The German Shorthaired Pointer is an amazing sporting breed and makes a great hunting buddy. If you are looking for a dog that will be your daily companion, whether to a river or the wilderness, the GSP is for you.
Provided you give the dog mental and physical exercises, you will never regret being a dog-parent.
When choosing a puppy or a dog, it is essential to consider their hereditary advantages and disadvantages.
A dog’s bloodline is a representation of characteristics since behavior and personality are passed down during breeding.
German hunters have mainly bred the GSP for many generations. It is no wonder they have a unique appetite for vigor.
Everything is to love about this breed, from their glossy coat to intelligence and vibrant personality.
History and Origin of the GSP
German Shorthaired Pointers originated in Germany and have been around since the 17th Century.
German hunters were searching for an intelligent dog breed with a strong sense of scent to help with their hunting adventures.
As a result, they cross-bred bloodhounds and the Old Spanish Pointer.
The GSP has been a bird dog and a retriever in all terrains for centuries.
Currently, it is popular in America and Britain than it is in Germany – it’s home country. So, how do you choose the best German Shorthaired Pointer bloodlines? Read more to find out!
How to Find the Best Bloodlines When Choosing a GSP
There are several old German Shorthaired pointer bloodlines like Von Grief and Mosegaard. Such dogs are clear-cut hunters dating back from their ancestry.
If you want to enjoy owning a GSP, you better get a purebred pup. And this post shows how to pick the best bloodline when adopting or buying a pup.
Size and Physical Appearance
When checking the pedigree, check the ancestors’ appearance and size. Typically, a GSP should be medium-sized, with webbed toes that perfect their hunting in water.
The muzzle should be long, and the ears should be wide, lying flat high on the dog’s head. Be careful to check that the ears are not hanging away from the head.
The German Shorthaired Pointer should also have a short, thick coat, usually brown, white, or liver. The dog’s coat could also be patched with liver or white.
As for the tail, it should be docked 40% of the dog’s or pup’s length by a vet. Averagely, a fully-grown GSP weighs 50-80lbs and measures 20-27 inches.
If the dog’s appearance matches the standards, and so did their ancestors’, you can rest assured that your new hunting buddy comes from a good bloodline.
The Litter’s Health
How active your dog is is determined by the state of its health. First of all, the German Shorthaired Pointer should be physically active with a glossy (not harsh) coat.
The eyes should be clear and the eyelids well-conformed. Eyelids turning inwards or outwards in GSP pup is a health risk.
Next, check the dog’s belly button and groin area for lumps, which indicate a hernia. Small bumps can heal with time, but large hernias may become a health concern as the puppy grows.
Subsequently, check the legs for any signs of rickets or limping.
The Parent’s Health
When assessing your future pet’s health, do not forget to check the mum’s and dad’s pedigree too.
Otherwise, you might overlook hereditary illnesses and conditions that may affect your dog in the future.
The GSP breed is prone to dysplasia, especially the hips and bones. Therefore, the parents must be assessed by a qualified veterinarian.
Generic profiling helps you understand the risks of your pup getting any hereditary diseases.
Other genetic conditions to check for include:
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- Type II Von Willebrand disease
- Degenerative myelopathy
It is important always to check the health certificates of both parents when choosing a German Shorthaired Pointer.
Temperament and Personality
Everyone loves the GSP because of its activeness and personality. They are also pleasers, always displaying loyalty and affection.
A pup from a great bloodline should exhibit these qualities. Make sure you always check both parents’ health certificates, whether at home or when out hunting.
When choosing a puppy, it is advisable to carry out temperament checks. These tests are performed mostly on search dogs, rescue dogs, and hunter dogs.
The America Kennel Club recommends temperament tests and offers various of them too.
If you want the ideal hunting companion or a gundog, choose from a bloodline of gundogs.
The dogs have adapted noise sensitivity, confidence on hunting grounds, dominance, and reaction to new training routines and environment.
Vaccinations and Deworming
Every puppy should have been vaccinated once before you take them home.
Vaccination requirements differ in every state and country, so ensure you always check with the breeder or a certified vet.
If the litter’s parents were not vaccinated, the pups have a high chance of contracting diseases.
Additionally, always confirm if your pup has been microchipped before it is registered.
Are You Ready for a German Shorthaired Pointer?
Choosing the best German Shorthaired Pointer Bloodlines is only successful if your dog matches your personality.
Therefore, you have to be realistic about why you need a gundog and how to provide it with the needed care.
GSP’s are naturally active dogs, so it is only fair for them to be exposed to physical exercises and consistent training. If not, you will raise a shy and soft dog.
If you are not ready for a hyperactive and unintimidated pup, get a less active breed or hire a trainer.
Lastly, ensure you do not have any free-ranging pets when you bring your GSP home. The dogs are born hunters and easily triggered by birds.
Speaking of, considering a GSP for duck hunting? Read up on their ability with waterfowl here.
To be on the safe side, ensure all your pets have socialized before allowing them to engage openly.
Conclusion
Finding the best bloodlines when getting a German Shorthaired Pointer is easy, only if you follow all the guidelines mentioned above. Choosing an experienced breeder is a must if you want a full-bred puppy.
Do not let your emotions control you when choosing a gundog. Always check the dog’s temperament, health, parent’s pedigree, special needs, and personality.
When you do, you will have a loyal companion for 12 to 14 years without worry.
