How to Groom a German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is the result years of interbreeding of the Old Spanish Pointer, Foxhounds, Hounds of St. Hubert, the English Pointer and other hounds. They were ideal dogs for German hunters of the 1800s, who wanted dogs who could track animals while hunting on foot. German Shorthaired Pointers are extremely easy to groom. They require only a monthly general grooming and a full grooming every 10 to 12 weeks.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rubber brush

1. Brush your German Shorthaired Pointer often to help reduce the level of shedding.

2. Use a rubber brush while bathing your dog to remove extra shed hair.

3. Dry the dog immediately after bathing with a professional force dryer while brushing lightly.

4. Remove whiskers with scissors if desired.

5. Check the dog's feet if he's been working or exerting himself. Make sure there are no cuts.

Tips & Warnings

• These dogs don't belong in an apartment. They require a house with a yard and preferably owners who are in shape and can keep up with them. The yard should have a fence that's at least 6 feet tall.
• Male German Shorthairs generally weigh between 55 and 70 lbs. Females weigh between 45 and 60 lbs.
• Male dogs usually range in height from 23 to 25 inches tall, and females usually range from 21 to 23 inches.
• German Shorthaired Pointers have a life expectancy of about 12 to 15 years.
• Some German Shorthaired Pointers suffer from epilepsy, hermaphrodism and lymphedema. Common minor health problems include CHD, entropion, gastric torsion, VWD, pannus and OCD.