German Shorthaired Pointer: Pros and Cons of Owning This Versatile Pet
Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning a German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer will make a great pet and hunting companion. It is an especially good hunting dog, as it will retrieve both on land and in water. This well-balanced dog is perfect for someone looking for an outdoor companion, as well as a family pet. Consider the information below when choosing whether or not one of these versatile dogs will be the right pet for you and your family.
Advantages:
If you have a very active and happy family, the German Shorthair may be the family pet you are looking for. This breed of dog is one that likes to be active and will have a great deal of energy on a daily basis. You will need space for your pet to run free and burn some of its energy every day. If you don’t have this kind of space, another breed is probably more suited to your lifestyle. Without much exercise, this pet will become bored, leading to destructiveness or escapism. They can clear a 6 foot fence so make sure they have plenty of room to run around or if you can take them frequently wherever they can.
The GSP is an intelligent dog with an exceptionally good temperament. This makes it an ideal choice as a pet that will get along well with children and other pets. They love to be around people and are eager to please. If you want a dog that learns tricks, this will do the trick.
If you’re looking for a great family pet that also makes a good watchdog, look no further than the German Shorthair. They adapt to their living conditions easily and with minimal training, they will adapt to the needs you have. While these dogs have a lot of energy to make good house dogs, they will be somewhat happy indoors if they can get plenty of exercise by running with you or on your bike. They are happiest when they can run around when they want to, so try to have a large yard to put them in.
Grooming the GSP is minimal, as he sheds occasionally, which saves you from being too busy brushing a long-haired dog. It is best for your dog’s coat to wash it every few months as well so there is no need for constant bathing. They like water, so an occasional dip will take care of most of the bathing urge.
Cons:
The problem with having a German Shorthair is that you need constant exercise for your dog. If you are one of those who lives alone and is at work most of the time, you will find that you have an unhappy dog that is not satisfied with being locked up in a house alone all day. If you are looking for a dog that enjoys being indoors and is not overly energetic, look for another breed of dog.
If you don’t have a large garden, you will do a lot of damage to this pet, as they like to be on the move almost constantly. If you do let them into the house, make sure you have a fairly large one, as these are quite a good size. They like to play and often forget they are inside, which can cause a lot of damage.
The GSP is not a pet that you can leave alone in the house for long, as they get bored and can be quite destructive. If you have to keep him indoors, you need to teach him to stay in a box, or better yet, put him in the garage. If he likes to play with toys, make sure he puts them in along with plenty of water. However, try dogs as much as possible first.
German Shorthairs are normally hardy dogs, but some are prone to various problems including epilepsy and hip dysplasia, along with a few other minor ones that your vet can tell you about and keep an eye on.
If you’re looking for an intelligent, active family pet who likes to hunt and roam the great outdoors, you won’t go wrong with a German Shorthaired Pointer. They have a lot of energy so make sure you can provide outlets for this or they won’t be very happy.
