German Shorthaired Pointer

Like every breed, the German Shorthaired Pointer is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Use positive, reward-based training throughout their life.
• Work hard on recall, because their hunting instinct is strong.
• Look for pet gundog classes, which give them a suitable outlet for their natural working behaviours.
• Learn how to prevent resource guarding, which is common when gundog behaviour is handled badly.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Usually sociable with other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually needs a roomy home.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Some dog experience helps.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Hip dysplasia

  The hip joint does not develop properly, which can eventually lead to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip scoring under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme.

• Elbow dysplasia

  The Royal Kennel Club recommends testing breeding dogs for elbow dysplasia under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme.

• Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat)

  The stomach twists, trapping its contents and gas. It is an emergency that needs urgent veterinary attention and is often seen in large, deep-chested breeds.

• Von Willebrand's disease

  A disorder in which the blood does not clot properly, which can lead to excessive bleeding.

• Dilated cardiomyopathy

  The heart muscle gradually weakens and the heart becomes enlarged, so it cannot pump properly.

• Entropion

  The eyelids roll inwards, which is painful. Eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme is part of the Royal Kennel Club's recommended health testing for the breed.

• Cruciate disease

  The ligaments in the knee become diseased and damaged, which can cause pain and limping.

• Other conditions

  PDSA also lists lymphoedema, a swelling caused by poor drainage of the lymphatic system; atopy, an allergic skin condition that causes itching; hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland; and cherry eye, where the gland of the third eyelid pops out of place.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a German Shorthaired Pointer home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a German Shorthaired Pointer home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the German Shorthaired Pointer suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

German Shorthaired Pointers do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.