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Shorthaired Pointer dogs are different high activity, sharp mind and good learning ability. It is because of this that many people breed such dogs or simply buy them for fun. The shorthaired pointer is a breed that is not so common in Russia. But despite this, she has her fans.

Short-haired pointers became a kind of basis for the creation of shorthaired pointers. The breed was bred in Germany, and it got its name from the words “kurz” - short and “haar” - wool. These dogs have become especially popular since the appearance of double-barreled guns in widespread use. This event occurred in 1750, after which hunters no longer needed to chase birds, since they could be shot with long distance. But at the same time, the birds often fell into icy water or impenetrable thickets. In order to pull prey out of the most inaccessible places, hunters began to use shorthaired pointers.

From that moment on, the breed began to develop and spread. In the 17th century, new hunting dogs began to be imported into Germany. For example, breeds such as the Perdiguero de Burgos were brought from Spain. They began to be crossed with shorthaired pointers, which is why not only the appearance dogs, but also some of their qualities.

This is interesting! This breed has several names. The most common are: shorthaired pointer and German pointer (or shorthaired). Sometimes these hunting dogs are called German pointers.

Shorthaired Pointers gained the greatest popularity after coming to America. This happened in 1925, and then these dogs were recognized not only by hunting clubs, but also by dog handlers. In Russia, this breed is still not popular enough, since the Laika is preferred here.

The shorthaired pointer breed is distinguished by its slenderness; these dogs are very fit and agile. The maximum height at the withers is 65-66 cm, and their optimal weight can range from 25 to 34 kg. The color of dogs can be very different, ranging from a milky coffee shade to coal black. Shorthaired Pointer puppies, on the contrary, have a light color, which changes as they grow older.

German Pointers have a noble figure and good posture. Their tail is set high and is most often docked at about halfway. The most common and acceptable color options are the following:

uneven large spots that are located on the back, while the stomach and paws are strewn with small coffee marks;
completely brown in color, with the exception of the head, covered with small spots;
the whole body is covered with cloudy, indistinct markings that have smooth boundaries.

It is difficult to confuse dogs of this breed with any others, since their appearance reveals noble origin and hunting roots.

This is interesting! Shorthaired Pointers have an intelligent, piercing gaze. Most often they have dark brown eyes.

Character of the shorthaired pointer

German pointers are now purchased not only for hunting, but also for home keeping. These dogs are very friendly to their owners and are also easy to train. They behave well with small children, but do not have much love for children.

The shorthaired pointer is a breed that can initially express aggression and harshness. It is not recommended to adopt them from the age of 1 year, as they take a long time to get used to and have difficulty adapting to a new environment. The German Pointer will protect and love its owner, but for this it is necessary to establish a special contact with the dog.

The shorthaired pointer breed is highly active, keep these dogs for a long time You can’t do it at home, as they will start to get mad from the lack of exercise. Despite all this, Shorthaired Pointers retain their dignity in any situation. They will not treat their owner well if he uses brute force against them.

In general, these dogs are very intelligent and attentive. They are characterized by many standard features hunting breeds, such as: unfriendly attitude towards strangers, increased sense of smell and sensitivity. These dogs will not sit in a booth and guard the owner’s house, but if real danger arises, they will definitely stand up for the owner and his family.

Shorthaired Pointer training

The shorthaired pointer breed lends itself well to training. They learn easily, remember commands well and respond to both dissatisfaction and approval of the owner. Training must be carried out from simple tasks to complex ones. That is, initially you need to teach the dog the following commands:

Place. It is best to immediately set up a corner for your dog and teach it gradually. The “place” command should be used several times a day so that the dog learns the information faster;
It is forbidden. This is a classic command for all hunting dogs. It is very important, since such breeds need to be able to brake in time. If the shorthaired pointer shows excessive activity or harshness, then the owner must repeat several times: “no,” holding the dog by the scruff of the neck;
Stand and sit. Also very ordinary commands that are simply learned and do not require any special skills from the dog owner. You can practice the phrases “stand” and “sit” at any time. While pronouncing the second command, it is best to lightly press the shorthaired pointer’s body so that it understands what is required of it.

Important! German Pointers need to be rewarded with treats during training. In addition, all activities with the dog should take place in silence, without any distractions.

You can start training from the moment the dog adapts. The shorthaired pointer breed is distinguished by the fact that its representatives get used to a new place and owner only with good treatment and careful care.

How to choose a puppy

Shorthaired Pointer puppies begin to be sold at the age of 1.5 months. Before buying, you need to immediately decide on the desired gender of the dog. In the book: “All about German shorthaired pointers” it is written that females are better suited for home keeping, as they become attached faster and are less prone to aggressiveness and arrogance. Male puppies are great for hunting. This rule does not have to be followed as it is provided for guidance only.

The choice of a dog should primarily be based on three factors:

pedigree;
conditions of detention;
character.

For puppies of hunting breeds, pedigree is very important, as they must receive good genes from their parents. It is also necessary to look at the presence of awards and victories in any competitions. The best puppies come from strong, developed individuals. It is impossible to determine these qualities by pedigree alone, but when buying a shorthaired pointer, you need to at least rely on this document.

The average cost of a shorthaired pointer puppy is 20,000 rubles. In Moscow and St. Petersburg they may be more expensive than in other regions.

