Buyer question
Is a German Shorthaired Pointer good for beginners?
Usually not: our Animal Library rates the German Shorthaired Pointer 2 out of 5 for beginners (needs an active owner).
Source: the German Shorthaired Pointer page in the Everybarn Animal Library. German Shorthaired Pointer in the Animal Library
The detail
A German all-purpose gun dog bred to point, track and retrieve on land and in water, so it has a hunter's drive and stamina to match. Affectionate and quick to learn, but under-exercised it becomes restless, noisy and destructive.
- Temperament
- Driven, friendly, bright
- Best fit
- Runners, hunters, big yards
- Trainability
- 4 out of 5 (Smart, easily distracted)
- Energy
- 5 out of 5 (2 hrs hard exercise daily)
- Grooming load
- 1 out of 5 (Quick weekly wipe)
What to weigh
A GSP needs serious daily running and a secure fence, since a strong prey drive sends it after birds, cats and squirrels. Bored, it will find its own work, usually in your house.