The German Shorthaired Pointer
 The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) was first
recognised in the 1800s being bred by German Hunters from several
breeds including the Spanish and English Pointer, Hanovarian
Bloodhound and the English Foxhound. It is this interjection of
Foxhound which probably gave the GSP its incredible stamina and its
hound like voice. The GSP was bred to bring track injured game such
as wild boar and deer, bring them down and then keep guard until the
hunter caught up with his kill. This guarding instinct can still be
witnessed in todays GSP, and in German Field Trials GSPs are still
required to show their strength and stamina by retrieving foxes over
five bar gates.
The GSP can be liver and white or black and white, or solid liver or
black. GSPs are affectionate and very loyal, they are energetic and
can be boisterous. They require lots of mental stimulation but are
eager to please during training. A fairly complex breed that need
careful handling to prevent nervousness on one hand or a please
themselves attitude on the other.
 Whilst hunting they cover large areas of open ground with speed and
enthusiasm. But will also adapt well to hunting in woodland, they
make excellent stalking and falconry dogs. GSPs are often described
as the true versatile gundog, with much care during early training
they will be careful retrievers, but are not the happiest of peg
dogs, prefering to be a roughshooters companion and use their
abilities as hunter, pointer and retriever.
They do not like to be left for long periods by themselves. They
love to dig, and are sure to perform a garden makeover if given the
opportunity.
In the show ring, their clean muscular outline make them an
attractive breed to show. However their thirst for activity means
they are much happier if they can combine a show career with a
working one.
The three dogs pictured above are Ophrys GSP's worked and shown by
Karen Davies. Also pictured is Albern Achilles of Wittekind sire to
Ophrys Brecon. He is worked and shown by Alice and Peter Webb,
owners of the Wittekind GSPs and GWPs.
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