German Shorthaired Pointer
Agile, smart and active
GSPs 101
Sporting groupThe German Shorthaired Pointer is no couch potato. They are a high-energy breed, and they need as much daily, heart-thumping exercise as they can get. And then they’d like to get some more.
Not surprising, they are not an ideal choice for small living spaces, at least not without families who can make a serious commitment to their dog’s daily exercise. They are an outstanding companion for active families, and an ideal running partner. The GSP is intelligent and friendly, good with children and usually compatible with other family pets. They’re easy to train and eager to please, with a coat requiring no special care.
What we love about GSPs
You'll never have a better workout partner.
The athleticism and drive of the German Shorthaired Pointer finds them enthusiastic competitors in many dog sports.
Energy level
Energy level: 100% (Very high)
Bark level
- Very vocal
- Talkative
- As needed
Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively
Size
Size: 21 to 25 inches tall. This is a Large sized Dog.
- Energy level
- Very high (100%)
- Bark level
- Talkative
- Height
- 21 to 25 inches
- Lifespan
- 10 to 12 years
- Weight
- 45 to 70 lbs
The German Shorthaired Pointer stands 21 to 25 inches tall and weighs 45 to 70 lbs. German Shorthaired Pointers have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. They are known for a very high (100%) energy level and a talkative bark.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big do German Shorthaired Pointers get?
- German Shorthaired Pointers stand 21 to 25 inches tall and typically weigh between 45 and 70 pounds.
- How long do German Shorthaired Pointers live?
- The average lifespan of a German Shorthaired Pointer is 10 to 12 years.
- Are German Shorthaired Pointers good for first-time dog owners?
- German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Do German Shorthaired Pointers bark a lot?
- German Shorthaired Pointers are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.
My pet’s health plannerSM
This German Shorthaired Pointer health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.
Mature adult GSP
Risk level for common GSP conditions
Mid-life German Shorthaired Pointers should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health.
- Skin cancer
- Above Average Risk
- Trauma
- Above Average Risk
- Seizures
- Above Average Risk
40% on risk scaleSenior GSP
Risk level for common GSP conditions
Senior German Shorthaired Pointers face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Arthritis poses very high risk. Skin cancer is at high risk.
- Arthritis
- Very High Risk
- Skin cancer
- High Risk
- Valvular heart disease
- Moderate Risk
GSP puppy
Risk level for common GSP conditions
German Shorthaired Pointer puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Foreign body ingestion and Toxicity and Urinary tract infection pose very high risk.
- Foreign body ingestion
- Very High Risk
- Toxicity
- Very High Risk
- Urinary tract infection
- Very High Risk
Young adult GSP
Risk level for common GSP conditions
As German Shorthaired Pointers grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Foreign body ingestion is at moderate risk.
- Foreign body ingestion
- Moderate Risk
- Toxicity
- Above Average Risk
- Trauma
- Above Average Risk
Mature adult GSP
Risk level for common GSP conditions
Mid-life German Shorthaired Pointers should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health.
- Skin cancer
- Above Average Risk
- Trauma
- Above Average Risk
- Seizures
- Above Average Risk
Senior GSP
Risk level for common GSP conditions
Senior German Shorthaired Pointers face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Arthritis poses very high risk. Skin cancer is at high risk.
- Arthritis
- Very High Risk
- Skin cancer
- High Risk
- Valvular heart disease
- Moderate Risk
GSP puppy
Risk level for common GSP conditions
German Shorthaired Pointer puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Foreign body ingestion and Toxicity and Urinary tract infection pose very high risk.
- Foreign body ingestion
- Very High Risk
- Toxicity
- Very High Risk
- Urinary tract infection
- Very High Risk
Young adult GSP
Risk level for common GSP conditions
As German Shorthaired Pointers grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Foreign body ingestion is at moderate risk.
- Foreign body ingestion
- Moderate Risk
- Toxicity
- Above Average Risk
- Trauma
- Above Average Risk
Nationwide can help you save on your German Shorthaired Pointer's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
- Puppy (0 to 9 months)
- Foreign body ingestion: Very High Risk, Toxicity: Very High Risk, Urinary tract infection: Very High Risk
- Young Adult (10 months to 4 years)
- Foreign body ingestion: Moderate Risk, Toxicity: Above Average Risk, Trauma: Above Average Risk
- Mature Adult (5 years to 8 years)
- Skin cancer: Above Average Risk, Trauma: Above Average Risk, Seizures: Above Average Risk
- Senior (9+ years)
- Arthritis: Very High Risk, Skin cancer: High Risk, Valvular heart disease: Moderate Risk
The German Shorthaired Pointer is one of three breeds that share country of origin and work as versatile hunters. The German Wirehaired Pointer is one of those breeds, as is the Deutsch Drahthaar. The latter translates to “true German wirehaired,” but the Shorthair is more popular than either of the other breeds. That may be because the breed was also meant to be a family companion.
German Shorthaired Pointer coat care and colors
The German Shorthaired Pointer’s coat is easy to care for: Sleek and short, all it needs is weekly brushing and an occasional bath to keep it in good condition. The breed comes in seven recognized colors and patterns, with freckles (called ticking), or patches of solid color, often on the head.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a large dog, and that means large nails that need to be kept short. Avoid wrestling matches with adult dogs by acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails clipped. Some dogs better tolerate nail grinding rather than trimming, so experiment with which method works best. As with other drop-eared dogs, regular ear cleaning can help keep infections at bay.
How often do German Shorthaired Pointers need to be groomed?
How often do German Shorthaired Pointers need to be groomed?
Do Pointers need their hair cut?
Do Pointers need their hair cut?
Do GSPs get cold easily?
Do GSPs get cold easily?
GSP exercise & training
GSP fun facts
Top girl names for GSPs
of GSPs are female
of GSPs are male
Top boy names for GSPs
Nationwide loves German Shorthaired Pointers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
| Gender | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male | 0% |
| Female | 100% |
Among German Shorthaired Pointers insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.
German Shorthaired Pointer statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.
Other breeds like GSPs
Best. German Shorthaired Pointer insurance. Ever.SM
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
- Visit any licensed veterinarian, anywhere
- Cancel at any time, risk-free