Breeds
German Shorthaired Pointer: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A German Shorthaired Pointer is an affectionate, friendly, eager athlete with seemingly endless energy. GSPs love their families, get along with children and most dogs, and learn quickly, but they need hard daily exercise and a job to do. Without that, the AKC warns, they can become destructive, and the teenage years can be a challenge. Here is what to expect on size, lifespan, health, grooming and training.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
German Shorthaired Pointer temperament
The AKC rates the German Shorthaired Pointer five out of five for affection, energy, trainability and mental stimulation needs, and five out of five with young children. It describes GSPs as friendly, smart and willing to please, with power, speed, agility and endurance built for long days in the field.
That drive needs an outlet. The AKC notes GSPs need a purpose and can be destructive without one, and that the breed can be extremely challenging between about 6 months and 3 years old. Expect a dog that wants to be busy with you, outdoors, most of the day.
How big do German Shorthaired Pointers get?
According to the AKC, males stand 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 70 pounds, and females stand 21 to 23 inches and weigh 45 to 60 pounds. The short coat is solid liver, a reddish brown, or liver and white in distinctive patterns.
GSPs are lean, muscular dogs, and a fit one shows a clear waist and a tucked belly. Weight gain is unusual in a well-exercised GSP; if yours is filling out, it may be a sign the exercise has dropped off.
Lifespan and common health issues
The AKC gives a German Shorthaired Pointer lifespan of 10 to 12 years and calls the breed generally healthy. Conditions it may be prone to include hip dysplasia, eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy, and certain heart diseases. Recommended screening is hip, elbow, cardiac and eye evaluations and a DNA test for cone degeneration.
The AKC also warns that GSPs can be affected by bloat, in which the stomach suddenly distends and can twist. VCA lists restlessness, drooling, retching without bringing anything up and a swollen belly as signs; that is an emergency, so call a vet immediately. Ask breeders for parent screening results, and ask your vet how to lower bloat risk around meals and exercise.
Exercise needs
The AKC says GSPs do best with plenty of exercise, ideally ample activity twice a day, such as brisk half-hour walks morning and evening or running and playing in a securely fenced area. Running, swimming and dog sports all suit them.
Many excel at hunt tests, field trials, agility, dock diving and tracking. A daily game of retrieve or a long off-leash run in a safe, fenced space burns energy fast. Wait until a puppy has finished growing before long runs, and ask your vet when that is.
Grooming and shedding
The AKC says the coat is easy to groom most of the year, needing a quick once-over with a dog brush or grooming glove every few days. It does shed, though, especially seasonally, and the short hairs embed in fabric and carpet. The AKC rates shedding three out of five.
Bathe occasionally, trim nails regularly and brush the teeth. Check the ears and feet after runs through fields and woods, and look for burrs, ticks and small cuts on the thin-coated belly and legs.
Training a German Shorthaired Pointer
The AKC calls early training essential, with socialization and puppy classes vital and continued practice in basic obedience. This intelligent breed learns quickly with consistent sessions, and responds well to reward-based training with food, play and retrieves.
Teach a reliable recall, a stop or sit at a distance and loose-leash walking early, before the dog is strong enough to drag you after a bird. Give the nose and legs real work, and many training problems never appear.
Are GSPs good with kids and other pets?
The AKC rates the GSP five out of five with young children and four out of five with other dogs. Most are affectionate, playful family dogs, though an exuberant adolescent can knock over a toddler, so supervise and teach calm greetings.
As bird dogs with a hunting instinct, many GSPs will chase cats, squirrels and small pets. Some live peacefully with a cat they grew up with, but supervise carefully and keep pet birds and rabbits safely apart.
What a German Shorthaired Pointer needs at home
A secure, tall fence is essential. Useful kit includes a well-fitted dog harness, a long line for recall practice, a crate, a supportive washable bed, durable retrieving and chew toys, and puzzle feeders to slow down meals. A rubber grooming glove and nail clippers cover grooming.
A towel by the door and a reflective vest for walks in low light help with an outdoor dog. Book a vet visit soon after bringing your GSP home and ask about bloat signs, vaccines and an exercise plan for a growing puppy.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do German Shorthaired Pointers live?
The AKC lists a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Plenty of exercise, a lean weight, regular vet checks and knowing the signs of bloat give a GSP the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How big do German Shorthaired Pointers get?
Males stand 23 to 25 inches and weigh 55 to 70 pounds; females stand 21 to 23 inches and weigh 45 to 60 pounds, according to the AKC breed standard.
Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs?
Yes, for active families. The AKC rates them top marks with children and for affection, but they need vigorous daily exercise, training and company to stay calm at home.
Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed?
Yes, moderately and seasonally. The short hairs weave into fabric, so brushing every few days with a brush or grooming glove, as the AKC suggests, helps a lot.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
