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Are German Shorthaired Pointers Hypoallergenic Dogs?

Are German Shorthaired Pointers Hypoallergenic Dogs?

The most frequently asked question is, are pointers hypoallergenic, or are German shorthaired pointers good for allergies? In the following piece, we will cover all these aspects of German shorthaired pointers and how you can keep them at home.

Are German Shorthaired Pointers Hypoallergenic?

GSPs are certainly not hypoallergenic, but the correction is that no such dog is truly hypoallergenic as all of them shed some hair and skin particles called dander. And the dander can cause some kind of allergic reaction in those prone to allergies, but some dogs cause lesser allergies, but none is 100 percent hypoallergenic.

German shorthaired pointers are double-coated breeds that have two short coats. They have a thick and short top coat, and beneath that, they have water-resistant undercoats, which make them shed more. However, GSPs are moderate shedders that only shed twice a year and aren’t the most allergenic dogs out there.

German shorthaired pointers, known as GSPs, are among the most popular dog breeds for outdoor activities and adventures. GSPs are very friendly, obedient, and energetic dogs that they bred for hunting purposes. These dogs have a well-muscled body with solid thighs and can eagerly become more muscular if given the proper training and exercise. Pointers are a versatile sporting breed that is great for hunting; these types of dogs have water-resistant courts that make agile hunters perform terrifically in both land and water fields.

When going out to buy a dog, everyone wants to get on board a breed that is playful, loyal, friendly, and easy to train and groom. German shorthaired pointers are those versatile sporting breeds that can hunt and live as great family dogs. They can sometimes become challenging to handle for new owners, but once they settle down, you won’t like having any other pet.

 

Are German Shorthaired Pointers Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Are German Shorthaired Pointers Hypoallergenic Dogs?

History

German shorthaired pointers are the most obedient and well-mannered hunting dogs; they are known for their high performance in dog services and sports like dog diving, agility, and obedience. This breed can survive well in outdoor and indoor atmospheres, but their best performance is indoors. This sleek and speedy dog breed is full of stamina and famous for its endurance. They have been honored for having great smelling sense and courage to fight big animals.

This famous breed came into being during the 18th century after German hunters spent generations cross-breeding several hunting dogs to get this breed. Many German tracking dogs contributed to the expansion of this breed, like English pointers and Arkwright pointers.

However, it’s not known which two breeds produced GSP. Still, it seems that GSPs are the descendant of Spanish pointers and German bird dogs. After going through several phases of evolution, the breed got official recognition from American Kennel Club in 1930. GSPs breeding was highly affected by the Second World War, and the breed became rare; by the war’s end, the German breeders worked extensively with the limited gene pool to rebuild this beloved breed.

GSPs are best known for working with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to track illicit material and criminals. This breed assists the armed forces when they perform big missions; their outstanding sense of smell makes them one of the favorites of the armed forces as they help them sniff out explosives.

Besides their exceptional hunting abilities, German shorthaired pointers inspired many writers to celebrate this breed in their writings; one such display in a famous mystery series Spencer in which the famous detective had three German shorthaired pointers.

German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointer

Appearance

GSP is medium-to-large-sized dogs with short and flat coats that are water resistant to keep them warm in winter. Pointers are known for their unique combination; the coats of this beautiful breed are usually liver (dark brown) in color with black or white spots on it, or in some cases, they can be in solid colors, but commonly they are liver with spots.

They have a large nose, big almond-shaped eyes, and dark-colored floppy ears, and the unique thing about pointers is that the color of their nose always matches the coats. The male GSPs are 55-70 pounds in weight and are generally 23-25 inches tall, while the females usually reach 23-25 height and weigh around 45-60 pounds.

Temperament

GSPs are one of the most friendly, playful, energetic, and intelligent dogs. There are hardly times when you would find this breed not doing any activity. Their hunting history makes them an incredibly free-spirited breed that likes wandering around if not trained to live under the fence.

The good thing about these pointers is they are quick learners and easy to train. They are also kid and dog friendly and love playing with kids, but it’s suggested not to leave this breed unsupervised with kids. Pointers generally welcome strangers and don’t bark excessively but alarm their caretaker of any strange activity going around nearby.

