When I started looking for a German shorthaired pointer for the first time, I wasn't sure where to begin. I answered several classifieds in the paper and asked friends if they knew of anyone reputable. Eventually I got my older dog Porter from a breeder, who were also falconers, in Casper, WY. Now that I have two GSPs I get asked the same question a lot by people who are interested in the breed.
Why a German shorthaired pointer?
Prospective dog owners should ask themselves why they want a German shorthaired pointer and what they intend to have it for. I don't recommend getting a German shorthaired pointer unless you are up for the challenge. They require a lot of exercise and they need to run big on a daily basis.
Ideally, I wouldn't recommend getting a bird dog unless you plan to train it and hunt with it. GSPs were bred to hunt and a good shorthair will always have a strong prey drive, which can be overwhelming for dog owners who are not used to living with a sporting breed.
That said, with enough exercise German shorthaired pointers do make wonderful pets. They are generally easily trained, they are usually good with with kids and they are they relatively clean and easy to groom. German shorthired pointers were bred to be versatile and they excel when they have the opportunity to work for and with their owners in one way or another.
The German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America (GSPCA)
The GSPCA is a national organization that is a great resource for people who are considering buying a shorthair. The GSPCA's Code of Ethics promotes ethical breeding and business and asks that all its members abide by these practices. They also encourage all breeders and owners to get involved in a field trials, competitions and sporting events to maintain the breed standards.
Responsible breeding is important.
A lot of people new to German shorthaired pointers might underestimate the importance of good breeding and pedigree. GSPs are a relatively new breed. They are thought to have originated in Germany in the 1800s, but were not easily found in the States until the mid-20th century.
Fortunately, the German shorthaired pointer has maintained high breed standards as set forth by the AKC breed standards for German shorthaired pointers. A dog with an exceptional pedigree comes with a price tag because the dog comes from a lineage that has excelled in field competitions, hunting tests or other comparable events. And generally speaking, only dogs with a good bill of health, excellent conformation and disposition will excel in these competitions. Good breeding keeps the dogs healthy and strong by maintaing a healthy blood line.
There are lots of respectable hobby breeders that may have a good line of healthy GSP puppies available even if they don't have a top of the line pedigree. The most important thing is to do your research and try to support breeders who do the right thing by the breed. Ask a lot of questions, ask for references and read up on the breed before you make any decisions.
GSP Rescue Services
Unfortunately a lot of dogs don't have the loving homes that they need and they find their way into shelters. Often times, a perfectly good dog will be made gun shy by its uneducated owner and then the owner will get rid of it, "because it won't hunt." Or possibly a dog was not given the proper exercise it needs and ends up causing problems in the home. National and regional GSP rescue organizations help place these dogs into good new homes.
If you are willing to work with the dog and some of its possible short comings, GSP rescue is a great place to look for a dog. Just be aware that you may not be working with a clean slate and it will be important to be patient and compassionate with the dog while it is getting accustomed to its new home.
Resources
German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America (GSPCA)
German shorthaired pointer Rescue
Rocky Mountain GSP Rescue of Colorado
Sue Melus trains and hunts her two German shorthaired pointers in Western, Colorado. Sue is an outdoor writer and marketing specialist.
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