Did you know that the main source of basic foundation stock for the fabulous German Shorthaired Pointer is believed to have been the German Bird Dog, but that Germans introduced English Pointers to lend elegance to the German Shorthaired Pointer prototype?
Maybe.
Some sources point out that the German Shorthaired Pointer was bred before the first studbook was created in 1870, so the exact breeds that went into its bloodline are unknown, but there is consensus that the German Bird Dog was a definite ancestor. Other breeds, however, have been thrown into the mix about what contributed to the breed. They include the Spanish pointer, the English pointer, the Dalmatian, the Weimaraner, the tracking hound, and the Vizsla.
We’ll leave the debate to cynologists and breed enthusiasts, we’re just delighted that the breed exists! This a tremendous hunting dog and companion, and the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing thinks so, too. “Haus,” ‘a GSP, is a well-trained explosives sniffer dog with the 380th. One of his handlers, Staff Sgt. Zerrick Shanks, says, “We also conduct random walking patrols for suspicious packages and activities. ‘Haus’ is a hard-working dog with an important job, but it’s worth noting he also happens to look pretty spiffy in goggles.” As an aside, the TSA also uses the German Shorthaired Pointers.
As cool as all that is, we want to see YOUR GSPs doing what they do, from field trials and therapy work, to nose work and obedience. Prove us right that this is one versatile breed by sharing your photos here!
German Shorthaird Pointer by Pieter Zaadstra
www.zaadstra.com.au
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Baby bird dog doing what comes naturally! But be sure to look for well bred, healthy dogs with health testing certificates to back up the breeder’s claims before purchasing a GSP puppy.
Well put, Cathy, and a terrific picture, thank you!!