These dogs are unpretentious and have short hair, making them quite easy to keep. At the same time, shorthaired pointers can be kept outside only during warm periods. For the shorthaired pointer, it is necessary to organize a separate corner in the house that will be comfortable and warm.

The owner of this dog must be prepared to walk and exercise it every day. German Pointers need regular exercise as well as occasional affection. Over time, when the dog fully adapts, other family members can begin to work with him.

Important! Shorthaired Kurts love water and are excellent swimmers by nature. Despite this, it is not recommended to bathe them too often at home. For “bath” procedures you need to use a special shampoo for short-haired dogs.

Dogs need to be kept clean. These dogs cannot stand any kind of pollution, so they sleeping area needs to be cleaned regularly. It is also necessary to frequently replace the water and feed German Pointers only a balanced diet. Permitted and useful products include:

fruits and vegetables;
chicken and fish meat;
all kinds of cereals;
dairy products (occasionally);
vitamin supplements.

All this will help maintain the dog’s health and immunity. It is strictly forbidden to feed shorthaired pointers, since one of the worst diseases for this breed is obesity. Products not recommended for consumption include: any fatty meat, sweets, dog food (an exception is balanced products for hunting breeds).

Health and illness

A description of the diseases of this breed is in a separate reference book, an excerpt from which has already been given in this article. It is worth noting that shorthaired pointers get sick quite rarely. The risk of certain diseases increases with improper care, lack of attention and an unbalanced diet.

As already mentioned, it is dangerous for these dogs to gain excess weight, as they are susceptible to stomach diseases and are also prone to obesity. In order to keep your dog in shape, you need to take him for walks regularly. In addition, your pet’s diet should consist of healthy, light foods.

In addition, the shorthaired pointer breed is prone to the following diseases:

otitis;
hypothyroidism;
cataract;
raw eczema;
entropion

Regarding eye diseases, it is worth saying right away that 90% of breeds are susceptible to them. To avoid the occurrence of diseases of this type, you need to regularly check your dog and use special drops if necessary. The average life expectancy of a Shorthaired Pointer is 12-14 years.

Photo of shorthaired pointer

These dogs are distinguished by a variety of colors, as well as a noble, recognizable figure. The shorthaired pointer breed, a photo of which everyone should see, is incredibly beautiful. Just look at the eyes of these dogs, their piercing, intelligent gaze. The shorthaired pointer in the photo almost completely reflects the greatness of these dogs in real life.

Finally, it is worth noting that these hunting dogs are truly unique. Final version The shorthaired pointer breed that can be seen now was created over many decades. German Pointers were brought together with dogs from different countries so that they would adopt them best qualities. You will have to tinker with this breed, but in the end every owner of the shorthaired pointer gets great dog, protector and friend.

Breed standard

German Shorthaired Pointer - Shorthaired Pointer

General form and type of constitution

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a high-fronted, proportionally built, energetic dog with beautiful firm build, strong but not coarse bones, well-developed elongated muscles and loose light movements. Constitution type - strong dry.

Type of behavior

German shorthaired pointing dog - with a certainly balanced type of nervous activity. Malice and cowardice are vices.

Height

Height at the withers for males is 62-66 cm, for females 58-64 cm. The elongation index is 101-103 for males, 102-105 for females. The extreme limits of the standard are in themselves undesirable. 2 cm above the standard with full proportionality is a disadvantage. More than 2 cm or less than the lower limit is a defect.

Color

Coffee piebald, coffee with speckles, coffee with graying, solid coffee. Darker shades of coffee color are preferred. The head is usually all coffee.

Flaws: white color with sparse specks and small spots.

Vices: solid white color, any admixtures of black or yellow (sand!) color, as well as the presence of tan marks.

Coat

The coat is short, shiny, straight, harsh and dense. The length of the coat on the body and neck is 1.5-2 cm. On the ears and head the coat is shorter (up to 1 cm) and softer. The hair on the legs is shorter and coarser than on the body.

Flaws: soft coat, shorter or longer than normal.

Vices: wavy hair

Skin, muscles, bones

The bones and muscles are well developed. The skin is moderately thick, dense, elastic, without folds. The muscles are strong and elastic.

Flaws: insufficient development of bones and muscles, individual folds of skin.

Vices: weak bones and muscles, rough, thick skin in folds.

Head

Dry, not heavy, somewhat elongated, proportional to the body. When viewed from above and from the side, it is strictly wedge-shaped, but not pointed. The skull is not wide, slightly convex. The occipital protuberance is not very pronounced. The brow ridges are distinct, but not strongly developed. The transition from forehead to muzzle is smooth. The muzzle is elongated, not wide, dry, slightly tapering towards the nose; in bitches it is more pointed, but still not sharp. Muzzle with a hump. A straight muzzle is allowed, but not desirable. The length of the muzzle is 1-1.5 cm shorter than the length of the skull. The lips are not heavy, lying close to the jaws. The edge of the upper lip is smoothly beveled, the upper lip slightly covers the lower one. The lips form a small fold at the corners of the mouth. The nose is wide, the color of the main color, with well-developed and mobile nostrils.

