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Are you thinking about adding a black German Shorthaired Pointer to your family? If so, you’ll want to read this complete breed guide.
In this post, we will cover the history of the breed, their physical appearance and size, coat markings and texture, whether they’re rare or not, their temperament, and many other frequently asked questions.
By the end of this post, you’ll know everything you need to know about these beautiful dogs.
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
What Is A Black German Shorthaired Pointer?
Black German Shorthaired Pointers are simply a unique coat variation of standard German Shorthaired Pointers. While they have a highly sought-after coat, they are no different in terms of their history or development as a breed.
With that being said, let’s look at the German Shorthaired Pointer’s history and how they came to be.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a relatively newer breed, having only been around since the 19th century. They were developed in Germany as a versatile hunting dog that could be used for both large and small game.
Their exact origins are unknown, but it’s believed that they were bred from a mix of different pointer and setter breeds. The most likely candidates are the old Spanish Pointer, German Bird Dog, and Bloodhounds.
The first German Shorthaired Pointer was brought to the United States in 1925, and the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club a few years later.
During WWII, the breed’s popularity declined in America due to their German roots. But, after the war ended, the breed slowly started to make a comeback.
Now, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a popular breed in America and around the world. They’re known for being loyal, loving, and intelligent dogs that make great family pets.
Are Black German Shorthaired Pointers Rare?
No, Black German Shorthaired Pointers are not rare. In fact, they’re actually quite common.
The black coat variation is simply a result of a recessive gene. So, while black German Shorthaired Pointers are not rare, they are less common than their brown and liver-colored counterparts.
Black German Shorthaired Pointer Appearance & Traits
Size (Weight & Height)
Black German Shorthaired Pointers are medium to large dogs. They typically weigh between 50 and 70 pounds and stand between 19 and 25 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their height is pre-determined by their parents, but their weight ultimately depends on their lifestyle. If they get little exercise and eat a poor diet, they can easily exceed their breed’s 50-70 pound average.
Also, females tend to be slightly shorter and weigh less than males.
Coat Markings & Texture
The coat of a Black German Shorthaired Pointer is short, harsh, and dense. It is usually black with small white markings on the chest and toes.
Shedding & Grooming
Black German Shorthaired Pointers are moderate shedders. They will shed more during the spring and fall, but their coat is relatively easy to groom.
A weekly brushing with a stiff-bristled brush should be enough to remove any loose hair and dirt. And, as always, you should give them a bath only when they need it (usually every 2-3 months).
They also need their nails trimmed once a month, their ears cleaned roughly every 3-4 weeks, and their teeth brushed/cleaned a few times per week.
Are Black German Shorthaired Pointers Hypoallergenic?
No, black German Shorthaired Pointers are not hypoallergenic. They are a breed that is known to shed moderately and produce dander (dead skin cells).
So, if you’re allergic to dogs, it’s best to steer clear of these dogs.
Ears & Tail
The ears of a black German Shorthaired Pointer are relatively large in size and set high on their head. They have a pointed shape and hang close to the head, but not so close that they touch it.
Their tail is medium to large in size and typically reaches down to the hock (lower leg). It is thick at the base and tapers down to a point.
When they are relaxed, their tail hangs down with a slight curve. But when they are excited or alert, their tail is carried horizontally or slightly upwards. It should never be curled over the back or held upright like a flag.
Some have a shorter tail due to docking (the surgical removal of part of the tail). This is done for cosmetic reasons and is not considered necessary.
Eye Color
The eyes of a black German Shorthaired Pointer are dark brown in color. They are almond-shaped and set relatively far apart on the head.
The rims of their eyes are black, and their eyelids are tight-fitting. Their eyes are typically very expressive and give them a friendly, intelligent look.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a black German Shorthaired Pointer is 12-15 years.
This is about average for a dog their size. However, it’s still important to note that their life expectancy can be significantly affected by their lifestyle and health.
For example, dogs that are overweight or obese have a shorter lifespan than those that are at a healthy weight.
So, if you want a black German Shorthaired Pointer to live a long and healthy life, make sure they get plenty of exercise and eat a nutritious diet.
Common Health Issues
Like all dog breeds, black German Shorthaired Pointers are susceptible to certain health problems.
Some of the most common health issues that affect this breed include bloat, hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, von Willebrand’s disease, and entropion.
Bloat is a serious condition that can affect any dog, but it is particularly common in large breeds with deep chests, such as the black German Shorthaired Pointer. Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off the blood supply. This can be caused by overeating, drinking too much water too quickly, or exercising immediately after eating.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are degenerative joint diseases that can cause pain and lameness. They are caused by a malformation of the hip or elbow joints.
Cancer is also a common health issue in Black German Shorthaired Pointers. The most common cancer types affecting this breed are lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and osteosarcoma.
Von Willebrand’s disease is a blood disorder that can affect dogs of any breed. The disease is caused by a protein deficiency that helps the blood clot. As a result, dogs with Von Willebrand’s disease may suffer from excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery.
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye. This can be painful and can lead to corneal damage.
While these health problems are common in black German Shorthaired Pointers, it’s important to remember that not all dogs will experience them. The best way to keep your dog healthy is to take them for regular checkups with your veterinarian.
Fortunately, most of these health problems can be prevented or managed with proper care.
Trainability & Intelligence
Black German Shorthaired Pointers are very intelligent dogs. They are quick to learn and easy to train when the correct training methods are used.
