How to Care for a German Shorthaired Pointer

copyright 2007 Greg Williams

If you've ever been around a German Shorthaired Pointer, the two traits that come to mind are: energetic and lovable. But, did you also know the breed is considered relatively low maintenance and tends to live a long life--sometimes to even 17 or 18? Now that you do--here are some proper ways to care for this loyal family companion.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. copyright 2007 Greg Williams

   Spay or neuter your German Shorthaired Pointer. Spaying females before the first heat prevents breast cancer and decreases the chance of uterine infections. Neutering male dogs before age four prevents testicular cancer, helps maintain a healthy prostate and curbs aggression.

2. Take your German Shorthaired Pointer for regular medical checkups and stay current on vaccinations, flea and heartworm preventative. You can also do a monthly home exam of the skin, eyes, ears, nose, teeth and gums.

3. Have your GSP's teeth cleaned professionally on a periodic basis. Ask your veterinarian for a recommended schedule.

4. Feed your German Shorthaired Pointer a nutritious and balanced diet. Choose a premium quality dog food with meat as the first ingredient or a homemade diet consisting of the proper balance of protein, carbs, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

5. Copyright 2007 Greg Williams

   Exercise your GSP vigorously. Take him on brisk long walks or daily jogs. They do best living in a house with an ample sized fenced yard. They can, however, do okay in an apartment, but must have sufficient exercise.

6. Brush your GSP occasionally with a rubber or soft bristle brush. They are average shedders.

7. Bathe your GSP when necessary, about every few months should normally suffice. Clean the ears with a cotton ball and baby oil or an ear cleaning solution for dogs.

8. Keep your German Shorthaired Pointer's nails trimmed. Every few months during bath time will work. As long as they get a lot of walking and running in, they should require minimal trimming (if any).

Tips & Warnings

• German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent and easily trainable. They get along well with other dogs.

• GSPs enjoy playing fetch and Frisbee. They also like to swim.

• A dog park is a great place to exercise a German Shorthaired Pointer. They love to run and "mix it up" with the other dogs.

• German Shorthaired Pointers are affectionate and great with children. They tend to get rambunctious, so it's best to supervise their play around little ones.

• GSPs were bred to hunt, therefore have a natural instinct to chase cats. They can get along with them if socialized from an early age.

• If left alone for extended periods or without enough exercise, the GSP can become destructive. They thrive on companionship and get lonely if not around their family enough.

• German Shorthaired Pointers will leap over fences, so make sure yours is high enough.

Resources

• German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue
• The California German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue
• PointerRescue.Org