Flaws: unsmooth transition from forehead to muzzle. Overly developed brow ridges, wide skull, pronounced occipital protuberance, thick lips, rectangular cut of the upper lip, slight cheekbones.

Vices: rough head, drooping muzzle. upturned muzzle, smoothed transition from muzzle to skull, sharp muzzle, very sharp (rectangular) transition from forehead to muzzle, bifurcated nose, strong cheekbones.

Hanging, somewhat high set. When placed tightly towards the lower jaw, they should reach the corner of the lips. Wide at the base, tapering and bluntly rounded at the ends, moderately thick. The front edges of the ears, when at rest, lie close to the cheeks.

Flaws: ears on cartilage, low set, pulled back.

Vices: very short, tube ears.

Eyes

Expressive, medium size, set askew. Eyelid, tight-fitting, with an oval cut. Not sunken or rolling out. Eye color is dark brown and hazel. Young dogs are allowed light brown eye color.

Flaws: in adult dogs - light brown color, round eyes.

Vices: yellow eyes, green eyes, excessively bulging or sunken eyes, straight-set eyes.

Teeth and bite

The teeth are white, strong, well developed, tightly fitting one to the other. Scissor bite.

Moderate length, muscular, dry, set at an angle of 40° relative to the body. The upper part is slightly curved. Approximately equal in length to the head. The neck expands from the head to the shoulders. The cross section is oval.

Flaws: shortish neck, dewlap.

Vices: flat neck, rough, thick, damp neck, very short neck.

Breast

Deep, down to the elbows, moderately wide, in section - oval shape. The ribs are quite arched. The false ribs are well developed and form a smooth transition from the chest to the abdomen in adult dogs.

Flaws:excessively round (barrel) ribs; insufficiently developed false ribs, insufficiently drooping chest.

Vices: small, narrow, flat chest.

Withers

Well defined, protruding above the line of the back.

Back

Straight, strong, wide, muscular, smoothly blending into the lower back.

Flaws: underdeveloped back muscles, narrow back, soft back, slightly hunched.

Vices: sagging or hunched back.

Small of the back

Slightly convex, short, muscular, wide, blending smoothly into the croup.

Flaws: long, straight, slightly hunched.

Vices: sagging, hunchbacked.

Croup

Wide, slightly sloping, long, muscular, wider in females than in males.

Stomach

Moderately tucked, the belly line extends slightly below the groin.

Flaw or a defect, depending on the severity - a sharp tuck in the abdomen.

Forelegs

Dry, bony and muscular. When viewed from the front, they are straight and parallel. The shoulder blades are long, obliquely set, covered with strong muscles. The angle of the glenohumeral joint is about 100°. Elbows point straight back. The forearms are dry, strong, oval in cross-section. Pasterns with a slight forward bend.

Flaws: slightly curved forearms; straight shoulders, slightly turned elbows, straight or excessively sloping pasterns; size, clubfoot.

Vices:

Hind limbs

Dry, muscular, with well-developed bones, slightly set back. When viewed from the front, they are straight and parallel. When viewed from the side, it has well-defined articulation angles. The thighs are long and muscular. The shins are long. The hock joints are strong, dry, and clearly defined. Metatarsus about half the length of the tibia, dry, vertically set.

Flaws: the angles of the limbs are not well defined (straight), short shins, close or inverted angles of the hock joints; sabering.

Vices: the same deviations from the norm, but expressed to a sharp degree.

Paws

Oval, arched, with tightly clenched fingers, claws lightly touch the ground.

Flaws: flat or splayed paws.

Tail

Thick at the base, docked (1/2 to 2/3 of the tail is left). When the dog is excited, the tail is held horizontally or slightly above the line of the back.

Flaws: undocked tail, slightly longer tail coat, low-set tail.

Vices: curved up; very low set tail. Suspension on the tail.

Kurzhaar or German Pointer (German Kurzhaar, short hair, English German Shorthaired Pointer) is a breed of dog bred in late XIX century in Germany. Swift and with powerful paws, they are able to run quickly and turn around instantly. This is a versatile gun dog that was created exclusively for hunting, although today it is increasingly kept as a companion dog.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a highly energetic breed. She needs one hour of activity daily, running without a leash. And that's the minimum.

Without activity, she becomes stressed and develops behavioral and health problems.

They love people and do not like to be left alone, especially for a long time. They are smart and can find entertainment while you are away. And you won't like it.

They bark quite a lot. They are distrustful of strangers and can be good guard dogs. However, they lack aggressiveness.

Bitches tend to be highly protective of their puppies and are generally more dominant.

They love children, but puppies are extremely active and can accidentally knock over small children.

This is an excellent hunting dog that can be versatile.

History of the breed

The shorthaired pointer comes from ancient dog breeds and differs significantly from them. The ancestors of the breed were hunting dogs of the German and Austrian nobility, and practically no data about them has been preserved.

As a result, little is known about the origins of the Pointer, more than theory. The only facts are that they originated in what is now Germany and were first standardized sometime between 1860 and 1870.

Before the advent of firearms, European hunting dogs were divided into three types. Hunting or greyhound dogs hunted in a pack mainly large game: wolves, wild boars, deer.

Their task was to pursue the beast and either hold it until the hunters arrived, or they hunted it down on their own.

