Weight of a kurtshaar puppy by months. Universal hunter kurtshaar: description of the breed. Kurzhaar in the show ring

The shorthaired pointer is considered a versatile hunting breed. This agile, graceful dog, living at the behest of instincts, with proper training, easily becomes a devoted friend to his master. Consider the description of the shorthaired pointer breed, the features of its maintenance and feeding.

With kurtshaars they hunt mainly for game birds. Some take them to hunt big game. Developed instincts do not allow the dog to sit still. This breed is intended exclusively for hunters and people leading an active lifestyle.

Description of the breed kurtshaar

Purebred representatives of the breed are distinguished by an elegant physique, expressive look. Their nature is good-natured, harmless. The tail is usually docked 60% of its original length.

• The weight . The German shorthaired pointer is medium in size. Weight is from 23 to 35 kg.
• Growth at the withers. The size of an adult kurtshaar is 52-65 cm at the withers.
• Color. Often found brown, chocolate, black color, sometimes in combination with white. If the coat turns yellow (yellow marks), they say that the dog has developed an innate instinct to search for a blood trail.
• Lifespan. They live long enough - 12-14 years.
• Character . Sociable - sincerely attached to the owner, do not like loneliness. They need constant movement.
• Intelligence. The level of intelligence is high. They are easy to train, enjoy the execution of the owner's commands.
• Security and guard potential. The German Shorthaired Pointer (Kurzhaar) is not intended for protection of the territory. Attempts to develop protective qualities have a negative impact on the psyche.

With a lack of physical activity, poor socialization, kurtshaars acquire undesirable character traits. They become shy, aggressive, or have other behavioral abnormalities.

Exterior

The breed standard includes more than 30 evaluation criteria. Kurtshaar hunting dogs have a specific purpose, therefore they undergo a strict selection. In an incorrectly built dog, there is physically no possibility of disclosing pedigree inclinations. Representatives of the breed that do not have deviations from the norms are allowed to exhibitions and breeding. The requirements of the standard are detailed in the table.

Table - Kurzhaara Breed Standard

A distinctive characteristic of the shorthaired pointer breed is innate grace. In the stance, the dog is extended into an arrow - a straightened tail, an elongated body, a lowered head, a raised paw. All kurtshaars take the stance on an instinctive level. The breed is especially good for hunting game - waterproof wool and webbing between the fingers make them excellent swimmers.

Pros and cons

For hunters, the kurtshaar is a versatile dog and a faithful helper. But when choosing a breed for home maintenance, you need to take into account its natural features. The pros and cons are shown in the table.

Table - Advantages and disadvantages of kurtshaar

History of origin and interesting facts

The history of the shorthaired pointer breed begins in the 17th century. The formation was completely completed by the middle of the 19th century. Ancestors - Spanish and English pointers. They were crossed to obtain a breed for hunting on land and in water. The first representative of kurtshaars was brought to the USA in 1925. Five years later, the breed was officially registered.

During the war years, the breeding of kurtshaars was suspended. Some of the dogs were taken to Yugoslavia - the breed had to be restored. In the United States, breeding work was more active. Already by 1950, the popularity of these dogs reached its peak. Kurzhaars participated in exhibitions, more and more nurseries appeared.

There are 155 registered breeds with the American Kennel Club. The kurtshaar dog breed takes 19th place in the ranking, which is considered a good result, an indicator of popularity.

Care

At home, the dog is given a separate place to relax - sofas and armchairs are prohibited. Kurzhaars react sharply to dampness and drafts - the couch is placed in a warm, dry, draft-protected place. Complete dog care includes the following items.

• Wool . The breed is smooth-haired, but shedding in the apartment continues all year round. The dog is brushed daily.
• Walks. In the city, the kurtshaar is not let off the leash. In winter, they put on warm overalls or a blanket.
• Bathing. They bathe not often - as they get dirty. After each walk, carefully wash the paws. Swimming in open water is encouraged in summer.
• Ears . Checked every week. Wipe with a damp cloth.
• Eyes . Wipe weekly with a cotton pad dipped in weak tea leaves.
• claws. Shear as they grow - about once a month.

Feeding

Many dog ​​breeders prefer to keep their dog on ready-made food. They prefer expensive brands of super premium class. They contain a balanced amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins. If they decide to feed the kurtshaar at home with natural products, they carefully consider the diet.

When taking a puppy, they are interested in its feeding scheme. You can not drastically change the diet and frequency of feeding in order to avoid problems with digestion. As the portion grows, new products are introduced, the number of feedings is reduced. The basis of nutrition is protein products of animal origin - raw, boiled meat, offal.

A small puppy must definitely receive dairy, sour-milk products - low-fat cottage cheese, milk, fermented baked milk, kefir. From the age of three months, the amount of dairy products is reduced. During the period of changing teeth, it is useful to give cartilage, special bones from pet stores. Porridges are boiled in broth with the addition of chopped vegetables - carrots, zucchini, pumpkin.

Up to five months, the puppy is fed four to five times a day. By the age of six months, the frequency of feeding is reduced to three. The bowl with leftover food is immediately removed, next time a smaller portion is applied. If the puppy eats everything, does not move away from the bowl, continues to lick it for a long time - the portion is increased.

The diet of an adult dog is based on the recommendations of a veterinarian. Daily nutrition should contain all the necessary substances - proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber. The lack of vitamins is compensated by special food additives. The list of recommended products is given in the table.

