German Shorthaired Pointer: Five Things You Didn’t Know
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If you are considering adopting a dog, you should consider a German Shorthaired Pointer. These are very loyal, very happy dogs. They are also adorable. If you have small children or other animals, this breed would make an excellent addition to your family because they are known for this patience. If you are thinking about adopting this amazing breed of dog, read on. There are a few things about him that you may not know.
Several Breeds Created His Breed
Because the first studbook wasn’t created until 1870 and this breed appeared before this, it is not known for sure what breeds created him. There is a theory about the breeds, however, that sound about right. It is believed that the German bird dog, the Spanish pointer, the English pointer, the Weimaraner, and the Dalmatian all contributed to the breed. Some breeders also believe that he contains some genes from the tracking hound.
He Does Great On Land and In the Water
The German Shorthaired Pointer is great on any terrain. He has a water resistant coat that will repel debris when he swims. He also has webbed paws that are shaped like a spoon. They make it very easy for him to paddle through the water. When he is walking on land, his heavy nails allow him to go through rough terrain. If you want a dog to take hiking, swimming, and on other adventures, he is the dog for you.
His Nose Matches His Coat
The German Shorthaired Pointer comes in 8 different colors. The most common colors are black, white, and liver. Whatever the color your dog is, you can be sure that his nose will match his coat perfectly. There aren’t too many other breeds with this characteristic.
He Got His Name From His Stance
The German Shorthaired Pointer got his name from his stance. When he is out looking for game or if he hears something, he will lower his head. He will keep a steady gaze and he will lift one of his front paws. He will stand that way while he hunts his prey. The pointing behavior of this dog is something that he is born with. Many puppies will find this stance even if they have never been on a hunt.
The Air Force Has One
A German Shorthaired Pointer was donated to the Air Force several years ago. His name is Haus, and he has been trained to sniff for explosives. He also goes on long walks with his handler and he searches for people acting suspiciously and for suspicious packages. The TSA also uses a German Shorthaired Pointer for security. He name is Pina, and it is her job to sniff for explosives in boxes and crates going through New Jersey and New York. She is also able to sniff out suspicious odors. Luckily, she has yet to find any dangerous scents, except for when she is training.
If you are planning to adopt a dog and you want one who can go on adventures with you, the German Shorthaired Pointer would be perfect. Not only is he an excellent swimmer and hiker, he is also a great watchdog to protect your family.
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