German Pointeraner

45-60 lbs
17-23"
United States
German Shorthaired Pointer
Weimaraner

The German Pointeraner is a mixture of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Weimaraner parent breeds. He is a large dog who is a fantastic hunter. His parent breeds have origins in Germany, and both are great hunters. The German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile hunter, seeking out game on both land and from the water; he is a talented retriever as well. The Weimaraner is known as the “Silver Ghost;” he was bred to take down big game such as deer and bear. Both breeds are highly athletic but make ideal companions for their families as well. They are highly intelligent and easily trainable.

purpose Purpose
Companion, Hunting Dog
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
German Shorthaired Pointer and Weimaraner

German Pointeraner Health

Average Size
Male German Pointeraner size stats
Height: 17-23 inches Weight: 45-70 lbs
Female German Pointeraner size stats
Height: 17-23 inches Weight: 45-60 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Entropion
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Minor Concerns
  • None Known
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None Known
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • CT Scan
  • Physical Examination
  • Eye Examinations

German Pointeraner Breed History

There is not a lot of information on the German Pointeraner breed itself, but we can learn about the parent breeds in order to understand what to expect from the hybrid breed. The German Shorthaired Pointer can trace its history back as far as the 17th century. However, the modern, multi-purpose hunting dog we know did not come into existence until almost two hundred years later. The German Bird Dog was most likely crossed with Spanish Pointers and Bloodhounds. This gave the German Shorthaired Pointer his size with a keen nose to boot. The German Shorthaired Pointer was first brought to the United States around 1925. A Dr. Charles Thornton of Montana began breeding the dogs, and five years later, the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shorthaired Pointer as  one of its breeds. World War II almost had a detrimental effect on the existence of the German Shorthaired Pointer. Those who had German Shorthaired Pointers often hid them (along with gold and other valuables, and artwork). In fact, once the Iron Curtain was built, many breeders were limited in breeding options (as some lived on one side of the Curtain and did not have access to breeders outside East Germany). In the 1950s, however, the German Shorthaired Pointers in the United States became more and more popular. The German Shorthaired Pointer has also been a fixture in the arts. Writer Robert B. Parker immortalized the breed in his mystery series about a Boston detective named Spenser; Spenser owned a German Shorthaired Pointer named Pearl. Writer Rick Bass wrote about his German Shorthaired Pointer in Colter: The True Story of the Best Dog I Ever Had. The Weimeraner breed dates back to the 19th century. He was developed in the Weimar court in modern-day Germany. Noblemen loved his ability to scent well, his agility, and intelligence. The Weimeraner stuck close to his owner during the hunt and was a great companion dog away from the hunting field. He was known for hunting foxes, rabbits, and birds. In 1897, a club was established for those who owned the Weimeraner breed; at that time, one could not purchase a Weimeraner unless he was a part of the club. Experts believe that the Bloodhound, the English Pointer, the German Shorthaired Pointer, and the Great Dane and the silver-gray Huehnerhund all contributed to the bloodline of the Weimeraner. In 1929, American sportsman Howard Knight was allowed to join the aforementioned club and purchased two Weimeraners, which he then brought to the United States. In 1942, the Weimeraner Club of America was formed. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1942 as well. President Eisenhower owned a Weimeraner which lived in the White House with the First Family. Over time, the number of Weimeraners fell, but in recent years, the breed has seen a surge in popularity once again.

German Pointeraner Breed Appearance

The German Pointeraner will be a combination of both parent breeds, the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Weimeraner. While there is not a lot of information about the German Pointeraner breed itself, we can study the parent breeds in order to determine what the German Pointeraner will look like. The German Shorthaired Pointer may be a solid liver color or may be a combination of liver and white. His combination coat may be ticked, patched, or roaned. He may have a deep reddish-brown coat lightened by white hairs. The Weimeraner is generally solid-colored. His color may range from mouse-gray to silver-gray. Usually he has lighter shades on his head and ears. His nose is generally dark gray and he usually has distinctive green eyes. Your German Pointeraner will have pendant ears, and his ears may show some pink skin underneath. His tail will be thin and may curve just a bit.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown German Pointeraner eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black German Pointeraner nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
gray German Pointeraner coat
Gray
silver German Pointeraner coat
Silver
white German Pointeraner coat
White
brown German Pointeraner coat
Brown
red German Pointeraner coat
Red
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
German Pointeraner straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

German Pointeraner Breed Maintenance

There is not a lot of information about the German Pointeraner; however, we can study the parent breeds in order to determine what type of maintenance the hybrid breed will require. The German Shorthaired Pointer has a short, thick, water-repellent coat. It is slightly longer on the underside of the tail and haunches. The hair of the head is softer, thinner, and shorter. The German Shorthaired Pointer’s coat is easy to maintain. He does not shed excessively. The Weimeraner has a short, smooth, sleek coat. He is one of the easiest breeds to groom. Dirt seems to fall off the Weimeraner. Brush your German Pointeraner with a slicker brush once a week. Bathe him only as needed. It is also important to check his feet if he has been on a hunt to ensure they are in tip-top shape. His pendant ears will need regular cleaning. Use a damp washcloth to wipe the inside of your dog’s ears. Check for any odors or redness. These are signs of an infection. You should brush your German Pointeraner’s teeth at least three times a week and trim the nails as needed, depending on how quickly he wears them down.