Table - Natural nutrition of kurtshaar

You can not feed the kurtshaar with food from your table. Dogs are harmed by sweets, smoked meats, salty, spicy, fatty foods. The digestive system reacts sharply to chemical additives - preservatives, dyes. Spices and salt dull the senses.

Training

Training begins at an early age - as the dogs grow older, they begin to lose interest in classes, they obey the owner worse. In education, the following rules are followed:

• patiently seek obedience;
• commands are given calmly, clearly pronounce, use short words;
• do not change previously established prohibitions;
• practice daily, without long breaks;
• encourage praise, stroking, delicacy;
• classes are made short;
• do not resort to physical punishment.

After learning the basic commands, they move on to practicing hunting skills. All of them are already laid down at an instinctive level. The task of the hunter is to open and secure them. The puppy is taught to calmly respond to any sounds and conditions. Suppress attempts to hunt for domestic animals. If a dog is afraid of a shot, this is more often an omission of the owner than a congenital defect.

It is undesirable to have a kurtshaar as a pet. The inability to use instincts in hunting negatively affects the character. When keeping a pet at home, you need to find an alternative activity for your pet - to go on joint hikes with him, for jogging, cycling. Suitable classes - agility, freestyle, frisbee.

Diseases and treatment

Kurzhaars are distinguished by good health and long life. It is impossible to exclude the development of genetic diseases characteristic of the breed. Three diseases are of particular concern.

1. hip dysplasia. hereditary disease. Appears before the age of two. It is characterized by insufficient development of articular cartilage. In severe cases, lameness develops.
2. von Willebrand disease. Partial incoagulability of blood. congenital disease. It manifests itself at an early age, prolonged bleeding leads to the death of the animal.
3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Develops up to two years of age. Central vision is completely lost. The peripheral is partially preserved. Treatment is aimed at slowing down the process.

Breeding

Females reach puberty by seven to eight months. Depending on individual characteristics, it can come later - at ten months, a year. Breeding is approached responsibly - they first undergo an examination by a veterinarian, give anthelmintic drugs, and are vaccinated. Carefully choose a male - study his pedigree, assess health.

• estrus. The first estrus (pustovka) begins at seven to eight months. At this age, the dog is not yet fully formed, not ready to become a mother. The first mating is carried out on the third estrus - at the age of one and a half to two years, from the tenth to the 16th day of the test.
• Knitting. For mating, the bitch is brought to the territory of the male. Knitting is carried out under the control of the owners. It is recommended to carry out two matings in a row to increase the likelihood of pregnancy.
• Pregnancy. Lasts 60-64 days. The first half of pregnancy proceeds without pronounced signs. For a while, the dog may become lethargic, refuse food - after a few days the condition stabilizes. From the second half of pregnancy, food portions are increased, the diet is enriched with vitamin supplements, and the duration of walks is reduced.
• Childbirth. Accepted at home. If the owners do not have experience with childbirth, it is advisable to contact the veterinarian first.

A feature of kurtshaars is that the bitch does not like to give birth in a permanent place. Immediately before giving birth, she will try to equip herself with a “nest” under the bed, closet. After giving birth, she drags puppies, hiding them from prying eyes.

TOP nickname

The name is chosen taking into account the nature of the pet, its appearance, behavior. The nickname should please the owners, be easy to remember. The most common nicknames are shown in the table.

Table - TOP nicknames for kurtshaar

Photo review

Some confuse two breeds similar in characteristics - kurtshaar and drathaar. Shorthaired pointers have a shorter, coarser coat and an elegant build. Drathaars are denser, more muscular, distinguished by the presence of a beard. We offer you to see photos of puppies and dogs of the Kurzhaar breed.

Cost and where to buy

In kennels, a kurtshaar puppy costs from 20 thousand rubles (data as of March 2018). The price may be higher for bright representatives of the breed from working parents-champions. Private breeders offer puppies at a cost of five thousand rubles. It is recommended to buy dogs of hunting breeds in kennels where it is possible to study the pedigree of the parents, their performance characteristics. There are breeding nurseries in many cities and towns of Russia:

• Glorious Hunter in Veliky Novgorod- http://www.hunter-club.ru/glorious/;
• "Liberovento" in Malakhovka (Moscow region)- http://www.liberovento.ru/;
• "Gern Gros" in St. Petersburg- http://www.pointing-dogs.ru/;
• "White Dew" in Moscow- http://vddbelyerosy.com/.

Reading the reviews of the owners about the kurtshaar, one has to deal with different opinions. The main thing in the breed is hunting inclinations, and the character is already formed by the owner with the help of regular training. It is intended for hunting - as a pet, kurtshaars will bring a lot of trouble to the owners, they will feel unhappy.

Reviews: "Hunting in his environment had no equal"

That's what a dog needs to be educated on time, that's for sure. I often look after the neighboring kurtshaars (2 males), the adult male is trained and very smart. The second dog is a puppy from this male, the owners let him go, now he is 2 years old. When they leave him alone, it's just a disaster, everything in the house turns into disrepair. The dog is even too active, but there is nowhere to put the energy, so it breaks everything that comes across. Before you get such a dog, you should think a hundred times whether you can devote proper time to its upbringing and provide the necessary loads for it.

Anna, http://mirsobak.net/porody/bolshie/kurzhaar.html

My kurtshar lived for seven years. Very kind and loyal dog. Wonderful hunter. It can be summed up in one word FRIEND. And he guarded the house and looked after the children in the yard. On the hunt in his environment had no equal. I felt the owner in everything.

