On this episode of the Good Dog Pod, our host Laura Reeves is in Boise, Idaho at the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of American National Specialty. The scope of the episode is to talk about the German Shorthaired Pointers as pets, companions, showdogs, hunting dogs and more. Char, Bob, and Dave, our guests, all have immense experience with Shorthairs - over 30 years!

What’s it like to live with a shorthair? Shorthairs are described as energetic and athletic, they have high drive and are stubborn. They are full muscle, which is a good thing if you have room to burn that energy off. Once that energy is burned off (every day, not just on the weekends), they make as good of a couch potato as any dog. 

Dock diving, scent work and agility are popular activities to vent off the energy that Shorthairs have. The breed is designed for ultimate versatility - they are not only hunting dogs - you just have to give it a job. 

Char notes that they are an extremely people-oriented breed - it is the breed’s temperament and personality that hooked our three guests who are sitting in on this podcast. 

What is it like to go hunting with a Shorthair? It can be exciting and frustrating. They are a people-oriented dog and they want to please you - and as a hunting dog they will work with you. Being out in the field with a Shorthair is a beautiful thing, comments Char. 

Health Requirements and Issues in the breed? When you are looking for a puppy, the first thing you should do is look at what the AKC has done with the GSPCA and OFA (CHIC Program), which are the minimal health testing requirements recommended by the Breed Club. 

One problem in the breed is that Shorthairs have a reputation of being relatively clear of serious health issues. However, we have seen epilepsy pop up in the breed as well as cancers, cardiomyopathy and heart murmurs, among others. 

Laura concludes the episode by asking our guests what the very, very best thing about a German Shorthaired Pointer is. What is it that makes them incredible? Check out the episode to find out what our guests said!