The GSP was bred to work and is, without a doubt, happiest
when doing what they were bred for and do need to be kept
occupied on a task. They are a highly intelligent breed,
but slow to mature, with a strong instinct to hunt.
Consequently it is unwise to allow
unsupervised exercise. Knowing you are not there to keep
an eye on him, he will take advantage and soon find all
sorts of mischief to get up to. The GSP does not require
huge amount of exercise each day although a certain amount
of free supervised running is necessary on a regular basis.
Most important to a GSP is MENTAL STIMULATION.
The GSP is bred to work, ideally in a shooting environment but you
do not have to shoot over a GSP. There are many other ways to
give him the mental stimulation he craves. eg: Obedience, Agility,
Working trials, Gundog training or Field Trials.. If none of
these
appeal to you with a bit of imagination, a ball or favourite
toy...the sky is the limit.
A bored GSP can be very trying! The dog may become very
destructive and noisy leaving its owner in no doubt that it is
bored and frustrated. The first sign that something is wrong may
be finding your shoes chewed, or kitchen floor destroyed. So you
solve the problem by putting him in the garden...WRONG! GSPs love
gardening especially excavation. When tired of digging, weeding,
and pruning your plants he may then dig up your lawn before
escaping over the fence. You must obviously have a secure garden
to contain him.
So how do you keep your GSP happy?
He needs to know his place within the family unit and who is the
Boss. He also needs to know that when you say 'NO' you mean it.
DISCIPLINE and OBEDIENCE are vital to the well being of a GSP.
The breed is not only physically strong but also very obstinate
and will take advantage of any suitable situation if allowed. He
must be taught right from wrong at an early age.
A GSP is not aggressive by nature. If aggression is present
it is usually directed from one adult male to another but can be
dealt with at an early age. Aggression towards humans
is almost unheard of although a large outgoing male can be
intimidating to those who do not know the breed. One of
their most endearing traits is their love of people and unless
brought up from a very small puppy to kennelling will prefer
to live as one of the family. They are remarkable for their
companionship traits and do not thrive away from people. They can
be aloof to strangers but are extremely loving and loyal to their
family and friends. They make good house dogs but on
the whole are not good barkers.. However if taught to bark at the
door, they will never forget.
The average size for a GSP is about 21-23 inches for a bitch and
23-25 inches for a dog.
The GSP is a handsome and noble companion and can be a great
source of fun and amusement. They are not the easiest of breeds
and need constant supervision, stimulation and companionship.
They have an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years so
obviously need long term commitment.
A properly reared German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the
greatest joys in this life and if they are not in the other one
then who wants to go?........
This page was written by Leigh
Smith. Her info is as informative as anything I could have
written so I have not tried to improve on it....