Black and White German Shorthaired Pointer - Everything You Need to Know

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers are generally active dogs that make excellent watchdogs and family pets. However, German Shorthaired Pointers need to be trained and socialized when puppies to avoid barking or growling while they run into any sounds or smells. The coat colors don’t affect these dogs’ temperament or any features. Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers are similar to German Shorthaired Pointers with a coat color determined by genes.

When two German Shorthaired Pointers mate, they contribute to the alleles that may be dominant or recessive; while the dominant gene expresses itself, the recessive gene stays hidden and passes on to future offspring. Each German Shorthaired Pointer coat consists of two pigments, eumelanin and pheomelanin. Thus all the coat colors result from the permutations of these two pigments. These pigments have one fundamental color: eumelanin – black and pheomelanin – red. Lack of these pigments causes white. Albinism can also cause a coat to be white. This condition can lead to some health issues in the heart and bones.

Table of Contents

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointer Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Affectionate	A lot of exercise needs
Easy to groom	Intolerant to cold weather conditions
Highly trainable	Separation anxiety

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointer Basic Information

Name: Black and White German Shorthaired Pointer
Height: 12 – 21 inches
Weight: 45 – 70 pounds
Coat: Smooth and short
Color: Black, black and white, liver, liver and white, liver roan, white and liver, black roan.
Energy: High
Activities: Gundog, pointer, retrieving, and hunting
Group: Sporting
Barking Level: Medium
Shedding Level: Low to medium
Hypoallergenic: No
Litter Size: 8 – 12 puppies
Life Span: 12 – 15 years
Other names: Kurzhaars, Deutscher Kurzhaariger Vorstehhund.

German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Black and White German Shorthaired Pointer: A Comparison

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointer Personality

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers have patches. They may often have white legs, abdomen, and tail. While sometimes, only their heads will be black, having shorter and softer hair. Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers will mostly have ticks on the white parts. The patches will remain throughout their lifetime; however, the number of spots will change. The first spots usually appear when they are around five weeks old. German Shorthaired Pointer is squarely built, with a short back, a graceful topline, a triangular-shaped face, floppy ears that fall on his cheeks, strong fore and hindquarters, webbed feet, his eyes, and nose black. Their physique is athletic. Their coats are harsh, short, water repellent, slightly longer underside, and at the back edges of the rear end known as the “haunches.”

Friendliness Overview

Affection level	Medium to high
Family-friendly	High
Kid-friendly	High
Pet-friendly	Medium to high
Stranger -friendly	Medium

Adaptability Overview

Good for apartment living	Low
Good to new owners	Low to medium
Sensitivity level	Medium to high
Tolerates being alone	Low
Cold-tolerance	Low to medium
Heat-tolerance	Medium to high

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointer Temperament

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers love hiking just as much as they love being by their owner’s side. They are loyal to their family. They can be rambunctious with small children or smaller pets. They are good barkers. Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent, willing to learn, and confidently carry out whatever activity they are given. They are moderately friendly with strangers and other pets.

A bored German Shorthaired Pointer can jump off from the fence. So, you need to build a secured tall fence if you are away on some work. Female Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers are very protective about their puppies. Since they are people-oriented, they should not be left alone for a long time; this can cause them to be destructive by suffering from separation anxiety.

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointer Training

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent, and hence they are highly trainable. They are very active and can keep themselves engaged when pet owners are busy with their schedules. So, early training and socialization are recommended for these dogs. They have a moderate to high mouthiness tendency; hence, they should be trained. Take them on a leash since they have high prey drives. Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers are very sensitive and should be trained gently.

Trainability Overview

Easy to train	High
Intelligence	High
Mouthiness tendencies	Medium to high
Barking and Howling tendencies	Medium
Prey drive	High
Wanderlust tendencies	High

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointer Exercise Needs

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointer was bred for being an agile hunting companion. They are highly energetic dogs and require a great deal of exercise. German Shorthaired Pointer needs to be mentally and physically stimulated to be a good dog. You can meet their exercise needs by engaging them in hiking or playing for at least one hour daily. Their webbed feet and water-resistant coat can make them excellent water dogs.

