Kurtshaar

Breed Description

The Kurzhaar, or German Shorthaired Pointer, is one of the oldest and most versatile hunting breeds, with a history that dates back to 17th century Germany. The breed was developed to create the perfect hunting dog capable of working both on land and in water, combining endurance, speed, obedience, and an excellent sense of smell. The Kurzhaar emerged as a result of meticulous breeding of various hunting breeds, including old German pointers, Spanish pointers, and later English pointers, enhancing agility, intelligence, and physical strength.

The main impetus for developing the Kurzhaar was the desire of German hunters to have a dog that could effectively work in diverse landscapes-from dense forests to open fields and marshes. The Kurzhaar quickly became an invaluable companion for hunting birds, small game, and even large ungulates. Its ability to locate, point, and retrieve game, combined with its skill in tracking wounded animals, made the breed a versatile assistant.

The breed underwent official development in the 19th century when German breeders, aiming to standardize its qualities, began systematically registering Kurzhaars. One of the key milestones in the breed’s establishment was the founding of the German Kurzhaar Club in 1872. During this period, significant attention was focused on improving the working qualities and aesthetics of the breed, making the Kurzhaar not only functional but also beautiful.

The Kurzhaar also gained popularity beyond Germany due to its versatility. In the 20th century, the breed began to spread actively across Europe and the USA, where it evolved into not only a hunting dog but also a participant in dog shows. The Kurzhaar earned recognition for its outstanding hunting abilities, friendly nature, and ease of training. In 1930, the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), paving the way for its international acclaim.

Today, the Kurzhaar remains one of the most popular hunting breeds in the world. Its rich history, tied to hunting traditions, close collaboration with humans, and remarkable working qualities make it a true example of harmony between functionality and beauty. The Kurzhaar is not just a dog; it is a symbol of the skill of German breeders who created the ideal hunting and family companion.

The price for a puppy ranges from 30,000 to 70,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Kurzhaar is an elegant and powerful medium-sized dog with a harmonious and athletic build that emphasizes its endurance and activity. It has a strong but not heavy body, perfectly suited for long physical exertion and versatile work in hunting conditions. The body lines are smooth and proportional, with movements that are fluid and confident, showcasing its natural grace and strength. Its coat is short, dense, and shiny, lying close to the body, providing protection from the elements and ease of care. Typical colors include brown, brown-and-white, mottled, or black, highlighting the noble and expressive appearance of the breed.

The average height of a Kurzhaar is 62-66 cm for males and 58-63 cm for females, while their weight varies from 25 to 32 kg for males and from 20 to 27 kg for females. These parameters make the dog ideal for active work, maintaining a balance between strength and agility. The body’s proportions contribute to quick and efficient work both on land and in water.

The lifespan of a Kurzhaar typically ranges from 12 to 14 years, and with proper care and attention to its physical and emotional needs, it remains active and healthy into old age. The appearance of the Kurzhaar underscores its role as a versatile working dog: it combines strength, endurance, and elegance, making it both a reliable partner in work and a beloved family companion.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of the German Pointer is proportional, dry, and features clear lines. The skull is slightly domed, moderately wide, emphasizing the dog's intelligence and focus. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is smooth yet pronounced, giving the head a noble appearance.

Морда

The muzzle is long, strong, tapering towards the nose but not pointed. The nose is broad, with well-developed nostrils, which provides excellent scenting ability. The color of the nose ranges from brown to black, depending on the coat color. The lips are thick, slightly drooping, without forming unnecessary folds.

Уши

The ears are medium-length, drooping, set high, and close to the cheeks. They have rounded tips and are covered with smooth fur. The ears emphasize the overall elegant appearance of the head and serve as an important element of a harmonious look.

Глаза

The eyes of the Kurzhaar are medium-sized, oval-shaped, and set deep into the skull. The color of the eyes is usually a rich, warm brown, which gives the gaze a friendly yet confident expression. The eyes emphasize the breed's focus and alertness.

Зубы

The teeth are large, white, with a correct scissor bite. The jaws are strong, providing a reliable grip. Dental care is important for maintaining oral health and preventing plaque buildup.

Корпус

The Kurzhaar's body is sturdy, athletic, and slightly elongated. The back is straight and strong, with a deep chest and well-developed ribs that provide endurance. The belly is toned, highlighting a sporty silhouette.