Moreover, GSPs are working dogs as they get training to do hunting jobs, so they don’t like sitting idly. If these dogs are not kept busy with activities, they can become aggressive and furious. So it’s suggested to always occupy their mind with plenty of activities, exercises, and interactive toys, so they don’t get bored. These dogs crave for purpose, and if they don’t get one, they start barking and chewing.

This breed can become challenging to handle for impatient owners when they are untrained and babies. Pointers are very sensitive and like living in a positive environment to get trained; they are not happy when left alone, so we recommend that only those caretakers keep these dogs who stay out for long.

Living Atmosphere

As we have discussed, GSPs are sporting dogs who need a spacious area to run and play; that’s why these dogs can’t live in confined places like apartments and condos. GSPs possess boundless energy; they need owners with ample space to engage them in different activities. GSPs are great performers as organized athletes, but even if you don’t train them for competitive agility, they can happily become your companion for family adventures.

A positive atmosphere encourages them to do good, so always treat your pointer delicately and praise them for all their good deeds because this breed gets disappointed with the harsh and commanding behavior of the owner. Even treating them with some delicacy can also do wonders.

German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointer

Care Tips for German Shorthaired Pointers

GSPs are easy to groom and clean; their nails need trimming at least once a week, while their ears also need to be checked for cleanliness. Pointers have small coats that need regular brushing with the right tools.

This breed relies heavily on its natural oils for skin protection; they only require occasional or once-a-month bathing and shampooing. A German shorthaired pointer sheds hair only twice a year in fall and spring; they need extra brushing with a firm bristle brush during this time.

GSPs need considerable food and water as they are active mid-to-large-sized dogs and might get dehydrated if they don’t get enough water. The vigorous exercises require them to eat high-quality dog food in reasonable portions divided into meals a day. But your pet’s diet should have a proper balance so they don’t get obese.

The Lifespan of GSPs and Their Health Issues

German shorthaired pointers are generally healthy dogs; they live for a good 12-14 years, which is a healthy lifespan. Like any other mid-sized dogs’ pointers also face several health conditions, progressive retinal atrophy, heart issues, skin disorders, and hip dysplasia. Pointers are also prone to gastric problems like excessive bloating and vomiting, which can become life-threatening if not treated promptly. Hence, scheduling check-ups with your veterinarian for all health-related issues is better.

Hunting dogs also quickly get fungal and bacterial infections on their open wounds and cuts that the contact due to scratching against bushes as they go out in the woods for hunting sessions. Here are a few other diseases commonly found in a German shorthaired pointer.

Von Willebrand’s Blood Disorder

This disease is a blood disorder that influences clotting due to the shortage of von Willebrand’s in the blood. The dogs that suffer from this disease have typical symptoms of excessive nose bleeding, gums bleeding, and sometimes bleeding in the stool. Fortunately, there are treatments for this disease, and the transfusion can fully cure your pet of von Willebrand’s factor.

Entropion

Entropion is a common eye defect found in most dog breeds; in this disease, the eyelid starts rolling inwards, which causes irritation and injury to the eyeball. Generally, GSPs get this defect at an early age, at six months, and start rubbing their eyes relentlessly. The proper treatment for this condition is surgery.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a common disease in dogs that occurs due to an obstruction in the lymphatic system; in this condition, lymph flow gets blocked, resulting in tissue swelling. There is no cure or surgical procedure to cure this condition; you can only improve your pet’s condition by giving them rest and massage on the affected area to improve lymph circulation.

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus

Gastric dilatation volvulus or bloat is a known life-threatening disease in medium-to-large-sized dogs that is caused by excessive rapid eating, drinking and doing forceful exercises after eating. This condition occurs when the stomach gets full of gas, and the dog cannot get rid of it. This condition becomes life-threatening when dogs panic and their blood pressure drops. You should call for immediate medical assistance for help if your dog suffers from this condition.

Is GSPs Good For Allergies?

Well, German shorthaired pointers are not bad for allergies if you can manage the cause of allergies. But it completely depends on how severely allergic you are to dogs. You can always ask your doctor for advice on whether the breed is workable for your type of allergy.

