Hunting Instincts in GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTERS

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

German Shorthaired Pointers are prized hunting dogs, known for their intelligence and hard-working nature. But apart from that, they are also known for being friendly, outgoing, loyal, and dependable dogs.

German Shorthaired Pointers were originally bred from English Foxhounds, English Pointers, and Old Spanish Pointers. Physically, these dog breeds are often muscular and tight-skinned. German Pointers have lean necks and strong backs. These dogs have easily manageable short coats that come in various shades of white and brown.

All these physical attributes help German Pointers be the incredibly efficient hunting dogs that they are. Specifically speaking, you can rely on these top-of-the-line hunting dogs to point, retrieve, and track whether it be on land or water. Their keen sensitivity is characterized by their incredible sense of smell. And due to their intelligence, learning new tricks or challenging commands is never a problem. In fact, they welcome such challenges as part of their natural willingness to please.

However, don't let this dog's agility deceive you, they are incredibly outgoing and affectionate as well. As people-oriented dogs, they thrive on companionship. They love being around people and are safe to have around children. Essentially, Shorthaired Pointers make ideal companions for casual sportsmen who want family-oriented dogs as well.

Having the ability to be as domesticated as they are, German Pointers still require a lot of exercises. They need constant stimulation to stay physically and mentally fit. They usually prefer large backyards to keep themselves occupied. This is one of the reasons that German Pointers may not be the best apartment dogs. However, these dogs can also be trained to adapt to such living conditions. Just make sure to take them out for long walks. Keep in mind that, these high-energy dogs make perfect jogging and running companions. Don't forget your dog leash though, as the hunting instincts of these dog breed are still very strong.

Other things to look out for are common canine health issues such as hip dysplasia and excessive weight gain. German Shorthaired Pointers have big appetites. To ensure that they stay within the healthy weight range, once again, make sure they get all the exercise that they need. But other than this, prepare to be amazed. German pointers are the embodiment of elegance, intelligence, and power.

By Lea Mullins Lea Mullins discusses hunting instincts in German Shorthaired Pointers. Find information about different dog breeds from TrainPetDog.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

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The German POINTERS Dog Breed History

The Origins of the German Pointer breed

As the name suggests the German Pointer dog, also known as the German Shorthaired Pointer comes from Germany. Even though researchers do not have many details about the origin of this breed, they all concluded that the German Pointer breed is a mixed breed that developed in time from mixing breeds like the Spanish Pointer, the Foxhound, the Bloodhound and other hunting dogs and later the English Pointer.

German Pointer - Photo   by     Rexness

The German Pointer breed belongs to the European pointer dogs. There are records about the pointer dogs as well as the hunting dogs from Europe ever since the 13 the century. Todays German Pointer is an elegant and versatile hunter both in the water and on land. He is a specialist in bird hunting and is admired for his great personality.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is related to the German Wirehaired Pointer, a breed of dog mostly common in Germany and less in The Great Britain or The United States. Though they are both mixed breeds and have related predecessors, the German Wirehaired does not have any Bloodhound or Foxhound predecessors. The Wirehaired Pointer, however, originates from the Pudel pointer, another mixed breed between the German Pudel and the English Pointer amongst others.

Past records of the German Pointers breed

Even if there aren't many records that talk about the German breed but mention the hunting dogs for their proficiency in finding and tracking large and small animals as well as their dexterity in both water and on land, the breed got some recognition after it was crossed with the English Pointer in the late 1800s. The German breed was recognized as a breed and recorded by the German Kennel Club in 1872.

In the 1920's the German Shorthaired breed was taken to the United States where it became a popular breed. Not too long ago the American Kennel Club, that formally recognized the breed in 1930, stated that the German Pointer reached the 20th place in a list of most popular breeds in the US. In 2005 a German Shorthaired Pointer dog won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the first show where a German Shorthaired Pointer participated was held in 1941 in Chicago

By John Hinkley. - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Choosing the Best POINTER DOG For Your Hunting

English Setter (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pointing Dogs are some of the best for hunting birds. However, many people will want to know what type of pointer will make the best dog for their hunting. We think it is best to start this analysis by considering your terrain. In the US, much of the terrain lends itself to medium range dogs. The best dogs that will fit into this criteria will be those that are not the fastest dogs around but are still full of eagerness to hunt and stamina. 

Their ability to work a little closer to the hunter works well here, especially when hunting pheasant. Of all the pointing dogs available, one of the best choices for this type of work is the English Setter. It offers a strong dog that is fast enough to get the job done. In addition, it has a good coat that will allow it to work well in the northern climates.

However, another alternative to the English Setter is the Brittany Spaniel. This dog can work very well despite its slightly smaller size and may be a better fit with a slower hunter.

If you are hunting in heavy cover areas like that are common in the Northeast, you will be wanting a dog with a closer range. This will make the dog less likely to get lost in this terrain. Of course, you can offset this by opting for radio tracking or GPS collar, but there is still an added risk in a tough thicket of the collar getting knocked off. For this type of hunting, all of the pointers and spaniels can work fairly well. Some suggest that a thicker coat might be needed for colder environments, but the benefit gained from this might be offset by the increased problem of picking up burrs, and other junk while hunting.

By keeping the consideration of the terrain in mind, you should be in good shape with choosing a solid dog breed. Pointing dogs have become a popular hunting dog in America and are very effective bird dogs regardless of the type chosen.

By Mike J. Browndike - Article Source: EzineArticles

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