The Kurzhaar (German Shorthaired Pointer, or German Pointer) is a versatile hunting dog capable of hunting on water and on land. Male kurtshaar reach a height of 55-65 cm and weigh 26-35 kilograms. The growth of females can be 52-57 cm, and weight 23-30 kilograms. Animals of this breed are true devoted friends who need a lot of physical activity.
Brief description of the Kurtzhaal breed
Kurzhaar is a universal sports, hunting dog and a good companion. The animal hunts for birds, but it can become an unsurpassed hunter for large animals, even a deer! Hunting instincts do not prevent the dog from being an affectionate and gentle friend. He loves to play with children and be with his family. This dog will always keep company during walks or evening runs. If you are looking for a strong, loyal and gentle friend for the whole family, then the kurtshaar can be an excellent pet that all members of your family will love without exception.
The dog has graceful body proportions, expressive eyes, a sharp mind and a good-natured character. The tail of these dogs is usually docked, leaving approximately 40% of the original tail length. Animals are well trained. It is important to start training and socialization from an early age.
The shorthaired pointer is full of activity and enthusiasm. He loves to be between people, play with children and give all the warmth and attention to family members. If a dog is left alone for a long time, then the animal may show unpleasant character traits. The dog can be nervous, even aggressive, sometimes loneliness disposes the animal to harm the interior items in the house. It is noteworthy that males are more sociable than females, but loneliness is unbearable for a kurtshaar, regardless of its gender.
A dog always tries to please and please its owner, especially if such efforts are rewarded with treats or pet praise.
The Kurzhaar is one of the few hunting breeds that, in addition to their main purpose, perfectly cope with the role of a caring, attentive friend and a full member of the family. Shorthaired pointer easily hunts birds, especially waterfowl, rabbits, raccoons, deer.
basic information
| Breed name: | Kurzhaar |
| Country of origin: | Germany |
| The time of the birth of the breed: | early 19th century |
| Type of: | cops |
| The weight: | 23 - 35 kg |
| Height (height at the withers): | 52 - 65 cm |
| Life Expectancy: | 12 - 14 years old |
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ICF classification:
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Group 7, Section 1, Room 119 |
| Puppies price: | 80 – 450 $ |
| Most popular nicknames: | list of nicknames for kurtshaar |
Evaluation of the characteristics of the Kurtzhaal breed
| Adaptability
(a definition meaning how easily a dog can adapt to changes in life) |
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| Shedding level
(Level and frequency of hair loss in the animal) |
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| Tenderness level
(The level and amount of tenderness and affection that the dog gives in return for attention to itself) |
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| Exercise needs
(Dog's daytime activity level) |
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| Social need
(The required number of contacts of the dog with other animals, as well as people) |
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| Apartment content
(A factor that determines the level of noise and other inconveniences that a dog can deliver to owners in relation to the size of the apartment to the size of the dog) |
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| Grooming
(The number of bathing, brushing, and the number of professional grooming sessions required for the dog) |
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| Friendliness in an unfamiliar environment
(Features of the behavior of a dog in a society with strangers or in an unfamiliar environment) |
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| Tendency to bark
(Tendency to bark and its frequency and volume) |
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| Health issues
(Potential health status of the dog) |
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| Territoriality
(The dog's tendency to protect his home, yard, or even his owner's car) |
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| Friendliness to cats
(The tendency towards tolerance for cats and decreased manifestation of hunting instincts) |
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| Intelligence
(The ability of the dog to think and solve emerging difficulties (not to be confused with learning!) |
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| Education and training
(The level of difficulty in training the dog to perform certain actions) |
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| Friendliness to children
(A factor that determines how friendly a dog is to children, whether he likes to play with them and tolerate some childish pranks) |
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| Game activity
(The concept is determined by its very name, and, as a rule, is found in almost all dogs) |
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| Observation
(The ability of a dog to detect the presence of a stranger on its territory) |
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| Friendliness to other dogs
(The tendency of the dog to find common language with his other relatives) |
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Photo of a kurtshaar:
The history of the origin of the shorthaired pointer
The first representatives of this breed appeared in the 17th century. The German Shorthaired Hounds as we know them today were bred in the middle of the nineteenth century. The ancestors of the pointer were Spanish pointers, which later began to be crossed with English pointers. The purpose of this selection was to develop a hunting dogscapable of operating on water and on land.
Albrecht zu Solms-Braunfeld, prince of the royal court of Hanover, generously rewarded the breeders of these dogs, as a result of which a hunting dog appeared, which became an intelligent, affectionate and gentle family friend. The first dog of this breed was brought to the United States in 1925. Dr. Charles Thornton, who was actively involved in breeding dogs, brought her there. Five years later, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club and registered.
The Second World War also left its mark on the process of breeding German shorthaired cops. With the approach of the war, many breeders hid not only their gold, diamonds, works of art, but also animals. The best dogs were sent to Yugoslavia. Since Yugoslavia was under the Iron Curtain after the Second World War, German breeders did not have access to the best representatives breeds. They were forced to restore the breed with the help of those dogs that they had left.
Meanwhile, in the United States, the selection process was very active. The process of breeding German shorthaired cops reached its peak in the 1950s. During this period, kurtshaars actively participated in various exhibitions and competitions held in the States.
The popularity of this breed among Americans has inspired many writers to immortalize the breed in their works. For example, Robert Parker, master of detectives, turned a kurtshaar named Spencer into one of the main characters in a detective novel called The Boston Detective.
Other writers have also written extensively about this dog. So Rick Bass wrote "The True Story of the Best Dog I've Ever Had," which also featured a shorthaired pointer as its protagonist. These did not go unnoticed dogs and among journalists. Sports journalist Mel Wallace wrote the book "Run, Rainey", the main character of which was the same kurtshaar. To date, this amazing breed, proudly named "Kurzhaar", ranks nineteenth among the 155 breeds registered by the American Kennel Club.
The character of the shorthaired pointer
Maintenance and care
Kurzhaars are characterized as dogs that do not require special care. Hair care includes weekly combing with a brush. This simple procedure will make your dog's hair healthy and beautiful.
Bathe kurtshaars as needed. Abundant bathing can lead to negative consequences: the washing out of natural oils that protect the coat from brittleness. Many beginner dog breeders make the typical mistake of bathing too often with plenty of soap. As a rule, beginners believe that this will help to make the coat beautiful. In fact, it can lead to quite the opposite effect.
Active representatives of this breed will wash their nails naturally, but if this is not enough, then they should be trimmed. Weekly brushing will prevent tartar and bad breath.
Every week you need to carefully check the ears for inflammation or infectious diseases. Treat the auricles only with a special solution prescribed by a veterinarian. Do not use cotton swabs when cleaning your ears.
Training and education
Health and disease
Some interesting facts
- German shorthaired cops, which include the kurtshaar, are very active. They need daily walks and runs lasting at least an hour. With a lack of physical activity, the pet will be nervous.
- Shorthaired Pointers are very sociable. They have a hard time with loneliness.
- When keeping kurtshaars, it is necessary to take care of fencing the yard with a fence of sufficient height.
- Dogs of this breed are prone to barking at strangers and noises.
- Female kurtshaars have a strong maternal instinct, and always scrupulously care for puppies.
- If you want to have a healthy puppy, don't buy animals from random breeders. Trust exclusively proven, familiar dog breeders. This will ensure that you become the owner of a healthy strong animal.
Nurseries and breeders
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