People are generally allergic to dander; you can always reduce the risk of allergies by getting rid of dander and hair by regularly bathing and brushing your pointer, as it reduces the dander’s presence in the house.

Tips to Manage Allergies

If you are allergic to dander and still want to keep a dog in your house, then there are plenty of things you can do to minimize the impact of allergens a dog carries in your house, which include the following:

  • Regularly vacuuming your house can help eliminate the dander settling in different parts of your house.
  • Mop the areas that can have dander settled there.
  • We would also suggest you keep the dogs out of your resting places like the bedroom and other places where you can sleep.
  • The easiest way to remove the dander from your house is to groom and bathe the pet outside. Bathing outside will help you secure the house from allergens. It would be better if you did the job wearing masks and gloves.
  • An air purifier can be a savior when cleaning the air; try getting one with HEPA filters.
  • Always wash your hands and properly sanitize them after touching and cuddling your dog.
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointer

Conclusive Thoughts

German shorthaired pointers are an exuberant and full-of-life breed; they can bring liveliness to your household through their active presence and playful nature. Hence to sum it up, we would say that this smart breed is not hypoallergenic, but German shorthaired pointers are not too bad for allergies as no dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic. And if you are living with it, then it’s because you take all the right precautions. You can always live with a German shorthaired pointer harmoniously with having an allergy; it’s just that it’s not very common.

So, if you are keen to include a pointer in your family as a pet, then you can always manage the impact of allergens in your house with the management tips we have shared in this article. However, we can only help you understand a German shorthaired pointer more clearly so that you can decide whether you want to keep one or not. We hope this piece helps you take the right pawsome decision.

Copyright CaninePals. All Rights Reserved.

References and Further Reading:
American Kennel Club German Short Hair Pointer Information

Do German Shorthaired Pointers Shed a Lot?

Do German Shorthaired Pointers Shed a Lot?

Like all dogs, German Shorthaired Pointers shed. To avoid this becoming a problem, we look at what you as an owner should do to look after the coat of your dog. With the right care, this is a great pet to own, and GSP dog shedding shouldn’t become a huge problem.

German Shorthaired Pointers are known for their tendency to shed. In fact, they are heavy shedders and this shedding can occur throughout the year, particularly in warmer climates. This is a result of the smooth coat that German Shorthaired Pointers have. 

According to the American Kennel Club, the small hairs of this breed can get all over your furniture and carpet, and therefore regular brushing is recommended. The hairs can cause allergies, so GSP dog shedding can be a problem if not addressed.

Some of these dogs can have longer or shorter hair and that may change the amount they shed. As we will see, there are also seasonal influences that increase or decrease the amount that this breed of dog sheds.

The majority of these dogs will lose this hair about once a year, which is also known as “blowing”. However, some German Shorthaired Pointers may not have significant shedding at all or tend to shed less often than this. One reason why this may happen is because of the genetic makeup of your particular dog.

Do German Shorthaired Pointers Shed?
Do German Shorthaired Pointers Shed?

German Shorthaired Pointer’s Coat Shedding Habits Explained

A typical German Shorthaired Pointer sheds all year round, but the duration and frequency of shedding vary throughout the year. In general, your dog will shed less during the winter months and more during the summer months.

As this dog has a double coat, including an undercoat that is water-resistant and there to keep the animal warm and dry during colder times of the year, the season affects shedding. There will be more in spring as the weather begins to warm up and the dog tries to prepare to keep cool by shedding some of its undercoats before the summer arrives. The exception to this is when your dog lives in a warmer climate and the undercoat is not so important to the dog, as it does not get cold. The result is that your dog will keep shedding excessive hair to keep the undercoat lighter.

All this is completely natural and is necessary to keep your dog healthy and happy, so don’t worry. What you will need to do though is to ensure, especially in warmer periods, that you groom your dog well for your sake and for the comfort of your dog.

This is not the only reason why your German Shorthaired Pointer may shed more than normal. Your dog’s rate of shedding will also depend on its genes as well as its diet. Genes you obviously can do nothing about, but its diet is something you can change. Always seek a vet’s advice if you think your dog is shedding too much or if you have questions about its dietary needs.

