I’m buying a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy today for a quail dog. Any advice on this breed?
14 Oct 2009
i have plenty of space for her to run around, and i have plenty of time to spend with her. but i would like to know more about this breed.
I have a one year old German short haired… my boyfriend and I share him, and he’s been training a little for quail hunting. I can’t say enough good things about this dog. He’s got such a great personality, is always wanting attention, plays and works hard… He also thinks he’s a 65lb. lap dog. He’s crazy — it’s just a hard breed to describe. It’s important that you spend lots of time exercising her because her active personality could turn into being destructive. I’ve also noticed that, as much as he does like to be loved on, he is very serious when it comes to practicing his points, sniffing out birds, etc. I can definitely tell he was bred for hunting. He’s also an excellent guard dog — very hesitant of strangers on our property, and has a loud, intimidating bark. As long as you give her the attention she needs, you’ll both be happy. I couldn’t ask for two better dogs than him and my Lab. You will be very happy with her!! 
5 Responses
2009 Oct 14
I have a one year old German short haired… my boyfriend and I share him, and he’s been training a little for quail hunting. I can’t say enough good things about this dog. He’s got such a great personality, is always wanting attention, plays and works hard… He also thinks he’s a 65lb. lap dog. He’s crazy — it’s just a hard breed to describe. It’s important that you spend lots of time exercising her because her active personality could turn into being destructive. I’ve also noticed that, as much as he does like to be loved on, he is very serious when it comes to practicing his points, sniffing out birds, etc. I can definitely tell he was bred for hunting. He’s also an excellent guard dog — very hesitant of strangers on our property, and has a loud, intimidating bark. As long as you give her the attention she needs, you’ll both be happy. I couldn’t ask for two better dogs than him and my Lab. You will be very happy with her!!
References :
2009 Oct 14
The German Shorthaired Pointer is very energetic, smart and willing to please. Cheerful and friendly, he likes children. Loyal and protective, he loves all family members equally, especially if they are carrying the leash, car key, gun or Frisbee. They are very people-oriented, and not happy if isolated from the family. If exercised sufficiently once or twice a day, the German Shorthaired Pointer makes a very agreeable family companion. If left to his own devices for long periods without exercise or companionship, he can become destructive and nervous. Males tend to be more outgoing and are more aggressive hunters than females. Females tend to be less dominant. Energy levels vary somewhat, as litters bred for high performance field competition may require more activity than the average Shorthair. If raised with other dogs and cats from puppyhood, the German Shorthaired Pointer does quite well; however, he is a hunting dog by nature. This breed likes to bark and they are reserved with strangers.
Usually a healthy breed but some are prone to epilepsy, hermaphrodism and lymphedema. Some minor concerns are CHD, entropion, gastric torsion, VWD, pannus, OCD.
This breed is not recommended for apartment life and does best with a large yard and an athletic family. At least a 6-foot high fence is necessary. Bored Shorthairs can become escape artists. Does well in most climates.
Exercise is of paramount importance for these tireless energetic animals. They are more than a match for even the most active family and they should not be taken on as family pets unless they can be guaranteed plenty of vigorous exercise. If under-exercised, this breed can become restless and destructive.
About 12-15 years
(: hope i helped! hope you will have fun with your (going to be) pup! (:
References :
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/germanshorthairedpointer.htm
2009 Oct 14
2 different friends of mine have GSP’s and they are EXTREMELY high energy, i have a Weimaraner which is supposed to be high energy as well, and they have 2X the energy of my dog. They are EXTREMLY in tune with their hunting instict. i think you made a great choice, just keep that pup entertained, which it sounds like you will be able to do.
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2009 Oct 14
Awesome dogs! German Shorthair are naturally wanting to go bird huntin’. My Ma and her hubby had a few of them from 8-10 weeks old. And every one of them were showing good hunting skills without even trying.
Like they would put an egg in a pair of socks and stick some feathers that they’d find on the ground and poke them in the sock. And put it somewhere that the pup could see it and make it wait until it was told to fetch. And it didn’t take very long before the pups were able to bring it back and drop it and not break the egg.
Just type up German Shorthair on the web and see what you can find. Try Google too.?
Good luck and have fun with your new buddy!
Just please remember….make it all fun for the dog to do. If it gets to be no fun I wouldn’t do it either.
Enjoy!!
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2009 Oct 14
There must be THOUSANDS of "bird-dawg" sites! Besides checking w/your local DNR & sportsmans clubs.
GSP seem to be VERY popular.This one from field stock?
Don’t bother here,though. Most folks don’t know which end bites.
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