Breeds of dogs: Kurzhaar. Shorthair universal - kurtshaar

(German Shorthaired Hound) is a representative of a hunting breed, originally from Germany.

Universal Hunter, capable of hunting various game in various terrain and any weather.

The Shorthaired Pointer is a brave and hardy dog, very smart, quick to learn and quick to make decisions. In addition to the excellent qualities of a hunter, he has watchdog qualities, gets along well in the family, loves children, but only one person can be recognized as the owner.

Shorthaired pointer breed description and FCI standard

Since the shorthaired pointer was bred specifically as a hunting breed, the characteristic is appropriate: short, stiff hair does not cling to branches and bushes, the paws are muscular and strong, thanks to which the dog can overcome a long distance. Harmoniously built, with a powerful and at the same time graceful body.

1. Country of origin: Germany.
2. Usage: general purpose hunting dog.
3. FCI classification: Group 7 Pointing dogs. Section 1 Continental Pointing Dogs, Brakk type. With working tests.
4. GENERAL APPEARANCE: Harmoniously built, noble-looking, strong, hardy and fast dog with a proud posture; contour lines are smooth, dry head, well-set tail, harsh shiny coat, harmonious movements emphasize the nobility of the breed.
5. Important proportions: the length of the body slightly exceeds the height at the withers.



6. Behavior/Character: even-tempered, reliable, reserved, accommodating, never nervous, timid or aggressive.
7. Head: dry, with distinct outlines, neither heavy nor light, in size and massiveness harmonious with the size and sex of the dog.
   1. Skull : Moderately broad, slightly rounded, with a slightly pronounced occiput, the longitudinal groove is not too deep, the superciliary ridges are distinct.
   2. Stop (transition from forehead to muzzle): moderately expressed.
8. Nose: Slightly protruding, nostrils wide, mobile. The color of the nose is brown, in black or black-roan dogs it is black. With a basic white color, a flesh or spotted nose is acceptable.
9. Muzzle: Long, broad, deep, strong, allowing proper handling of game. The kurtshaar is characterized by a slight hunchback, in males it is more pronounced. A straight bridge of the nose is acceptable. A concave back of the nose is a defect.
10. Lips: Close fitting, not too pendulous, well pigmented. The edge of the lip is almost sheer in front, the further contour is distinguished by a smooth bend up to a moderately pronounced corner of the mouth.



11. Jaws/Teeth: Teeth white, healthy, set vertically in the jaw, jaws strong, regular scissor bite. The incisors of the upper and lower rows are tightly closed. Complete dentition formula 42 strong teeth.
12. Cheeks: Strong, well muscled.
13. Eyes: Medium in size, neither protruding nor too deep set. The ideal eye color is dark brown. Eyelids close fitting.
14. Ears: Medium length, set high and wide, flat, hanging without twisting, close fitting to the head, the ends of the ears are bluntly rounded. Not too meaty and not too thin. In length reach the corner of the lips.
15. Neck: in length in harmony with the general appearance, gradually expanding towards the body. Very muscular with a slightly arched nape. The skin on the throat is tight.
16. Topline: Straight, slightly sloping.
17. Withers: Well defined.
18. Back: strong, muscular. The spinous processes of the vertebrae must be hidden by the musculature.
19. Loins: Short, broad, muscular, straight or slightly arched, forming a solid line with the back.
20. Croup: Broad, fairly long, not sloping, slightly sloping towards the tail, muscular.
21. Chest: More developed in depth than in breadth, with a well developed forechest, with the sternum as long as possible. The sternum and elbow joint are at the same level. Ribs sprung, neither flat nor barrel-shaped. False ribs of good length.
22. Underline : With an elegant curve towards a slightly tucked-up belly.
23. Tail: Set on high, thick at the base, tapering to a tip, of medium length. For use in hunting, half docked. Hanging when at rest, carried horizontally when moving, never raised above the level of the back and not strongly arched. (In countries where docking is prohibited by law, the tail remains natural, reaching to the hock, straight or slightly saber-shaped).



24. Forelimbs: Seen from the front, straight and parallel; seen from the side, well placed under the body.
    1. Shoulders: Obliquely set, well fitting to the chest, muscular. The scapula and shoulder form a well-defined angle of the shoulder-scapular joint.
    2. Shoulders : Long, muscular, dry.
    3. Elbows: Close to the body, but not too close, turned neither in nor out, deep under the body.
    4. Forearms : Straight, well muscled. The skeleton is strong, but not coarse.
    5. Wrist joints: strong.
    6. Pasterns : with a minimally pronounced angle between the forearms and pasterns, but never set vertically.
25. Forefeet: Round to oval in shape, well arched, toes tightly attached. Claws are strong. Paw pads are rough, strong. Parallel set, turning neither in nor out in stance and movement.
26. Hind limbs: Seen from behind, straight and parallel. The articulation angles of the knee and hock joints are well defined. The skeleton is strong.
    1. Thighs: Long, wide, muscular. The angle of the hip joint is well defined.
    2. knee joints
    3. Lower legs : Long, muscular, with clearly visible tendons.
    4. hocks: strong, with a well-defined angle.
    5. Metatarsus: strong, vertically set.
    6. Hind feet: Round to oval in shape, arched, toes tightly attached. Claws are strong. Paw pads are rough, strong. Parallel set, turning neither in nor out in stance and movement.
27. Gait/Movement: sweeping, with a strong drive from the hindquarters and a good reach of the forelegs. The movements of the fore and hind limbs are straight and parallel. Proud posture. Ambling is undesirable.
28. Skin: Close-fitting, without folds.
29. Coat: the coat is short, dense, coarse and hard. Thinner and shorter on the head and ears, slightly longer on the underside of the tail.
30. Gurzhaar Height/Weight:
    1. Height at the withers: males 62 - 66 cm; females 58 - 63 cm
    2. Weight: males 25-32 kg; females 20-27 kg



31. Disadvantages / Defects: any deviation from the above is considered a fault/defect and is judged in proportion to its severity and the impact on the dog's health and well-being.
    1. Behavioral defects, insufficiently expressed sexual type
    2. Too short muzzle
    3. Too thick or too thin lips
    4. Absence of no more than 2 teeth out of four P1 and two M3
    5. Too light eyes, light yellow eyes of a "bird of prey"
    6. Ears are excessively long or short, heavy, narrowly set or curled
    7. suspension
    8. Slight humping of the back
    9. short croup
    10. Excessively deep chest
    11. Tail with a strong curvature or carried well above the level of the topline
    12. Elbows turned in or out, clubfoot or splay, narrow or wide set of forelimbs
    13. Straight back
    14. Slightly barrel-shaped or cow-like set of hind limbs, narrow set of metatarsus.
32. Serious deficiencies / vices:
    1. Clumsiness, friability, coarseness of addition
    2. Excessive transition from forehead to muzzle
    3. Flesh or spotted nose, except for dogs with a basic white color
    4. Pointed muzzle, concave nasal bridge
    5. Level bite or partly level bite (in dogs older than 4 years (so-called age level bite) does not affect the score if the German Pointer Club confirms the fact that the dog had a correct bite at the previous show)
    6. Humpback or slightly sagging back
    7. Small chest, poorly developed forechest, flat or barrel-shaped ribs
    8. Elbows distinctly turned in or out
    9. Weak, sagging pasterns
    10. Completely sheer pasterns
    11. Significantly pronounced cow or barrel stance of the hindquarters, both in motion and in the stance
    12. high-ass
    13. flat paws
    14. Loose paws
    15. Clumsy movements
    16. Deviations of more than 2 cm from the established height at the withers.
33. Disqualifying vices:
    1. Aggressiveness or excessive cowardice
    2. Marked physical or behavioral abnormalities
    3. Explicit violations of sexual dimorphism
    4. Absence of more than 2 teeth out of four P1 and two M3
    5. Absence of at least one tooth, except for P1 and M3. Teeth that are not visible are considered missing unless the German Pointer Club confirms their presence at a previous show or trial.
    6. Overshot, undershot, jaw misalignment, all possible combinations
    7. Extra teeth that extend beyond the dentition
    8. Cleft palate or cleft lip
    9. Droopy eyelids, ectropion, entropion, double row of eyelashes
    10. Sagging back, spinal deformity
    11. Any deformity of the chest, such as a short sternum that forms a sharp tuck into the abdomen
    12. Dewclaws with or without phalanges
    13. Weak temperament.

Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with breed-specific characteristics, may be used for breeding.

Note: Males must have two normally developed testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

German cops are long-lived, about 12-14 years old, but with proper care and regular veterinary examinations, they can live longer.

• Solid brown, no markings.
• Brown with small white markings or speckling on the chest or legs.
• Dark brown roan with brown head, brown spots or speckling. The main color of such a dog, not brown with white and not white with brown - the coat is characterized by a uniform and intense mixture of brown and white hair, resulting in a dog color that is valuable for use in hunting, it is not conspicuous. On the inside of the hind legs and at the tip of the tail, the color is most often lighter.
• Light brown roan with brown head, brown spots, specks or no spots. With this color, brown hair is less, white hair predominates. White with brown markings on the head, with brown spots or specks.
• Black color with the same shades as brown or brown-roan.
• Tan and tan markings allowed.
• A white blaze, small spots and specks on the lips are allowed.

  The character of the shorthaired pointer

  By nature, not only an excellent hunter, but also a loving member of the family. The German Pointer is a smart and gentle dog that will constantly strive to please its owner. These are very friendly creatures, getting along well with older children.

  The shorthaired pointer has protective qualities, it makes an excellent watchman and defender. She loves to spend time with her family and needs attention.

  Representatives of this breed tend to dominate, so a strong-willed and strong person must become the owner, and establish his leadership. If the owner fails to establish leadership, then the dog can get out of control and become uncontrollable.

  

  Photo kurtshaar in search of prey

  The German Pointer is highly intelligent, and with a combination of energy and intelligence, this dog needs constant mental and physical work. Training a shorthaired pointer, even the standard commands (sit, beside, lie down, etc.) is an incredible pleasure. If, from puppyhood, the pointer grows up with others (dogs and cats), in adulthood it will be nice to get along with other people's dogs.

  If you want to buy a puppy, remember that this is a hunting dog, and it is better to protect it from small pets, otherwise it will perceive them as a toy or an object for hunting.

  Gurzhaar care is not difficult at all. The breed is short-haired, seasonal shedding. First of all, it is important to monitor the coat of the cop.

  It is necessary to comb out the coat several times a week, using a special brush and a massage mitt for this. During the molting period, comb the dog more often, this will save you from wool in the apartment.

  Bathing is often not recommended, 1 per month or as it gets dirty, otherwise the coat will lose its natural sheen and oily cover that protects against pollution. Representatives of the breed are excellent swimmers, they love to swim in ponds or rivers. You can not let the dog outside in the winter immediately after bathing, otherwise it may catch a cold. For bathing, special shampoos for this breed are used, or dry cleaning is practiced.

  

  Photo kurtshaar in anticipation

  Pay special attention to the ears - they should always be dry and clean. Any dirt is carefully removed with a cotton swab or a damp cotton pad. Always check your ears after a walk.

  Eyes: Keep an eye on the kurtshaar's eyes, they should be shiny and clean. Sour eyes, wipe with a damp cotton pad dipped in weak tea leaves. With severe souring and profuse tearing, the dog must be shown to the veterinarian.

  The nails are trimmed once a month, with a nail cutter for large breeds, often during long walks they are combed on the asphalt.

  

  In the photo, the kurtshaar is resting on the hunt

  It is better to accustom a dog to hygiene procedures from puppyhood, then the owner will not have problems with caring for the pet, and the dog will enjoy communicating with the owner.

  Ticks and fleas

  The German Hound is a hunting breed, and there is no doubt that the dog, together with the owner, will spend time in nature, run through forests, parks, and bushes. There is a real threat of picking up ticks.

  Walks: shorthaired pointer - needs long walks with physical activity. In the absence of proper loads, he will turn into an uncontrollable hyperactive pet that will "smash" your apartment. Therefore, if you are not able to provide the dog with active and long walks, then this breed will not suit you.

  Kurzhaar food

  

  Photo kurtshaar puppy close-up

  The Kurzhaar is a hunting dog, and his diet is slightly different from other breeds. The basis of the diet should be animal protein - boiled or raw meat, cut into small pieces.

  In puppyhood, dairy products play an important role - kefir, eggs, cottage cheese, milk, rich in calcium, for strong bones and teeth. However, by 3 months, the amount of dairy products is reduced. Minced meat is not recommended, as the dog does not chew it and as a result, the minced meat is not digested.

  It is important to include cartilage and offal in the diet, especially during the period of changing teeth. The diet of the kurtshaar must necessarily include cereals cooked in broth without adding salt. For a puppy, all cereals are useful, with the exception of pearl barley and potatoes. Be sure to add a source of fiber to the porridge - carrots, zucchini, pumpkin and other vegetables.

  The cop should not be overfed, the optimal weight is in the range of 27-32 kg.

  A kurtshaar puppy is fed up to 5 times a day in small portions, from 6 months the number of feedings is reduced - three times a day. If the puppy has not eaten the food, then the bowl is removed and the next time the portion size is reduced. If, on the contrary, the puppy licks the bowl for a long time, it means that he did not have enough portions and the next time the volume increases. Proper and healthy kurtshaar nutrition, selected taking into account the characteristics, is the key to the health of your pet.

  Kurzhaar training

  

  In the photo, a kurtshaar near prey

  According to most dog breeders, it is necessary to start training from an early puppy age. However, one should not hurry with the kurtshaar. You will have to be patient before the dog learns the commands.

  In puppyhood, it is better to give your pet more attention and care in order to establish full contact and establish a strong bond. The training of a German pointer implies comprehensive training, that is, "all at once." Otherwise, the dog forgets the commands learned in the last lesson.

  The main principle of kurtshaar training is from simple to complex, and from easy to difficult. During training, it is necessary to give commands based on previously learned ones. It is recommended to train twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. It is important to teach the dog to follow commands regardless of the situation - both in the apartment and on the street.

  The main thing to remember is that the kurtshaar remains a puppy in his soul until old age, so you don’t need to force him to unquestioningly follow all the commands, don’t limit his freedom.

