National pride, a lush natural landscape, and abundant game helped the German Shorthaired Pointer rise in popularity. Learn about the breed's history.

Originally bred as hunting companions, pointing breeds excel at tracking upland game for their owners. So which dogs are pointers, and what did they originally do?

Beth Kirven of West Columbia, South Carolina, has always had Sporting dogs — her first dog as an adult was an English Cocker. But once she married and had children, she decided to ditch the grooming and go for some smooth operators: namely, Pointers, acquiring her first from the late Susan Thompson of Solivia Pointers […]

Originally hunting dogs, German Shorthaired Pointers have been an AKC-recognized breed since 1930. In the succeeding decades, the GSP has become known for its energy, athleticism, and noble countenance, as well as its distinctive coat. Just as you would with any pet, research a German Shorthaired Pointer’s needs and characteristics before bringing home a pup. […]

German Shorthaired Pointers are all-round hunting dogs that also make for friendly companions. Learn all about this & more German Shorthaired Pointer facts.

For 15-year-old Allison Chism of Ocala, Florida, there has never been a time that she hasn't been at dog shows. "I've loved being able to grow up and watch my mom, sister, and my grandmother succeed, which has given me the inspiration to follow in their footsteps," she says. Chism officially stepped into the ring […]

German Shorthaired Pointers (GSP) are full of energy, need lots of exercise, and "can be extremely challenging from six months to three years old," according to the AKC breed description. The good news: they're also highly receptive to training and picking up early obedience commands. And that's why learning to train your GSP will be […]

Alexis Chism is a third-generation breeder of Afterhours German Wirehaired Pointers in Reddick, Florida. She has spent her entire young life of 17 years with the breed, attending dog shows with her mother from a very young age.  AKC: How did you get started in breeding dogs? Alexis: My grandparents acquired their first German Wirehaired Pointer after raising Boxers and […]

Give GWPs A Chance A few years ago, Ariel Wolf had hardly even heard of the German Wirehaired Pointer. The Winston-Salem, North Carolina, native was born with a rare connective tissue disorder, resulting in issues with her joints, tendons, and ligaments. Wolf had benefitted from service dogs in the past, and she was seeking a new dog […]

After months of researching to find the right breed. Kristina Tamburr and her boyfriend, from central New Jersey, decided they wanted a dog that was health tested, temperament tested, proven in the field, and proven in the show ring. That's when they decided on the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP). "We were on a waiting list […]

The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer is a dog of moderate strength, working type, but with nobleness in his lines.

The Pudelpointer is a calm, self-controlled, versatile gun dog with a distinct hunting instinct and lacks game or gun shyness. In his native country of Germany, he has always ranked high in performance tests and in the field. This breed is enjoyed and valued for its desire and drive.

The Portuguese Pointer is a very old hunting breed bred to work closely with its handler. They are enthusiastic in their work and very dedicated to their owner.

The Pointer is the ultimate expression of canine power and grace. The breed’s name is its job description: Pointers point game birds, and they have been pointing for centuries. The high-energy Pointer is an excellent runner’s companion.

With his sporty weatherproof coat and can-do attitude, the noble German Wirehaired Pointer is a versatile, sturdy gundog who thrives on outdoor activity. Around the house, the breed is an eager, affectionate, and amusing family companion.

The versatile, medium-sized German Shorthaired Pointer is an enthusiastic gundog of all trades who thrives on vigorous exercise, positive training, and a lot of love. GSP people call their aristocratic companions the “perfect pointer.”

A good way to describe the German Longhaired Pointer is that, in appearance, it’s Continental Europe’s version of a Setter: a pointing dog with full tail and a long coat with dense guard hairs and a moderate undercoat. One noteworthy difference is the GLP’s affection for swimming and, therefore, waterfowl hunting. Coat color reflects the […]

By Lyle Johnson, AKC Executive Field Representative In Pointing Breed Field Trials, the gun dog stake is probably one of the most fun stakes for the judges to choose the winners. While the Open All-Age dog might be the prototypical "big running dog," the Gun Dog should be more in tune with the handler and […]

Luis Neves and Betinho do Choupal -- Our Road to Master Hunter -- July 30, 2012 I was born in Portugal and spent my youth hunting with my father and our dogs. It was there that I developed my life-long love of hunting. I moved to America when I was 18 years old. I continued […]

The Pointer is skilled at hunting birds and has adapted with the centuries. Here are some fascinating facts about this historic breed.