Qualities Defining the German Pointer Dog Breed
The origins of the German Pointer dog breed, also called Kurzhaar, are in Germany, where traces of its existence can be found as far back as 1700. Its ancestors are European Brahques that were used in Mediterranean countries for hunting with nets for feathered game, and for hunting with falcons. The introduction of the Pointer improved physical structure and olfactory skills.
It was Prince Albrecht of Solms-Braunfeld who defined the criteria for the breed and thus the basis for modern breeding in the late 19th century.
The German poodle is the hunting dog par excellence, specially selected to become the perfect companion during game hunting trips. It is said that the German poodle is infallible in pointing out game and is able to fulfil its role even in old age. It is also very adept at retrieving game in water.
On the other hand, they are dogs whose hunter's nature leads them to be restless and in need of daily movement and venting, as well as having a tendency to dominate, so they need precise and vigorous training, which must be started from puppyhood. They are therefore not suitable dogs for everyone, and it is important to be aware that they need precise training and a lot of movement.
In addition to hunting use, it is also used for guarding, for civil defence tasks and as a companion dog.
Character of the German Pointer dog breed
The German Pointer is characterised by its balanced nature, steady nerves and reliability. Extremely intelligent, lively and full of energy. As already mentioned, however, it needs a job, it must be able to tire itself out both physically and mentally.
In fact, many breeders of this breed only sell their dogs to hunters, because that is the job of the German poodle, hunting. He needs to run, chase, run hither and thither non-stop and only when he is properly occupied is he a very friendly, family- and home-loving dog, otherwise he is destructive both at home and in the garden.
Living in a flat is against his nature: the ideal for him is a house with a garden, preferably in the country. He becomes very attached to his owner, whose closeness he often requires. If properly socialised from an early age, he has no problem relating to other dogs, whereas with cats it is more difficult as he sees them as prey. With strangers it is neither fearful nor aggressive, but if it senses danger it is an excellent guard dog.
Training is of vital importance for this breed, and should be started when it is a puppy. It is a dog that as an adult has a certain size and strength and would therefore not be easy to handle. It is important to make it clear from the start who is in charge and not to let it impose its leadership.
Appearance of the German Pointer dog breed
The German Beagle is a medium to large dog, its height at withers can reach 66 centimetres with a weight of 30 kilograms and more. It is robust and muscular, but has an elegant bearing and a slender physique; in fact, it is an aristocratic, harmoniously proportioned dog whose construction ensures power, endurance and speed. It has a mighty bone structure and good musculature that enables it to be fast, strong and resilient.
The legs are long and strongly muscled, with broad, hard pads; the tail is thick at the base but narrows towards the end, not long, but streamlined.
The head is neither too light nor too heavy, well proportioned to the shape of the body. The muzzle is long and strong, suitable for catching game. The medium-sized ears are set high and fall flat along the head, without curvature. The eyes, very large, are usually dark brown, very lively and expressive.
The coat is short and sparse, hard to the touch, dense and glossy. The most common colour is brown with or without white spots and shades. The head is brown, roan, black or white with brown spots.
Care and health of the German Pointer dog breed
The German Beagle is a strong dog with robust health and an average life expectancy of around 10-12 years. However, it may suffer from hereditary diseases such as hip dysplasia, retinal atrophy and epidermolysis bullosa. It may also be prone to epilepsy. But generally speaking, buying the German poodle from a good breeder greatly reduces these diseases.
He is a very active dog, so it is advisable that he eats twice a day, morning and evening, and not to stimulate him after eating, as this can lead to his stomach turning over. As for the diet, it must be balanced and he is not a dog that tends towards obesity, as long as he exercises.
As for the maintenance of its coat, this requires very little attention, just brushing it every so often. It does not lose much hair.
