Are German Shorthaired Pointers Hypoallergenic? Are you curious about their other features and wish to learn more about the intelligent breed? If the answer is yes to both queries, look no further. Carry on reading to know everything about the breed.
So, to the question, are German Shorthaired Pointers hypoallergenic? No, GSPs aren’t hypoallergenic dogs. But they make excellent pets, and unless you suffer from severe allergies, there isn’t any reason why you shouldn’t get one.
If you are keen on bringing home a German Shorthaired Pointer, read below to know what we will be learning today about German Shorthaired Pointers.
- Why are German Shorthaired Pointers Not Hypoallergenic?
- Do German Shorthaired Pointers Make Good Pets?
- What are their typical features?
- Should first-time dog owners get German Shorthaired Pointers?
Why are German Shorthaired Pointers Not Hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic dogs are those breeds that shed minimal hair and dander. However, no dog is entirely hypoallergenic because all breeds shed and produce dead skin, no matter how tiny the amount. The “hypoallergenic dogs” list contains several species that shed very little and produce a negligent amount of dander.
Many people who are not familiar with dog facts may also think that long-haired dogs shed more and shorthaired ones less. But that isn’t the case because several hypoallergenic breeds have long fur while many shorthaired ones are non-hypoallergenic.
German Shorthaired Pointers have a short coat, but they shed. They also shed more at certain times throughout the year. They also produce a considerable quantity of dander, and so the authorized department or organization places GSPs on the “not hypoallergenic” list.
Do German Shorthaired Pointers Make Good Pets?
Though primarily bred as hunting dogs, GSPs make ideal companions and pets, as described earlier. They are loyal, playful, friendly, and quickly bond with humans. They are incredibly active and are bundles of energy so be ready to see them do goofy things.
However, GSPs can be a problem near kids since they are incredibly boisterous. So, experts suggest not to keep them as pets if you have children under seven. But you can remedy it by training your pet as early as possible.
When you train them early, they will obey your commands and stay subdued when ordered. You can keep an eye and not let it play too much when near the kids.
What are their Typical Features?
You can identify German Shorthaired Pointers by their distinct appearance. Here are some physical characteristics of GSPs that can be useful if you aren’t familiar with the breed.
Height:
GSPs belong to medium to large-sized breeds. The female usually stands at 21-23 inches and the male at 23-25 inches at the shoulder.
Weight:
Females weigh about 45 to 60 pounds or 20 to 30 kgs. Males are heavier at 55-70 pounds or 25-32 kgs.
Coat:
German Shorthaired Pointers have stiff guard hairs which protect their short and thick undercoat. It makes the coat water-resistant and cold-resistant.
Color:
GSPs come in several shades, including
- Solid Liver
- A combination of liver and white (often called mistakenly “chocolate” or “chestnut”)
- Liver Roan (a mixture of white and pigmented hairs that don’t grey out when animals age)
- Liver and white ticked
Sometimes, they may also be
- Black
- White
- Red
- Tan
- Orange
- Lemon
However, AKC sanctioned shows don’t accept these shades as they say they don’t adhere to the breed standard.
Other Features
When GSPs are in a “classic point stance,” the tail is straight and in line with the head and body pointing towards a potential prey. Dog shows may penalize the pets if their tail is curved up or down when in point mode. They also have webbed feet and therefore are great swimmers.
Are German Shorthaired Pointers Good Hunting Dogs?
Breeders developed the Earliest German Shorthaired Pointers in Germany in the late 1800s. For years, the breeders in the area had been trying to develop an all-purpose hunting dog that would also make a great companion. Their efforts finally paid off, and the GSP was born.
GSPs are good hunters because they are pretty instinctive, and they can quickly find out where a particular game is and point their owner in the direction of the prey. They are multi-taskers who can point, hunt, chase, and retrieve game, including birds, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and deer.
They can also run fast on land and can swim well. So, even if your game falls in the water, your GSP can quickly retrieve it without any issue.
Do German Shorthaired Pointers Need Plenty of Exercises?