This breed has often been used in hunting, so they have a strong natural instinct to track and retrieve game. They are also popular as obedience, agility, and even therapy dogs.
However, black German Shorthaired Pointers can be stubborn and headstrong because of their intelligence. Therefore, they need a firm, consistent yet gentle hand during training.
But with patience and positive reinforcement, they can learn anything you want to teach them.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
Black German Shorthaired Pointers are high-energy dogs. They were bred to work all day, so they need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Ideally, you should give them at least 60 minutes of exercise every day. This can include walking, running, playing fetch, or going to the dog park.
If you don’t have time for 60+ minutes of exercise, that’s okay. Just make sure you are giving them as much exercise as you can. Even a short walk around the block will be beneficial for them.
In addition to daily exercise, Black German Shorthaired Pointers also need mental stimulation. They love to use their noses, so scent games are a great way to keep their minds active.
You can also give them puzzle toys or feeders that require them to use their brains to figure out how to get the food.
Temperament & Behavior
Do Black German Shorthaired Pointers Bark A Lot?
Black German Shorthaired Pointers are not known for being excessively barky dogs. However, like all dogs, they will bark when they need to communicate something.
Common reasons why black German Shorthaired Pointers might bark include:
- to alert you of something (a person at the door, a car pulling up, etc.)
- to ask to go outside
- to ask for food
- to tell you they’re happy
If they are barking excessively, there might be an underlying issue that you need to address. They could be bored, anxious, or in pain.
Do Black German Shorthaired Pointers Like To Cuddle?
Black German Shorthaired Pointers are not typically cuddly dogs. They are more likely to want to be by your side or at your feet than snuggled up in your lap.
That being said, every dog is different. Some black German Shorthaired Pointers may enjoy cuddling more than others. It really just depends on the individual dog’s personality and how many positive cuddling experiences they had as a puppy.
Are Black German Shorthaired Pointers Good With Kids?
Yes, black German Shorthaired Pointers can be good with kids. They are typically patient, gentle, and loving dogs that enjoy being around children.
However, because they are large dogs, it’s important to supervise them around small children. They may accidentally knock them over or step on them. But as long as you’re careful, they should be fine.
It’s also important to socialize them with children from a young age. This will help them learn how to interact with kids in a positive way.
Are Black German Shorthaired Pointers Good With Other Dogs?
Black German Shorthaired Pointers can be good with other dogs, but it depends on the individual dog. Some are more social than others and enjoy being around other dogs.
Others may be more reserved and prefer to stick to their own family. Therefore, meeting any potential new dog before bringing them home is important to ensure they will get along.
Overall, the best way to ensure they are good with other dogs is to socialize them early. This means exposing them to other well-behaved dogs, so they learn how to play nicely.
Are Black German Shorthaired Pointers Good With Strangers?
Black German Shorthaired Pointers are usually friendly with strangers. However, because they are bred to be hunting dogs, they may be weary of strangers that come into their homes.
It’s important to socialize them early on, so they learn to trust and accept new people. The best way to do this is to expose them to as many different types of people as possible in a positive setting.
You can do this by taking them to the dog park, going on walks in busy areas, or having people over to your house often.
Are Black German Shorthaired Pointers Good Apartment Dogs?
Black German Shorthaired Pointers can be good apartment dogs if they get enough exercise.
They need their daily exericse, so if you live in an apartment, you’ll need to be extra diligent about getting them out for walks and runs.
You may also want to consider getting them a dog treadmill so they can get their exercise indoors on days when the weather is bad.
Mental stimulation will also be essential to ensure they don’t get bored and potentially destructive.
Food & Diet
Black German Shorthaired Pointers need a high-quality diet that is rich in protein.
They are active dogs, so they need food that will sufficiently fuel them.
You should avoid giving them food with fillers or artificial ingredients. Instead, stick to whole/natural foods whenever possible.
You may also want to consider feeding them raw food or homemade dog food. However, it’s always best to talk to a veterinarian about what type of food would be best for your unique dog as certain food allergies are always a possibility.
Black German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy Price
If you want to buy a black German Shorthaired Pointer puppy, expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2000.
The price will depend on the breeder, their locations, the health of the puppy’s parents, if they have unique markings, etc.
You can also expect to pay more for a black German Shorthaired Pointer puppy if you live in a large city or metropolitan area.
Always ensure you get your black German Shorthaired Pointer from a reputable breeder.
Unfortunately, there are breeders out there that sell sick or unhealthy puppies to make a quick buck.
Where Can You Find A Black German Shorthaired Pointer For Sale?
If you are looking for a black German Shorthaired Pointer for sale, your best bet is to find a reputable breeder in your area.
However, since it’s unlikely that there will always be one available in your city when you look, the next best place to check out is a breeder directory website.
These websites allow breeders from all over the country to list their puppies for people to see.
The more well-known breeder directory websites are AKC’s Marketplace, Lancaster Puppies, and Greenfield Puppies.
Another option is to adopt a black German Shorthaired Pointer from a rescue organization or shelter. This can be a great option if you are okay with bringing home an adult dog or if you want to save money on the purchase price.
Adopting a black German Shorthaired Pointer from a rescue organization or shelter is also a great way to give a dog in need a loving home.
Final Thoughts
The Black German Shorthaired Pointer is a loyal, loving, and active breed that makes a great companion for the right family.
They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They also need a high-quality diet to fuel their energy levels.
If you are looking for a Black German Shorthaired Pointer for sale, make sure you purchase from a reputable breeder.
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