What are the pros and cons of a German Short haired Pointer?

Question

I am very very active, i do not hunt though and I was planning on getting one but I don't know. They do seem like they are very handsome dogs and it would not be at all bored living with someone like me. But I don't know if I should get one or not.

Answer 1

Are you planning to get one?

Do you hunt?

They are hunting dogs.  That's what they were bred to do.

That's not a breed that will be real happy lying around the house all day or, worse ... tied up in the backyard.

The GSP is a high-energy sporting breed.  It has a rather "intense" temperament (which could be good or bad, depending how that temperament and energy are channeled).

Like any high-energy breed, it can (and WILL) be destructive if it isn't given plenty of exercise and a job to do.

They're not the most "pet-like" breed ... if you have young kids, you might want to rethink it.  They won't tolerate rough and clumsy handling by youngsters.  Not to say they can't be great for the right owners ... they certainly CAN ... but they're not really a "breed of choice" for a family pet.

They have a short, easy-care coat, but they DO shed.  

They need to be trained and socialized, as does any young dog.

Please research it before you decide.  A few sites that might interest you are:

http://www.akc.org

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com

http://www.canismajor.com

Answer 2

www.dogbreedinfo.com

this site will help :)

Answer 3

pro: they are great hunting dogs and compainons. cons they make lousy house dogs they need lots and lots of exercise and training

Answer 4

If you are VERY active, then that is a pro.  They need a good amount of exercise.  That could also be a con (if you are a couch potato or only like one walk a day).  Separation anxiety can be brutal in a pointer because they can be extremely destructive.  It's a smart breed that needs an owner willing to put in the time to train and exercise it.  Here is some more info:

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews...

Answer 5

It'll need lots of exercise.  My lab/pointer needs about two hours a day, but he can go for HOURS - that's just the bare minimum to keep him from running around the house like a psycho-pup by evening.

Some of the hunting lines are not bred to socialize well with children or other dogs, but I think that may be more an indication of the backyard breeder.  Something to watch out for though, if you don't know a reputable breeder and are stuck finding one on your own.

They're a medium to large size dog.  I would never recommend one for an apartment.  They are not couch potatoes.  I've only known a few, but I have never met a submissive pointer of any variety yet.  Hunting dogs tend to be pack-oriented and therefore may challenge your authority/position on a regular basis.  The idea is that *someone* must lead, so if you won't lead then they will.  It's a compulsion.  So make sure you can be the alpha and lead your pack.  I find it very rewarding, personally, but I know many people who prefer a lap dog to cuddle and love.