Since breeders bred German Shorthaired Pointers as hunting dogs, they love the outdoors. They are highly energetic, boisterous, and playful, and they can stay outdoors playing, running, and hunting for small creatures all day long.
Your pet will be delighted when you take it out for walks or a jog in the park. They require 1 to 2 hours of exercise daily. Your GSP may even become irritable and aggressive suddenly if it’s inside the house a lot and isn’t physically active.
Hence, if you have a pet, you must take it out for exercise daily or as much as possible. You can also create a space indoors where your pet can enjoy staying active when you aren’t able to take it out.
Should First-Time Dog Owners Get German Shorthaired Pointers?
If you have never had a pet, bringing one home for the first time can be challenging, no matter whichever breed you choose. But it will be an easier and an exciting journey to adopt a pet if you know a little bit about the breed.
You learned earlier that GSPs need a lot of exercise daily. So, the first point is if you can’t spend much time being physically active, it’s not the right breed for you. But if you love to exercise and can spare time, you can bring a GSP home.
But it’s important to start training your pet early to obey you when you command it. Else, it will get spoiled, and you will have a hard time making it listen to you when it grows up.
GSPs also get attached to their owners very quickly, and if left alone for long, they can become agitated and ruin everything in sight. So, the breed isn’t right for you if you work long hours and stay away from home quite often.
How Much Grooming Do German Shorthaired Pointers Require?
Even though GSPS has a short coat, they shed considerably. The shedding also depends significantly on the climate. They tend to shed more when the temperature is warmer and less when cold. So be prepared to see your pet’s hair everywhere around the house.
Bathing and brushing are two ways to keep your pet’s coat healthy and reduce shedding. However, you should bathe your pet once every 3-4 months. However, when you bathe them, you have to shampoo them twice because they have a thick, water-repellent coat, and it will need good work.
You can brush your pet in between baths, after a bath, and once every week using a soft rubber brush. Brushing your dog in short sections with their coat or in a small, circular motion can make your pet calm and relaxed because it’s similar to a massage.
It’s also essential to brush your pet’s teeth and clip its nails. If there is a professional groomer in your area, you can take it there. If not, you can get suitable dog-grooming products and do it at home.
How About German Shorthaired Pointers’ Health?
The GSP is a relatively healthy breed, and its average lifespan is 12 to 14 years. However, some pets may suffer from various ailments, and the issues differ from one dog to another. The following are some diseases that a DSP may suffer from, including
- Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD)
- Entropion
- Pannus
- Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
- Canine hip dysplasia
- Gastric torsion
- Hypothyroidism
- Lymphedema
- Cardiomyopathy
- Ectropion
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
You must therefore take your pet to the vet for regular check-ups. They can suggest cardiac, hip, thyroid, and eye exams to discover some of the problems and tests to learn about VWD.
How Should You Feed Your German Shorthaired Pointer?
GSPs require more feeding when young and less when they are older. For example, your pet will need up to four feedings a day, while two are enough when it becomes an adult.
It’s also essential to keep some aspects in mind regarding feeding your pet. They include
Food quality: Just as we humans try to eat the best food for good health, your pet needs the same too. So, when buying its feed, check every product label for ingredients. If a product has grains, corn, or soy, your pet may require more food.
Manufacturer’s guidelines: It’s also necessary to follow the feed maker’s advice on feeding your pet, especially if you’re a first-time dog owner.
Timings for feeding: You must also follow a routine concerning your pet’s feeding time. See that the timings aren’t clustered together but at regular intervals. Your puppy needs small regular meals to grow and develop healthily in a day.
Conclusion
Though German Shorthaired Pointers are non-hypoallergenic, you can keep them as pets as they’re adorable, friendly, and loyal. Proper grooming can lower their shedding, and it won’t cause many problems.
Unless you’re extremely sensitive, there is no reason not to own a GSP. You can groom it regularly, take it to a vet for frequent check-ups, take it out for exercise and feed it properly.
You can also read guides and tips to understand your furry friend more for a great bonding and its long life.