  Shorthair disease

  • Otitis externa
  • Epilepsy
  • Von Willebrand disease (an inherited blood disorder in dogs)
  • Entropion (inversion of the eyelid)
  • Melanoma
  • Cataract
  • Piroplasmosis, babesiosis (a serious disease transmitted by a tick bite).
    Signs: high temperature, the dog refuses to eat, by destroying red blood cells, the ability becomes red-brown.
  • Licked granuloma, polysucha

  The dog licks itself strongly in some place, usually above the paw, to such an extent that a bald spot appears. The skin becomes inflamed and ulcers appear. The cause is severe itching caused by an allergic reaction, or a local bacterial infection.

  There is an opinion that dogs lick themselves out of boredom.

  The treatment uses an Elizabethan collar. Calendula ointment, tea lotion will help relieve itching. In any case, be sure to contact your veterinarian.

  • Hypothyroidism (acquired or congenital (iodine deficiency) metabolic disease, develops as a result of an insufficient amount or impaired utilization of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland)

Photo of kurtshaar

One look at the fit and athletic shorthaired pointer is enough to fall in love with this breed. Strictly speaking, it belongs to the cops, but, unlike many other hunting ones, it is suitable for almost any service, so it can be said with confidence that this is a universal companion for its owner.

Kurzhaar breed

It should be noted right away that in the cynological world there are three official breed standards for the German shorthaired pointer:

1. In South America and Europe (except Great Britain) the FCI standard developed by German breeders is accepted;
2. The United States of America, Canada and the states of Central America use the American breed standard;
3. Finally, in the UK, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and New Zealand, there is a third, English version of the standard.

The differences between these approaches for an ordinary animal lover may seem insignificant, since they are the same for most parameters, nevertheless, the future breeder should be aware of the fact that there are some discrepancies. When describing the breed, possible shortcomings and other characteristics of the shorthaired pointer, we will proceed from the German standard adopted in our country.

Description and photo

Country of origin: Germany

Class: german shorthaired hound

Usage: hunting dog

Height at withers: males - from 58 to 66 cm, females - from 58 to 64 cm
The weight: males - from 25 to 32 kg, females - from 20 to 27 kg

Wool: short, thick, hard, shiny and dense.

Colors: black and white, brown, brown and white, gray coffee, brown and piebald, brown and roan.

Lifespan: 12–15 years old

The Shorthaired Pointer is a very beautiful and harmoniously built lean dog, athletic, but not massive, but light and graceful. No folds or wrinkles on the body are allowed.
The head is proportional, the forehead is wide and rounded, the muzzle is long, slightly elongated, allowing you to keep the game on weight. Jaws powerful, scissor bite, teeth strong and white.

The nose is brown, may be slightly lowered or upturned, the nostrils are wide and mobile. The eyes are brown, may be darker or lighter, set obliquely, small but very expressive. Ears hanging, set high. In the state extended to the side of the muzzle, the corners of the mouth should reach.

The body is strong and proportional, the stomach is tucked up. The back is straight, the loin is wide, slightly arched. The neck is strong, of medium length, widening towards the shoulders.
The legs are strong and athletic. The shoulder blades on the forelimbs are set obliquely, tightly pressed against the body, the hind limbs are strictly parallel to each other. The fingers are round or oval with strong claws, tightly compressed together.

The tail is medium, at the tip is much thinner than at the base. At rest, it hangs or stands horizontally, while hunting it is mobile. According to the exterior, it should be docked by half or a third.

The coat is short, close to the body, 1.5-2 cm long, very hard. On the head and ears - shorter (up to 1 cm) and softer, on the legs - also shorter, but, on the contrary, harder. The colors of "kurtschs" can be of various options:

• smooth brown;
• the main one is brown, with the presence of white or mottled areas on the paws and the front of the body;
• brown-white (or white-brown), the two colors blending into a characteristic brown-speckled or spotted pattern, allowing the dog to remain unobtrusive to game while hunting. The head in this case is completely brown, and the tip of the tail and hind legs on the inside are slightly lighter than the main tone;
• lighter brown-mottled - a variation of the previous color with a predominance of white over brown;
• the main one is white, there are brown marks on the head, the same spots or specks on the body;
• the main one is black with the variants of spots and mottling described above.

Character features

According to the standard, the shorthaired pointer is a balanced dog, bold and in no way aggressive. It is important to understand here that for breeds that were bred for certain purposes, character requirements are no less important part of the standard than external data.

Kurzhaar, as we already know, - cop dog.

Did you know? cops-these are dogs designed for hunting with a gun, usually birds and usually in open areas (unlike hounds, whose element-forest). It is very important for such an animal to instill in a hereditary way the ability, having found a game, to make a stand in front of it and freeze in this state.

Obviously, a dog intended for such hunting must be:

• strong and hardy (although the cops need these qualities less than the hounds, because they are not required to bring the game to the hunter and pursue it for a long time);
• fast, athletic and energetic;
• devoted, obedient and disciplined;
• smart and dedicated.

Thanks to this feature, kurtshaars have long ceased to be exclusively hunting dogs: they do an excellent job with any service.

Did you know? The German pointer is one of the top ten police dogs, and in Iraq, German pointers were used by sappers to search for mines. There are also cases of using these universal animals in sports and even as sled dogs!

However, the above features of the Kurzha character, which under ideal conditions are the advantages of the breed, can create serious problems for an inept and illiterate owner, turning into shortcomings.

So, before you get a shorthaired pointer puppy, think about what this dog is:

• very active and emotional: regardless of the weather on the street and your mood, this animal must be given an outlet for energy, play active games with it, run, etc., otherwise the animal will realize all the unspent forces inside the apartment, and you are unlikely to like the results of such activity. In addition, people with small children in the family should be treated with caution: kurtshaars are not aggressive, but in a fit of excitement they can knock the baby down, involuntarily causing him pain or even injuring him;
• quite vociferous, loudly and noisily reacts to any event(the arrival of a stranger, unexpected noise, etc.), so the animal must be taught from childhood to “keep itself in its paws” and refrain from barking at every opportunity. However, if you want to have a home watchman, these qualities of a curtskha, on the contrary, can be very useful to you;
• can't stand loneliness: such a dog should not be left locked in the apartment for a long time, the animal will suffer, and at the same time ruin the furniture and torment the neighbors with its howl;
• hard to get used to the new owner: unlike, say, a husky, which almost does not care who takes care of it, it is undesirable to leave a kurtshaar with strangers for a long time - the animal will suffer from this;
• prone to dominance. Any pet at some point tries to determine who is the boss in the house, but this quality is especially characteristic of the German cop. Such a breed is not suitable for weak-willed people, because, having felt uncertainty in the owner, the dog risks becoming uncontrollable.

History of the breed

People have used dogs for hunting since ancient times. It is believed that the ancestors of the German shorthaired pointer (most likely, they were pachons - ancient Iberian dogs) first came to Spain, France, Italy and Belgium, and then to Germany from the Mediterranean countries, where they were used to hunt game birds.
The Germans added aboriginal blood to imported dogs, crossing them with Hanoverian hounds. In addition, Spanish dogs of the Perdigero Burgos breed, also brought to Germany, played an important role in the formation of the future Pointer.

As a result of the mixing of these three breeds, the Old German Württemberg Hound was eventually formed.

In the middle of the 18th century, when they began to kill game with guns, people came up with the idea that it would be very convenient to use a dog to scare a bird “under the gun”.

