Overview
The German Shorthaired Pointer, or GSP, is the most popular of the continental pointing breeds in Britain and the one most likely to turn up on a walker's list. Liver, liver and white or ticked, with a short, dense coat and a long easy gallop, it was designed to find birds, point them, retrieve them and swim for them, all in one day.
In a pet home that engine does not switch off. GSPs are affectionate to the point of clinginess and clever enough to invent trouble when under-exercised. The good news for a walker is that a properly run GSP is one of the most rewarding dogs you will handle.
Exercise and walking needs
Two hours a day is a fair starting point for a healthy adult, with at least one long stretch off the lead. Running beside a bike or a jogger suits many of them, though owners should confirm the dog is old enough for sustained running.
A GSP that has only had a lead walk is not tired, it is wound up. Add retrieving, scent games or hide and seek with a dummy to get genuine rest at the end of it.
On the walk
- Recall: Good when trained, and most owners have put the work in. A whistle carries further than your voice when the dog is three fields away.
- Ranging: They cover a lot of ground fast and like to run ahead and check back. Pick open ground where you can see the dog, not dense woodland.
- Other dogs: Friendly and physical. The play style can be too much for small or elderly dogs, so pair them with other athletes.
- Water and mud: Puddles, ponds and rivers are all fair game. Keep a towel and check ears after swims.
- Wildlife: Birds and rabbits are what the dog was bred to find. Steady it near game and keep it on a lead through livestock.
Tips for professional walkers
- Carry a whistle and use the owner's existing recall signal from day one.
- Finish with five minutes of calm heelwork so the dog arrives home settled.
- A thin coat means a cold dog in winter; keep it moving or put a coat on.
- Watch for cuts on the pads and chest from brambles and ice.
What to ask the owner
- What is the recall cue and whistle pattern, and how reliable is it around birds?
- Is the dog still growing, and has the vet put any limit on running or jumping?
- Does it live with or regularly run with other dogs, and how rough does it play?