A German Shorthair Pointer (GSP) is a lovely, athletic breed known for its hunting skills and stunning looks. But when it comes to being good family dogs, is this breed the right fit for your home?
Before making a decision, it’s essential to understand the unique characteristics and needs of the German Shorthaired Pointer. Keep on reading this blog to find out: Are German Shorthairs good house dogs?
Factors to Consider
Before adopting a German Shorthair Pointer, you must take the factors mentioned below into consideration:
Space
German Shorthair pointers are medium-sized dogs with an average height of 22-24 inches and thus require a relatively large living area. They have a lot of energy for which they need plenty of space to run and play.
If you live in a small apartment or have limited outdoor space, this dog breed may not be the best fit for you. On the other hand, if you have a spacious home with a big yard or live near parks or hiking trails, a German Shorthair can thrive with you easily.
Your Experience With Dogs
Although these dogs are intelligent and trainable, they can also be independent and stubborn sometimes. If you have prior experience in training and managing dogs, it may be easier for you to handle the challenges that come along the way.
However, If you are a first-time dog owner, it’s important to be aware of the efforts that go into training a German Shorthaired Pointer. Carefully consider all the characteristics and then decide whether you are up for the task.
Lifestyle
This breed may not be suitable for those who have a sedentary lifestyle, as they require a lot of physical and mental stimulation. You must have an active lifestyle and enjoy outdoor activities, like hiking or hunting, if you want to adopt a German Shorthair.
Without enough physical and mental activity, they may display aggressive behavior such as property damage, excessive chewing, and barking. It is crucial to provide them with routine exercises to make them happy.
Time Commitment
As already stated, German Shorthair requires daily exercise, training, and playtime to stay physically and mentally stimulated. They are famous for their high energy levels, so it is essential to provide them with sufficient time each day for activities. In addition, they also need time for grooming, feeding, and bonding with their owners.
Owning this dog requires a significant time commitment, and they may not fit well in your life if you have a busy schedule. You will have to give the time and resources needed to care for this breed.
How Are German Shorthair Pointers With Kids?
German Shorthair Pointers are generally great with children and are known for their friendly nature towards them. However, a few of their traits, such as prey drive, energy, and impulsiveness, can pose challenges when living with kids.
Since this is a hunting breed, chasing and nipping behavior around small children can be common. They are big and active dogs and may sometimes cause injury to a kid who is running by knocking him over.
A German Shorthair will never cause harm on purpose, but because of his high enthusiasm, he might unintentionally hurt your kid. It is critical to provide him with adequate exercise and training, to maintain a safe and enjoyable relationship in the house.
German Shorthair Pointers When Left Home Alone
German Shorthaired Pointers are family-oriented dogs that need human interaction and attention. They may experience separation anxiety or become bored and destructive if left alone for extended periods.
They take about two years to fully mature, and as puppies, they may get into trouble if not supervised. It is important to train your dog from a young age to prevent separation anxiety.
If you have to leave your dog alone for a few hours, it is best to keep him in a safe or crate room. A relatively long period of being left alone can make him frustrated and unhappy. It is advised to avoid leaving your dog for an extended period if he is over eight years of age.
Pros
Given below are some of the reasons why you should consider having German Shorthair as a house dog:
Wonderful Family Pet
A German Shorthair is an ideal family dog because of his friendliness, affection, positive energy, and obedience. This is an intelligent and active dog that would be a great addition to any family. If trained early, these dogs can socialize with both humans and other pets.
Loyal And Affectionate
Every dog is obedient, but this dog only has two main desires- to hunt and to show complete loyalty to its owner. Shorthairs will get super excited every time you enter the house and passionately defend you if they senses any danger.
Need Less Grooming
German Shorthairs have lower shedding than other breeds, making them easy to groom. You can minimize their hair loss by brushing them once or twice a week.
They require very basic weekly grooming like- teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming. They are a good option for those people who aren’t keen on a high-maintenance lifestyle.
Hunting Skills
This breed can be a versatile hunting companion for sportsmen. They are bred and trained to help hunters track and retrieve. They make excellent hunters due to their webbed feet, floppy ears, and square nose. In addition, they are physically agile and can run for hours when chasing their prey.
Excellent Gatekeepers
These dogs are known to be excellent watchdogs, as they have a tendency to bark at anything within their territory. They can quickly alert their owners of any potential threats, and their bark is strong enough to scare off intruders.
Intelligence
A German Shorthair has a sharp mind and can discern threats even without your help. Being a clever dog, he can pick up new skills relatively fast. However, it takes around two years for a puppy German Shorthair to develop his brain fully. So, if your dog is young, try to put him in a crate whenever you are not around.
Adaptability
Another notable advantage of the German Shorthair breed is its ease of adoption. They can easily adjust anywhere if you give them enough space to move around.
They also don’t show any behavioral change when you shift to a new place as long as they can see you around.
Cons
Like any other pet, German Shorthair also has some cons as a house dog that you might want to know.
High Energy Level
German Shorthairs have intense bursts of energy and can be wild, causing harm to objects and children. Although this behavior is common among puppies, it may occur at any age. You should keep a close eye on your dog around kids.
Aggressive or Destructive
Since they are raised to be hunting dogs, they may show aggressive behavior towards other dogs and strangers. Training can help, but they may still view smaller pets as prey.
Regular Exercise Needs
This breed of dog is enthusiastic and is always on the move. They require plenty of activities otherwise, they may develop destructive habits. They are not suitable for apartment living and require a walk or run several times a day.
Training Challenges
German Shorthairs are tough to train as they have a strong will and independent personality. They easily get distracted during training and, in some cases, may require professional help.
Health Concerns
They are prone to health issues such as epilepsy, bloat, eye disease, cancer, etc. You should consistently monitor your dog and seek veterinary help if any of these occur.
Conclusion
German Shorthaired Pointers can make good house dogs, but they are not ideal for everyone. They have specific needs and require training with patience. You must evaluate your lifestyle and resources to ensure a happy and healthy life for you and your dog.