The German cops coped with the task in the best possible way. However, in order to give the Old German breed more elegance, they began to mix Pointer blood with it, as a result, by the second half of the 19th century, the first shorthaired pointers appeared.

The genealogical (in modern terms, tribal) book of the breed was opened in 1872. The standard was written from a dog named Hector. He had a spotted color on the basis of white, and the height at the withers was no less than 67 cm.
The new breed almost immediately gained immense popularity in Europe, and already in 1879 a single breed standard appeared (at the international level, however, it was fixed only in 1912).

German pointers are so fond of the Americans that since the beginning of the twentieth century, the United States can be considered their second home. The first Kurzh was imported to America from Austria by a certain Charles Thorton in 1925, and thirty years later the number of dogs of this breed in the States exceeded fifteen thousand!

Did you know? Pointer and Spaniel hunting traits are ideally combined in the pointer. These dogs are equally good at bringing game both from land and from water, they can “work” both on feathered and four-legged game, and even large ones. At the same time, they are excellent watchmen, which cannot be said about pointers or setters. And they don’t have an unpleasant “dog” smell at all (except right after bathing, until the coat is dry).

In the Soviet Union, until the end of World War II, practically nothing was known about kurtshaars, and when these animals came to the Land of the Soviets, due to the ignorance of experts and breeders, so many mistakes began to be made in their breeding that the so-called “improved” variations began to appear. breeds that, in fact, absolutely do not correspond to the international standard either in external data or in temperament.
Only by the 70s of the last century did domestic cynologists “take up their minds”, although to this day many domestic pointers are not such from a generally accepted European point of view and are not at all suitable for breeding work.

Selection and cost of a puppy

Kurzhaar- not the breed that can be purchased at the bird market or from the subway. However, supporters of this approach to buying animals should understand that there can be no talk of any purebred in this case.

There are two equally acceptable places where you can buy a purebred dog - in an officially registered kennel or from professional breeders.
In both cases, it is best to go personally for a small kurtshaar:

Firstly, so you can make sure that the dogs are provided with normal conditions and proper care, that animals are treated as pets, and not as living goods; Secondly, it is useful to see the parents of your future "child" and compare their external data with the approved description of the breed; finally, third, it is very important to choose your puppy, for this a person and an animal sometimes just look into each other's eyes.

You can, of course, order a puppy via the Internet, guided by the photos posted by the owners, but given that you get the animal for many years and pay a lot of money for it, this option is still very undesirable.
When all issues with the documents are clarified, and organizational issues are settled, it remains to make sure that the animal is healthy both physically and emotionally.

Shorthaired pointer - hyperactive dog, and this quality is not formed with age, it is innate. Therefore, if a puppy lies in a nest and looks at the world with indifferent eyes, it’s definitely not all right with him.

The “correct” kurch will definitely try to get to know a new person, show him his voice, perhaps try to bite, but he won’t remain indifferent for sure. Pick up something resonant (for example, a bunch of keys) and throw it at the feet of your favorite.
The “correct” reaction is to jump aside for the first minute, but then curiosity should overcome fear, and the puppy will definitely come carefully to understand the cause of anxiety.

If you have not yet made your choice, feel free to take the baby who came up to the unfamiliar "terrible" object first.

And, of course, another essential condition is the price. Fortunately, kurtshaars have not yet gained well-deserved popularity in our country, and therefore a quite worthy puppy can be purchased relatively inexpensively.

The cost of such an animal ranges from 200-800 USD, and the rule "the more expensive - the better" in this case does not always work.
Of course, purity of blood, origin, parent titles and other completely objective things are involved in pricing, but, alas, no one has canceled human greed either.

Conditions for kurtshaar

The ideal conditions for a German Pointer are, of course, a country house. For all its versatility, initially the dog is still a hunter, and the opportunity to run freely in the open air, communicating with numerous living creatures - domestic and wild, is extremely necessary for such an animal.

Important! Kurzhaars are exceptionally jumpy, therefore, when keeping such dogs in a country house with the possibility of free-range in the yard, you should take care of a sufficiently high fence: a low fence for such an animal is not a hindrance, it can easily be overcome if your pet decides to chase after some some bird or other randomly turned up prey.

However, Kurzhov can also be kept in a city apartment, if the owner is ready to devote enough time to his pet, provide him with a full range and a field for hyperactivity.
For all their unpretentiousness, pointers are quite large animals and at the same time are not herbivores at all.

In order to feed such an animal (meaning not just not to let it die of hunger, but to provide a balanced and nutritious diet), a certain level of financial prosperity is required. It is worth thinking about this before you buy into the relatively low cost of puppies and bring such an inhabitant into the house.

How to care for a pet

Service dogs, unlike decorative ones, as a rule, do not need special care, and the German pointer is no exception. But some attention to the health and hygiene of your pet is still necessary.

Wool

Despite the fact that the dog is short-haired, you still have to follow his coat.

Important! One of the shortcomings of the shorthaired pointer breed-prone to shedding, so before you get a puppy, make sure that no one in the household suffers from an allergy to dog hair.

In order for your pet's coat to have a shiny and well-groomed appearance that meets the standard, you need to comb it almost every day (and during the molting period and before exhibitions - with a vengeance).
For these purposes, special mittens or brushes are suitable, which are sold in abundance in zoological stores.

Ears, eyes, teeth, claws

Ears are another "sore spot" of a dog.

Important! All dog breeds with drop ears require especially careful care of this organ: since the amount of air entering the ears is naturally limited, the conditions for the reproduction of microbes are more favorable.

In order to prevent dirt accumulating in the ears, it should be carefully removed with a hygienic stick, a clean napkin or a cotton pad.

Discharge from the eyes - in general, an abnormal phenomenon. If they appear sporadically, it is enough just to carefully remove them with a clean cloth, but in the case of a regular manifestation of such a disaster, as well as if the eyes are watery, swollen or reddened, the animal must be shown to the veterinarian.
Usually kept in modern apartments, dogs do not grind their claws naturally, as a result, the animal may begin to experience problems that, in advanced cases, even lead to lameness. Therefore, the nails need to be trimmed as they grow.

Get special tweezers for this, corresponding to the size of the pointer's claws, look carefully at how the specialist performs the procedure, and do not forget to give your pet a pedicure.

Features of dental care depend on what the dog eats. Dogs fed dry food are less likely to develop tartar.
If you feed your pet natural food, he needs to brush his teeth regularly. For this, both a special dog brush and an ordinary human brush are suitable. If deposits appear, you should contact your veterinarian for their timely removal. The procedure is unpleasant, but necessary.

Important! Ears, eyes and teeth of the dog should be examined at least once a week!

Bathing

Experienced dog breeders know that for the vast majority of dogs, frequent bathing is highly undesirable. In fact, ideally, they should not be bathed at all, but if the animal is too dirty or is going to be exhibited, one cannot do without taking a bath.
Use special shampoos that are suitable for your pet according to the type of coat.

But what kind of bathing is definitely useful for a cop - this is an open reservoir. Kurzhaars are excellent swimmers and simply adore water. In addition, swimming is a great way to release the fountaining energy of this active animal.

Did you know? Because swimming for the kurtshaar- part of the "professional activity", the coat of these dogs has the property of repelling water. Thanks to this quality, the animal can stay in cold water for a long time without any particular health risk without hypothermia.