Конечности

The limbs are straight, strong, and well-muscled. The front legs are straight with powerful shoulders, while the hind legs have defined joint angles, which ensures smooth and energetic movements. The paws are compact, oval-shaped, with dense pads, making them stable and comfortable for work in various conditions.

Хвост

The tail is of medium length and set high. When at rest, it can be lowered, but during movement or excitement, it is held horizontally or slightly above the line of the back. In working dogs, the tail is often docked to facilitate movement in dense underbrush.

Шерсть

The fur is short, dense, and close to the body. It feels rough to the touch, providing excellent protection against weather conditions and dirt. The fur is easy to care for and has a natural sheen that highlights the dog's health.

Окрас

The coat color of the Kurzhaar ranges from solid brown to brown and white with spots or marbling. There is also black with tan markings or speckling. All color variations emphasize the elegance and natural beauty of the breed.

Character

The character of the German Shorthaired Pointer is energetic, intelligent, and balanced, making it an excellent companion for an active person. This breed is incredibly loyal to its owner and always seeks to be close, participating in all aspects of life. German Shorthaired Pointers have high work capacity and require constant physical and mental activity. They enjoy long walks, runs, outdoor games, and happily participate in hunting, where they can express their natural instincts.

These dogs possess a sharp mind and a desire to please, making them easy to train. They quickly learn commands but require a consistent approach to training. They exhibit natural confidence but are not prone to aggression, making them balanced and suitable for families with children. However, they may be wary of strangers, emphasizing their protective qualities.

Within the family, the German Shorthaired Pointer manifests as a loving and friendly member, easily getting along with other animals. However, due to their strong hunting instincts, they may show interest in small animals, making socialization and training necessary from an early age. These dogs do not handle loneliness well and prefer to be near their owner or actively spend time with other dogs.

German Shorthaired Pointers love to be busy and are always ready for new challenges. It is important for them to have something to do, whether it is training, sports, or simply walks that include searching and retrieving. Without proper activity, they may start to become bored, which can sometimes lead to destructive behavior. This breed appreciates stability and order, values clear rules, yet remains flexible and ready to adapt to various situations.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a dog with a pronounced personality and natural charm. Its habits include a persistent desire to be helpful, seeking opportunities to showcase its skills, and a deep attachment to its loved ones. With the right approach to training and care, the German Shorthaired Pointer becomes not only a reliable partner but also a true friend for life.

Care and Maintenance

The Kurzhaar requires individual care that takes into account its activity level and the characteristics of its short coat. The coat of this breed is smooth and dense, making it easy to maintain. To keep it shiny, regular brushing with a rubber brush once a week is sufficient to remove dead hair and improve skin circulation. The Kurzhaar should be bathed infrequently, only when necessary, using mild shampoos to avoid drying out the skin. After walks, it’s important to check the paws for injuries, especially if the dog has been running in rough terrain.

These dogs are highly energetic and need regular physical activity. The Kurzhaar enjoys long walks, runs, ball games, and active tasks such as searching for objects. Neglecting its need for exercise can lead to boredom and destructive behavior. It appreciates attention from its owner and cannot stand loneliness, so it’s essential to devote enough time to it. The Kurzhaar loves to participate in any family activities, whether sports or hikes, and is not suitable for constant isolation.

The Kurzhaar does not tolerate monotony well. It enjoys new challenges, training, and interactions that stimulate its intellect. It dislikes rough treatment or unfair treatment, preferring gentleness and respect. Despite its endurance, the dog is sensitive to climatic conditions: in cold weather, it may require protection in the form of warm clothing, especially during long or active walks.

Caring for the teeth, ears, and nails is also important for the health of the Kurzhaar. Regular teeth cleaning helps prevent tartar buildup, while inspecting and cleaning the ears reduces the risk of infections. Nails should be trimmed as needed if they do not wear down naturally.

A balanced diet plays a key role in maintaining its activity and health. The Kurzhaar enjoys a high-quality diet rich in protein that meets its energy needs. It’s important to monitor the amount of food to avoid excess weight, especially if the dog is not getting enough physical activity.

Adhering to a routine of walks, activities, and regular care for the Kurzhaar keeps it healthy and happy. It loves to be useful, appreciates attention and care, and well-organized maintenance helps reveal all its best qualities.

Dog Training and Education

The German Shorthaired Pointer is an intelligent, trainable, and loyal breed that requires a gentle yet consistent approach to training. These dogs quickly grasp commands, especially when learning takes place in a playful manner or is accompanied by positive reinforcement. The breed aims to please its owner, but it’s essential to maintain a balance between firmness and kindness, as harshness or shouting can negatively impact the dog’s trust and motivation.

