While dogs might be our best friends, finding the best four-legged companion for your cherished German Shorthaired Pointer is not always that straightforward.
German shorthaired pointers generally get along with other dogs; however, smaller dogs don’t make good companions for them since GSPs tend to chase them. The breeds of Cirneco dell’Etna, Golden Retriever, Icelandic Sheepdog, and American Foxhounds typically make good companions for GSPs.
So, if you want to know which breeds of dogs are most suited to your fur baby, read on!
Are German Shorthaired Pointers Good With Other Animals
German shorthaired pointers are medium-sized and generally get along well with other dogs, but some can be hostile towards dogs they are unfamiliar with. They can also be aggressive towards dogs of the same sex.
Although they get along fairly well with other dogs, cats are less of a favorite with the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP). As they are hunting dogs, GSPs are known to chase and kill cats, so it is best not to get a cat if you already have this kind of dog.
Similarly, it would be best to avoid getting a very small dog breed as a companion for the GSP as they tend to chase smaller dogs.
Most Compatible Breeds For German Shorthaired Pointers
German shorthaired pointers are sporting dogs and active hunters. As such, they require a companion dog that similarly enjoys the outdoors and plenty of exercise. There are quite a few breeds that make fantastic companion dogs for your GSP.
The American Kennel Club has rated different dog breeds on the spectrum of being good with other dogs. Only dog breeds rated 4 or 5 out of 5 have been included in this list.
Cirneco Dell’Etna: 4 out of 5
These hunting dogs are faithful and gentle dogs that would make a good companion for most larger dogs. Smaller animals may be a problem as, like with the GSP, Cirnechi dell’Etna are prone to chasing after such animals.
They are mild and low-maintenance dogs and enjoy quite a bit of exercise. The GSP would benefit from the vitality and companionship of the Cirneco dell’Etna.
Golden Retriever: 5 out of 5
Golden Retrievers are probably the most well-known family dog out there. Doted on as a result of their infectious happy-go-lucky personalities, Golden Retrievers make loyal and energetic companions.
They are highly socialized and do well to befriend other pets very quickly. They are innately easy to get along with, and the GSP will have many a happy hour running around with its new pal!
GSPs and Golden Retrievers are fond of swimming, so they will have lots of fun frolicking around in the water!
Icelandic Sheepdog: 4 out of 5
Icelandic Sheepdogs have been found to be a loyal and friendly breed that is typically rather sociable. These dogs do not get aggressive easily and easily make friends with other pets in the household.
They also love exercise and can participate in canine sports like herding or tracking.
American Foxhound: 5 out of 5
These dogs excel in getting along with other dogs. They are also hunting dogs that need plenty of exercise and would be the perfect companion for GSPs.
They are calm and gentle dogs and great for taking long walks or hikes, preferably on a leash. American Foxhounds are ideal for participation in canine sports like tracking or rally.
Fun Facts About These Companion Breeds
Now that you know these breeds are compatible with your treasured German Shorthaired Pointer, you might want to get to know these breeds a bit better before deciding which is best for your beloved dog.
What better way than to consume some trivia about the Cirneco dell’Etna, Golden Retriever, Icelandic Sheepdog, and American Foxhound?
Cirneco Dell’Etna
The name Cirneco dell’Etna is derived from the name of the largest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna. Cirneco is thought to come from a Greek word meaning “dog from Cyrene” (which is present-day Libya) or from the Latin word “cernere,” which means “to look for attentively.”
The dog breed is one of the oldest in the world. It is believed that the Cirnechi were the dogs depicted on coins minted in Sicily from the 5th to 2nd centuries BCE.
They are also sighthounds, meaning they hunt by sight and not scent, unlike most dogs. They are incredibly athletic and can chase down small game inordinately quickly. They were also mostly owned by the poor, who used them for hunting small game.
Golden Retriever
These dogs are rather hardworking as they are used in hunting, as guide dogs for the blind, and in field trials. They were first shown in 1908 at the Crystal Palace and entered as Flat Coats (Golden).
They have been featured in a ludicrous number of movies and TV programs. From the enduring Air Bud to the iconic The Parent Trap to the more recent Art of Racing in the Rain, Golden Retrievers dominate our screens, much to our delight.
Icelandic Sheepdog
As the only native dog breed in Iceland, The Icelandic Sheepdog was bred from dogs that arrived with the first human inhabitants to the shores of the majestic nation.
Although the Icelandic Sheepdog gets along brilliantly with other dogs and can even tolerate cats, birds don’t fare very well around it since the breed was used to protect sheep from birds of prey.
American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is inextricably linked with American history, as one of the first breeds developed in the US and a favorite of George Washington, who owned 36 of them in his lifetime.
The voice of the American Foxhound also receives attention as its howls can carry for miles. Moreover, since foxhounds were bred for hunting, their owners can struggle to call them back once they have locked onto a scent. They were bred to chase a fox but not to kill it.
Conclusion
While it can be difficult to choose a companion for your GSP from these dog breeds, as they all have their unique special characteristics, simply put: you can’t go wrong by choosing any one of them!
Resources
https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/germanshorthairedpointers.html
https://be.chewy.com/dog-breed/german-shorthaired-pointer/
https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/german-shorthaired-pointer#/slide/1
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/german-shorthaired-pointer-facts/
https://www.dogproductpicker.com/10-dog-breeds-most-compatible-with-german-shorthaired-pointers/
https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-breeds/german-shorthaired-pointer
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cirneco-delletna/
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-foxhound/
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/icelandic-sheepdog/
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/cirneco-delletna/