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The German shorthaired pointer is the most popular of the three German hunting dogs. The other two are drathaar and langhaar. The first of them has longer hair on the muzzle, and the second has a long undercoat on the body and a different body color. The name of the breed in translation from German means short-haired. Hence the second name of the dog - short-haired pointer. She is also called the German pointer.

general characteristics

The Kurzhaar is a breed created specifically for hunting. People have been using it for these purposes since ancient times, even when there were no guns in use and birds were caught using nets or tamed birds of prey. The Pointer has an innate ability for a perfectly still stance, so there is no need to specifically train the dog for this skill. Developed muscles allow the pointer to run and swim perfectly. All this makes the breed ideal for people involved in hunting.

The German pointer shorthaired pointer attracts not only with its hunting abilities, but also with its beautiful appearance, good intelligence and good-natured character, which makes it popular not only among hunting enthusiasts, but also among all other people.

Gallery: kurtshaar dog (25 photos)

The history of the origin of the Kurzhaar breed

The distant ancestors of the German Pointer were used by the German and Austrian nobility. However, more detailed information about those breeds, unfortunately, has not reached our days. Therefore, the origin of the kurtshaar dog breed is judged more by circumstantial facts than real ones. The only thing that is known for sure is that the breed standard of the Kurzhaar appeared somewhere between the 60s and 70s of the 19th century in Germany.

Before firearms were invented, three types of dogs were used for hunting purposes:

1. Baiting dogs were used to chase down large animals;
2. A pack of greyhounds pursued a pack of wolves or large animals, such as deer;
3. The hounds, on the other hand, were engaged in a completely different type of activity - they had to catch up with small but nimble animals, such as hares.

These breeds had a good sense of smell and were hardy. The cops were used in bird hunting. Having found the prey, the dog lay down next to it. Thanks to this, she got her name - the cop.

Of all the breeds that hunted game, the Spanish Pointer was the most popular. There were also similar Italian breeds. It is believed that the modern German shorthaired pointer originated from these types of breeds, however, this is not known for sure.

Initially, only people from high society were engaged in hunting in England and Germany. Later it became available to all people. And then firearms were invented, and then the very rules of hunting changed. There was no longer a need to keep a whole pack of dogs, one or two dogs were enough.

At the beginning of the 17th century, people started tribal books. At the same time, the English Pointer underwent some transformation, becoming a gun dog, that is, an assistant to a person hunting with a gun. German hunting dogs began to be crossed with English ones, and at the end of the century the German shorthaired pointer began to form. The resulting breed began to frequently participate in exhibitions.

The German Hound quickly gained popularity all over the world. In America, it has become the most popular hunting breed. In Russia, the dog gained popularity gradually. A very energetic breed was inferior in popularity to the more familiar, calm and strong huskies. Kurzhaars require great physical exertion, which is far from always possible in urban conditions, so now the distribution of the breed has become somewhat less.

Description of the breed kurtshaar

The description of the pointer is not yet fully completed, since the breeders are still actively developing the breed, improving certain qualities of the dog. The main goal is to reduce the risk of a dog developing one of hereditary diseases, while maintaining its appearance and working features.

In general, the breed standard gives the following description:

Permissible coat colors:

• Most preferred - brown with dark or light spots. They are located in the chest and paws.
• Intense brown with ripples. The most successful type of drawing for working dogs. The lightest parts of the body are the belly, the reverse sides of the paws. On the head are predominantly dark colors.
• Light brown. Similar to the previous type. Dark color of the head, but more white on the body.
• Full brown.
• Primary colors- white or black, and the spots are brown.

Description of character and habits

German cops attached to family members and always follow the owner. This can sometimes create problems. Left alone for a long time, the dog is bored and may even howl with longing. To strangers is depending on the mood of the owner. However, although he does not show aggression towards a stranger, he will not joyfully rush towards him either, but will always give preference to his family. Treats children well, endures childish pranks.

It doesn't take long to get used to new family members. It can be a good watchdog - a subtle instinct and loud barking contribute well to this. The dog lacks aggression, therefore She's not good for protection.. Dominance is also not characteristic of the dog, therefore, in most cases gets along well with other dogs gets along even with individuals of the same sex.

If you raise a dog well, then he will be tolerant of small animals. However, the hunter's instinct inherent in him is very strong, so even a well-mannered dog can chase a cat on the street. Even if a pet does not pay attention to domestic cats, this does not always mean that he will ignore street cats as well.

In terms of intelligence, the kurtshaar is approximately in fifteenth or twentieth place.. Puppies are pretty smart and learn quickly. Trying to please the owner, they rarely show stubbornness. But at the same time, the owner must still be demanding and look like an unquestioning leader in the eyes of the pet. The reason is that the breed is easily addicted. Having caught a new smell, it can immediately evaporate, rushing in search of the source of the smell. At such moments, the puppy can be so passionate about his occupation that he completely stops paying attention to the orders of the owner. Therefore, in order not to worsen the situation in the future, when training, you need to be firm.

The Shorthaired Pointer is a very energetic dog. Follow the trail or play for hours on end. Her Requires several hours of physical activity per day, because even a long walk on foot will not be able to fully satisfy her. For people who run every day, the dog will be the perfect companion.

The dog loves to bark. If you do not give her many hours of daily discharge of energy, she can bark for many hours in a row. If you do not give the dog the opportunity to constantly splash out his energy on the street, he may develop problems with both behavior and health, including mental health.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is an active and energetic dog with a very sensitive sense of smell, this should always be remembered. She can easily escape from the courtyard by jumping over the fence if she catches an interesting smell somewhere in the distance. To explore something new lies in the very genes of the breed.

