German Shorthaired Pointer puppies for sale in PA

View available German Shorthaired Pointer puppies for sale. Read on to learn more about the German Shorthaired Pointer dog breed:

The German Shorthaired Pointer. A classic "Gun Dog", bred for hunting and loyalty, as far back as the 19th century in Germany from original German Bird Dogs. When one imagines a German Shorthaired Pointer, it's easy to think of this bird dog working, flushing flocks of pheasants and quail in the air, under the command of the happy owner.  It runs up to a bush, stops and points, waiting on the hunters command to flush. It obeys without nary a hesitation. After the hunt, it happily lays at his owners feet, while the owner relaxes on the couch, reflecting on the days successful hunt, while the pheasant (not to be confused with peasant) bakes in the oven.

Ah, yes...well...maybe for someone else. I happen to be one of those German Shorthaired Pointer owners. I had all these romantic notions, ideas of walking the fields with my politically correct, trusty double barrel shot gun, loyal dog at hand, ready to do my every bidding.  Turns out there is a lot of hard work between that cute puppy and the loyal bird dog flushing delicious game.  It's by no means impossible, just a lot of hard work...

I purchased my German Shorthaired Pointer, "Gunner" (see photo on left) as a 9 week old puppy in the early months of 2013. (I found him on Happy Valentines Day of course) Allow me to relate my experience, which is perhaps brief in the eyes of some. I am an avid hunter, and always wanted to hunt with a "real" gun dog. My other dog is a Jack Russel/Beagle mix, a fine dog, but not pedigreed hunting dog. So here is what I learned:

German Shorthaired Pointers are smart, real smart. Gunner usually knows what I want him to do-but he doesn't always do it.  Turns out there is a reason that the Pet Safe "Big Dog" training collar packages have a picture of a German Shorthaired pointer on them.  German Shorthaired Pointers, especially the males, need a firm hand. A loving hand yes, but also firm, or you will wear out your voice shouting in vain across the fields, while your dog frolics after butterflies.

You need to show your German Shorthaired Pointer that you are the man. (or woman) Otherwise he will try to dominate you, and boss you around. A training collar is a good way to establish this, but there are other ways. German Shorthaired Pointers, and most dogs, don't like to have their ears handled.  If you squeeze an ear, you will send a message, and he will submit to you. (or bite you) Don't do this to strange dogs that don't know you, or you may experience the truth in Proverbs 26:17 "He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears."

I need to clarify, don't abuse your dog. Don't beat your dog, don't hurt your dog. We are talking about a firm hand, not an abusive one. You also need to give your German Shorthaired Pointer lots of positive reinforcement, and tell him how wonderful of a dog he is. Give him treats and praise every chance you get. Also getting your puppy at 8 or 9 weeks old and raising him from a pup will him/her view you as the "dominate male" in his life.

German Shorthaired Pointers have very interesting personalities. They love to play "fetch", at least Gunner does. This is an instinct you will want to develop, if you use them for retriever of ducks and other game in the water.  Gunner gets along great with other dogs-but not cats. We have a cat, and he loves to chase the cat. A wireless fence finally fixed this dilemma, and now the cat enjoys walking just outside the perimiter while Gunner looks on (in very apparent irritation). So if you have cats, you might as well plan on extra training for your German Shorthaired Pointer, especially if you keep both of them indoors.
 (on another side note-if you happen to have possums, muskrats or rodents for pets, your German Shorthaired Pointer will try to eat them every chance he gets. If this is the case consider another breed)

In my opinion, German Shorthaired Pointers do not run, they bound. Gunner leaps over things, like wild gazelles would. It's worth having a German Shorthaired Pointer, just to watch them run through tall grass. Or if you playing "fetch", you'll want to throw the stick over obstacles, and watch your GSP gallop over them, ears flapping.

Also, make sure to have plenty of chew toys on hand. If you don't, not a problem, your German Shorthaired Pointer will just chew other things up. However, they may be things you were not planning on having destroyed. For example, check out our stroller, which I forgot to put away. (much to my wife's chagrin) The tire tread is not some new sort of offroad tire...

German Shorthaired Pointers range in weight from 45 to 70 pounds. Gunner checks in at a hefty 65 pounds, but like most German Shorthaired pointers, it's all muscle.  These dogs range in height from 22 to 26 inches at the withers (should blades). When Gunner stands upright on his hind legs, he is almost as tall as I am.  (I taught him not to jump up on me, so instead he runs as close as he can then prances around)

One popular dog book I labels German Shorthaired Pointers "...trainable but exuberant." I must concur. Great dogs, with a great personality, very smart, but make sure you have room for them to run, run and run.

Some health issues that can crop up are hip dysplasia. Gunner's parents did not have certified hips, and he appears to be getting along just fine, however it's good to ask if any of the parents or grand parents had hip problems.

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