The hounds chased smaller, but faster prey: hares, rabbits. They were tireless and had a good sense of smell. Cops were used to hunt birds, as they still do today.

The pointer's task was to find the bird, after which it lay down in front of her, and the hunter covered the bird with a net. It is from the habit of lying down that the name came - cop.

One of the breeds that specialized in catching birds from dense thickets was the Spanish Pointer. Little is known about this breed, only that they were used to hunt birds and small animals. It is believed that they appeared in Spain, probably from local cops and spaniels, but there is no reliable information.

Another breed of pointer were dogs bred in Italy: the Bracco Italiano and the Italian Spinone, which probably appeared with the help of the Spanish Pointer. These breeds were introduced to many European countries and became the ancestors of other hunting dogs. It is believed that the ancestors of the Shorthaired Pointer were the Spanish Pointer and the Bracco Italiano.

The Spanish Pointer was brought to Germany in the 15th-17th centuries, where it crossed with local dogs. However, this is nothing more than speculation, since there is no reliable data. However, over time, a new breed was formed, now known as the German Bird Dog.

These dogs were not a breed in modern understanding, rather a group of local dogs used for bird hunting. Unlike English hunters, who tried to breed specialized breeds, German hunters strived for versatility. But, as in England at that time, in Germany hunting was the lot of the nobility and nobility.

Over time, changes occurred in society and hunting ceased to be the preserve of exclusively the nobility; the middle classes also gained access to it. Plus, the spread of firearms has changed the very principles of hunting. Keeping large packs is a thing of the past; a city dweller of that time could afford one or two small dogs.

At the same time, he hunted once or twice a month, and in his free time the dog had to be able to perform other functions or at least be a companion.

WITH early XVII century, English breeders begin to keep stud books and standardize local breeds.

One of the first breeds to undergo standardization was the English Pointer, which evolved from a pointer (remember the grid) into an elegant gun dog.

German hunters began to import English pointers and use them to improve their dogs. Thanks to them, shorthaired pointers have become more elegant and fast.

Somewhere from early XVIII centuries, German pointers began to be crossed with various wire-haired breeds, which led to the appearance. To differentiate between these two breeds, smooth-coated pointers began to be called shorthaired pointers.

Over time, the fashion for standardization reached Europe, first in France and then in various independent German counties and cities. This process was accelerated by the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership and growing nationalism.

In 1860-1870, shorthaired pointer breeders began keeping stud books for the breed. Thanks to them, it gradually formed into the breed we know. It was first included in the lists of the German Canine Society in 1872 and since then has regularly appeared at exhibitions, but mainly as a service breed.

The English Kennel Club (UKC) registered shorthaired pointers in 1948, classifying them as gun dogs. Over time, German Pointers became more and more popular and by 1970 they were one of the most common hunting dogs in the United States.

By 2010, Shorthaired Pointers rank 16th in the AKC ranking (out of 167 possible). They are excellent hunting dogs, but are increasingly being kept as companion dogs. The peak of their popularity has passed, as has the peak of the popularity of hunting.

But this is an energetic and active breed that requires regular exercise, and even better, hunting, which is what it was created for. Not every city resident is able to provide her with the necessary level of activity and stress.

Description of the breed

The German shorthaired pointer is similar to other pointer breeds, but differs from them in having the shortest coat. This is a medium-large dog, males at the withers reach 66 cm, females 60 cm. The English Kennel Club (UKC) standard for both males and females is 21-24 inches at the withers (53.34-60.96 cm).

Athletic and graceful, their weight fluctuates slightly. The tail is traditionally docked at about 40% of its natural length, but this is gradually falling out of fashion and is prohibited in some countries. Natural ponytail of medium length.

The head and muzzle are typical for pointers, since an advantage in one direction affects the working qualities. The head is proportional to the body, slightly narrowed. The skull blends smoothly into the muzzle, without a pronounced stop.

The muzzle is long and deep, allowing both to bring in a shot bird and to effectively track it by scent.

The nose is large, black or brown, depending on the color of the dog. The ears are hanging and of medium length. The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped. General impression from the breed: friendliness and intelligence.

The coat of the German shorthaired pointer, as you might guess, is short. But at the same time it is double, with a short and soft undercoat and a slightly longer, harsh, slightly oily outer coat.

It gives the dog protection from bad weather and cold, despite its short length, since the oiliness does not allow it to get wet, and also protects from insects. When hunting and on the move, the shorthaired pointer tolerates frost down to −20C.

The coat color ranges from black to dark brown (English liver), with spots scattered throughout the body.

Character

The German shorthaired pointer is a hunting gun dog, quite versatile. They love people and are very attached to their family, whom they are willing to follow anywhere.

They try to be closer to the owner, which sometimes creates problems. If you leave the shorthaired pointer alone for a long time, he begins to get bored, becomes depressed and develops destructive behavior or he may howl in anguish.

In relation to strangers, they can be different, depending on their character. Properly raised, they are friendly, although they do not rush to the chest. In any case, they always prefer their circle and family.

Without proper socialization, they can be timid. If a new member appears in the family, they stay away for some time, but in the end they get used to it and become attached to it. They can be good watchmen, as they are sensitive and make noise when strangers approach, but they have little aggression and cannot defend the territory.

