What's it like to have a German Shorthaired Pointer? Anyone have one?

[Anonymous]

Hi,

We are thinking about our next dog. It seems like a German Shorthair Pointer (GSP) would fit us-- we're looking for a friendly companion, medium size, good with kids. We would love a lab, but don't want the shedding. And a labradoodle won't work because I was bitten by a standard poodle as a kid, and still have some fear (I know, totally irrational but I just remember that poodle face/snout and that's what I see when I see a labradoodle). Anyway.....

How much exercise do GSPs really need? We're not duck hunters. We do have a fenced yard, and the dog will be on 3x daily walks at least, we hike sometimes, go to soccer games, etc. We're looking to incorporate the dog into our family's activities, but won't be able to give it an opportunity to swim or run in acres of fields for example.

What are the pros and cons??

(As background, we've had wonderful dogs before-- they've all been low energy breeds like Frenchies).

Many thanks in advance,

[Anonymous]

I had one.

Great for older kids.

The energy level is a lot for toddler families (they will knock a kid down, by accident).

They like to lean on people and are sort of lap dogs who don't know they are big.

We had a high fence and the dog could jump very, very high.We joked he was part bunny.

The short hair is great. LONG walks were important and runs on the weekends.

[Anonymous]

They are extremely active. I would get one if you are a serious runner but 3 x 10 minute walks will not do. They can be destructive if their energy isn't channelled into proper exercise. They can run for hours and hours.

Get a young adult mutt that's been in a foster home, not one direct from a shelter.

[Anonymous]

Friend of in laws has one that has every separate anxiety. They literally have to bring the dog everywhere. Even for visits and then promptly pees on the Oriental rug.

[Anonymous]

They need a lot more exercise than a lab. They are bred to be sporting dogs and they can get destructive if they're not able to "work" or properly get their energy out. That doesn't mean they have to be duck hunters, but they're not like Frenchies at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi,

We are thinking about our next dog. It seems like a German Shorthair Pointer (GSP) would fit us-- we're looking for a friendly companion, medium size, good with kids. We would love a lab, but don't want the shedding. And a labradoodle won't work because I was bitten by a standard poodle as a kid, and still have some fear (I know, totally irrational but I just remember that poodle face/snout and that's what I see when I see a labradoodle). Anyway.....

How much exercise do GSPs really need? We're not duck hunters. We do have a fenced yard, and the dog will be on 3x daily walks at least, we hike sometimes, go to soccer games, etc. We're looking to incorporate the dog into our family's activities, but won't be able to give it an opportunity to swim or run in acres of fields for example.

What are the pros and cons??

(As background, we've had wonderful dogs before-- they've all been low energy breeds like Frenchies).

Many thanks in advance,

How tall is your fence? They can be incredibly athletic dogs and can jump really high.

[Anonymous]

Separation anxiety is actually listed as a problem for this breed. Take this seriously. I also do not think that gun breeds should be pets. They are serious working dogs with all the traits that make them great workers and poor companions.