German shorthaired pointers are very pretty dogs that many people have fallen in love with. These are hunting dogs that were bred in Germany back in the 19th century.
Today, many people keep them as pets. Since they’re medium to large-sized dogs, many might find it convenient to be able to keep them outside.
This might be an issue if you live in an area with really cold weather, though.
You know that German shorthaired pointers don’t have thick coats of fur to protect them from harsh winter weather. Are these dogs going to be okay living out in the snow?
How cold is too cold for a German shorthaired pointer?
These Dogs Can’t Handle Really Cold Weather
These dogs won’t be able to handle really cold weather if you’re trying to make them live outside.
When temperatures dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s not going to be wise to allow the dogs to stay outside.
Even if you have provided a shelter for the dogs, it’s going to be difficult for them to stay warm enough.
German shorthaired pointers would be better off living indoors during the winter months if it gets very cold where you live.
If the temperatures don’t go too low, then the dogs might be just fine outside. When they have shelter, it’s easier for them to stay warm and happy.
Pointers will really enjoy living outside if they have a lot of room to run around and play.
These dogs need to get a lot of exercise because they truly have more energy than many other dog breeds.
Pointers will have an easier time living outside during the spring and summer months.
Their short hair will be really good for warmer temperatures since it’ll be easier for them to stay cool.
These dogs do enjoy roaming the yard because of how much energy they have. All pointers need to get exercise so that they can remain happy.
If you want the dogs to be the safest and happiest that they can be, then it’d be better to keep them inside.
This dog breed is meant to interact with people and loves being around its owners.
If your pointer is getting enough exercise outside, then it should be a very calm and friendly family dog that you will love having in your home.
You just need to make an effort to give the dog enough exercise. Taking the dogs outside regularly will be important when keeping pointers as indoor dogs.
You might want the dog to spend several hours per day outside running around and playing. During the winter months, you can take the dog for walks in safe areas.
The dog might not like the cold much and will want to come back inside before too long, though.
When Will It Be Appropriate to Keep the Dogs Outside?
Since not everyone has enough room indoors to accommodate German shorthaired pointers, some will be interested in keeping them outside exclusively.
As mentioned earlier, this might not be a good choice if it gets too cold in your area.
So how cold is it going to be too cold for these dogs to handle? It’s recommended to not keep the dogs outside if it dips below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most dogs don’t do well in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Since German shorthaired pointers don’t have much protection from the cold, they will struggle when it dips below 45.
You might live in an area where it rarely gets cooler than this. In that case, it’d be fine to keep the dogs outside if you can provide them with shelter and protection.
These dogs will need to have a waterproof shelter where they can stay dry and safe. It’s also going to need to do a good job of blocking the wind.
Wind gusts can cause things to feel even colder, and that will be a detriment to your dog. A well-designed shelter for the dog will keep it safe and allow it to live happily outside.
Just understand that it might not be practical if it gets too cold where you live.
If the temperatures are below freezing during the winter more often than not, then the dogs should be living indoors.
Those who can’t keep these dogs indoors should likely not purchase them.
You want to be able to give dogs optimal care, and you have to be honest about your situation when you aren’t able to do so.
What About Puppies?
You really shouldn’t be keeping German shorthaired pointer puppies outside in the cold.
They’re going to have an even tougher time dealing with cold temperatures than adult dogs.
This is because they have much shorter legs than adult pointers. It makes it so that their bellies brush up against the freezing surface, and it’ll be much harder for them to stay warm than an adult.
Puppies are more susceptible to serious problems such as hypothermia. The negative impact of extreme cold will be even worse for dogs that are too young.
In many ways, it would be cruel to keep a puppy outside in very cold weather. A puppy might do well if the weather is warm or mild, though.
If you plan to keep the pointer dog outside, then you should at least care for the dog indoors until it is older.
A German shorthaired pointer puppy will mature fairly fast, but you don’t want to rush making it live outside in cold weather. Remember that these dogs are considered to be excellent family dogs.
If you’re able to keep the dog indoors with your family, then that will likely be the best situation.
In Summary
German shorthaired pointers can live outside, but they don’t tolerate extreme cold well.
These dogs don’t have the right natural protection from the cold to be able to live outside safely when the temperature gets too cold.
Generally, it’s recommended to keep these dogs inside if the temperatures dip below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you provide a shelter for the dogs that blocks the wind and is waterproof, then they should be fine in mild winter temperatures.
Puppies have an even harder time dealing with wintry weather. They’re more susceptible to hypothermia. You should likely not make a puppy live outside in the cold.
German shorthaired pointers are excellent family dogs, and you should consider letting them live inside if you have the necessary space.
