A Sense of Duty

Scott — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:31:21 +0000

Ever since Daisy and Gretchen were puppies they have known the difference between adults and children. We don’t have any children and only see our nieces and nephews every once in a while, so it really did not make any since as to why they were much more gentle with children. Until, I read a section in “German Shorthairs” magazine Volume 34, and it states:

“Most German Shorthair Pointers instinctively know that kids are more delicate than adults and will act accordingly.”

After reading this I realized that we have some very smart dogs.

Even more interesting, over the weekend Daisy and Gretchen were “helping” Scott manicure the front yard and heard the cries of a child. The toddler was simply squabbling with a sibling as she apparently did not want to go back in the house. Gretchen immediately perked up her ears and began watching the situation approximately 6-7 houses down the street. With a worried look on her face, Gretchen began to go towards the child when the crying continued. I called her back, but was struck by her sense of duty to help.

German Shorthaired Pointers: Top 20 dogs

Scott — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:30:58 +0000

Could it be the incredible variety of color and markings, or simply the fact that people are a glutton for punishment (and love) that has moved the German shorthaired pointer into the top 20 dog breeds in the United States? According to the AKC, German shorthairs were ranked 16 out of 156 recognized breeds. That is up from 18 in 2007 and 24 in 1998.

I know for me, it was definitely the variety of colors and markings that automatically give this breed personality; from combinations of black, liver, white, and lemon with a mishmash of patching and/or ticking. Yes, that’s right, as one can have multiple German shorthairs that look completely different, but all individuals seemingly sport an overabundance of energy. However, looking at the positive such characteristics force owners to get out and about as insanity will surely set in if these canine companions are left indoors.

Well a bit more logical than my assessment as to their increase in popularity is that they are finally being recognized by the masses as prolific hunters, and great family pets. Plus, a perfect size to fit in one’s bed (sense the sarcasm?), the German shorthaired pointer average 55 to 70 pounds and 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder.

Top 20 nationally is good, but Denver and Kansas City have taken an even greater liking to German shorthairs and have catapulted them to the top 10:

DENVER’S TOP DOGS 2008

1. Labrador Retriever

2. Golden Retriever

3. German Shepherd Dog

4. Bulldog

5. Boxer

6. Poodle

7. Yorkshire Terrier

8. Dachshund

9. German Shorthaired Pointer

10. Rottweiler

“Active, outdoorsy Denver residents appreciate the same sporty qualities in their dogs, so their Top 10 features manly Sporting and Working breeds such as the Lab, Boxer Rottweiler, and German Shorthaired Pointer,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “These are great dogs to take on long walks or hikes – only the Yorkshire Terrier is meant solely for companionship.”

KANSAS CITY’S TOP DOGS 2008

1. Labrador Retriever

2. Boxer

3. German Shepherd Dog

4. Yorkshire Terrier

5. Bulldog

6. Golden Retriever

7. German Shorthaired Pointer

8. Belgian Malinois

9. Shih Tzu

10. Dachshund

Daisy and Gretchen » German Shorthair Facts

A Sense of Duty

German Shorthaired Pointers: Top 20 dogs