The breed sheds three times a year. During this period, you need to comb out the coat with a brush-mitten during walks, and after returning home, the dog can still be wiped with a wet rubber glove.

You do not need to bathe often, once a month is enough. If you do this more often, then the woolen cut can lose its shine and fatty layer, which serves as a protection against dirt. The breed loves to swim, so in the cold season you can not immediately take it outside, otherwise the pet may catch a cold.

You need to constantly look after your dog's ears so that they stay clean and dry at all times. Pollution is removed with a cotton swab. After each walk, the dog's ears should be examined.

The eyes should also remain clean and clear. If necessary, wipe them with clean soft cotton wool. You can pre-moisten it with weak tea leaves. If the eyes are often and severely sour, you should contact your veterinarian. Nails are trimmed once a month with a special nail cutter.

The basis of the kurtshaar nutrition is animal protein - meat in almost any form, raw, boiled or cut into pieces. But minced meat is better not to give, it is not digested. Puppies need dairy products that are rich in calcium. When the pet reaches the age of three months, the amount of dairy products in the diet should be reduced.

Grains are good for dogs. But don't give potatoes. The same goes for offal such as sausage or sausages. Vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin and others must be present in the diet. Watch this video on YouTube kurtshaar training features. Kurzhaar character traits. And if you liked it, like it and share it with your friends who might be interested in this video. Add me on social networks: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sunnyventa/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ groups/sunnydog/?fref=ts Vkontakte https://vk.com/sam_sebe_kinolog Websites www.best4puppy.com www.allhendling.com www.dres.in.ua Free puppy training course http://www.best4puppy.com /dressirovka-shenka-doma-video-kurs/ We are on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sunnydogonline/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sunnydog_onlinedressirovka/ VK https://vk.com/sam_sebe_kinolog via telegram, viber and whatsapp on sunny.dog - contact section We are on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sunnydogonline/ Vkontakte https://vk.com/sunnydog_academy /sunnydog_academy/">

Training

You need to start educating and training a kurtshaar as early as possible. They are known for developing quickly physically and slowly mentally. If you do not start to carry out educational work in time, it will be difficult to change the nature of the dog in the future.

Necessary rules that must be observed when training:

Conclusion

The German Pointer is a working breed bred specifically for hunting purposes. Hunting genes are strongly expressed and constantly make themselves felt. Therefore, the dog must be well educated, otherwise, when walking, it will chase all the cats it meets.

In addition, the dog is very active and requires constant physical activity. For a person leading an inactive lifestyle, it is not at all suitable, but for athletes who play sports, such as running or cycling, it will be an ideal companion.

The dog reveals all his inclinations and abilities to the fullest precisely on the hunt.

Kurzhaar or German Pointer (German Kurzhaar, short hair, English German Shorthaired Pointer) is a breed of dog bred at the end of the 19th century in Germany. Swift and powerful paws, they are able to run quickly and turn around instantly. It is a versatile gun dog that was bred exclusively for hunting, although today it is increasingly kept as a companion dog.

• The German shorthaired pointer is a high-energy breed. She needs one hour of activity daily, off-leash running. And this is the minimum.

• Without activity, she falls into stress, behavioral and health problems develop.

• They love people and do not like to be alone, especially for a long time. They are smart and can find entertainment while you are away. And you won't like it.

• They bark quite a lot. They are distrustful of strangers and can be good guard dogs. However, they lack aggressiveness.

• Bitches tend to be very protective of their puppies and generally more dominant.

• They love children, but puppies are extremely active and can inadvertently knock down small children.

• This is an excellent hunting dog capable of being versatile.

History of the breed

The kurtshaar comes from ancient breeds of dogs and differs significantly from them. The ancestors of the breed were hunting dogs of the German and Austrian nobility and there is practically no information about them.

As a result, little is known about the origin of Pointers, more theory. The only facts are that they originated in what is now Germany and were first standardized sometime between 1860 and 1870.

Before the advent of firearms, European hunting dogs were divided into three types. Pickling or greyhound dogs hunted in a pack mainly for big game: wolves, wild boars, deer.

Their task was to pursue the beast and either keep it until the hunters arrived, or they hunted it down on their own.

The hounds pursued not so large, but fast prey: hares, rabbits. They were tireless and had a good sense of smell. The cops were used to hunt birds, as they do today.

The task of the cop was to find the bird, after which it lay down in front of it, and the hunter covered the bird with a net. It was from the habit of lying down that the name came - the cop.

One of the breeds that specialized in the extraction of birds from dense thickets was the Spanish Pointer. Little is known about this breed, only that they hunted birds and small animals with them. It is believed that they appeared in Spain, probably from local cops and spaniels, but there is no reliable information.

Another breed of pointers were dogs bred in Italy: the Bracco Italiano and the Italian Spinone, which probably appeared with the help of the Spanish Pointer. These breeds were brought to many European countries, and became the ancestors for other hunting dogs. It is believed that the ancestors of the pointer were the Spanish Pointer and Bracco Italiano.

The Spanish Pointer was brought to Germany in the 15th-17th century, where it crossed with local dogs. However, this is nothing more than speculation, as there is no reliable data. Nevertheless, over time, a new breed was formed, now known as the German Bird Dog.

These dogs were not a breed in the modern sense, but rather a group of local dogs used for hunting birds. Unlike English hunters who tried to develop specialized breeds, German hunters strove for versatility. But, as in England of that time, in Germany hunting was the lot of the nobility and nobility.

Over time, changes took place in society and hunting ceased to be the lot of the nobility only, the middle strata also gained access to it. Plus, the spread of firearms has changed the very principles of hunting. The content of large packs is a thing of the past, a city dweller of that time could afford one or two small dogs.

