Do you want to take a GSP to your hunting trips? What if your kill falls into a lake or pond? Does GSP have webbed feet to swim and retrieve? If these questions have crossed your mind, you have come to the right place!
GSPs were initially bred to hunt and retrieve animals like waterfowl. They have the natural talent to swim like a pro in water, and they also love water! So, what makes them such great swimmers in the dog kingdom?
Here are a few more questions that I have discussed in this article!
- Are German Shorthaired Pointers a good choice?
- Are they protective of their owners?
- Where did the breed come from?
- When does a GSP mature?
Yes, GSPs have webbed feet that help them swim deep water for great lengths. According to the AKC, they have compact, close-knit, and round-to-spoon-shaped feet that aid in paddling through the water. They are highly energetic with an athletic build which makes them light underwater.
Why you shouldn’t get a German Shorthaired Pointer?
Still, confused if you should get a German Shorthaired Pointer? To help you decide faster, here are some of the top reasons why you shouldn’t get a German Shorthaired pointer:
They always need attention
Truth be told, GSPs are not for the busy bees! These dogs thrive on attention and will do anything to please the humans around them. They like being the center of attention always and love praises.
If you think you won’t have the time to care for their needs, don’t get one! When GSPs don’t get what they want, they may indulge in destructive activities out of boredom or depression.
Depression has become very common among dogs and must not be taken lightly. Hence, don’t get a GSP if you don’t have the time and energy.
They have strong hunting instincts
There is no doubt that GSPs were originally bred to track and hunt. This trait of theirs is still prevalent among modern GSPs. They tend to chase other animals.
This can become an issue if you already have a pet at home or if your neighborhood has many pets. It excites them to prey on small animals or other pets such as rabbits, cats, or rodents.
They may not be safe for children
Most dog experts suggest against having a GSP at home if you have kids under seven at home. This is because GSPs are highly energetic and rambunctious dogs and love to always be on the move.
They love children and will play with them but can be a handful for smaller kids. They may try to jump on small kids out of excitement, which is not suitable for every kind of household.
They are always young at heart
While this may sound like a positive trait, it may not prove the same for some of you! GSPs take time to mature, and while their physiques may have reached maturity by the time they are 2 years old, their hearts may still be young.
Their adventurous and quirky behaviors will continue even after they’ve grown big; hence, you may find it challenging to handle such a demanding dog if you are a beginner.
They need training classes
Most GSP owners, including me, would suggest that you send your GSP for training classes when they are young. Since they are very energetic with powerful hunting instincts, they are more prone to becoming destructive in nature.
Will a German Shorthaired Pointer protect you?
Are you still not sure if your German Shorthaired Pointer will protect you? Don’t be, because they will! One of the first things you must know about GSPs is that they are extremely loyal and protective of their owners.
These dogs are very loving and get highly attached to their masters in a concise time. They are clingy and love cuddling with their favorite hoomans! So, why won’t such a dog protect you?
GSPs are also very territorial in that sense. They don’t like intruders or strangers around them and may become aggressive if they see any near their owner. They are people-oriented dogs and will always be faithful and protective of their owners.
What breeds make up a GSP?
The origin of the German Shorthaired Pointers goes way back before the 17th century. According to the AKC, the breed descended from an earlier breed known as the German Bird Dog, which is also a mix of earlier dog breeds.
According to Liz Palika, the author of “The Howell Book of Dogs” and a dog aficionado, the GSP is a mix of four different breeds. She states that the breed is a blend of German Bird dogs, Spanish Pointers, English pointers, and German Scent Hounds.
At what age is a GSP fully grown?
A German Shorthaired Pointer is considered a fully grown adult by the age of 2 years old. However, don’t let the size fool you because they are still young at heart!
GSPs take time to mature, and hence even a fully grown adult GSP may exhibit puppy-like behavior. While their activities may be cute to look at, they can become very demanding quickly.
Therefore, a GSP is not a dog that’s suited for everybody. For families with toddlers or very small kids, getting a GSP may not be a good idea. Though the breed loves children, they are very playful even when fully grown, and their big-sized bodies may prove dangerous to small children.
Conclusion
German Shorthaired pointers have proved to be excellent hunting dogs on land and water. They make great hunting partners with great strength and agility. They are intelligent and quick learners too.
Owning a GSP is an asset if you are an avid hunter, but if you are not, then that’s fine too! They can become the most lovable and clingy dogs in bed from being great gundogs!
