 Originally
bred in Germany, the GSP was developed to carry out the work of at
least three specialised Gundog breeds. The GSP comes under the
KENNEL CLUB
classification of HUNT, POINT and RETRIEVE breeds. (HPR)
The GSP unlike other breeds remains true to its beginnings. Other
Gundog types, i.e.; the English Springer Spaniel or the Labrador
have a noticeable division within each breed. A Labrador bred
purely for the show ring is barely recognizable as the same breed
when compared for one bred for the field. Most show dogs will
lack the drive and initiative to do a full days working the field
and a work bred dog will probably not fit the
recommended standard to compete in the show ring.
This is not the case with the GSP. Whether bred for show or field
work it can and does compete in both activities successfully. So
far breeders of the GSP have been very careful to maintain the
Dual Purpose nature of the dogs they have bred, which is why the
breed can boast of having several Dual Champions within its ranks
i.e.: dogs that are not only FIELD TRIAL CHAMPIONS but also SHOW
CHAMPIONS. This is a rarity in many Gundog breeds.
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.
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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 you 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?
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