At the same time, he hunted once or twice a month, and in his free time the dog should have been able to perform other functions, or at least be a companion.

From the beginning of the 17th century, English breeders began to keep stud books and standardize local breeds.

One of the first breeds to be standardized was the English Pointer, from a pointer (remember the net) to an elegant gun dog.

German hunters began to import English pointers and use them to improve their dogs. Thanks to them, kurtshaars have become more elegant and faster.

Somewhere from the beginning of the 18th century, German pointers began to be crossed with various wire-haired breeds, which led to the appearance. To distinguish between the two breeds, smooth-coated pointers came to be called kurtshaars.

Over time, the fashion for standardization reached Europe, first in France, and then in various independent German counties and cities. This process was accelerated by the unification of Germany under the leadership of Prussia and the growing nationalism.

In 1860-1870, breeders of kurtshaars began to keep pedigree books of the breed. Thanks to them, she gradually formed into the breed we know. It was first listed by the German Cynological Society in 1872 and has since appeared regularly at shows, but mostly as a service breed.

The English Kennel Club (UKC) registered the Shorthaired Pointer in 1948 as a gun dog. Over time, the German Pointer became more and more popular and by 1970 it was one of the most common hunting dogs in the United States.

By 2010, kurtshaars are ranked 16th in the AKC ranking (out of 167 possible). They are excellent hunting dogs, but are increasingly being kept as companion dogs. The peak of their popularity has passed, as the peak of the popularity of hunting has also passed.

But this is an energetic and active breed that requires regular exercise, and even better hunting, for which it was created. Not every city dweller is able to provide her with the necessary level of activity and loads.

Description of the breed

The German pointer is similar to other pointer breeds, but differs from them in the shortest coat. This is a medium-large dog, males reach 66 cm at the withers, females 60 cm. The standard of the English Kennel Club (UKC) for both males and females is 21-24 inches at the withers (53.34-60.96 cm).

Athletic and graceful, their weight fluctuates slightly. The tail is traditionally docked at about 40% of its natural length, but this is slowly falling out of fashion and is banned in some countries. Natural tail of medium length.

The head and muzzle are common for pointers, since the preponderance in one direction affects the working qualities. The head is in proportion to the body, slightly narrowed. The skull smoothly passes into the muzzle, without a pronounced stop.

The muzzle is long and deep, allowing both to bring a downed bird and to track it effectively by smell.

The nose is large, black or brown, depending on the color of the dog. Hanging ears, medium length. The eyes are medium in size, almond shaped. General impression of the breed: friendliness and intelligence.

The coat of the German shorthaired pointer is, as you might guess, short. But at the same time it is double, with a short and soft undercoat and a slightly longer, harsh, slightly oily topcoat.

It gives the dog protection from bad weather and cold, despite its short length, as the oiliness does not allow it to get wet, and also protects against insects. On the hunt, in motion, the kurtshaar endures frost down to -20C.

The color of the coat is from black to dark brown (English liver), and with spots scattered over the body.

Character

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a hunting gun dog, quite versatile. They love people and are very attached to their family, which they are ready to follow anywhere.

They try to be closer to the owner, which sometimes creates problems. If you leave a shorthaired pointer alone for a long time, then he begins to get bored, becomes depressed and develops destructive behavior or he may howl from longing.

In relation to strangers, they can be different, depending on the character. Properly brought up, they are friendly, although they do not rush to the chest. In any case, they always prefer their circle and family.

Without proper socialization, they can be timid. If a new member appears in the family, then for some time they stay away, but in the end they get used to and become attached to him. They can be good watchmen, as they are sensitive and make noise when strangers approach, but they have little aggression and cannot defend the territory.

Shorthaired Pointers usually get along well with children and form strong friendships. They are ready to endure their rough games, but only if they are familiar with children and grew up together. If the dog is not specialized, then you need to be careful, as children can scare him. In addition, kurtshaar puppies are not the best choice for families with small children.

They are distinguished by activity, irrepressible energy and can knock down a child during games.

Most German Pointers get along well with other animals, including dogs. With proper upbringing, they get along well even with dogs of the same sex. They are not characterized by dominance, aggressiveness and territoriality. However, males may show aggressiveness towards other males, but more of a show of it than a real attack.

Properly educated, kurtshaars are tolerant of other animals. But, it is still a hunting dog and its instinct is strong. It is extremely unwise to leave a dog alone with small animals such as rabbits or rats.

In addition, they can chase cats, and the size and strength quite allow the kurtshaar to kill this cat. Remember that they may not notice your house cats (they are used to them), and chase the neighbors.

Smart and easy to train breed. Most studies on canine intelligence rank the German Pointer as the 15th to 20th smartest dog. Especially noting how quickly puppies learn. They are willing to please and are rarely stubborn.

However, they are slightly more demanding in training than other hunting dogs and the owner should be at the top of their rankings.

The fact is that they get carried away and forget about everything, including the commands of the owner. A shorthaired pointer can smell an interesting smell, pick it up and disappear from sight in the blink of an eye.

At this point, he is completely absorbed in interest and can ignore commands. And if the dog does not consider the owner to be the undisputed leader, then the behavior only worsens.

Any owner will tell you that this is a very energetic dog. Shorthaired pointer can tirelessly follow the trail, loves to play and does it for hours.

The German Pointer has one of the highest activity levels of any dog ​​breed and is second only to some herding breeds.

