German Shorthaired Sprointer -- German Short haired Pointer X English Springer Spaniel

		German Shorthaired Sprointer
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Germany <> Great Britain -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the German Shorthaired Sprointer

The German Shorthaired Sprointer is a cross between the agile German Shorthaired Pointer and the eager-to-please English Springer Spaniel. These hybrids tend to be medium to large-sized, well-built dogs. As these dogs are very energetic, they do best with active families who are willing to devote time and training to meet their dog's energy needs. This hybrid likes to be busy and enjoys a professional lifestyle, so if your family isn't the active type, you may want to consider shopping for a more relaxed dog. Owners of the German Shorthaired Sprointer say it makes an excellent companion and is always ready for adventure. For the most part, these hybrids can have fairly short coats and are considered relatively low-maintenance. Some hybrids may have medium-length hair concentrated particularly around the belly, neck, ears and tail, which may require a little more brushing.

History of the German Shorthaired Sprointer

As the German Shorthaired Sprointer is considered a new, specific cross-breed hybrid, not much is yet known about its history and origins.

	A little of the German Short haired Pointer
	The German Short haired Pointer is a hunting and sporting dog crossed between the German Oysel Dog, German Hounds and Spanish Pointers. These breeds originated in Germany in the 1600s and 1800s for the sole purpose of tracking, hunting, retrieving and chasing game. They were prized for their keen sense of smell, high level of endurance and love of the hunt. Around the 1900s, breeders began to improve personality traits so that this intelligent dog would be able to approach prey gently on land and swim quickly in water. To achieve this, the German Shorthaired Pointer was further crossed with Bloodhounds and Foxhounds. The German Short haired Pointer was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930.

	Standard of the German Short haired Pointer
	A little of the English Springer Spaniel
	The English Springer Spaniel is another sporting dog thought to have originated in England between 1500 and 1600. However, the Spaniel lineage is thought to have originated in Spain. These dogs were used as hunting dogs, helping their masters to hunt prey from dens and burrows. In the 1600s, the English Springer Spaniel was part of the Cocker Spaniel lineage, the only major difference being that each breed had different functions. In 1910, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the English Springer Spaniel as a pure breed in the Sporting group.

	Standard of the English Springer Spaniel

Appearance of the German Shorthaired Sprointer

The German Shorthaired Spaniel is a strong, agile dog with a long, lean body and deep, square chest. The English Springer Spaniel has a short, sturdy body where its back can be quite straight, so your dog will be a combination of the two or may lean more towards one shape than the other. Your hybrid will most likely have a broad skull and a long muzzle that is often not pointed. Ears are floppy, flat and wide, and eyes are mainly dark brown, round and alert. The tail is often long and strong, but can be docked. The German Shorthaired Sprointer will have muscular legs and its paws may be webbed. Its coat can be short like the Pointer parent, but can also be wavy and soft with much more feathering around the ears, chest, belly and neck.

Temperament of the German Shorthaired Sprointer

Friendly to all and constantly playful, this hybrid is an excellent pet for active households. Although they are considered sporting dogs, they do well with children and other animals as they are quite docile. However, due to their prey instinct, they may not do well with birds. These dogs can bark, but not in cases of aggression; it's more often an "alert" bark to inform their owners when a stranger is near. For the most part, they are fairly easy to train, as they are highly intelligent and eager to try new things. However, they don't like to be left alone and may behave destructively due to anxiety.

Needs and activities of the German Shorthaired Sprointer

The German Shorthaired Sprointer is a hybrid that will need intensive outdoor activity to be happiest. It's important to remember that these canines are descended from hunting dogs, and are agile trackers, runners and jumpers who will benefit from activities such as running, hiking, off-leash playtime and agility classes. Some hybrids may even enjoy swimming, an activity that their breeding parent, the German Shorthaired Pointer, routinely did as an aid on the hunting grounds. On average, these dogs require at least 65 to 75 minutes or more of daily physical activity, and are best suited to active owners. Not ideal for apartment living, a house with a fenced yard is the optimal place for him to explore.

Maintenance of the German Shorthaired Sprointer

If your hybrid tends to have medium to long hair, you may need to brush his coat with a pincushion brush at least twice a week to avoid matting. If your hybrid has a short, dense coat similar to that of the German Shorthaired Pointer, brushing its coat once a week with a smoother brush will help remove fur and dirt. Pay particular attention to your hybrid's floppy ears, which should be cleaned regularly. As with all dogs, teeth should be cleaned often to protect gums and prevent cavities. Nails should be trimmed when necessary, and bathing should only be done when the dog is absolutely dirty. Excessive bathing can lead to an imbalance of pH and oil on the skin.

Details: Written by: Francis Vandersteen; Also available:; Last Updated: 05 April 2024; Hits: 717

German Shorthaired Sprointer -- German Short haired Pointer X English Springer Spaniel