Shorthaired Pointers usually get along with children and form strong friendships. They are ready to tolerate their rough games, but only if they know the children and grew up together. If the dog is not specialized, then you need to be careful, as children can frighten it. In addition, shorthaired pointer puppies are not the best choice for families with small children.

They are active, irrepressible energy and can knock down a child during games.

Most German Pointers get along well with other animals, including dogs. With proper upbringing, they get along well even with dogs of the same sex. They are not characterized by dominance, aggressiveness and territoriality. However, males can show aggression towards other males, but it is more a demonstration of it than a real attack.

Properly raised shorthaired pointers are tolerant of other animals. But, this is still a hunting dog and its instinct is strong. It is extremely unwise to leave your dog alone with small animals such as rabbits or rats.

In addition, they can chase cats, and their size and strength allow the shorthaired pointer to kill this cat. Remember that they may not notice your domestic cats (they are used to them), and chase the neighbors.

An intelligent and easy to train breed. Most studies of canine intelligence place the German shorthaired pointer as the 15th to 20th most intelligent dog. Particularly noting how quickly puppies learn. They are eager to please and are rarely stubborn.

However, they are a little more demanding to train than other hunting dogs and the owner must occupy a leading position in their ranking table.

The fact is that they get carried away and forget about everything, including the owner’s commands. The shorthaired pointer can smell an interesting smell, pick it up and disappear from view in the blink of an eye.

At this point, he is completely absorbed in interest and may ignore commands. And if the dog does not consider the owner to be an unconditional leader, then the behavior only gets worse.

Any owner will tell you that this is a very energetic dog. The shorthaired pointer can follow a trail tirelessly, loves to play and does this for hours.

The German shorthaired pointer has one of the most high levels activity among all dog breeds, and is second only to some herding breeds.

At least an hour of exercise every day, or better yet several hours, is what they need. Even a long walk will not satisfy them, as the dog prefers running. They will be excellent companions for runners, as long as they are let off the leash.

It will be difficult to keep a shorthaired pointer in an apartment. They are designed to live in a yard, and the bigger the yard, the better. IN winter time they can live in a booth if it is heated. It is extremely important that the owner is able to provide the dog with the necessary exercise.

Without it, the dog will suffer, it has nowhere to put its energy and will find somewhere to put it. But you won't like it. Considering its size and strength, it will not just chew your shoes, but will chew your table, chair and sofa.

They themselves love to bark, and without the release of energy they can do this for hours, without stopping. Without proper activity and freedom, the shorthaired pointer is likely to develop behavioral, mental and health problems.

If you are not ready to spend more than an hour a day on intense walks, or you do not have a spacious yard, then you should take a closer look at another breed. But, for active people, hunters, marathon runners, bicycle enthusiasts, this will be an ideal dog.

Remember that these dogs easily escape from the yard. They have an instinct to explore, a sensitive sense of smell, and a brain that tunes out interesting smells. The German Pointer is capable of jumping over a fence or undermining it just to get to the smell.

They are also known for developing quickly physically and slowly mentally. Puppies grow and gain strength early, sometimes many times faster than other breeds. However, it takes two to three years for the psyche to fully develop.

As a result, you may end up with a fully formed gundog that still behaves like a puppy. Remember this and be prepared.

Care

An easy-to-groom breed. No professional grooming, as expected hunting dog. It is enough to periodically comb the coat, washing only when absolutely necessary. After the hunt, the dog should be checked for injuries, wounds, and ticks. Pay special attention to the ears, which due to their shape accumulate dirt.

Otherwise, care is the same as for other breeds. The only thing is that they are very active and need a lot of water to drink to avoid dehydration.

They shed a lot and if you or family members have allergies, then first communicate closely with adult dogs. To understand how they affect you.

Health

German Shorthaired Pointers are fairly healthy, although working lines may be more resistant to disease.

The shorthaired pointer's lifespan is 12–14 years, which is quite long for such a large dog.

A study conducted by the GSPCA identified among the main causes of death: cancer 28%, old age 19%, digestive diseases 6%. Common diseases include arthritis, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The number of genetic diseases is significantly lower than in other purebred breeds.

Like other large breeds that have a wide chest, shorthaired pointers are prone to volvulus. This serious condition can only be treated with surgery and has many causes.

But the main thing is plenty of feeding and then activity of the dog. Try to feed small portions and do not walk your dogs after eating.

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Shorthaired Pointers - universal hunting breed dogs. But at the same time, they can be worthy companions for physically active people: the animal will with great pleasure accompany its owner during a daily long morning jog or bike ride.

It took several centuries to form the breed as we see it today. Germany is considered the homeland of Kurzhaars, but the true history of the origin of the breed is not known.

German dog handlers claim that the ancestors of the Kurzhaars are short-haired continental pointers who have always lived in Germany. But there is plenty of evidence that this version is wrong. The first cops were brought into the territory of the German state only during the Thirty Years' War (this is the 15th century). The dogs successfully crossed with local Hanoverian hounds. It is to them that the Shorthaired Pointers owe their solid color of a beautiful coffee color.

But the Spanish marriages of Perdigero Burgos had a much greater influence on the formation of the breed. They were heavy animals with strong bones and large heads. Dogs were actively crossed, and the result was this breeding work was the emergence of a new breed. At first the dogs were called Old German Württenberg Pointer, and then Kurzhaar.

