As any owner of a German shorthaired pointer will tell you, GSPs make excellent family pets if you have the space and time for them. Intelligent, loyal, and full of bounce, these dogs are excellent pets for an active family, but they need training and space to be their best. The big question is how cuddly German Shorthaired Pointers are and if their affectionate nature will fit in with your home.
German shorthaired pointers are generally friendly and cuddly but sometimes become distressed if separated from their owners. Well-socialized GSPs make excellent pets for an active household. GSPs are medium to large sporting dogs and are vocal, enthusiastic, and intelligent.
Choosing the perfect dog for your family and life is a huge step, so learning all you can about your favorite breeds is an excellent first move. If you’ve been looking for a dog breed that will do well in an active house and want a canine companion who will cuddle up to you, then German shorthaired pointers should be one of the top dogs on your list. These gorgeous pointers have so many good points, and we’ve looked into their affectionate nature and how well they’ll fit into a household looking for a cuddly new companion.
Are German Shorthaired Pointers Cuddly?
The German shorthaired pointer is a shorthaired sporting dog breed well-known for its high-energy, intelligence, and affectionate nature. This medium to large pointing breed is easily recognized by their standard coat colors of either solid liver or liver and white, and they were bred to chase and retrieve game and be a well-rounded family dog.
Because GSPs were bred to be all-around hunting dogs that would also be highly sociable, they are known for their love of physical activity and friendly, eager-to-please nature. They are happy dogs and easily trained – they thrive on training and will get bored quickly if left to their own devices – and they bond well with their family.
Once bonded with their family or owner, GSPs are protective, faithful, and affectionate. This intense need to please and their general friendly nature make them want to be with you wherever you go. They sometimes can become what is known as ‘velcro dogs’ that will not leave your side and become stressed and miserable if they are separated from you.
Do German Shorthair Pointers Like to Cuddle?
Not only are GSPs affectionate – they want you to know it! German Shorthair Pointers love nothing more than to be by your side and display affectionate social-bonding behavior. Their behavior is excellent if you want a very demonstrably cuddly dog, but it could be a problem if you are not home for long periods or would like the bed or couch to yourself!
This affectionate nature is not limited to their human family, as German Shorthaired Pointers are quick to make friends with other dogs once they realize there is no danger. They will show their big-hearted personality by playing, running, and cuddling with other dogs, making them an excellent choice for a family with medium to large dogs.
So if you love a big, cuddly dog that wants to be near you at all times and has no problem showering you with affection, this may be the breed for you. Especially if you are active, you’ll have a great companion who loves to run by your side, play, sleep on the bed with you, and generally be by your side as much as possible.
Are German Shorthair Pointers Clingy?
The flip side of their loving and cuddly nature is the possibility of German Shorthaired Pointers developing separation anxiety, sometimes known as ‘velcro dogs.’ A ‘velcro dog’ becomes extremely distressed and can develop behavioral problems when they are separated from its owner or family. While there’s no genetic aspect to this issue, dogs that are known to be sociable and need constant companionship will be more likely to develop issues if they are not given consistent routines and positive training.
Behavioral problems like separation anxiety can worsen if your German Shorthair Pointer is bored. They will get bored and get up to some unwanted and destructive behavior if they are not given sufficient exercise and training that challenges and interests them.
For this reason, German Shorthair Pointers will not make good pets if you are away most of the time. The GSP is not a breed that does well with kenneling and should not be left alone for the day. Bored and lonely German Shorthair Pointers will find ways to amuse themselves, which can account for some destructive and unwelcome behavior that is not their fault.
Who Should Not Get a German Shorthaired Pointer?
As you can tell, these hunting dogs were bred to be active and sporting. Their exuberance, intelligence, and social needs mean they will not make suitable pets for some homes. Avoid German Shorthair Pointers if you fit any of the following:
- Apartment living
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Away from home most of the day (e.g., an office job with long hours)
- Have young children under seven years old. GSPs are rambunctious dogs prone to jumping and could accidentally injure a small child while playing.
- Have smaller pets such as cats. GSPs are hunting dogs bred to chase prey. Although they can be trained from this behavior, it is still instinctual.
- Have little interest in obedience training. GSPs thrive on training, and it’s necessary to get them well-trained when they are young
Who Should Get a German Shorthaired Pointer?
Conversely, these dogs make excellent family pets if you can give them what they need. Their affectionate nature makes them great companions for older children who will happily rough-and-tumble with them.
Signs that a German Shorthair Pointer would make an excellent pet for you.
- You have space for them to play and exercise
- You live an active lifestyle – if you’re looking for a running companion, then the vigorous GSP is a perfect dog.
- You work from home, or there are always people at home. GSPs do not like to be left alone to their own devices.
- You are a single-dog household or have other dogs with similar dispositions. German Shorthair Pointers love to play, and another dog friend who will play with them is perfect.
- You are happy to commit to obedience training. GSPs tend to go through quite an extended ‘doggy adolescence,’ and they benefit immensely from obedience training to be well-behaved and not chase or indulge in destructive behavior like digging through the trash.
Conclusion
Regarding cuddliness, the German shorthaired pointer is the top dog, and they have boundless energy, are clever, and love to please their owners. You will find them highly affectionate and rewarding dogs if you have the time and energy to dedicate to training and exercising a GSP. Some people, especially small children, can find their exuberant behavior overwhelming, and it should be remembered that they are huntng dogs that need a lot of training to be good house pets.
References
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shorthaired-pointer/
https://www.vetfolio.com/learn/article/understanding-behavior-separation-anxiety-in-dogs
https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/german-shorthaired-pointer#/slide/1
