GSPs are sporty, active, intelligent, and athletic. They are most commonly known as a hunting breed and will make a perfect guard dog for your family, but are German Shorthaired good inside dogs?
Although they are true beauty, they can get hostile and troublesome when kept cooped up inside for a long time. Here is a complete guide on whether a German Shorthaired Pointer is a good fit for you based on its behavior and temperament.
Let’s begin!
Behavior Traits of a German Shorthaired Pointer
A German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) has a lot of quirky traits that make them loveable and the most amazing four-legged companion you could ask for! But these dogs are not for everyone.
So, before you welcome a GSP puppy into your home, here are some things you should know about them to know what you would be getting into.
1. Pro-Hunters
GSPs are pro-hunters and the most athletic pooches you will ever come across. They are medium- to large-sized dogs that were first bred for hunting in 19th-century Germany.
If there is an intruder in your home, they will immediately jump into action and defend you fiercely!
These pro-hunter dogs are the choice of sportsmen around the globe because of their ability to track, point, kill, and retrieve. They will skillfully track their prey silently and use their body and tail to point at them.
Their athletic prowess and fast running skills make them good hunting dogs.
2. Extremely Energetic
All dogs should do some physical activity daily to stay fit, but a German Shorthaired Pointer takes activity to a whole new level! For starters, they will run non-stop for 30-40 minutes.
Other forms of physical activity can include trail walking, swimming, and dog sports. Basically, anything to burn off their energy is good! Ideally, they should get 2-3 hours of exercise outdoors daily, which can be split up between two sessions.
Remember that a tired GSP is a happy GSP!
3. Separation Anxiety
German Shorthaired Pointers are known to have major separation anxiety, so it might not be the best idea to leave them alone at home while you are off to work. They can get frustrated and hostile if they don’t see their owners for long periods.
To channel this anger, they can go on a rampage and destroy everything in sight! They will rip out sofa cushions, chew drywall, peel hardwood floors, soil the carpet, etc. They could also escape and jump over the fence to another house out of boredom.
If you have a large backyard, you can leave them there with some toys and hope they tire themselves after playing too much!
4. Loyalty
Loyalty is a universal quality that can be found in virtually all dogs. GSPs are kind and protective by nature. Their friendliness and intelligence make them desirable, which is why they make great family dogs.
Like many other dog breeds, a German Shorthair Pointer will develop a strong connection with every last member of your family, especially with children.
5. Must Be Socialized
As GSP puppies were developed as lone hunting dogs, it is not in their nature to be friendly with other dogs. Other small pets, like chickens, cats, or rats, are prey to them.
This is why it is necessary to socialize and train them early on, so they can co-exist with other canines.
Are German Shorthaired Pointers Good Inside Dogs?
They are affectionate, playful pups that your whole family will come to love and adore once you learn to keep up with their high-energy requirements. They can be quite high-maintenance when it comes to exercise.
German Shorthaired Pointers do not exhibit aggressive behavior other than occasional barks, but if they do not get enough exercise or spend time outdoors during the day, they can start to exhibit destructive behavior out of boredom from being cooped up inside.
They are not apartment dwellers. On the contrary, they need space and freedom to thrive and stay healthy. It will be a bonus if your house has a backyard for your furry friend to run around. If you do not have a yard, you will have to make up for it by taking your dog for long walks several times a day whenever you get the time.
Even with daily exercise, most GSPs get sudden bursts of energy that cause them to riot. They may get hold of household items lying around and send them flying around the house.
This is why you should keep a close eye on them when they are around children, lest they cause harm to them.
They can also get very loud when playing indoors, making it difficult to have a conversation, watch TV, or focus on something.
So, if you are looking for a low-maintenance dog who can peacefully stay indoors for most of the day, then a German Shorthaired Pointer is not the breed for you!
Conclusion
A German Shorthaired Pointer is versatile, friendly, and intelligent, but they are not for everyone. They have special needs that need to be fulfilled. If you live in a spacious house and can handle a GSP’s exercise needs, they will be a good fit for you.
However, if you have a busy schedule, you should look for another breed better suited to your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In this section, we have answered the most commonly asked questions about raising a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy that will help you decide if this dog breed is a good match for you or not!
1. Are German Shorthaired Pointers inside or outside dogs?
They are not suitable for urban areas such as big cities or apartments. They are better off living in the countryside or somewhere with abundant space for them to run. They like to spend time outside but prefer to live indoors with their family because they are prone to separation anxiety.
2. Are they difficult?
GSPs are very vibrant and active dogs. These personality traits are sure to keep you on your toes. They are at the peak of their energy from six months until they are three years old. But, even though they are unruly, they are obedient and will stay beside you always.
3. How are they with humans and other animals?
German Shorthaired Pointers are good family dogs. They are affectionate towards everyone, including adults, children, and other animals, given they are properly socialized. But due to their boisterous behavior, it is recommended that you not let them get close to children under the age of seven.
4. Do they bark a lot?
German shorthaired are excellent watchdogs, which makes them naturally very vocal. They will bark to alert you of someone’s presence. They may also bark at you when they have to go outside or when they want your attention. They do not bark excessively or due to aggression.
5. Are German Shorthaired Pointers easy to train?
GSPs are intelligent, docile, and have the potential to be good learners, but it is fairly difficult to train them because they are independent-minded and strong-willed. They are also easily distracted by foreign sounds and scents. We recommend getting your dog trained professionally at a young age.