In general, if you have a dog with short hair, it may shed at the same rate as a dog with longer hair, but a long-haired dog will seem to shed more as it will be more noticeable. For this reason, the German Shorthaired Pointer may actually shed more than other breeds with longer hair but will appear to shed less.

german shorthaired pointer shedding EXPLAINED
German Shorthaired Pointer shedding explained

The German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a hunting dog breed that possesses great speed, intelligence, and adaptability. It has a compact body with short hair, but its ears are long and it has the ability to point at game. Pointers are known for their excellent nose and tracking ability. They also have an excellent scenting capability which is why they are used in hunting for upland game birds such as pheasants and partridges.

The German Shorthaired Pointer’s ancestry isn’t clear but it’s believed that he came from the German Bird Dog and is related to the Spanish Pointer and other game and hunting dogs. He’s an excellent hunter on land and in the water and can track and retrieve waterfowl, grouse, quail, pheasant, possums, raccoons, and deer. He was bred with the English Pointer to develop a dog with good temperament, sporting attributes and good looks.

His coat can be black, black and white, liver and white or solid liver in color. He loves being with his family and is a loyal, intelligent, mild-mannered watchdog. He does need lots of exercise because he’s an athlete. He does shed but doesn’t need much grooming. He stands at 23 – 25 inches high.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium to large size dog breed weighing an average of 55 to 70 pounds for males and 45 to 60 pounds for females. 

How Does a German Shorthaired Pointer’s Coat Shedding Compare to Other Dogs?

There are many different dog breeds, each with its own unique characteristics. But how do German Shorthaired Pointers compare to other dog breeds in terms of shedding?

American Kennel Club German Shorthaired Pointers are one of the few breeds that don’t shed coat excessively and can be brushed without causing coat damage. They are basically moderate shedders.

German Shorthaired Pointers shed about 1/10th as much as most dogs and they do not lose fur like other breeds. This is because their fur is undercoat and not guard hairs like in other dogs, which need to be periodically replaced with new hairs. The undercoat of a German Shorthaired Pointer keeps the dog warm in colder periods of the year. If the area where the dog lives is warmer than normal for this breed, it can shed more during every season of the year.

The German Shorthaired Pointer’s shedding can be off-putting to some people. These dogs shed more than some other breeds of dog, but they are also considered to be very intelligent and good with children which is why they are popular with families.

Another problem with the shedding of German Shorthaired Pointers is that they shed both light and dark colored hair, which means that you will see on different colors of furniture. Actually removing some of this coarse hair can be rather difficult because it is so short. The best thing to do is to try to prevent hairs from shedding too much in the first place and save yourself the trouble of having to remove them.

German Shorthaired Pointer shedding explained
German Shorthaired Pointer shedding explained

The Importance of Shedding of Dog Hair

Shedding is a natural process that most animals undergo to release their winter coats and grow a new one. It is also a way for the dog to adapt to different seasons and weather conditions.

Research has shown that shedding dog hair can be a cause of asthma and allergies. Pets shed fur and dander which is how they transfer their allergens to us. Shedding is a natural process for all animals, but we cannot always keep up with the mess it leaves behind. The only way to minimize the amount of dog hair in your home is to brush your pet regularly and vacuum often.

You may have to consider getting rid of your furry friend if it causes allergies or asthma symptoms. However, this would be a serious step to take, so let’s explore what we can do to manage German Shorthaired Pointer  shedding.

A Typical German Shorthair Pointer’s Shedding Schedule

A German Shorthaired Pointer will typically shed their coat twice a year. The first shedding period will be in the spring and the second shedding period will be in the fall.

A typical German Shorthaired Pointer’s shedding schedule is very dependant on the season. In the spring, a German Shorthaired Pointer will shed a lot of fur to get ready for a good summer soaking. The shedding also happens after every four to eight weeks of growth.

