Mixed Breed Icon
  • Activity Level: high
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  • Shedding Level: low
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  • Grooming Level: low
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  • Trainability: moderate
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  • Good for Novice Owners: moderate
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  • Adaptability: high
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  • Kid/Pet Friendly: often
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  • Prey Drive: high
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  • Watchdog: very alert
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  • Average Size: Medium
  • Average Lifespan: 10-12 years

German Shorthaired Pointer Mix Dog Breed Information

Overview

Temperament

Adaptability

Health

Owner Experience

Grooming

Activity Level

Size

Life Span

A German Shorthaired Pointer Mix is a cross between a German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) and another dog breed. Because a mixed breed can take on any combination of characteristics from one or both parents, it’s important to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix.

If a German Shorthaired Pointer Mix takes after their GSP parent, they will be a social, intelligent, energetic, and athletic dog. They love their family and love being active with them.

German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent dogs with a cheerful disposition and a lot of energy. They are playful dogs that get along with children and other dogs. They tend to have a high prey drive and will need extra socialization and training with other small pets.

If a GSP Mix takes after their GSP parent, you should be able to expect a similar temperament. The other parent breed will introduce their own set of traits, so you do want to ask the breeder about them.

You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. Although the breeder should have started some socialization and training, it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home.

A German Shorthaired Pointer is a highly adaptable dog breed. Their energy level is best suited for homes with yards where they can run. But, as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation, they can adapt to apartment living. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.

If the other parent breed is also highly adaptable, then you should be able to expect the same from a German Shorthaired Pointer Mix. You still want to have a conversation with the breeder about the other parent breed as they will likely introduce their own potential quirks you will want to be aware of.

Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? They can be sometimes. But, it’s not a guarantee and good breeding practices still matter. A mixed breed could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, or they could inherit all of them or some combination of them.

From the GSP side, potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shorthaired Pointer Mix include hip dysplasia, entropion, lymphedema, and Von Willebrand’s Disease. As a barrel-chested breed, a German Shorthaired Pointer Mix is also at risk for bloat.

Reputable breeders will be screening their dogs to ensure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. So, don’t be afraid to ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done.

German Shorthaired Pointers are highly intelligent dogs that are eager to please and pick up on things quickly. But, they are also high-energy, easily bored, and relatively needy, which can be difficult for first-time dog owners.

If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect the same from a German Shorthaired Pointer Mix. If you are not an experienced dog owner, you will want to be prepared to enroll in puppy training classes.

A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parent breeds or a coat that is a combination of both of them. If a German Shorthaired Pointer Mix inherits a GSP coat, they will shed a little year-round, require weekly brushing, and need an occasional bath.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your German Shorthaired Pointer Mix’s nails, ears, and teeth. Nails should be trimmed once or twice a month to keep them from growing too long.

Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning ears as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing or using an enzyme toothpaste every day can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a high-energy dog breed that requires a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. They also need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus time to run and other activities are usually sufficient, but this dog is usually up for more activity if you are.

If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog, then you can expect a German Shorthaired Pointer Mix to also be a high-energy dog. Even if the other parent sits in a lower activity range, you will still need to be prepared for the possibility of a high-energy dog.

Fully-grown German Shorthaired Pointers usually stand 21-25 inches tall and weigh 45-70 pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so it’s important to ask the breeder about them.

Although it’s not a guarantee, you can meet the mother in person to get an idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown German Shorthaired Pointer Mix.

GSPs generally live for 10-12 years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a German Shorthaired Pointer Mix.