The Kurzhaar stud book was opened in 1872. And the first dog enrolled in it was Hector: a heavy dog with a large head and long ears.

There are many versions of the origin of the Kurzhaar breed. Germany is considered the birthplace of these dogs.

In 1890, Pointer blood was “added” to the Kurzhaars, which gave the animal a more elegant appearance, as well as strengthened the dog’s sense of smell and increased its speed of movement. The blood of these breeds was re-mixed in 1910.

Note! The breed standard was adopted by the Federation Cynologique Internationale only in 1912.

Appearance, breed standard and photographs

Externally, the Kurzhaar is a dog with a noble appearance. The animal is distinguished by its strong structure and graceful posture. Gender is noticeable to the naked eye: females are smaller than males, but the dogs do not look frail.

Photo. Shorthaired Pointer dog

Shorthaired Pointer dog in the photo

Average weight and height:

females – 20…27 kg, 58…63 cm;
males – 25…32 kg, 62…66 cm.

Breed standard

The accepted breed standard describes the animal as follows:

Head. The back of the head is pronounced, the forehead is wide. The facial muscles are well defined, the cheeks are taut. The bridge of the nose with a small hump. A concave nose bridge disqualifies a dog.. The lips are fleshy and completely cover the incisors. Pigmentation matches the color of the nose.
Teeth. Large, even, set tightly, the bite is correct.
Nose. Square, nostrils open.
Eyes. Small, almond-shaped, inner corners are directed towards the back of the nose. The look is smart. Eye color is brown.
Ears. They have a rectangular shape, set wide and high.
Body. There are no folds on the skin, the chest is medium, not barrel-shaped. The scruff and withers are well developed and convex, the back is strong. The loin is moderately pronounced, the croup is sloping.
Limbs. The front ones are located under the body, the shoulder blades are well developed. The elbows are pulled back and pressed loosely against the chest. During the stance, the hind legs are moved behind the croup line. The fingers are gathered and adjusted.
Tail. Wide, can be natural length or docked. Placed well, should not have any creases or knots. Straight or saber-shaped.

Breeds closely related to shorthaired pointers

Dog handlers consider Kurzhaars, Langhaars and Drathaars as closely related breeds. The difference between the Kurzhaar and the Langhaar is quite obvious: dogs of the second breed have long hair.

Shorthaired Pointers and Drathhaars are similar to each other, but the latter have a small beard on the muzzle, and the hair on the whole body is longer and coarser.

At the same time, not everyone can distinguish Kurtshaar from Drathaar, but there is still a difference between them:

Drahthaars have a small beard, while the Kurzhaars' muzzle is covered with short hair.
Drathaars have semi-long fur.
Drathaars are distinguished by great aggression, which they display in the heat of passion. Shorthaired pointers are more friendly in this regard.
The height at the withers of both breeds is approximately the same, but visually the Drathaars look somewhat larger.
The shorthaired pointer is better trained because it trusts its owner in everything and strives to complete all assigned tasks. Drathaar are more difficult to train.

Hunters claim that there is no particular difference in the working qualities of the breeds. But the choice may be influenced by the region of residence of the owner and the type of keeping the dog. Drathaars, unlike Kurtshaars, are more adapted to the cold season.

Coat type and color of shorthaired pointers

The guard hair is coarse, making the animal's fur dense. There is no undercoat. The muzzle and ears have short fur. Kurzhaars grow longer hair in the riding breeches.

The most successful color for working dogs is rich brown with specks.

The following types of colors are accepted as standard:

Brown. Most preferred. Light and dark specks on the chest and limbs are allowed.
Saturated Brown color with continuous specks. The most successful color for working dogs. A brown tone should predominate on the dog's head.
Light brown. Dark head with a lot of white on the body.
White or black tone is the main one. Markings and specks are brown.

Reference. Regardless of the main color, yellowish tan, specks on the lips and bruising are allowed white on the face.

Dogs of this breed are distinguished by their endurance and increased activity, since the original purpose of the Kurzhaars is hunting. Dogs can pursue their prey for a long time. The pets' energy requires a constant outlet, so the shorthaired pointer will fulfill all commands with great pleasure and take part in all games.

Shorthaired Pointers are very active and friendly dogs, they are excellent companions for all family members.

Shorthaired Pointers become attached to family members - they are affectionate and faithful companions. The owner will be devoted to the last. When bringing a shorthaired pointer puppy into your home, you need to understand that the dog has a very sociable character and should feel that it is loved.

Dogs can take on watchdog duties, but are not aggressive by nature. They love to bark a lot and loudly, but bite only in exceptional cases. Adult dogs, if properly trained, are very tolerant of small children. For schoolchildren and active teenagers, Kurzhaars are the best noisy playmates.

Kurtshaars treat other dogs evenly, but again, it all depends on the dog’s upbringing. True, dog showdowns cannot be avoided.

Shorthaired pointers are born hunters, and the desire to chase an animal can manifest itself at any time. For this reason, dogs of this breed often chase cats, even those with whom they grew up. And if the cat does not have time to hide somewhere at a height, then the chase may end in the death of the animal.

The dog must be given the opportunity to expend its energy. Otherwise, Kurzhaar will begin to get bored and throw out his energy by pestering his household members.