Loads and walks

If it is not possible to get out to the beach with your pet regularly, then daily walks for the kurtsha are simply necessary. And a short run around the house on a leash - not your choice.
Even at the stage of buying a puppy, look around and think about where your pet can run enough, throw out his emotions and realize (at least somehow!) hunting instincts. The more the animal gets tired on a walk, the calmer and more balanced it will behave at home!

Important! Any attempts to treat domestic animals as an object for hunting should be strictly suppressed from childhood. You get a hunting dog with the right instincts. If there are no guns and ducks in her life, it is the task of the owner- redirect the pet's interest in a different direction in advance. If you do not want your pet to chase all the yard cats, explain to him the "rules".

In the house, you also need to try to distract your pet from damaging furniture and your wife's favorite boots.
Make sure your dog has a variety of rubber toys, special bones and other items designed to be chewed on, and do not forget to regularly update the appropriate arsenal.

Features of the diet

In the figurative expression of the French, we - it's what we eat. This formula also applies to the dog in full. One glance at the animal is enough to understand whether its diet is properly balanced.
So if you want to have a kurtshaar with iridescent hair and flexing muscles, food from your table and empty porridges will not work.

An adult dog should eat two, maximum - three times a day, preferably at the same time. Puppies should be fed more often - five to seven times a day, depending on age.

If you decide to feed your dog natural food, then the main component of the food, of course, should be meat. It accounts for about half of the dog's menu, because it is protein food that is the main source of energy for your fidget. Meat should be understood as beef, poultry, rabbit, as well as offal, but in no case sausages or sausages. Meat can be given raw or boiled, it is better to boil offal. Once a week it is useful to pamper a dog with boiled fish, but not oily and without bones (river fish is not suitable for a dog's table).

Second half feed - these are vegetables, fruits, cereals, eggs and dairy products.

From vegetables, zucchini, carrots, beets, sweet peppers, pumpkins are suitable. Many dogs enjoy eating tomatoes and cabbage. fresh greens - also an excellent source of vitamins in dog food. All this vinaigrette can be given both boiled and raw, chopped and mixed with meat.

Important! You can not feed dogs with potatoes, pasta, radishes, peas! Any sweets are also prohibited.

Eggs and dairy products (low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, kefir and even milk, if the dog reacts normally to it) are added to the food every 2-3 days to supply the animal's body with calcium, phosphorus and other minerals.
From cereals, buckwheat, rice, semolina, oatmeal are suitable.

For "dessert", treat your pet to some seasonal berry or fruit. Perhaps he will not refuse a piece of melon or watermelon, as well as plums, apricots, raspberries or strawberries (of course, the bones, if any, must first be removed).

And, of course, don't forget the water. It should always be available, clean and fresh.

What can you teach a breed

german pointer - universal service dog. His training consists of two stages: first, the puppy is taught to certain commands (this can be done at home), and then they are trained, already in the field.
It is in the process of coaching that the acquired skills are consolidated and the instincts laid down by nature are revealed.

Important! When purchasing a dog "for work", think over the choice of a nickname in advance. The louder and shorter it is, the easier it will be for you to call your pet, and for him- accept your call. The names of purebred dogs are often long and complex, which is associated with certain rules for their formation. But for everyday use, it is better to choose an abbreviated and easy to pronounce version, for example, Benjamin- Ben, Diana- Dana or Dee, etc.

It is also important to understand that, regardless of whether you are going to hunt with your pet or go to work with him, the dog must learn certain universal rules of behavior in any case.
In particular, the animal must respond to the call, clearly understand the prohibitions, not pester strangers and, moreover, not show aggression towards them, not bark in situations where, from your point of view, this is inappropriate, etc. Such a training course, in principle, can be organized for the pet on your own, while showing patience and consistency.

Important! The dog must master the basic bookmarks during the first year of life. At a more mature age, it is mainly the consolidation of the “learned material” that takes place.

Professional education - somewhat different task. It is best to contact a professional trainer for this purpose. With the right approach, by two years the German pointer should be a full-fledged hunter, and by three - real pro.

In particular, a hunting dog must be able to:

• do not respond to external stimuli, remaining in place no matter what;
• to be near the owner, regardless of the presence or absence of a leash;
• quickly and clearly execute the commands: “to me”, “forward”, “lie down” and “sit”, and the last two - as much as the owner needs;
• upon a prohibition command, immediately stop the unlawful behavior;
• understand not only the voice, but also the gestures of the owner (when hunting, this is sometimes simply necessary).

Diseases and vaccinations

Like any breed, German cops have "professional" diseases, or rather diseases that are more characteristic of them than others.

The first is hip dysplasia. - the scourge of all hunting dogs (these breeds are generally characterized by problems with the motor apparatus).

Another trouble - overweight, obesity. It is difficult to imagine a fat kurtshaar, but if you do not provide him with a field for activity and do not follow a diet, you can even disfigure such a handsome man.
Otherwise, your pet may face the same disorders that are characteristic of other four-legged animals. - problems with the stomach and intestines (bloating, volvulus, diarrhea), ears (otitis media), eyes (cataract, eversion of the eyelids), skin (raw eczema, licked granuloma), thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).

The most important element in the prevention of dangerous diseases of the dog - vaccination. Kurzhaars must be vaccinated against distemper, enteritis, hepatitis and rabies.
Animals receive their first vaccination at two and a half months of age, usually followed by a revaccination (the vaccination calendar should be checked with your veterinary clinic), and throughout the rest of the animal's life should be vaccinated annually.

Kurzhaar - An exceptionally beautiful and even graceful dog, but it is far from suitable for everyone. Before buying such a puppy, think about whether you can provide for this natural hunter such conditions in which his natural vibrant energy and craving for adventure will find a worthy outlet.

If yes - no doubt: in the "face" of the German Shorthaired Pointer you will find a devoted friend and an excellent companion.

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 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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Shorthaired Pointers are a versatile hunting dog breed. But at the same time, they can be worthy companions of physically active people: the animal will accompany its owner with great pleasure during a daily long morning jog or bike ride.

It took several centuries to form the breed as we see it today. Germany is considered the birthplace of Kurzhaars, but the true history of the origin of the breed is not known.

German cynologists claim that the ancestors of Kurzhaars are short-haired continental cops who have always lived in Germany. But there is plenty of evidence that the version is wrong. The first cops were brought to the territory of the German state only during the Thirty Years' War (this is the 15th century). The dogs successfully crossed with local Hanoverian hounds. It is to them that the Shorthaired Pointers owe their solid color of a beautiful coffee color.

But the Spanish marriages of Perdigero Burgos had a much greater influence on the formation of the breed. They were heavy animals with strong bones and large heads. Dogs were actively crossed, and the result of such selection work was the emergence of a new breed. In the beginning, the dogs were called the Old German Wurtenberg Pointer, and then the Kurzhaar.

The pedigree book of Shorthaired Pointers was opened in 1872. And the first dog recorded in it was Hector: a heavy dog ​​with a large head and long ears.

In 1890, pointer blood was "added" to Kurzhaara, which gave the animal a more elegant appearance, as well as increased the dog's sense of smell and increased speed of movement. The re-mixing of the blood of these breeds was carried out in 1910.

