Although first and foremost a versatile, multi-talented hunting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer is an equally delightful companion dog beloved for his sweet temperament, superb trainability, and good looks. Those dark brown eyes and chestnut-colored easy-to-care-for coat makes this sporting dog a desirable choice for the family who has the time and inclination to indulge this super dog’s boundless energy and drive. Author Nona Kilgore Bauer, a hunting dog aficionado, trainer, and breeder, charts the origins of this sensation multi-purpose hunter: “The practical German hunter-breeder aimed for the ideal one-man dog, one with a superb nose that could locate, point and hold until the guns were at the ready, then, with a gentle mouth, retriever the bird to hand. Such a dog should also possess great courage and the ability and willingness to stalk and apprehend larger game such as deer, hare, or fox.†Considered an HRP breed by hunting specialists—hunt, point, retrieve—the GSP is arguably the most proficient hunting breed ever developed, and as such needs a job to do. The chapter on the breed’s characteristics gives potential owners an accurate depiction of what the GSP requires in terms of training, socialization, and exercise, and the breed standard, presented in the following chapter, paints a complete portrait of what the ideal GSP should possess in terms of temperament, physical characteristics, abilities, and movement.
New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author’s advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.