At least an hour of activity daily, and preferably a few hours - that's what they need. Even a long walk will not satisfy them, as the dog prefers to run. They will be excellent companions for runners, but on condition that they let them off the leash.

It will be difficult to keep a kurtshaar in an apartment. They are designed to live in the yard, and the larger the yard, the better. In winter, they can live in a booth if it is heated. It is extremely important that the owner is able to provide the dog with the necessary exercise.

Without it, the dog will suffer, she has nowhere to put her energy and she will find where to put it. But you won't like it. Given its size and strength, it will not just gnaw your shoes, but gnaw on a table, chair and sofa.

They love to bark by themselves, and without the release of energy they can do it for hours, without stopping. Without proper activity and freedom, the kurtshaar is more likely to develop behavioral, mental, and health problems.

If you are not ready to spend more than an hour a day on intensive walks, you do not have a spacious yard, then you should look at another breed. But, for active people, hunters, marathon runners, bike lovers, this will be an ideal dog.

Remember that these dogs can easily escape from the yard. They have an instinct to explore, a keen sense of smell, and a brain that turns off interesting smells. The German Pointer is able to jump over a fence or undermine it, just to get to the smell.

They are also known for the fact that they develop physically quickly, and mentally - slowly. Puppies grow and gain strength early, sometimes many times faster than other breeds. However, it takes two to three years for the psyche to fully develop.

As a result, you may end up with a fully formed gundog that is still puppy-like in behavior. Keep this in mind and be prepared.

Care

An unpretentious breed in care. No professional grooming, as befits a hunting dog. It is enough to periodically comb out the coat, washing only in case of great need. After hunting, the dog should be checked for injuries, wounds, ticks. Pay special attention to the ears, which, due to their shape, accumulate dirt.

Otherwise, care is the same as for other breeds. The only thing is they are very active and need plenty of water to drink to avoid dehydration.

They shed a lot and if you or family members have allergies, then first communicate closely with adult dogs. To understand how they affect you.

Health

German Pointers are quite healthy, although working lines may be more disease resistant.

The life expectancy of a shorthaired pointer is 12-14 years, which is quite a long time for such a large dog.

A study conducted by the GSPCA found among the leading causes of death: cancer 28%, old age 19%, digestive diseases 6%. Of the diseases, arthritis, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cancer and cardiovascular disease are common. The number of genetic diseases is significantly lower than in other purebred breeds.

Like other large breeds that have a wide chest, kurtshaars are prone to volvulus. This serious condition is treated only by surgery and is caused by many reasons.

But the main thing is plentiful feeding and then the activity of the dog. Try to feed small meals and don't walk your dogs after meals.

Take a look:

The pride of German cynologists is the breed of dogs considered national in Germany, the German shorthaired pointer. An elegant, slender dog with an intelligent, attentive look and short hair, able to stand on game and track down an animal, became popular as early as the middle of the nineteenth century. The long-term work of breeders has led to the fact that the originally massive, rough dog has turned into a lighter one, with a sharpened flair and high running speed of the modern kurtshaar. The breed became very popular in the United States, where by the fifties of the twentieth century there were more than fifteen thousand individuals. Russian breeders and hunters only in recent decades have appreciated the versatility of such a hunter as a shorthaired pointer, the description of the breed and the standard of which were adopted at the beginning of the century.

breed standard

natural stance

The Shorthaired Pointer is a large, high at the withers, slightly elongated and elegant dog. Males are always more courageous and larger than females, the growth at the withers of a male reaches 66 centimeters. The overall appearance of the dog combines a harmonious build without a hint of friability, strength and power with elegance and grace of movement. An active, intelligent, receptive dog is always ready to work, has an upper and lower instinct, a wide search, a firm stance against an animal or a bird, and an innate tendency to retrieve.

The kurtshaar will bring prey from land or water, as a retriever would.

• The body of the shorthaired pointer is strong, with a fairly strong skeleton and thick, tight skin. The neck is moderately long, muscular and strong, with a beautiful nape line. The back is straight, the croup is long, the tail is set high, saber, of medium length or docked.
• The head is beautifully lined, dry, with a long, well-filled muzzle. Jaws strong, scissor bite, teeth large, white. The eyes are dark, of medium size, set obliquely, the look is energetic and good-natured. The ears are hanging, set above the level of the eyes, the ends reach the corner of the lips.
• The coat is hard, short, close-lying, shiny. Color black, coffee, brown with white dots. The kurtshaar dog breed looks very impressive in the ring, thanks to its special color, it is noticeable in the grass in any weather when hunting.
• The limbs of the shorthaired pointer are adapted for long runs after prey, and the webs between the fingers help to swim perfectly. Strong claws, smooth, water-repellent, smooth coat and developed muscles, combined with the dog's light weight, allow it to overcome any obstacles in the process of hunting.

The following are considered faults:

• Aggression.
• Cryptorchidism.
• Eating disorders.
• Depigmentation of lips, nose, eyelids.
• Sunken chest.

Dogs of the Kurzhaar breed whose photos are presented in the gallery are true hunters, true friends and affectionate pets.

Dog breed German shorthaired pointer

Kurzhaar loves freedom

The energy and high mobility of the shorthaired pointer make dogs of this breed indispensable assistants to the hunter. A true hunting breed, combining the best qualities of a pointer and a retriever, the kurtshaar can be an excellent guard, barking warning of the arrival of a stranger. The advantages of dogs of this breed are many, but the main one is the endless devotion and attachment of the dog to one owner. The pet is very worried about separation, can howl or stop eating, behave dull or restless. This must be taken into account when planning a vacation or business trips.

