The German shorthaired pointer (GSP) is known for its speed, but exactly how fast is a GSP? The origins date to 19th century Germany where they were bred for hunting purposes. They have a compact body with long legs, which aids in their overall speed on both land and water.
In this article, we shall answer some common GSP questions like:
- What is the top speed of a GSP?
- Do male and female GSPs run at the same speed?
- Can GSP puppies run as fast as adult GSPs?
- What is the fastest dog?
- Can German Shorthaired Pointers be trained to run faster?
The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) is a hunting dog that can run at incredible speeds, and they are among some of the fastest dog species in the world.
According to the Fast Coursing Ability Test (Fast CAT) conducted by the American Kennel Association (AKC), an average German Shorthaired Pointer’s speed is 25.3 mph, which is roughly 40.8 km per hour and the fastest speed recorded of the GSP is 54.2 km per hour (33.7 miles per hour).
Do male and female GSPs run at the same speed?
The male and female have different recorded speeds. The average rate of male German Shorthaired Pointers breed is 25.7 mph, and the average speed of the female is 25.1 mph. An averagely healthy German shorthaired pointer can run for between 35mph and 45 mph.
German Shorthaired Pointers have very muscular bodies, making it easy to run swiftly. Their building is also very compact, making it easy to move their bodies and turn them in all directions.
Can GSP puppies run as fast as adult GSPs?
GSP puppies do not have the same speed capacity as adult GSPs, but they can quickly adapt to fast running with proper training. It is not recommended to run with a puppy since their bones are still fragile, and it may cause strain to their bone structure.
But make sure you don’t overwork your puppies lest they get exhausted under pressure. Read this article to know how far GSP puppies can walk.
What is the fastest dog?
Greyhounds are known to be the fastest dog breed in the world. They have a very compact and slender physique, making it easy to run at top speed. The fastest recorded speed of a greyhound is 45 miles per hour.
Since greyhounds were developed for speed, they do not require exercise and endurance training. However, they do require an energy outlet from time to time, so owners of greyhounds need to help them exercise and release their energy now and then. This is why you’ll see greyhounds lounging in the house most of the time.
Since greyhounds were developed for speed, they do not require exercise and endurance training. However, they do require an energy outlet from time to time, so owners of greyhounds need to help them exercise and release their energy now and then. This is why you’ll see greyhounds lounging in the house most of the time.
A close second is the Saluki, who was also bred for speed. They are very light on their feet and can carry the weight of their bodies well, so their running speed is unbeatable to many other dog breeds.
The German shorthaired pointer also comes up very close to these two breeds with a speed of about 43 mph. It is crucial to remember that not all the speeds are peak speeds of the dog breeds but an average speed over a specific distance. They may be able to run faster than the specified speed but not for a very long distance.
Can German Shorthaired Pointers be trained to run faster?
To train your GSP to run faster, you have to train it properly. The first thing to remember is the dog’s health. GSPs are also great swimmers, although they’re faster at running than swimming. Here are some of the steps you can take to make your GSP run faster:
Regular vet checkups:
Take your GSP to the vet regularly and do a full body check to ensure their health is in peak condition. In some cases, due to inherent genes, GSPs may not be equipped to run as fast as their fellow breeds. It is always an excellent option to have an expert tell you how you can train your dog to run depending on their health.
Proper diet:
GSPs require a balanced diet with good nutrition that will aid their training. You can also consult a veterinarian to know what supplements your dog needs for proper bone growth. You must watch the weight of your GSP minutely and make sure that the age and weight of your GSP correspond to standard GSP growth.
Conditioning training:
Another critical step is to condition your GSP to run. It is impossible to have your GSP up and run at full speed from the get-go. You need to start the training gradually, like playing fetch, doing some running exercises along with the dog, and taking long walks and hikes.
Do GSP dogs like to cuddle?
German Shorthaired Pointers are highly affectionate dogs, so they love to cuddle. Many tell-tale signs like yawning, sitting on your lap, wagging their tails, licking your hands, and leaning on you indicate that they want to be held and cuddled.
Although bred to be hunting companions, GSPs are adapting to becoming more like family dogs rather than hunters with the evolution over time. Unlike their original purpose for breeding, the German Shorthaired Pointers are typically very mellow and well-mannered, provided you train them well. They also get along with other pets and are good at socializing.
Are pointers friendly?
GSPs are very cuddly, especially when they are puppies. As puppies, they are eager for attention and affection, but they tend to ask for permission before a cuddle session as they grow older. GSPs love being around people and are very friendly, so they are a good breed for first-time owners.
Train your GSP with positive reinforcements like increasing their cuddle time when they follow commands or after a good exercise and training session.
Conclusion
Breeders initially developed this breed of dogs to aid hunters, so they have very high endurance. Hence, a well-trained German shorthaired pointer hunting dog can run for up to 43 mph and is an expert at catching prey.
GSPs can even swim fast for very long durations compared to other dogs. They are also brilliant dogs eager to please their owners, contrary to popular belief. This breed makes excellent family dogs.
