Did you know?
Award-winning American writer, Rick Bass’ story on living and hunting with a German Shorthaired Pointer in Montana is detailed in the book “Colter: The True Story of the Best Dog I Ever Had”.
German Shorthaired Pointer
I talk to him when I’m lonesome like, and I’m sure he understands.
When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands;
Then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat,
For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that!
– W. Dayton Wedgefarth
Ch Whisperfield Casino Royale, “Cassi” and
CKC/AKC/UKC Ch Whisperfield Wild Card FDJ JH, “Dealer”
The first German Shorthaired Pointers began with various German hounds and trackers being crossed with the Spanish Pointer who had come to Germany in the 1700s. Later on, to increase speed and sharpen his scenting abilities, the English Pointer was bred into the line.
German Shorthairs were developed to hunt birds and small animals on land or water. They are excellent all round gun dogs: exceptional trackers, pointers and retrievers of game, watchdogs, and companions.
The German Shorthaired Pointer stands up to 25 inches (64 cm) tall at the shoulder and weighs up to 70 pounds (32 kg). He has a short, dense coat in solid black, black and white, liver and white, liver or black roan, or solid liver. The black and white or liver and white dogs can be spotted or ticked. Grooming requirements are minimal.
Photos displayed courtesy of Ray and Pat Iredale, Whisperfield Perm Reg’d, Ontario
A friendly, affectionate, even-tempered, and gentle dog, he prefers to live with people. Not a dog to live in the kennel or be left alone all day, the Although he is reliable with children, this breed is boisterous and enthusiastic, particularly when he’s young so he should be supervised with very young children.
The GSP is intelligent, responsive, and easily trainable. He should be trained from an early age by a patient but firm leader who will socialize him to a variety of people, place, and things. Most German Shorthaired Pointers make excellent watchdogs. They will generally get along well with other dogs, but their natural hunting instincts may not bode well for other small pets such as cats or rabbits.
German Shorthaired Pointer is happiest when engaged in outdoor activity. As a high-energy animal, he needs lots of vigorous exercise to maintain his happy, balanced nature. Boredom will result in undesirable activities! He does best in a rural environment where there is plenty of room to run! A fenced yard is essential.
CKC/AKC/UKC Ch Whisperfield Clear Slate FDJ JH
“Brix”
CKC Breed Standard
Rescue Organizations
German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Canada
Canadian Rescue Coordinator: Heather Brennan