Exercise Needs Overview

Energy level	High
Exercise needs	High
Intensity	Medium
Playfulness	High

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointer Grooming

The smooth, and short coats of the Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers are easy to groom since they do not shed profusely. Pet owners must regularly brush their coat with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when required. Pet owners are suggested to check their pet’s feet after exercises.

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers should be dried after hunting sessions. In addition, you should check their ears for infections such as lousy odor or rashes. Other grooming requirements to be followed by pet owners are trimming nails and proper dental care.

Grooming Overview

Easy to groom	High
Drooling tendency	Low to medium
Amount of shedding	Low to medium

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointer Health

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers are generally active, energetic, and healthy dog breeds. However, some health conditions can be seen depending upon their parental genes.

Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a painful, life-threatening condition caused when the bones of the rear legs don’t fit properly in the joints. Hip dysplasia is primarily hereditary, but injuries, excessive weight gain, and wrong exercises can cause hip dysplasia. This condition causes defects or damage to the hip bones, joints and worsens without treatment.

Some dogs might exhibit symptoms, while some might not. Treatment ranges from medication to replacement of the hip through surgeries. To avoid this problem, do not crossbreed with a parent who has the issue of hip dysplasia. Regular checkups are suggested.

Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs include:

Reduced activity and movements
Reluctance to rise, jump, run or climb
Lameness in the hind limbs
Reducing thigh muscle mass
Swaying, “bunny hopping” gait
Grating in the joint during movement
Enlarging shoulders
Pain
Stiffness

Bloat: Bloat, also known as gastric torsion and gastric dilation volvulus syndrome, is a potentially fatal condition that occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists.

Von Willebrand’s Disease: This is a hereditary blood condition that inhibits the blood’s capacity to clot. Excessive bleeding following an operation or surgery is the primary symptom. Some signs and effects include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and intestinal or bowel bleeding. There is still no solution, and the only remedy is a blood transfusion from normal dogs. New therapies, including medication, are being researched. The majority of dogs with Von Willebrand’s disease can live everyday lives. Your dog should be tested for the disease by a veterinarian.

Cancer: Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers are more prone to cancer than any other dogs, according to the recent survey done by the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America. The cancer types found in GSPs were cell tumors, mammary tumors, and lymphosarcoma. Cancer can be cured by surgical removal of tumors and chemotherapy. However, it is essential not to ignore the symptoms and diagnose them earlier.

Lymphedema is a disorder that causes tissues to swell due to the collection of fluids because of valvular blockage or lymphatic ducts getting twisted.

Entropion: This condition is caused due to the facial shape, which is acquired genetically. It is more prevalent in short-nosed, brachycephalic dogs. This genetic condition builds up tension on the ligaments of the inner eye that causes the eyelids to roll inward.

Signs of Entropion in Dogs

Squinting
Excessive tearing
Eye discharge
Swelling around eyes
Frequent rubbing of the eyes
Eye redness
Excessive blinking
Corneal ulcers

Health Overview

Overall health	Medium
Weight gain tendencies	Medium
Size	Medium

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointer Diet and Nutrition

Two to three cups of high-quality dry dog food should be divided into two meals, depending on your dog’s size and age.

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointer Living Condition

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers are suitable for hot weather conditions, and they need a lot of exercises to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Hence, apartment living may be less convenient. A vast area with a sturdy and tall fence can suit Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers.

A family that affords to spend a lot of time with dogs is best suited for Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers. However, they are unsuitable for houses with small children.

Adding a Black and White German Shorthaired Pointer to Your Family

Things to Remember Before Breeding

Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers need significant exercise requirements.
Most of the Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers may suffer from cancer.
Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers have high prey drives.
They can be an escape artist when bored.
It is recommended to buy Black and White German Shorthaired Pointers from local, reputable breeders as they guarantee the health and happiness of both the puppies and parents.
Breeders should provide health clearance documents along with gene tests for a vaccinated dog. So, you can be careful of the possible health diseases that can affect your puppy.
Also, try to meet the parents to get a view of your puppy’s personality and temperament.