed of dog.
If you don’t have a large yard, you will be doing this pet a disservice, as it likes to be in near constant motion. If you let them into the house, make sure you have a fairly large one, as these are a good size. They like to play games and often forget they are inside, which can cause a lot of damage.
The GSP is not a pet that you can leave in the house on its own for a period of time, as they get bored and can be quite destructive. If you have to leave it indoors, you need to teach it to stay in a box or better yet, put it in the garage. If he likes to play with toys, make sure they are placed for him along with plenty of water. However, do a dog test as much as possible first.
German shorthairs are usually hardy dogs, but some are prone to various problems, such as epilepsy and hip dysplasia, along with a few minor ones that your vet can tell you about and can be watched over.
If you are looking for a smart and active family pet that likes to hunt and roam in the great outdoors, you won’t go wrong with a German Shorthaired Pointer. They are very high energy so make sure you can provide them with outlets for this or they will not be very happy.