Note! The International Cynological Federation adopted the breed standard only in 1912.

Appearance, breed standard and photos

Outwardly, the Kurzhaar is a dog with a noble appearance. The animal has a strong structure and graceful posture. Gender is visible to the naked eye: females are smaller than males, but dogs do not look frail.

A photo. Pointer dog

Kurzhaar dog in the photo

• females - 20 ... 27 kg, 58 ... 63 cm;
• males - 25 ... 32 kg, 62 ... 66 cm.

breed standard

The accepted breed standard describes the animal as follows:

• Head. The back of the head is pronounced, the forehead is wide. Mimic muscles are well expressed, cheeks are tightened. Nose bridge with a small hump. A concave nose bridge will disqualify a dog.. The lips are fleshy, completely covering the incisors. Pigmentation matches the color of the nose.
• Teeth. Large, even, set tightly, the bite is correct.
• Nose. Square, nostrils open.
• Eyes. Small, almond-shaped, the inner corners are directed towards the back of the nose. The look is smart. Eye color is brown.
• Ears. They are rectangular in shape, set wide and high.
• Body. There are no folds on the skin, the chest is medium, not barrel-shaped. The scruff and withers are developed and convex, the back is strong. The loin is moderately pronounced, the croup is sloping.
• Limbs. The forelegs are located under the body, the shoulder blades are well developed. The elbows are laid back and loosely pressed to the chest. During the stance, the hind legs are set aside for the line of the croup. Fingers are collected, fitted.
• Tail. Wide, can be of natural length or docked. Set well, should not have creases, knots. Straight or saber-shaped.

Breeds closely related to kurtshaars

Cynologists consider Kurzhaars, Langkhaars and Drathaars as closely related breeds. The difference between Kurzhaar and Langhaar is quite obvious: dogs of the second breed have long hair.

At the same time, not everyone can distinguish Kurzhaar from Drathaar, but the difference between them, nevertheless, exists:

• Drathaars have a small beard, while Kurzhaars muzzle is covered with short hair.
• The coat of the Drathaar is semi-long.
• Drathaars are distinguished by great aggression, which they show in the heat of excitement. Kurzhaars are more friendly in this regard.
• The height at the withers for both breeds is approximately the same, but visually the Drathaars look somewhat larger.
• The shorthaired pointer is better trained, because he trusts his master in everything and strives to complete all the assigned tasks. Drathaars are more difficult to train.

Hunters claim that there is no particular difference in the working qualities of the breeds. But the choice may be influenced by the region of residence of the owner and the option of keeping the dog. Drathaars, unlike Shorthaired Shorthairs, are more adapted to the cold season.

Coat type and color of kurtshaars

The outer hair is coarse, due to which the coat of the animal is dense. The undercoat is missing. The muzzle and ears have a short coat. The longer coat of the Shorthaired Pointer grows in the area of ​​the riding breeches.

The following colors are accepted as standard:

• Brown. Most preferred. Light and dark markings on the chest and limbs are allowed.
• Intense brown color with solid specks. The most successful color for working dogs. On the head of the dog, a brown tone should prevail.
• Light brown. Dark head with a lot of white on the body.
• White or black tone is the main one. Markings and specks are brown.

Reference. Regardless of the main color, yellowish tan, specks on the lips and a white blaze on the muzzle are allowed.

Dogs of this breed are distinguished by endurance and increased activity, since the original purpose of Kurzhaars is hunting. Dogs can pursue their prey for a long time. The energy of pets requires a constant outlet, so the kurtshaar will be happy to fulfill all commands and take part in all games.

Shorthaired Pointers become attached to family members - they are affectionate and faithful companions. The owner will be betrayed to the last. When bringing a kurtshaar puppy into the house, you need to understand that the dog has a very sociable character and should feel that she is loved.

Dogs can take on the duties of watchdogs, but are not aggressive by nature. They like to bark a lot and loudly, but bite only in exceptional cases. Adult dogs, if properly trained, are very tolerant of small children. For schoolchildren and active teenagers Kurzhaars are the best companions in noisy games.

Kurzhaars treat other dogs equally, but again, it all depends on the upbringing of the dog. True, dog fights cannot be avoided.

Shorthaired pointers are born hunters, and the desire to drive the beast can appear at any time. For this reason, dogs of this breed often chase cats, even those with which they grew up together. And if the cat does not have time to hide somewhere at a height, then the chase may end in the death of the animal.

The dog must be given the opportunity to expend its energy. Otherwise, Kurzhaar will start to get bored and splash out energy, pestering the household.

Caring for a Kurzhaar, like any large dog, will require some effort. In order to avoid difficulties in the future, the puppy must be taught to water and hygiene procedures immediately. The kid should perceive all procedures as something ordinary - he should not worry and worry. For a dog, this should become a familiar ritual.

The main part of the care is cleaning the coat. It is not necessary to bathe the dog too often, but only as it gets dirty. After walking the dog's paws, it is enough to wipe it with a damp cloth. In summer, it is advisable to bathe your pet in an open pond - Shorthaired Pointers love to swim and will be completely delighted.

In addition to keeping the coat clean, the dog's ears need to be cleaned and the eyes wiped. Once a month, the pet will need to cut its nails and comb the coat weekly with a special brush.

Keeping Kurzhaar in the apartment

If the dog is planned to be kept in a city apartment, then you need to immediately make it clear to the puppy who his owner is and whom he should obey. The kid should know such important things as a place to sleep and eat, that you can not jump on the furniture and chase the house cat.

The daily routine of the Kurzhaar should include time for walking, sleeping, playing and training. He cannot be left alone for a long time: the dog will get bored and begin to entertain himself. And such pranks will have a very negative effect on the condition of the furniture. A dog living in a city apartment needs long walks.

Aviary content

The enclosure should be light, dry, clean and spacious. In addition, it must be completely protected from drafts.

In the enclosure there should be a spacious booth where the animal could rest. It is not advisable to keep a dog on a chain in an aviary, because in this case it will not work to raise a devoted friend.

If there is no opportunity to place an aviary, then a good booth can be built for the dog. The house needs to be well insulated and cleaned regularly.

Important! The minimum size of the enclosure is 2 by 3 meters. The base should be metal, and wood should be used to build the floor, walls and ceiling.

Winter maintenance of Kurzhaar

Do not forget that the Kurzhaar is a short-haired dog and cannot live in the cold. In an open, unheated aviary, a dog can be kept only if the air temperature in winter does not fall below -7.

But even if Kurzhaar is kept in an aviary, he must be taken out for a walk every day, allowing him to run and play enough.

Feeding the Kurzhaar

Feeding a puppy and an adult dog has fundamental differences.

puppy feeding

During the first month of life, the puppy should receive mother's milk. If this is not possible, then you can use milk formulas based on cow's or goat's milk. Gradually, dairy products are introduced into the dog's diet - kefir, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese and yogurt.

After the puppy is two months old, the volume of "milk" decreases. Its place is taken by solid products from the category of offal and cartilage.

Chopped meat at this age is not recommended for a dog: the puppy cannot fully chew it yet, and therefore will suffer from indigestion and upset stools.

In the same period of time, the puppy can be given cereals cooked in meat broth. Under the ban are pearl barley, potatoes and salt. The dog also needs to get fiber. It is part of vegetables - zucchini, cabbage, pumpkin and others.