Caring for a Kurzhaar, like any large dog, will require some strength. In order to avoid difficulties in the future, the puppy must be accustomed to water and hygiene procedures immediately. The baby should perceive all procedures as something ordinary - he should not worry or worry. This should become a habitual ritual for the dog.

IN warm time Allow your dog to swim in ponds every year, because shorthaired pointers adore water.

The main part of care is cleaning the coat. You don’t need to bathe your dog too often, but only when it gets dirty. After a walk, just wipe the dog's paws with a damp cloth. In summer, it is advisable to bathe your pet in an open reservoir - Shorthaired Pointers love to swim and will be absolutely delighted.

In addition to keeping the coat clean, your dog's ears need to be cleaned and his eyes wiped. Once a month, your pet will need to have its nails trimmed and its fur weekly combed with a special brush.

Keeping Kurzhaar in the apartment

If you plan to keep the dog in a city apartment, then you need to immediately let the puppy know who his owner is and who he must obey. The baby must know such important things as a place to sleep and eat, that he cannot jump on furniture and chase the house cat.

If you decide to keep a shorthaired pointer in an apartment, be sure to give the dog its place.

The Kurzhaar's daily routine should include time for walking, sleeping, playing and training. He cannot be left alone for a long time: the dog will get bored and begin to entertain himself. And such pranks will have a very negative impact on the condition of the furniture. A dog living in a city apartment needs long walks.

Aviary maintenance

The enclosure should be light, dry, clean and spacious. In addition, it must be completely protected from drafts.

The enclosure should have a spacious booth where the animal could rest. Keeping a dog on a chain in an enclosure is not advisable, since in this case it will not be possible to raise a devoted friend.

If there is no possibility to place an enclosure, then you can build a good booth for the dog. The house needs to be well insulated and cleaned regularly.

Important! The minimum size of the enclosure is 2 by 3 meters. The base should be metal, and wood should be used for the construction of the floor, walls and ceiling.

Winter maintenance of Kurzhaar

Do not forget that the Kurzhaar is a short-haired dog and will not be able to live in the cold. A dog can be kept in an open, unheated enclosure only if the air temperature in winter does not drop below -7.

If you plan to keep the shorthaired pointer outside, be sure to make a heated enclosure for it, since these dogs will not be able to live in the cold.

But even if the Kurzhaar is kept in an enclosure, he must be taken out for a walk every day, allowing him to run around and play enough.

Feeding the Shorthaired Pointer

Feeding a puppy and an adult dog has fundamental differences.

Feeding the puppy

By-products and meat must be chopped before feeding to the puppy.

During the first month of life, the puppy should receive milk from its mother. If this is not possible, then you can use milk formulas based on cow's or goat's milk. Gradually, dairy products are introduced into the dog’s diet - kefir, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese and yogurt.

After the puppy is two months old, the volume of milk decreases. Its place is taken by solid products from the category of offal and cartilage.

It is not recommended to give chopped meat to a dog at this age: the puppy cannot yet chew it fully, and therefore will suffer from indigestion and stool upset.

During the same period of time, the puppy can be given porridge cooked in meat broth. Barley, potatoes and salt are prohibited. The dog should also get fiber. It is part of vegetables - zucchini, cabbage, pumpkin and others.

The diet depends on the age of the puppy:

1...5 months of life - the puppy should receive food five times a day;
6…12 months – three meals a day;
after 12 months – the dog needs to be fed morning and evening.

Any sweets, baked goods, smoked, fried and spicy foods, and tubular bones should be excluded from the puppy’s menu.

Feeding an adult dog

If you plan to feed your dog natural food, then it is important to follow the recommendations of professional breeders:

Every day, the Kurzhaar should receive meat, boiled or raw. This product should make up exactly half of the daily diet. You can give your dog chicken, beef, pork, rabbit and offal. Sausage, frankfurters and smoked meats should not be given, because they have a bad effect on the animal's liver.
Every day, your pet’s menu should also include boiled and fresh vegetables.

One day a week the dog should receive:

The dog's menu must include meat and offal.

boiled fish (both sea and river varieties are suitable);
egg;
milk products;
fish fat.

Periodically, your pet needs to be fed porridge. It improves the dog's intestinal function.

The following should be completely excluded from the animal menu:

pasta;
potato;
sweets;
peas.

If the animal is kept outdoors, then with the onset of cold weather the dog’s diet should be more nutritious. For this purpose, you need to add vegetable or butter to the portion.

Attention. The dog should always have access to clean water. It should be either warm or room temperature. Cold and hot water You can't give the dog water.

The menu should include:

boiled udder;
offal;
beef tripe.

It is also necessary to add liquid vitamins A, B and E to the food. For dogs living in homes, the diet remains the same throughout the year.

Training and education of the Kurzhaar

The dogs are very obedient and easy to train. Nature rewarded them with high intellectual abilities and a passion for work. This combination, coupled with a person-oriented approach, helps to achieve quick results.

It is very important to establish close bonds with your dog. friendly relations. And this is the very first thing you need to do when starting to raise Kurzhaar. Dogs of this breed are open to communication, but can become withdrawn very quickly. This can happen, for example, because the punishment is too severe. And then the dog will simply become “blind and deaf.”

