German Short- Haired Pointing Dog
Also known as Deutsch Kurzhaar · Braque Allemand A Poil Court · Braco Alemán de Pelo Corto
Germany, Continental Pointing Dogs
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 53–65 cm
- Weight
- 20–32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 yrs
- Energetic
- Eager to please
- Friendly
- Athletic
- Intelligent
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
About the German Short- Haired Pointing Dog
The German Short-haired Pointer is a versatile gundog developed in Germany to point, track and retrieve on land and in water. It is a medium-to-large, athletic dog with a sleek, short coat, usually liver or liver and white, often ticked or patched. It has a noble head, drop ears and a deep chest. It is valued by hunters for stamina and a good nose, and is also a popular active family dog.
Temperament
Enthusiastic, friendly and eager to please, with high energy and strong hunting instinct. Affectionate with family and generally sociable. Can be boisterous when young and needs consistent training.
Exercise
Needs a lot of daily exercise: a couple of hours of running, retrieving and training is not too much. It enjoys swimming and canine sports.
Grooming
Short, dense coat that sheds lightly and needs only a weekly brush. Check the ears and nails.
Care & wellbeing
Deep-chested dogs can be at risk of bloat, so avoid heavy exercise around meals. Regular ear checks and joint care matter.
Daily needs at a glance
For a typical 26 kg adult- Water
- 1 L–1.6 L
- a day
- Energy
- ≈ 1,290 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Exercise
- 90–120 min
- a day
- Grooming
- An occasional brush is plenty
Starting points from the same formulas as our calculators. Your pet's age, weight, activity and food all change the numbers. Work it out for your pet
Living with a German Short- Haired Pointing Dog
Typical tendencies for the breed. Upbringing, training and the individual matter as much.
History
A German all-round gundog developed in the nineteenth century to point, track and retrieve on land and in water. It is an athletic, energetic hunting breed with a short, weather-resistant coat and needs a lot of daily exercise and work to do.
Health
The breed can be prone to
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Hip scores
- Eye tests
Not every German Short- Haired Pointing Dog is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. Read about common conditions and when to see a vet.
Cost to keep
Higher than average- Food, insurance and medicines cost more for a big dog
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 12–14 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Is a German Short- Haired Pointing Dog right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
- First-time owners prepared to train consistently
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
- You need a dog you can easily lift or carry
Not sure? Try the breed finder or read choosing the right dog breed.
Common questions
How big does a German Short- Haired Pointing Dog get?
Adult German Short- Haired Pointing Dogs typically stand about 53–65 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 20–32 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do German Short- Haired Pointing Dogs live?
Typically 12–14 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a German Short- Haired Pointing Dog need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a German Short- Haired Pointing Dog need?
An occasional brush is plenty. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are German Short- Haired Pointing Dogs easy to train?
Usually quick to learn with reward-based training.
Do German Short- Haired Pointing Dogs shed?
A moderate amount. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are German Short- Haired Pointing Dogs good with children?
They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a German Short- Haired Pointing Dog live in a flat?
It's usually a challenge — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do German Short- Haired Pointing Dogs have?
The breed can be prone to hip dysplasia, gastric torsion (bloat), ear infections. Not every German Short- Haired Pointing Dog is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by Petopedia as general guidance, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about health screening for this breed.
Breed details
- Country of origin
- Germany
- Type
- Continental Pointing Dogs
- Internationally recognised
- 1954