A real hunter, the German shorthaired pointer must be able to make decisions on his own, which is associated with some arrogance of dogs of this breed in everyday life. A pet can ignore the commands of a person whom he does not consider capable of commanding. The owner of the dog must have some experience in keeping hunting dogs and be a real leader.

In addition to outstanding hunting talents, elegant dogs have all the qualities of a great pet, provided that the dog receives high physical activity daily. Among the advantages of the kurtshaar note:

• High mental abilities and desire for learning. The dog loves to learn, so it is a real pleasure.
• Willingness to follow the owner everywhere, to participate in games and walks.
• Friendly attitude towards children and other pets. Dogs of this breed get along well with cats and representatives of decorative breeds of dogs.
• Good health. Dogs of this breed rarely suffer from common to all large breeds, congenital and acquired diseases of the joints.
• Unpretentiousness in care.

Features and difficulties of keeping a kurtshaar

Training is necessary for the kurtshaar

An energetic, active and large dog can bring some surprises to owners who do not have sufficient knowledge to successfully raise a kurtshaar.

• The puppy may be stubborn when following commands.
• A teenager will quickly destroy an apartment if you do not walk him twice a day. Moreover, the walk should be complete, with play and training, with a run.
• Limitation of personal freedom, the desire to achieve unquestioning obedience, are not needed in the upbringing of a kurtshaar. It is possible and necessary to negotiate with these dogs, they have high intelligence and remain puppies in their souls until old age.
• Small children in the family are a reason to postpone the purchase of a puppy of this breed, since the dog, having indefatigable mobility, can accidentally drop or hit the child.
• Shedding is a reason to comb the dog every day, since short and hard hair is very poorly removed from things and home textiles, digging into them like needles. When kurtshaar puppies grow up in the house, buying a special brush and accustoming the dog to regular brushing is not difficult and does not take much time. But the animal always looks great.
• Ears are a weak point in dogs of this breed, they are prone to inflammatory diseases, therefore, increased attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the auricle.
• Emotional lability and excessive attachment to the owner are often the reason for paw licking to the point of sores and ulcers. Increased physical activity and herbal sedatives will help the animal cope with the bad habit.

For an exhibition or working adult dog of the Kurzhaar breed, the price can reach one hundred thousand rubles, a puppy with RKF documents is purchased for about 30 thousand rubles. The reason for such a high cost is in the high working and user qualities of dogs of this breed, in the small distribution of kurtshaars.

A video story about the features of a dog of the kurtshaar breed, about the history of the breed and the structure of the body, makes the nature of dogs of this breed more understandable and close.

German pointers or shorthaired pointers are common dogs in Germany and quite rare in the Russian Federation. Active, positive and absolutely unpretentious, it's amazing how representatives of the breed have not yet become the most popular pets in the world? What is known about these quadrupeds?

Kurzhaars are descended from ancient hunting breeds that were used by the nobility from Germany and Austria. It’s a pity, but there is practically no information about those dogs, so the origin of German points has more of a theoretical basis and indirect facts. But it is reliably known that the breed standard in Germany appeared between the 60th and 70th years of the 19th century.

Before the advent of firearms, there were three types of hunting dogs in Europe:

• Dogs for baiting (greyhounds) were used for chasing and holding large animals.
• A pack of greyhounds, which was released to pursue wolves, deer, etc.
• The hounds were faced with the task of catching up with an animal of small size, but fast, for example, a hare.

They were very hardy and had a subtle flair. With cops they hunted birds, which, in fact, is still being done. The dogs found prey and lay down nearby, and the man threw a net over the bird. Because of this movement - to lie down in front of the prey, and the name of the breeds came - cops.

Among the breeds that extract game birds from the thickets, the Spanish pointer stood out for its working qualities. But very little is known about these dogs - there is an assumption that Spain is considered the birthplace of such dogs, and that their origin is associated with the crossing of Spanish breeds - pointers and spaniels.

There were also Italian breeds, some were called Bracco Italiano, others were called Italian Spinone. In those days, they were common in various European countries and participated in the breeding of many hunting breeds. Researchers believe that the kurtshaar breed came precisely from the Spanish and Bracco Italiano pointers. Pointers appeared in the German lands in the 15th-17th centuries. At the same time, their crossing with local dogs took place. But these are only hypotheses, there is no evidence.

However, the formation of a new breed - the German bird dog took place. Of course, initially it was impossible to call a group of animals that have some common characteristics and used for hunting a breed. It is worth noting that the English hunters had a desire to breed breeds with highly specialized data, while the Germans gravitated towards universal breeds. But there was one similarity - on the territory of both states, hunting was considered exclusively entertainment for the upper strata of society.

However, changes in the social structure have made hunting accessible to the middle strata of the population. And firearms have changed the very principles of hunting. The content of entire packs of dogs has already ceased to be relevant. People living in cities could keep one or two dogs. They didn’t hunt so often at that time - a couple of times a month, so other duties were assigned to the dogs.

Since the beginning of the 17th century in England, the standardization of local breeds and the maintenance of stud books began. Among the first dogs to undergo this procedure were those who underwent some transformation, turning from pointers into gun dogs with an elegant appearance.

Dog breed kurtshaar in the photo

German points began to be crossed with English, and from the beginning of the 18th century with other representatives of wire-haired breeds. Such selection work has made the dogs faster and more graceful. From that moment on, smooth-haired points acquired a separate name - kurtshaars.

In the 60-70s of the 19th century, breeding work began to be documented, and the breed began to finally form. In 1872, the kurtshaars were entered into the registers of the German Kennel Society, and in 1948 the breed was registered with the English Kennel Club. Kurzhaars have become regular exhibitors, but as a service breed.