The diet depends on the age of the puppy:

• 1 ... 5 months of life - the puppy should receive food five times a day;
• 6 ... 12 months - three meals a day;
• after 12 months - the dog needs to be fed in the morning and in the evening.

From the puppy's menu, you need to exclude any sweets, pastries, smoked, fried and spicy foods, tubular bones.

Feeding an adult dog

If you plan to feed the dog with natural food, then it is important to follow the recommendations of professional breeders:

• The Shorthaired Pointer should be fed boiled or raw meat daily. This product should be exactly half of the daily diet. The dog can be given chicken, beef, pork, rabbit and offal. Sausages, sausages and smoked meats cannot be given, because. they have a bad effect on the liver of the animal.
• Every day, the pet's menu should also include boiled and fresh vegetables.

One day a week the dog should receive:

• boiled fish (both sea and river varieties are suitable);
• egg;
• milk products;
• fish fat.

Periodically, the pet needs to be fed porridge. It improves the functioning of the dog's intestines.

From the menu of the animal must be completely excluded:

• pasta;
• potato;
• sweets;
• peas.

If the animal is kept outside, then with the onset of cold weather, the dog's diet should be more high-calorie. For this purpose, vegetable or butter should be added to the serving.

Attention. The dog should always have access to clean water. It should be either warm or room temperature. You can't give your dog hot or cold water.

The menu should include:

• boiled udder;
• offal;
• beef tripe.

Also, liquid vitamins A, B and E must be added to the feed. For dogs living in houses, the diet remains unchanged throughout the year.

Training and education of Kurzhaar

Dogs are very obedient and easy to train. Nature rewarded them with high intellectual abilities, a passion for work. This combination, coupled with a human focus, helps to get quick results.

It is very important to establish close friendships with the dog. And this is the very first thing to do when starting to educate Kurzhaar. Dogs of this breed are open to communication, but can close very quickly. This can happen, for example, due to too severe punishment. And then the dog will simply become "blind and deaf."

But this is not a reason to forgive your pet for all his pranks and ugliness. The dog must understand its position on the hierarchical ladder. There should be punishment, but let it be words and intonations. For a smart Shorthaired Pointer, this will be enough.

Physical punishment, while not strong, is allowed only in exceptional cases.. You can't just hit a dog like that!

Hunting with Kurzhaar

Novice hunters very often go with the Kurzhaar only for duck hunting, which reveals the natural potential of the dog by only 10%. Do not forget that the Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile hunting breed that can work on almost any game. The exception is ungulates, but some hunters use the dog in this direction as well.

Shorthaired pointer's work on field, marsh and upland game

The place of hunting becomes a water meadow. The hunter moves in the direction of the wind. A well-trained Shorthaired Pointer moves perpendicular to the movement of the owner, trying to catch the smell of game (works with upper sense).

During the pursuit of a running bird, the dog periodically lowers its head to the ground and sniffs the trail (works with its lower sense). After the dog smells the game, it becomes in a rack. And only at the command of the hunter makes several jumps towards the bird, lifting it on the wing.

After the bird takes off, which allows the hunter to make an aimed shot. Wounded Kurzhaar brings and hands over. This is how the hunt for pheasant, black grouse, quail, capercaillie, woodcock, marsh-meadow game goes.

Waterfowl hunting - ducks

The hunter walks along the shore, the dog enters the water at a distance of a rifle shot. If thickets of reeds come across, then the dog carefully searches them, and swims across the encountered backwaters.

Sensing a bird, Kurzhaar drives it out into the open water or raises it on the wing. The wounded animal seeks and brings, handing over.

Small game hunting - hare, fox, raccoon, fox

Sensing the prone position of the beast, Kurzhaar makes a stance. A running hare will not be pursued for long, turning it on a hunter. If the animal is wounded, then the dog will pick it up and bring it to the owner.

Having found a fox, raccoon or other animal, he will try to crush him.

Blood trail hunting

Before using the Shorthaired Pointer as a bloodhound, the owner must undergo special training with the dog. The dog follows the trail, working with his lower senses. After the dead game is found, the dog will either bark at it or return to the owner with an announcement.

Reference. Announcement is a special diaper that is fastened with a strap to the dog's collar. When the dog discovers the beast, he takes the diaper in his mouth and returns to the owner.

Is it possible to start Kurzhaar for those who do not hunt?

Shorthaired Pointers are one of the best gun dogs made for real work. It is highly discouraged to start this breed as a sofa companion. As a result, everything will end with a destroyed apartment and stress on the animal.

The kurtshaar needs to throw out his hunting instincts and an incredible amount of energy. What can be an alternative to hunting? Here you can recommend racing for a mechanical hare, frisbee, joint skiing and cycling. The dog will be happy to accompany the owner.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Kurzhaar breed

The advantages of the breed include:

• excellent character, which allows the dog to take root perfectly in the family;
• dogs are very good-natured and obedient;
• great hunters.

The only drawback is that the dog will require maximum attention. In addition, the pet needs long and very active walks.

Health and longevity

On average, Kurzhaar lives 12-14 years. Diseases that occur in dogs of this breed are due either to a genetic predisposition or an active lifestyle:

• Volvulus. Acquired condition requiring immediate surgical intervention.
• . The disease can be either congenital or acquired. Treatment depends on the staging: restraint therapy may be used, or joint replacement may be performed.
• Deviations in the work of the thyroid gland. Most often, the disease manifests itself as a lack of hormones.
• Raw eczema. Pathology manifests itself as a constantly weeping wound. The area of ​​inflammation itches, hair falls out. Scraping will help identify the cause. Treatment is prescribed depending on the pathogen.
• Licked granuloma. The dog constantly licks its front paws. The most common reason is boredom. There is no specific treatment. The main recommendation is to provide the pet with constant communication. Medications may be prescribed in case of a secondary bacterial infection.
• Von Willebrand disease. hereditary pathology. Sick dogs are excluded from breeding.
• , inversion \ eversion of the eyelid.
• Epilepsy.

How to choose and where to buy a Kurzhaar puppy

The Kurzhaar puppy should be picked up after he is one month old. At this age, the baby can already eat on its own.

Pointer puppies with a female in the photo

A photo. Pointer puppies

• the presence of a puppy certificate;
• the dog should be outwardly calm, but be active and be able to show aggression, watch him during games: if other kids stick to a calm puppy, then at first he doesn’t react to it at all, but then he fights back and immediately calms down;
• during games, a healthy puppy will not allow himself to be defeated;
• during feeding, he will actively repel the weaker ones, making his way to the mother's nipples;
• The puppy should eat well and have a good stool.

Important. A mentally balanced animal should not be afraid of a stranger, but try to get to know him better.

Given the characteristics of the breed, you need to remember the following:

• a monthly baby will weigh between 3 ... 3.5 kg;
• the current color will change over time - it will become more saturated and contrasting.

You can buy Kurzhaar puppies in the following kennels:

• St. Petersburg, kennel "Gern Gross", http://www.pointing-dogs.ru/;
• St. Petersburg, nursery "Prime Optimus", http://primeoptimus.ru/.

The price for a puppy starts from 500 US dollars.