Training is best started at an early age, focusing on basic commands, socialization, and the development of hunting skills. German Shorthaired Pointers enjoy tasks that stimulate their intellect, such as object retrieval, tricks, or endurance challenges. Their natural energy makes physical activity a necessary part of the training, so combining commands with active games, like fetching or obstacle courses, yields the best results.

These dogs respond best to a confident and patient owner who can establish clear rules and stick to them. They need a leader who exhibits consistency without crossing the line into harshness. They appreciate stability and predictability but are also open to variety in training, which helps keep their interest alive.

The German Shorthaired Pointer chooses an owner who gives it enough attention, is active, and can provide both physical and mental challenges. It bonds with the person who cares for it and maintains an emotional connection. This dog listens to someone who establishes friendly yet hierarchically correct relationships, where the owner remains the leader.

With the right approach, the German Shorthaired Pointer becomes not only a great student but also an incredibly loyal partner. It needs an owner who can share an active lifestyle, maintain contact, and provide opportunities to express its natural traits. This is a dog that happily obeys commands if it feels respect, interest, and care from its owner. At Zoonye, they offer puppies with pedigrees and health guarantees.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a Kurzhaar puppy requires careful consideration to ensure it grows healthy and meets breed standards. The first step is to find a reputable breeder who specializes in Kurzhaars and can provide complete information about the puppy’s lineage, health, and living conditions. A responsible breeder will introduce you to the puppy’s parents so you can assess their appearance, temperament, and working qualities.

When examining the puppy, pay attention to its behavior. A healthy Kurzhaar puppy is active, curious, and confident. It should show interest in the world around it, be willing to engage, but not overly aggressive or shy. Externally, the puppy should look robust, with a shiny coat, clear eyes, and clean ears. The legs should be straight, and its movements should be free and assured.

Documentation plays a crucial role in the selection process. The puppy should have a metric (puppy card) confirming its pedigree, which can later be exchanged for an official pedigree. It is important that the puppy’s parents have documents that confirm their participation in shows and working tests, as this guarantees they meet breed standards. The breeder should also provide test results for hereditary diseases common to the breed, such as hip dysplasia.

The puppy’s veterinary passport should contain records of vaccinations and deworming. This confirms that the puppy is ready to move into a new home and has undergone necessary medical treatment. Ask the breeder about feeding schedules, vaccination timelines, and other care recommendations for the puppy.

When choosing a puppy, it’s also important to consider your lifestyle. The Kurzhaar is an active and intelligent breed that requires time, physical exercise, and emotional interaction. Choose a puppy that shows active interest in you, as this is the first step towards building a strong bond. A well-chosen puppy with good genetics, health, and early socialization will become a full representative of the breed and a loyal companion for many years. Want a purebred pet? You can find one with documents from verified breeders at Zooservice.

Health and Diseases

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a breed known for its endurance and robust health; however, it is predisposed to a number of hereditary and age-related diseases that owners should be aware of. One of the most common issues is hip and elbow dysplasia. This hereditary condition can cause pain and limit the dog’s mobility. Regular physical exercise, maintaining a normal weight, and routine check-ups can help reduce the risk of developing dysplasia.

German Shorthaired Pointers are also prone to eye diseases, including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. These conditions can lead to vision deterioration, especially in older age. Regular veterinary check-ups allow for timely detection and slow the progression of these diseases. Another issue can be eyelid entropion, which requires surgical correction.

These dogs are susceptible to allergies, which can manifest as skin rashes, itching, or digestive disorders. It is important to monitor the dog’s reaction to food and the environment to timely eliminate irritants. The skin of German Shorthaired Pointers is thick and covered with short hair, making it resistant to external factors, but it still requires regular care to prevent irritations.

The active lifestyle of a German Shorthaired Pointer can lead to injuries, especially to the joints and paws. After vigorous walks or hunting, it is advisable to check the condition of the paw pads and joints to avoid inflammations or injuries. Additionally, bloat (gastric dilatation) may occur, particularly with intense physical activity immediately after eating. To prevent this, it is crucial to adhere to a feeding schedule and avoid excessive food intake before activity.

The average lifespan of a German Shorthaired Pointer is 12-14 years, and with proper care, the dog can remain active and healthy for most of its life. Regular veterinary examinations, a balanced diet, and attentive care of the dog’s condition help prevent most issues and ensure a long and happy life.