German Pointeraner

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.