It is very important to establish close friendships with your dog, and this is the very first thing you need to do when starting to raise a Kurzhaar.

But this is not a reason to forgive your pet all his pranks and disgrace. The dog must understand its position on the hierarchical ladder. There must be punishment, but let it be words and intonations. For the smart Kurzhaar, this will be quite enough.

Physical punishment, although not severe, is allowed only in exceptional cases. You can't just hit a dog like that!

Hunting with Kurzhaar

Novice hunters very often go with Kurzhaar only for duck hunting, which reveals natural potential dogs are only 10%. Do not forget that the Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile hunting breed, capable of working on almost any game. The exception is ungulates, but some hunters use a dog in this direction as well.

Kurzhaar's work on field, swamp and pine forest game

The hunting area becomes a water meadow. The hunter moves in the direction of the wind. A well-trained shorthaired pointer moves perpendicular to the owner's movement, trying to catch the scent of game (works with its upper sense).

While chasing a running bird, the dog periodically lowers its head to the ground and sniffs the trail (works with its lower sense). After the dog smells game, it takes a stance. And only at the hunter’s command does it make several jumps towards the bird, lifting it onto its wing.

While chasing a running bird, the dog periodically lowers its head to the ground and sniffs the trail (works with its lower sense).

After the bird takes flight, which allows the hunter to make an aimed shot. The wounded Kurzhaar brings it and hands it over. This is how hunting for pheasant, black grouse, quail, wood grouse, woodcock, and swamp-meadow game takes place.

Hunting for waterfowl - ducks

The hunter walks along the shore, the dog enters the water at a distance of a rifle shot. If reed thickets are encountered, the dog carefully searches them and swims across any creeks it encounters.

Sensing a bird, Kurzhaar drives it out into open water or lifts it on the wing. He searches for the wounded animal and brings it, giving it into his hands.

Hunting for small animals - hare, fox, raccoon, fox

Sensing the animal's prone position, Kurzhaar makes a stance. The running hare will not be pursued for long, turning towards the hunter. If the animal is wounded, the dog will pick it up and bring it to the owner.

Having discovered a fox, raccoon or other animal, it will try to crush it.

Hunting on the Bloody Trail

Before using the Kurzhaar as a bloodhound, the owner must undergo special training with the dog. The dog follows the trail using his lower senses. After the dead game is discovered, the dog will bark at it or return to the owner with an announcement.

Reference. Announcement is a special diarrhea attached with a strap to the dog’s collar. When the dog discovers the animal, it takes the diarrhea in its mouth and returns to its owner.

Is it possible to have a shorthaired pointer for those who do not hunt?

Shorthaired Pointers are one of the best gun dogs created for real work. It is highly not recommended to have this breed as a couch companion. In the end, everything will end in a destroyed apartment and stress for the animal.

The shorthaired pointer is a true working dog and should not be kept as a couch companion. These dogs need a lot of exercise.

The Kurzhaar needs to unleash his hunting instincts and an incredible amount of energy. What could be an alternative to hunting? Here we can recommend running for a mechanical hare, Frisbee, and joint skiing and cycling. The dog will be happy to accompany the owner.

Advantages and disadvantages of the shorthaired pointer breed

The advantages of the breed include:

wonderful character, which allows the dog to fit in well with the family;
the dogs are very good-natured and obedient;
great hunters.

The only drawback is that the dog will require maximum attention. In addition, the pet needs long and very active walks.

Health and life expectancy

On average, the Kurzhaar lives 12...14 years. Diseases that occur in dogs of this breed are caused either by genetic predisposition or an active lifestyle:

Most often, the following diseases occur in shorthaired pointers: eczema, otitis media, cataracts, volvulus.

Volvulus. An acquired condition requiring immediate surgical intervention.
. The disease can be either congenital or acquired. Treatment depends on the stages: restraining therapy can be used, or joint replacement can be performed.
Deviations in the functioning of the thyroid gland. Most often, the disease manifests itself as a lack of hormones.
Raw eczema. The pathology manifests itself as a constantly weeping wound. The area of inflammation itches and hair falls out. A scraping will help identify the cause. Treatment is prescribed depending on the pathogen.
Licked granuloma. The dog constantly licks his front paws. The cause is most often boredom. There is no specific treatment. The main recommendation is to provide your pet with constant communication. Medicines may be prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection occurs.
Von Willebrand's disease. Hereditary pathology. Sick dogs are excluded from breeding.
, inversion/inversion of the eyelid.
Epilepsy.

How to choose and where to buy a Shorthaired Pointer puppy

The Kurzhaar puppy needs to be adopted after he turns one month old. At this age, the baby can already eat on his own.

Shorthaired Pointer puppies with a bitch in the photo

Photo. Shorthaired Pointer puppies

When choosing a dog, you need to pay attention to the following points:

availability of a puppy certificate;
the dog should be outwardly calm, but be active and be able to show aggression, watch him during games: if other kids pester a calm puppy, then at first he does not react to this in any way, but then he fights back and immediately calms down;
during games, a healthy puppy will not allow himself to be defeated;
during feeding, he will actively push away the weaker ones, making his way to the mother’s nipples;
The puppy should eat well and have good bowel movements.