Intelligent, social and loving, German Shorthaired Pointers (GSPs) are one of the most popular hunt/point/retrieve breeds in the gundog group. You may not think it from the social media clips of them frozen “pointing” at everything from frogs to deer, but they’re athletes with impressive speed and endurance. Their exercise needs should not be taken lightly. Here’s what to consider when deciding if a German Shorthaired Pointer is right for you.

#German Shorthaired Pointer breed profile

A noble-looking dog with kind eyes and silky, floppy ears. The classic coat is liver and white, spotted or ticked, but they can also be solid liver, solid black, or black and white. Hunting-wise, they’re excellent pointers with soft mouths and a thorough work ethic. This can mean charging off nose-first, sometimes out of sight. Don’t worry too much, they usually know exactly where you are, even if you’ve lost track of them. That said, their endurance can sometimes take them too far afield. A whistle recall is handy over long distances, to help them find their way back.

They make wonderful companions for active families, though their enthusiasm can be a bit much for very small children. Play often takes the form of chasing, mimicking their hunting instincts. This is great with dogs they know, not so great with strange dogs or smaller animals. With training, this drive can be shaped into a real asset for burning off extra energy, but left unchecked, it may cause problems.

Despite their size, German Shorthaired Pointers can see themselves as lap dogs. Once their energy is spent, they’re affectionate and will happily get up close and cuddly. But without enough exercise or stimulation, frustration can turn into chewing or destructive behaviour. Add in their tendency to bond closely to their owners, and separation anxiety can become a challenge.

For a large breed, they have a good lifespan, typically living 12–14 years with proper care.

##Common health issues in German Shorthaired Pointers

German Shorthaired Pointers are generally healthy, but as well as being predisposed to many of the same conditions as other large breed dogs they also have breed-specific health conditions.

##Physical issues

German Shorthaired Pointers can develop hip and elbow dysplasia where the joints don’t fit together properly, causing friction, inflammation, pain and eventually arthritis. They may also develop progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), an inherited eye disorder causing gradual vision loss, starting with night blindness.

Responsible breeders try to reduce the risk of these conditions with genetic testing and x-rays.

##Stomach Issues

A significant concern for any deep-chested breed, including the German Shorthaired Pointer, is bloat or gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). This is a medical emergency. Every owner should know the warning signs: restlessness, drooling, or unsuccessful attempts to vomit. Learn more in our health guide all about bloat and GDV

##Skin issues & allergies

German Shorthaired Pointers can suffer from allergies, including atopic dermatitis, a lifelong itchy-skin condition triggered by environmental allergens. They can also develop mast cell tumours, a type of skin cancer that can also cause itchiness or lumps. Persistent itching or lumps are always worth a vet check.

##Medical problems

• Subaortic stenosis – a hereditary heart condition in young dogs that narrows the blood flow from the heart. Severity varies, but it can cause exercise intolerance and, in severe cases, heart failure.
• Hypothyroidis – more common in older German Shorthaired Pointers, slowing metabolism and leading to lethargy, weight gain, and coat changes.
• Dilated cardiomyopathy– not especially common in German Shorthaired Pointers, but possible in older age, and worth monitoring for signs like fatigue and coughing.
• Type II von Willebrand disease – a rare hereditary clotting disorder that can cause excessive bleeding after injuries or surgery.

#Caring for a German Shorthaired Pointer

Think boundless energy matched with boundless affection.

##Diet & nutrition tips

When German Shorthaired Pointers are exercising at the level they were bred for, an athletic or working-dog diet can be appropriate. But for most, a high-quality complete diet is the right place to start.

• Feed large-breed puppy food during growth.
• Offer two meals a day, and avoid exercise for at least an hour after eating to reduce bloat risk.
• Use slow feeders or puzzle feeders to stop them gulping.
• If they’re doing lots of running, consider lifelong joint supplements for extra support.
• Watch portion sizes — GSPs can be greedy.

##Training & exercise tips

This is one dog for whom walking alone just may not cut it! From 6 months to 3 years, they are at their most demanding, often needing 2+ hours of exercise a day before they’re ready for cuddles!

• Channel their intelligence through consistent training.
• Socialisation is key — their playfulness can work brilliantly with other dogs if managed.
• Sports like canicross, agility, or bikejoring are great ways to burn energy.
• Games that mimic hunting (scent work, retrieving) provide vital mental stimulation.

##Grooming tips

A German Shorthaired Pointer’s coat is, yes, you guessed it, short, and pretty low maintenance. Shedding is moderate—a lot less than double-coated breeds—and while this is better for allergy sufferers, German Shorthaired Pointers are not hypoallergenic.

• Weekly brushing keeps them glossy and removes loose hairs.
• Baths are only needed when they’ve rolled in something, which they almost certainly will.
• Floppy ears are prone to infections, so weekly checks for wax, redness or odour are essential.
• Paws also take a lot of wear, especially on hard surfaces, so check for cracks and consider paw wax or balm.
  
  

##Conclusion

Want to be fit? Want to be so tired you don’t mind a 30kg dog trying to squeeze onto your lap? Then a German Shorthaired Pointer might be for you. Playful, loving and loyal, they make incredible companions—but, all joking aside, they are better suited to trail runners than tranquil strollers.