Does everything, then asks for more.

German Shorthaired Pointer

Also called Deutsch Kurzhaar, Kurzhaar, German Short-haired Pointing Dog, Deutscher Kurzhaariger Vorstehhund, GSP

Recognised breedFCI group 7Deep profile

From Germany1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male25 to 32 kg3 4

Weight, female20 to 27 kg3 4

Height, male61 to 66 cm5 3

Height, female58 to 64 cm5 3

Lifespan12 to 14 years4 2 6

Sizelarge

FCI standard gives no weight. Figures converted from UKC and Hill's: males 55-70 lb, females 45-60 lb.

versatile, all-round hunting partner

friendly, playful and eager to please

tireless energy and endurance

3 4 7

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense and harsh

A tight, short coat that feels rough and firm under the hand, finer and shorter on the head and ears. The body is lean, athletic and free of exaggeration, built for stamina and speed, with a clean head, a firmly carried tail and large, round feet with webbing between the toes for work in water.5 3 6

Colourssolid liver (brown)liver and whiteliver roan (dark or light)liver tickedwhite with liver head markingssolid blackblack and whiteblack roantan markings permitted5 3 2

Personality what they are like

An upbeat, keen and affectionate dog that loves being part of the family. It is steady and dependable, neither timid nor sharp, and usually gets on well with children and other dogs. Bright and willing to learn, it responds well to positive training. Its strong hunting drive means early supervision around small pets is sensible.5 3 4 7

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day. Running, hiking, swimming, retrieving games and field sports such as pointing and tracking work suit it best.6 4 7

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low grooming effort: a weekly brush with a rubber mitt or bristle brush keeps the short coat tidy and cuts down loose hair. Regular nail trims and checking the ears and feet after outdoor outings are good routine care.6 4

Home where they are happiest

Happiest in a house with a large, secure garden and easy access to open space, and best suited to country life or a very active owner.6

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, good-quality dog food for large, active breeds, matched to life stage, with portions adjusted to how much the dog is working or exercising.4

Company who they like around

Very people-focused and forms close bonds with its family. It usually enjoys the company of other dogs and does not like being left alone for long periods without activity.4 3

The story where it all began

Pointing dogs that froze to show hidden birds were used across Europe for centuries, first with nets and later with guns. In 19th-century Germany, hunters set out to create one national short-coated dog that could find, point and retrieve both feathered and furred game on land and in water. They built on the old Spanish pointer and heavier German pointing dogs, bringing in scenthound blood for nose and English Pointer crosses from the 1860s for speed and style. Prince Albrecht zu Solms-Braunfels was a leading figure in shaping the breed, and the Deutsch Kurzhaar studbook has been kept since 1897. Dr Charles Thornton of Montana imported the first dogs to the USA in the 1920s, and the first documented American litter was born on 4 July 1925. The AKC admitted the breed to its studbook in 1930 and the FCI accepted it definitively in 1954. Today it is one of the most popular versatile gundogs in the world and a lively family companion.5 8 3 2 6

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The breed's feet are webbed between the toes, which helps it swim strongly when retrieving from water.3
2
German Shorthaired Pointers have won Best in Show at Westminster three times: in 1974, 2005 and 2016.9
3
The 1974 Westminster winner, Ch. Gretchenhof Columbia River, was the breed's first ever Best in Show there and went by the call name 'Traveler' at home.10
4
CJ, the 2016 Westminster winner, was described by his handler as very serious in the ring and very silly at home, and loved carrying things around in his mouth.11
5
The first documented American litter was born on Independence Day, 4 July 1925, in Montana.8
6
The GSP was the 9th most registered breed with the AKC in 2025.12
7
The FCI standard describes it as a dog that should be able to cover every kind of hunting task throughout its life, which is why fans call it the all-rounder among gundogs.5

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'German Shorthaired Pointer' reflects its origin in Germany and its breeding as a versatile pointing dog with a short coat, ideal for hunting in field and water.7

Name ideas for your new friend

GretaFritzBlitzHeidiKaiserLieselRudiZaraBrunoHildeSchnellFreya

A day in the life told by a German Shorthaired Pointer

This morning I woke the family with a happy tail wag. After breakfast, we dashed to the park for a game of fetch, I love sprinting after the ball! Then a quick swim in the lake cooled me off. Back home, I helped the kids with their puzzle by nudging pieces with my nose. In the afternoon, we hiked a woodland trail; I pointed at a rabbit, just for fun. Now I'm curled on the sofa, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard No. 119 (as Deutsch Kurzhaar / German Short-haired Pointing Dog), Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1.1 (Continental pointing dogs, Braque type), working trial; definitive acceptance 1 Jan 1954; current standard published 25 Oct 20001
AKC: Admitted to the AKC Stud Book March 1930; recognised in the Sporting Group 1935; ranked 9th most registered breed in 20258
UKC: Gun Dog Group; recognised 19483
The Royal Kennel Club: Gundog Group (Hunt, Point and Retrieve breed)6

Popularity Ranked 9th of AKC-registered breeds in 2025.12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a German Shorthaired Pointer. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 120 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Treats they will love homemade and simple

German Shorthaired Pointer tip

For a German Shorthaired Pointer, choose low-fat, single-protein treats and break them into small pieces to avoid overfeeding. Because this breed is prone to bloat, give treats only when your dog is calm and never right before or after vigorous exercise.

Source: petmd.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my German Shorthaired Pointer, and at what times?

Feed your dog a complete, good-quality food for large, active breeds, split into at least two meals a day. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact portions, check the food label and ask your vet, as amounts depend on your dog's exercise level.4 13 Pet Wiki plan

What should a German Shorthaired Pointer eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A complete, good-quality dog food matched to your dog's life stage and activity level is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep these well away from your dog.4 14

How often should I bathe a German Shorthaired Pointer?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath about every eight weeks, though you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months, so adjust based on outdoor adventures.15 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a German Shorthaired Pointer need brushing?

A weekly brush with a rubber mitt or bristle brush keeps the short coat tidy and reduces loose hair. This low-grooming breed is easy to care for, and a quick weekly session is all that's needed.6 4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a German Shorthaired Pointer's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you if you're unsure.15 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a German Shorthaired Pointer need?

This very active breed needs more than two hours of exercise daily, according to the Royal Kennel Club. Running, hiking, swimming, and retrieving games are ideal to keep your dog happy and healthy.6 4 7 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a German Shorthaired Pointer's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth two to three times a week with a dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly since floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal, and dry ears gently after swimming or baths.15 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a German Shorthaired Pointer live?

German Shorthaired Pointers typically live between 12 and 14 years. With good care, regular vet check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle, your dog can enjoy a long, active life.4 2 6

Is a German Shorthaired Pointer good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is steady and dependable, usually getting on well with children and other dogs. Early supervision around small pets is wise due to their strong hunting drive, but they are affectionate family dogs.5 3 4 7

Can a German Shorthaired Pointer be left alone?

This people-focused dog forms close bonds and does not like being left alone for long periods without activity. If left alone, ensure plenty of exercise and mental stimulation beforehand, as they thrive on company.4 3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.