Breed Standard: German Shorthaired Pointer

One of the tools that responsible breeders use to make decisions about their breeding programs is a Breed Standard. This is a written description of their breed that depicts the characteristics of a well-constructed, sound and healthy dog. Breeders who wish to preserve these characteristics in their breeds strive to breed dogs that meet the standard as closely as possible. No dog is truly and perfectly aligned to this standard, but it does act as a roadmap, preventing breeders from veering too far off course.

Below is the Official German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) Breed Standard as established by the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Canada and approved by the Canadian Kennel Club. You may also be interested in the American Kennel Club GSP Breed Standard.

General Appearance

The over-all picture which is created in the observer’s eye should be that of an aristocratic, well-balanced, symmetrical animal with conformation indicating power, endurance, agility, and a look of intelligence and animation.

The dog should be neither unduly small nor conspicuously large. It should rather give the impression of medium size but be like the proper hunter, “with a short back but standing over plenty of ground”. Tall, leggy individuals seldom possess endurance or sound movement.

Dogs which are ponderous or unbalanced because of excess substance should be definitely rejected. The first impression should be that of a keenness which denotes full enthusiasm for work without indication of nervous or flighty character. Movement should be alertly co-ordinated without waste motion.

Grace of outline, clean-cut head, sloping shoulders, deep breast, powerful back, strong quarters, good bone composition, adequate muscle, well-carried tail and taut coat all of which should combine to produce a look of nobility and an indication of anatomical structure essential to correct gait which must indicate a heritage of purposefully conducted breeding.

Size

Weight: Dogs, 55-70 lb. (25-32 kg) Bitches, 45-60 lb. (20-27 kg)

Height: Dogs, 23-25 in. (58-64 cm) Bitches, 21-23 in. (53-58 cm)

Coat and Skin

The skin should look close and tight. The hair should be short and thick and feel tough and hard to the hand; it is somewhat longer on the underside of the tail and the back edge of the haunches. It is softer, thinner, and shorter on the ears and head.

Colour

Solid liver or black, liver and white or black and white spotted, liver and white or black and white spotted and ticked, liver and white ticked or black and white ticked, liver or black roan. Any colours other than liver, black and white (grey white) are not permitted.

Bones

Thin and fine bones are by no means desirable in a dog which should be able to work over any and every country and should possess strength. The main importance accordingly is laid not so much on the size as being in proper proportion to the body. Dogs with coarse bones are handicapped in agility of movement and speed.

Tail

Is set high and firm, and must be docked, leaving approximately two-fifths of length. The tail hangs down when the dog is quiet; is held horizontally when he is walking, never turned over the back or considerably bent but violently wagged when he is on the search.

Gait

A smooth, lithe gait is most desirable.

Symmetry and field quality are most essential. A dog well balanced in all points is preferable to one with outstanding good qualities and defects.

Faults

Bone structure too clumsy or too light; head too large; too many wrinkles in forehead; dish-faced, snipey muzzle; ears too long, pointy or fleshy; flresh-coloured nose; eyes too light, too round or too closely set together; excessive throatiness; Cow-hocks; feet or elbows turned inward or outward; down on pasterns; loose shoulder; sway back; tricoloured coat; any colours except liver, black or some combination of liver and white or black and white.