History

The German Shorthair Pointer developed in the last century in Germany as an all around hunting and companion dog.  The first known German Shorthairs were imported into the U.S. between 1890 and 1920. 

Physical Characteristics

Color:  Color can range from solid liver, to ticking (small flecking with white background), to a bright white body with a liver head.  There are also a few rare black & white ticked German Shorthaired Pointers. 

Size: Females can range from as small as 35 lbs to as large as 70 lbs.  Males may range from 45 lbs to more than 90 lbs -- though such extremes are unusual.

Tail Docking: It is a rule to dock a shorthair to 40% of the original length a few days after birth.  This is to prevent injury if the dog hunts or runs in underbrush later in life. 

Character and Disposition

In general, German Shorthaired Pointers are highly energenic, athletic dogs which are known for their endurance.

Abbreviations Used in German Pedigrees