Live Life Team
This breed developed from the Spanish Pointers that arrived in Germany in the early 17th century.
Often shortened to GSP, this breed was developed as an all-purpose gun dog. It points, retrieves and hunts in both open country and water. A large breed, it will tackle larger game as well as birds. The breed standard was established in 1870.
The GSP has a strong, streamlined body with powerful hind-quarters. It is flop-eared with a broad, long muzzle suitable for retrieving heavier game. In profile the dog is straight nosed with a typical Pointer stance, the tail held straight out and not curled under. Previously it was common to dock the tail, but this is now prohibited in many countries. The GSP, in common with all German pointers, has webbed feet.
The coat is short and flat, but with a thick undercoat. This makes the coat waterproof and gives the dog protection in cold weather. The colour is liver, liver and white or roan, often peppered on the chest and flanks with solid blocks of colour elsewhere. The German standard permits some yellow, but this is disqualified by Kennel clubs in other countries.
The GSP is ideally suited for home or field. It is intelligent, affectionate and non-aggressive (although it can be boisterous). The dog has strong hunting and guarding instincts which makes it a good guarddog, but unsuitable for homes with small animals. The dog needs plenty of exercise otherwise it can become destructive.
In Scandinavia it is sometimes used for sledding.
