German Shorthaired Pointer

A fine, all-around hunter and gun dog -- trailing, pointing, and retrieving everything from grouse, quail and pheasant to waterfowl, raccoon and possum -- doesn't come about by accident. The German Shorthaired Pointer required the selective crossbreeding of the best of the German Bird Dog, the Spanish Pointer, scent hounds and track-and-trail dogs. Yes, this happened first in Germany. And, yes, I have short hair -- that does shed but needs very little maintenance. Admitted to the AKC's Sporting Group in 1930, the GSP stands 23-25 inches at the shoulder and weighs 55-70 pounds.

• Affectionate, devoted family friend
• Agile and active
• Born to run, happy to walk
• Busy is better than bored
• Cats should keep their distance
• Confident and self-assured
• Courageous canine
• Energizer doggie
• Even tempered, good-natured
• Hardy hunter

• Independent thinker
• Intelligent, ready to learn
• Loves kids and vice versa
• Caters to country, tolerates town
• Socialization and training must start early
• Strong willed
• Takes to training
• Willing watchdog

Please get my obedience training started as soon as possible (puppy kindergarten should be fun) and get me socialized to all the kinds of people, situations, and other animals I'm likely to encounter. Cats are not prey? Okay, I'll try to remember. For sure give me positive reinforcement every step of the way. And don't be disappointed or give up if I seem to take forever outgrow puppyhood. I will, with your cooperation, I promise.

Possible heart problems, melanoma and fibrosarcoma, von Willebrand's disease, lymphedema.