by Chuck Berry

Thanks to the efforts of German breeders to develop a faster and more reliable pointer, we have the marvelous German Shorthaired Pointer or GSP as a hunting companion today. The GSP was incorporated from other pointer breeds such as the old Spanish Pointer, Hounds of St. Hubert, Foxhound, the English Pointer and some other unidentified hounds. The result of this development is a much faster and more excellent hunting dog.

The GSP can be considered as an all-around hunting dog. Whatever tasks a hunting dog should do such as being a pointer, a retriever, upland bird dog or a water dog, the GSP can surely do. The GSP is a great hunting companion because it possesses characteristics of being intelligent, bold, biddable, and alert but those GSPs that lack these traits are surely improperly trained.

This excellent workdog ranked 17th in Stanley Cohens The Intelligence of Dogs. Its hunting instinct is so strongly innate that owning a GSP means training it to distinguish between the right prey and other animals. A GSP that is not trained on this has the tendency to bring dead cats, pigeons or rats as a trophy from its hunting escapades alone.

Many hunters today still utilize the skills of the GSP because it is unarguably excellent in hunting. Hunters love it that the GSP is very dependable, hardy, full of energy and intelligent during these times. One should realize that a properly trained GSP never suggests a disposition of fear, shyness, over submissiveness, lack of docility or aggression.

However, not only is the GSP excellent in hunting but in being a family companion as well. This dog is very family-oriented, protective, friendly and very loving. It loves to be with children and likes the attention of humans and other canine friends.

The body of the GSP manifests a powerful and agile capability because of its streamlined and lean physique. Its uniquely built hind legs are so powerful it allows him to turn quickly and rapidly. It has floppy and moderately long ears and a snout that is broad and powerful that allows him to carry heavy game.

Generally, the tails of the GSPs are docked at a length that is enough for the dogs to wag and move their tails although in some countries docking is prohibited. The coat of the GSP is very short, flat and double coated. The undercoat is dense and the outer coat is stiff making the GSP water and temperature resistant.

The common colors of this breed are dark brown, chocolate or chestnut (liver), black and white. Some GSPs may come in these colors solidly but generally, GSPs come in these colors but with speckles or patches of other colors such as white or liver all over their bodies. Interestingly, this color formation of the GSP allows it to camouflage against trees and bushes during winter season.

About the Author:
Chuck Berry came from a family of German Shorthaired Pointer breeders. Learn some of his works in his website and read about German Shorthaired Pointer puppies, German Shorthaired Pointer training, German Shorthaired Pointer rescue and a lot more!

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