Dogs very quickly gained worldwide popularity and by the 70s of the 20th century became the most common hunting breed in the United States. Today, their distribution has somewhat decreased, since kurtshaars require sufficient loads, which are not always possible in urban conditions.

kurtshaar dog photo

Representatives of this breed belong to large dogs. The weight of males varies between 25-32 kg, height is 62-66 cm, bitches are slightly less - 21-27 kg with a height of 58-63 cm. The standard describes kurtshaars as follows:

• Head the dog has an elongated, proportional to the body, with a wide skull and a slightly convex forehead. The muzzle is strong, with powerful jaws capable of capturing game and bringing it to the owner. The dentition is complete, the teeth fit snugly together.
• Nose slightly lowered or upturned, there is a small hump. Lobe large, pigmented brown, nostrils wide, well open and mobile.
• Eyes medium, very expressive, with dense eyelids. The iris may be brown or light yellow. There are individuals with bright eyes, which lowers the exhibition rating of the dog.
• auricles have a high setting and always hang down. The neck is proportional, long, with pronounced muscles.
• Dogs have a powerful, square shape frame in which all proportions are met. The abdomen is tucked up, the chest is deep. The back is straight, the loin is wide and slightly arched.
• limbs strong, strong, with well-developed muscles. The front paws have obliquely set shoulder blades, flat against the body. The bones of the shoulders are somewhat elongated. The hind limbs are parallel to each other. The thighs are wide, with dry developed muscles. The fingers of the kurtshaars are tightly compressed, the paws are rounded, less often oval, with strong, dense claws.
• Tail medium, thick at the base, and thinning towards the end. At rest, it is located horizontally or may hang down. While hunting or searching, the tail moves rhythmically. There is a tradition or half.
• Leather in dogs, it fits snugly to the body, so in kurtshaars it does not fold and does not form wrinkles.
• coat in representatives of this breed, it is dense, hard and rough, it feels like a brush to the touch. In the head area, the coat is somewhat softer, shorter and finer.

Colors of kurtshaar

There are several color options for kurtshaars:

Experienced cynologists have an opinion that if a kurtshaar has yellow tan marks, then it will perfectly take a blood trail.

Read also:

Character of kurtshaars

Of course, thanks to the centuries-old hunting history, kurtshaars, first of all, are excellent hunters. But this does not prevent them from being loving, gentle pets. Dogs are loyal, smart, and always eager to please their owner. They are curious and friendly and are good with children.

kurtshaar puppies photo

The innate protective instinct allows the use of kurtshaars as watchmen. Pedigree representatives are very attached to the family, require attention and love to be close to the owners. They do not tolerate loneliness well. Without sufficient socialization, lack of physical activity, dogs can show aggression, be shy or have other behavioral abnormalities.

Like most hunting dogs, the kurtshaar has a tendency to dominate and requires an owner with a strong, strong-willed character. A person must know how to become a leader for a pet and maintain this position. Without this, the dog will very quickly become uncontrollable. Generally speaking, representatives of this breed can be attributed to the dogs of "one owner".

Shorthaired pointers have a very developed intellect and indefatigable energy. These two qualities require that the pet be constantly occupied with something, and it is training that is the best activity for developing qualities and distracting the dog. In addition, it brings pleasure to the animal.

If the dog grows simultaneously with other pets - dogs, cats, then he calmly gets along with them. However, it should be borne in mind that small animals for these dogs with well-developed hunting instincts will always be an object for hunting. Among these breeds, kurtshaars are the noisiest representatives. Teaching your pet when to bark and when not should be taught from an early age.

How to care for and maintain a kurtshaar

As already noted, thoroughbred dogs are unpretentious. In the house they need a place - or a pantry. Walking is required frequent - 3 times a day, at least 40-45 minutes (read about). But the dog should not wander aimlessly, it should be given the opportunity to run. needed every 2-3 weeks.

Kurzhaar photo

There are some nuances in feeding the kurtshaar. The traditional two meals a day is welcome, but all fatty foods should be excluded from the diet. The basis in the menu of the dog should be meat, it can be given both separately and with cereals. If the dog eats, then you can feed him once a day.

The main indicator that the dog receives good nutrition and sufficient physical activity is that the last 3 ribs should appear in the kurtshars. these dogs three times a year. During this period, it is recommended to comb your pet with a special brush during walking. Then, upon returning home, you can walk on the coat with a wet rubber glove.

Photo of kurtshaar

Video about kurtshaar

Price of a kurtshaar puppy

It should be noted right away that the breed is very expensive. Pet-class puppies that do not participate in exhibitions and breeding cost around 15,000-25,000 rubles. It will be an excellent pet without genetic abnormalities and having documents.

30,000-40,000 rubles is a breed-class kurtshaar. Such a pet can produce offspring, but minor flaws will not allow him to receive titles in exhibitions. Although it is quite possible to expose it. The price of a top-class puppy starts around 65,000-70,000 rubles and can be much higher.

It should be noted that in Russia, prices for thoroughbred kurtshaar puppies do not tend to decrease. One of the reasons for this fact is the rarity of the breed.

Shorthaired Pointers are dogs with an elegant appearance, excellent physical characteristics and boundless devotion. But it is worth noting once again that they need regular active walking. These are dogs for active people who have time to raise a four-legged friend.

Pointer kennels

• Moscow and Moscow Region http://www.liberovento.ru
• St. Petersburg http://www.pointing-dogs.ru