Seven Things You Didn’t Know about the German Shorthaired Pointer
When considering getting a new dog, knowing about the breed is important to know if it is going to be a good match for you and your family. Every dog breed has its own physical characteristics and personality traits, and each dog has its own individual quirks and marked traits. The German shorthaired pointer is an old breed that dates back to before the studbook was even created in 1870, and it is believed that the breed hails from several breeds put together. It is has been theorized that the breeds involved in creating the German short haired pointer are the German bird dog, the Spanish pointer, the English pointer, the Weimaraner and the Dalmatian are all contributors. Some breeders believe that the blood hound is also mixed in there somewhere. If you are already familiar with the breed, there are probably still things you aren’t familiar with about it, so keep reading to discover seven things you don’t know about the German shorthaired pointer.
1. Is a land and water dog
Some dogs do not do well in the water, for multiple reasons, while others seem to be born for the water. The German shorthaired pointer is a dog that does well on land, and in the water. His coat is water repellant and he has webbed paws shaped similarly to that of a spoon. This makes it very easy for him to paddle through the water without having to expend too much energy to stay afloat. His toes are also designed for on-land-trekking with his heavy nails that allow him to travel over rough terrain. You can take this dog anywhere, hiking, swimming and on many other adventures.
2. He has a matching coat and nose
A true German shorthaired pointer will have certain characteristics, with one of the biggest and most noticeable his matching nose and coat. His coat and nose will both be the same color and this should not vary in any way. There are not very many breeds who have this characteristic. If your German shorthaired pointer is black, white, and liver. If your dog’s coat is black and white or liver and white, the nose should be black or liver colored.
3. His name comes from his stance
Many dogs have inbred instincts that there when they are born. The German shorthaired pointer is one of those breeds that has the instinct to point, whether he will ever see a hunt or not, he will point for you just because it was what he knows to do. His name derives from the way he stands. When he is hunting, while he is on the hunt for prey or hears something, he will stop and lower his head while raising one foot off the ground, and his tail points out behind him. The pointing behavior of the breed is something inbred in them and they will do it whether they have ever been on a hunt or not.
4. The Air Force was given one
The Air Force was given a German shorthaired pointer as a gift. His name is Haus and he has been trained to sniff out explosives, as well as the TSA has one of the breeds to use to sniff out suspicious packages and other items that should not be put on board an aircraft. The breed has grown increasingly popular for jobs and tasks that require sniffing and hunting down of a scent or object. Police forces and other organizations are starting to see the benefits that this breed has to offer for helping them keep our country and our environment safe.
5. Very agile dogs
This breed of dog is very agile and athletic. They are often trained to run obstacle courses and perform in competition due to their ability to jump, run with speed and grace. They are also very loyal to their trainers and are excellent for following instructions from them. They often compete in the AKC held agility tournaments that have been being held since 1978.
6. One of this breed won at the Westminster
You can see just about every breed at the prestigious Westminster dog show and the German shorthaired pointer is one that is always in the show every year. At the 140th Westminster show, a German shorthaired pointer named CJ, was the one chosen as Best in Show and he has appeared on several TV shows since the win. He has been seen on The View and Good Morning America. The owners knew when CJ was only 6 weeks old, that he was going to be a winner.
7. Have a supply of toys around the house for him
One thing about the breed is that they love to greet you with a toy in their mouth. This comes from the hunter in them and will love it if you have toys strategically placed about the house so they can grab one and be holding it when they greet you.