Brushes for German Pointeraner
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
German Pointeraner requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

German Pointeraner Temperament

While there is little information about the German Pointeraner, we can study the parent breeds in order to understand what type of behavior to expect from the hybrid breed. The German Shorthaired Pointer is smart and only wants to please his owner. He is easy going, and is never nervous. He may develop separation anxiety if left alone for long hours at a time. While he is a large dog, he is most definitely a house dog. He will be very unhappy if left outside in the yard or in a kennel. He will need early socialization in order to know what proper behavior is and what is expected of him. A puppy kindergarten class might be a good idea to get your German Shorthaired Pointer on the right track. The Weimeraner is friendly, brave, alert, yet obedient. He is a great companion and watchdog. However, he is also smart and restless, so it is important to engage him in daily activities that will keep him from being bored and likely to get into mischief. He may become destructive, bark, chase cats (they do appear to be prey, after all), and he may get food off the counter or dinner table – he is tall enough to do so. Proper socialization and training will help eliminate some of this bad behavior. Based on the personalities of the parent breeds, it is safe to say that your German Pointeraner will be a clever canine who will thrive on attention and a lifestyle that involves both family fun and affection, as well as busy times that can provide mental stimulation.

German Pointeraner Activity Requirements

The German Pointeraner is a fairly active dog. It is recommended that he gets ample exercise to ensure that he maintains a healthy weight. He may have a tendency to gain weight if he is not exposed to regular activity. He has a tendency to do better in a home with a large yard that he can be allowed to run and play in. He may also enjoy joining you for a leisurely walk. The dog park is a great place for the German Pointeraner; he will enjoy the ability to get out and run and play with other dogs. He needs regular exercise so that he does not chew or bark excessively. He may have a tendency to chew or be otherwise destructive if he is not properly exercised. Some experts recommend two hours of exercise in order to wear the mischief out of the German Pointeraner. It is important to remember that the German Pointeraner does best with plenty of room to play in, but a space of his own inside your home.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
12 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
90 minutes
activity minutes

German Pointeraner Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00
food bag monthly cost

German Pointeraner Owner Experiences

Law
3 Years
9+ People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Good he does suffer from separation anxiety he is loyal is a bit temperamental has a big appetite and attaches to one person and at times can be highly strung
11 months, 1 week ago
Law
3 Years
9+ People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Good he does suffer from separation anxiety he is loyal is a bit temperamental has a big appetite and attaches to one person and at times can be highly strung
11 months, 1 week ago
Jaiya
3 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
Cuddling
Playing with toys
playing in water
Walking
Very outgoing and energetic breed. Been fairly easy to train but gets distracted easily. From experience, they get very anxious if left alone and they're very affectionate! They love cuddling, being held, and definitely want to sleep in the bed. They love playing with toys but also need a lot of naps throughout the day. Easily potty trained but doesn't like the restriction of a leash and loves to run wild. Great with other animals and people. This breed is full of personality and will definitely keep you on your toes!
1 year, 5 months ago
Harley
10 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks
Runs
Extremely high energy dog that requires lots of exercise. Very smart and easily trained. Loves to run around. Friendly but a little standoffish with strangers. Not a velcro dog. Overall a very nice breed!
3 years, 4 months ago
Zeiger
4 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hunt and retrive, water retrieve.
Brilliant,fun,loyal,majestic, full of personality!!!
6 years, 5 months ago
Chester
2 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
training
Hunting
Running
Incredible dog. Very energetic.
6 years, 2 months ago
Guga
2 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
In love with him!! Friendly, full of energy but calm inside the house.
5 years, 11 months ago
Teeka
5 Years
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Hike
Swim
Tug-of-war
Bike ride
She was hyperactive until about 1 year then calmed quite a bit inside the house, but when outside she can go all day. Extremely affectionate, follows me everywhere, loves other dogs, people and kids. Stalks birds, rabbits, squirrels and cats. Will chase cats but doesnt hurt them if she catches them, tries to play with them like they are another dog. Loves car rides, not scared of fireworks, gunshots etc. Coat is very short, shiny and silky, but sheds a ton. Does have some separation anxiety and can become destructive if not kenneled, has no issues with separation when kenneled.
5 years, 11 months ago
Hans
7 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hans is just a pup, but has already shown excellent promise as a gun dog. I haven't gotten a solid point yet (not easy with wild pheasants for even an experienced dog), but he's gotten very "birdy" when near birds. He immediately went to and secured a bird he saw go down. I could see him improve as he understood more of what is expected of him. Best of all, he respected calls not to range too far ahead (unlike our previous GSP) when on scent. At home he's affectionate, but does have to be monitored to make sure he doesn't make a toy out something he shouldn't. He is getting better about this as he is getting older. He crate trained well, but did have more "accidents" than Fritz, the GSP that preceded him. We live in a rural setting, so Hans has lots of opportunity to run. Even so, he quickly wants to be "back with his people". His crate is his place and at times he'll go in just to take a nap, but he does like to lay at my feet too. This is a good dog, for those who understand the needs of these types of breeds.
3 years, 10 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
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