In the winter, German Shorthaired Pointers don’t shed as much because they are not growing as fast and their fur is thinner due to lack of sun exposure. However, this does not mean that there is no shedding at all during this time. The winter season for a dog usually has more dander being released because the airways are not fully clogged up by allergens or other external irritants that can cause an allergic reaction in humans and animals alike.

Is there anything you can do to reduce a German Shorthair Pointer’s Shedding?

German Shorthaired Pointer’s shed a lot and it is difficult to keep up with their shedding.

There are a number of things that you can do to reduce your German Shorthaired Pointer’s shedding. These include the following:

Bathing the dog more often

Grooming the dog more often

– Brushing the dog’s coat on a regular basis

You can reduce their shedding by grooming them regularly and brushing them with a brush made for dogs. This will help remove the excess dead hair before they shed it all over your home, car, and clothes.

1) Brush your dog daily with a firm bristle brush or a fine comb

Daily is only a suggestion, but this breed requires a minimum of once a week. Do the brushing outside to avoid the small hairs getting all over your carpet and house or flat.

The reason we need to brush a dog is to take out the hairs which have already shed but are not falling out of the fur yet. Brushing, therefore, reduces the effects of shedding and makes your dog more comfortable at the same time.

Always be careful to brush slowly because you don’t want to aggravate the dog’s skin or cause irritation. The brushing you do can help to spread the natural oils in your dog’s coat.

2) Brush your dog’s feet with a slicker brush

You should brush your pet daily with a slicker brush or comb to help remove excess shedding fur from his or her coat so it doesn’t have…. German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

3) Frequently bathe him in warm water and shampoo, using a conditioner that can hydrate the coat and prevent dry skin can also help. If your dog does have problems with dry skin you should read this guide.

A word of caution here though. Don’t wash your dog more than is necessary or this will probably cause more shedding not less! You should bathe your dog a minimum of 2 or 3 times each year to a maximum of weekly, depending on your dog’s condition and lifestyle. Only wash your dog if it is smelly or looking dirty after it has been outside.

By washing your dog you are helping to look after its fur and you will lessen shedding. However, it can be quite difficult to bathe a dog and then go through the drying routine. I have experienced my dog trying to dry itself after a wash and it can cause quite a disturbance in your house. My dog used to tear around everywhere and try to dry himself on the carpet, on rugs, or on the sofa!

German Shorthaired Pointers are a breed of hunting dog that sheds hair. Here, we will discuss how to bathe your German Shorthaired Pointer and what you need to know about the best types of brushes for this type of dog.

In order to bathe your German Shorthaired Pointer, you will need a tub or a shower stall, a washcloth or a rubber mat, and shampoo designed for dogs, and a dry towel. It is important to use a very good quality shampoo that hydrates the dog’s coat in order to look after it and ensure you do not see excess shedding.

You can wash your dog in the bathtub or shower stall with warm water. After thoroughly wetting the fur with water, apply shampoo onto the fur and lather it up by massaging it into the skin. Rinse off all of the soap from your pup’s skin with warm water. The next step is to apply a conditioner.

4) Use an anti-shedding spray or powder on your dog’s coat before brushing him

Another important thing to bear in mind when grooming your dog is how you dry your dog’s coat. This can have an effect on its shedding.

The best way to dry the coat of your German Shorthaired Pointer is to do as follows:

  • Allow your dog to shake off the water naturally. This actually the best way for your dog to get rid of the water from its hair.
  • Use a towel to dry your dog as much as you can. This will make a big difference to the amount of shedding. If you leave the coat wet your dog will shed more.
  • Let your dog dry itself naturally after towelling it.
  • If you want you can try using a hairdryer and be sure to gently blow-dry your dog’s coat. This can also help release hair that is trapped in the coat, thereby reducing shedding.
German Shorthaired Pointer shedding explained
German Shorthaired Pointer shedding explained

Final Thoughts on German Short Hair Pointer Shedding

I hope this article has been helpful and informative. If you have any questions about German Shorthaired Pointers, please reach out to me anytime! I am happy to answer your queries or provide more information on my experience with GSPs. Thanks for reading.
Copyright CaninePals. All Rights Reserved.

References and Further Reading:
American Kennel Club German Short Hair Pointer Information