Well, let me tell ya ’bout them German Shorthaired Pointers, the dogs everyone’s yap-yappin’ about these days. Folks call ’em GSPs for short, fancy like, ain’t it? Now, I ain’t no fancy dog expert, but I’ve seen a thing or two, and these dogs, they’re somethin’ else.
What are these GSP dogs anyway?

First off, they ain’t no tiny lap dogs, no sirree. These fellers are good-sized, medium to large, I’d say. Strong, too. Built for runnin’ and huntin’, not for sittin’ on your couch all day, though I reckon they wouldn’t mind a good nap after a hard day’s work. They got these short, kinda stiff coats, mostly brown and white speckled, like a good ol’ bird dog should look like. Some folks say they come in other colors too, even black, but mostly I see that brown and white spotted kind.
Why are GSPs so popular you ask?
Now, why are they so popular? Well, lemme tell ya, it ain’t just ’cause they’re pretty, though they are kinda handsome, in a doggy sort of way. It’s ’cause they’re smart as a whip and got more energy than a swarm of bees. People use ’em for huntin’, see? Birds mostly, I think. They can sniff out a bird a mile away, or so they say. And they’re fast! Like a greased piglet, they are. Zoomin’ around, chasin’ after things, that’s what they love. I heard tell they’re real good at them dog sports too, jumpin’ and runnin’ and fetchin’. Guess that’s why they’re one of the top dogs now, even made it into the top 10 a few years back, or so I heard on the radio.
- Smart as a whip
- Energetic fellers
- Good for huntin’
- Fast runners
- Good at dog sports
GSP Puppies are Cute Rascals!
And the puppies! Oh, them puppies are somethin’ else. Cute as a button, all clumsy paws and waggin’ tails. Makes you wanna scoop ’em up and cuddle ’em, even if they probably chew on your shoes later. I seen pictures, and they just make ya wanna smile. Makes me want to get one myself and I ain’t had a dog in years. But then I remember all that energy, and I think, nah, maybe not for an old lady like me.
Are GSPs good family dogs?
But these dogs, they ain’t just for huntin’. They’re good family dogs too, from what I hear. Playful and friendly, especially with kids. They like to be part of the family, not stuck outside all day. Course, you gotta train ’em, like any dog. And with all that energy, you gotta give ’em lots of exercise. Can’t just leave ’em cooped up, they’ll go stir-crazy, just like a person would. Gotta take ’em for walks, or runs, or let ’em chase a ball in the yard. Wear ’em out, that’s the key.
Some other GSP things to consider.
Now, I also heard some talk about different kinds of GSPs. There’s somethin’ called German Wirehaired Pointers and German Longhaired Pointers, but they ain’t the same as these short-haired ones. Different breeds, I guess. And there’s somethin’ about “lemon” GSPs, bein’ rare and all. But folks say to be careful with them, ’cause they might not be the real deal. Seems like there’s always somethin’ to watch out for these days.
And speaking of watchin’ out, there was this story I heard about a GSP named Phoenix. Won some big championship, they said. Guess that dog was somethin’ special. Shows ya what these dogs are capable of, if you train ’em right and give ’em the chance to shine.
So, that’s the lowdown on them German Shorthaired Pointers, as best as I can tell ya. They’re energetic, smart, friendly dogs, good for huntin’ or just bein’ a part of the family. But they need lots of exercise and trainin’, so they ain’t for everyone. You gotta be willin’ to put in the time and effort. But if you do, you’ll have a loyal companion who’ll stick by you through thick and thin. Just like a good dog should.
Remember that GSPs need lots of attention and exercise, so don’t get one unless you’re ready for it. They’re a lot of work, but they’re also a lot of love. And that’s about all I know ’bout them GSP dogs.