It was the German breeders who started the development of the skillful and quick gundog German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP). From the crossings of the old Spanish Pointer, Hounds of St. Hubert, Foxhound, the English Pointer and some other unidentified hounds, the GSP came in to the canine world for the hunters to enjoy today. Because of this ancestry, the GSP became faster, more skillful and more excellent in the hunting category.

What makes the GSP an all-purpose gundog is its ability to perform not just pointing but some other hunting tasks as well. From being a pointer to being a retriever, upland bird dog and water dog, the GSP can do it all masterfully. The signs of a GSP as an outstanding hunter are intelligence, boldness, obedience and quickness and that lack of these characteristics are considered as faults.

This excellent workdog ranked 17th in Stanley Cohens The Intelligence of Dogs. Its hunting instinct is so strongly innate that owning a GSP means training it to distinguish between the right prey and other animals. A GSP that is not trained on this has the tendency to bring dead cats, pigeons or rats as a trophy from its hunting escapades alone.

Many hunters today still utilize the skills of the GSP because it is unarguably excellent in hunting. Hunters love it that the GSP is very dependable, hardy, full of energy and intelligent during these times. One should realize that a properly trained GSP never suggests a disposition of fear, shyness, over submissiveness, lack of docility or aggression.

However, not only is the GSP excellent in hunting but in being a family companion as well. This dog is very family-oriented, protective, friendly and very loving. It loves to be with children and likes the attention of humans and other canine friends.

The body of the GSP manifests a powerful and agile capability because of its streamlined and lean physique. Its uniquely built hind legs are so powerful it allows him to turn quickly and rapidly. It has floppy and moderately long ears and a snout that is broad and powerful that allows him to carry heavy game.

Most GSPs' tails are docked and the length is enough only to wag and move but in some countries docking is illegal. The GSP has a double layer of short and flat coat. The undercoat is lush while the top coat is stiff serving as a natural repellant against water and cold weathers.

The common colors of this breed are dark brown, chocolate or chestnut (liver), black and white. Some GSPs may come in these colors solidly but generally, GSPs come in these colors but with speckles or patches of other colors such as white or liver all over their bodies. Interestingly, this color formation of the GSP allows it to camouflage against trees and bushes during winter season.

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