The kurtshaar dog seems to have been created specifically for those who like to relax in nature or are fond of hunting. The element of the German cop is a forest, a river, a field. An excellent swimmer and a good hunter, the shorthaired pointer will become a companion for walking and hunting. A calm and good-natured dog will be a reliable friend for the whole family and a good nanny for children.

Life in an apartment is not for this breed, since the German Pointer is distinguished by energy, endurance, agility, agility and love of movement.

Kurzhaar: description of the breed, photo

Slim and lean german laika found not only in Germany, it is very popular all over the world. In Russia, the breed became most famous and popular at the end of the 20th century.

With a weight of 27–32 kilograms, the kurtshaara reaches 62–66 centimeters at the withers. Females are slightly smaller than males and are 58–64 centimeters tall. Dog has well developed muscles, strong bones, graceful and light movements. Breed standards include:

The shorthaired shorthaired shorthaired shorthaired pointer can be of the following colors:

• brown and piebald;
• black;
• sand yellow;
• white, with brown spots on the head;
• brown;
• light brown mottled, and completely brown on the head.

The character of the shorthaired pointer

Among the owners of the breed, the indefatigable working capacity, athletic physique, speed, strength and endurance of the German pointer are highly valued. Very energetic the pet, regardless of the weather and place of residence, behaves like a clockwork. If there are no conditions for the release of his energy, he may begin to spoil household items and furniture in the apartment. Therefore, it is necessary to walk with the kurtshaar, forcing him to actively run and play.

Kurzhaar

A good guard dog will never bite without a reason, but he loves to bark very much. This should be taken into account especially if the pet will be used for hunting. From a young age, he must be taught when to speak and when not.

The German Laika wants to be the leader in the pack, so you need to show your leadership right away. Her education is only possible for people with a strong character. Otherwise, you can get an unmanaged pet.

The breed does not tolerate loneliness, and is very fond of communication. It is better not to leave small children with kurtshaar alone, since a restless dog can simply knock a baby down.

Kurzhaar - hunter (photo)

Hardy and strong German Laikas have a good sense of smell, subtle instincts and are always ready to hunt. They can hunt any game and under any conditions. Especially the breed is oriented and feels good in open spaces. But the pet can easily adapt to any conditions, and depending on the type of prey, change the style of hunting.

The long claws of the dog allow it to run quickly even in the mountains, and the webs on its paws and water-repellent wool for a long and fast swim. That is why German huskies are often used when hunting waterfowl.

The hunting stance is in the blood of kurtshaars. At the sight of prey, they soak into it with a look, raise their paw, lower their head and straighten their tail. In this position, the pet will wait for the command of the owner, who must report when it is possible to hit the target. Already a two-month-old puppy stands up in such a stance at the sight of a simple feather.

German husky training

The breed has a developed intellect and is easy to train. But train and Raising a pet should start as early as possible., otherwise you can get an uncontrollable animal, the nature of which will be difficult to correct.

The main principle of training the breed is from easy to difficult. Training must be comprehensive, otherwise the restless pet will forget what happened in the last lesson. That is, each lesson should be based on the basis of previous workouts.

You need to train your dog every day. It is best to do this in the morning and evening, regardless of the conditions and situation. Training can be carried out at any free time both outdoors and indoors. Commands should be spoken calmly, clearly and briefly. To achieve the result, one cannot resort to deception and physical punishment. The puppy should be rewarded with treats.

So that the pet does not get tired, the lessons should not be too long. As soon as the kurtshaar begins to correctly carry out all the commands, he must begin to be taught the rules of behavior on the hunt. In this case, from the owner it will only be necessary to reveal and consolidate the already genetically laid down hunting qualities of the dog. From an early age, a puppy should be banned from hunting pets, otherwise problems will arise at home and on a walk.

Features of keeping a kurtshaar

A small pet in an apartment or house needs to be allocated a place away from doors that open to the street and drafts. Toys must be in his corner from rope rope or rubber.

So that the puppy is not too active in the house, and does not become aggressive, it should be walked at least twice a day. At the same time, he must run and play actively during a walk. The best thing combine walking with exercise, dropping an item and asking the pet to fetch it. A hunting breed will take a stick or a rubber toy for prey and bring it to the owner with pleasure.

Short water-repellent coat does not require special care. You can comb it out only so that the pet does not lose obedience and stance. Shedding in German cops is intense, so the coat during this period should be combed out quite often. The wool of the kurtshaar does not cause allergies and does not stick to fabrics and carpets.

You can bathe the breed no more than once a month or as needed, otherwise the dog's coat will lose its fatty cover that protects against pollution and its luster. Use only special shampoos for washing. Do not take your dog for a walk after bathing, especially in the cold season. She can catch a cold and get sick.

Particular attention should be paid to the ears of the German Hound. They must be clean and dry. Contaminated ears are cleaned with a damp cotton pad or cotton swab.

The pet's eyes should also be clean and shiny. A little sour eyes are treated with a cotton pad soaked in weak tea leaves. If tears come from the eyes, and they are very acidic, the dog should be shown to a specialist.

Once a month kurtshaar with the help of a special nail cutter, claws are trimmed. Dogs that walk for a long time may not need such a procedure, since their claws grind off on the asphalt.

So that the owner does not have problems with the care of the pet, it is necessary to accustom him to hygiene procedures from puppyhood.

Feeding the German Shorthaired Pointer

The diet of a hunting dog is slightly different from that of pets of other breeds. The basis of the diet of the German pointer should be meat cut into small pieces, to which boiled cereals are added, except barley. Be sure to feed the breed with vegetables and fruits, as well as add vitamin and mineral supplements to food.

A small kurtshaar that no longer receives mother's milk needs dairy products in the form of kefir, milk and low-fat cottage cheese. In addition, his diet may include:

• raw yolk;
• boiled and chopped beef without fat or chicken meat.

From six months, the puppy is stopped giving milk, and cottage cheese and kefir are left in the diet.

From the natural products of the German shorthaired pointer, you can not feed:

If the dog's diet will consist of dry food, then the choice it is recommended to stop at quality premium or super premium food specially designed for active dogs. Since the body has different needs at different periods of life, feeds are selected in accordance with the age of the pet.

Feed the dog strictly according to the instructions that are written on the food packaging. It is not recommended to increase the rate on your own, because overfeeding can lead to various diseases and obesity. Until the age of three months, puppies are fed pellets soaked in kefir or water. From the age of five months, for the kurtshaar, they buy puppy food with hard granules, the chewing of which helps to change the pet's teeth.

High-quality dry food already contains all the nutrients your dog needs, so no other foods or supplements are needed.

Choosing a puppy

Already at the age of one month, the puppy is ready to be separated from his mother and settling in a new family. It is at this age that the breed is easier to get used to new living conditions. Designed for hunting the dog must have a pedigree otherwise there is no guarantee of her abilities. Therefore, first of all, you need to pay attention to the achievement of parents.

When choosing a puppy, special attention should be paid to his posture, physique and development of the musculoskeletal system. If you are choosing a dog for the first time, then it is best to seek the help of a specialist in this field, who will examine the puppies and make the right choice.

If you like outdoor activities, then the German Hound with the right upbringing, it will become your devoted friend and partner and your children a wonderful nanny. But if there is no opportunity to engage in active physical activity and often walk with a pet, then before buying an energetic dog, you need to think carefully.