The German Shorthaired Pointer was developed in Germany around 1870 from the old Spanish Pointer, Bloodhound, English Foxhound, English Pointer, and the old German Pointer. As you can see by the above combination, these dogs were the German hunter's requirements for a single universal hunting dog. One which could scent, point, and retreive most feathered and furred game, on land or water and even trail large wounded animals. The German Shorthaired Pointer is more than just a "pointer", but in America they are used more for feathered game such as pheasants, woodcock, quail, and grouse.

There was much discussion when the breed was being submitted to be accepted by the American Kennel Club as the German Shorthaired Point-Retriever, but as it turned out the Shorthair was first admitted to the stud book of the AKC in March, 1930, as The German Shorthaired Pointer. His ability to find and point game, retrieve on land or water,with such endurance and agility is much appreciated by "all round" hunters. It is indeed rare to find wrapped up in one package a staunchly pointing bird dog, a keen-nosed night trailer, a proven duck dog, a natural retriever on land and water, pleasing conformation and markings, great powers of endurance, and an intelligent family watchdog and companion.

In appearence, the Shorthair is of medium height, with a docked tail and is powerful and agile. His head is clean cut, which has the look of velvet, with a long muzzle with strong jaws. He should posess sloping shoulders, deep breast, powerful back, strong quarters, good bone, adequate muscle, well carried tail and taut coat. The coat may be of solid liver or a combination of liver and white such as liver and white ticked, liver patched and white ticked, or liver roan. A dog with any area of black, red, orange, lemon or tan, or a dog solid white is not allowed. Their height at the withers is from 23 to 25 pounds for males and from 21 to 23 pounds for bitches. Their weight ranges are 55-70 pounds for males and 45-60 pounds for bitches.

They are a hardy breed and rarely ever sick, as most dogs live to a ripe old age of 12-14 years if given proper care. The overall picture of a Shorthair is that of an aristocratic, well balanced animal with conformation indicating power, the look of intelligence and animation.

The shorthair is a very athletic and very energetic dog. They will need alot of room to get the exercise required for their energy level. They also love to carry "things" in their mouth, tennis balls are great fun, as are socks tied with knots in them. They certainly have a zest for life, and their enthusiasm is endless! Fortunately, they have been bred for amiable dispositions and temperment that is very receptive to training. These dogs are easily taught, in fact they can learn just by watching other dogs! This easy temperment makes them excellent pets.

They love being with people, they are one of the few breeds to really look into your eyes and try to understand what you tell them, they are most willing to please their "owners". They are a very quick study, if you can teach, they will learn very fast. It is very important that they are with people, they want to be wherever the owner is, most of the time it is to lay right next to their feet. This is their guard position also, as they can be very protective of the family.

The National German Shorthaired Pointer club has a breeder referral service, if you are interested in obtaining one of the wonderful dogs. For information, please email.

Related Reading:
German Shorthaired Pointers Today, David Layton
German Shorthaired Pointers, Diane McCarthy
Your German Shorthaired Pointer, Gertrude Dapper

Debora King
Liebmeister Kennels
Email

Debora King has owned Shorthairs since 1976, her first litter resulted in 3 show champions with one of them going on to be the Number One GSP in America! Now with over 35 Champions to her credit she is working on a pair of littermates she hopes will obtain their Dual Championships, this is with the help of her husband, David King, who is a professional trainer of bird dogs, and is also as successful with Field Champion Shorthairs by winning 4 National Championships! You can contact them by phone at 205 467-2220 or write to Liebmeister Kennels at 4312 County Hwy 24, Springville, AL 35146

Here are some of Debbie's pups at only 5 1/2 weeks. Three of the four went on to become show champions!

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