German Shorthaired Pointers: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

Good-natured and adaptable, but primarily bred to be a hunting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer has a high energy level and belongs with an equally athletic owner who will take him running, biking, or hiking.

A walk around the block is barely a warm-up for a vigorous German Shorthaired Pointer. Too much confinement can lead to barking, hyperactivity, and destructive chewing.

Toward strangers he may be very friendly or somewhat reserved, so his alarm bark may be welcoming or mildly protective. But this is NOT an aggressive breed.

Most German Shorthairs are good with other pets, but some can be aggressive with strange dogs, and some are determined cat chasers.

Obedience training is a must for instilling self-discipline and control, for this breed can be a bundle of intense energy. Fortunately he is eminently trainable . . . but he does not obey blindly. Indeed, though the German Shorthaired Pointer can become focused when required to do so, he is easily distracted and does know his own mind and you need to be both patient and firm.

If you want a dog who...

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult German Shorthairs have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
• Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your German Shorthaired Pointer to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the German Shorthaired Pointer

If I was considering a German Shorthaired Pointer, I would be most concerned about...

1. Providing enough exercise. German Shorthaired Pointers are athletic dogs who need regular opportunities to vent their energy and gallop. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored, which dogs usually express by barking and destructive chewing. Bored German Shorthairs are famous for chewing through drywall, ripping the stuffing out of sofas, and turning your yard into a moonscape of giant craters.

   If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in hunting, or agility (obstacle course) classes, or advanced obedience, I do not recommend this breed (unless you adopt an older adult with a mellow temperament).

2. Bounciness. Young German Shorthaired Pointers (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including small children and infirm people.
3. Potential animal aggression. Many German Shorthaired Pointers are perfectly fine with other animals. But some individuals are dominant or aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex. And quite a few German Shorthairs have strong instincts to go after cats and other fleeing creatures, often with deadly intent.
4. Potential training difficulties. German Shorthaired Pointers are capable of learning a great deal. But they are not the easiest breed to train. Some individuals have an independent mind of their own and can be quite willful. Other German Shorthairs are easily distracted by exciting sights, sounds, and scents, and it takes some training experience to get and keep the dog's attention. Read more about German Shorthaired Pointer Training.