Ch. Kan-Point’s VJK Autumn Roses

Westminster BIS Winner 2005

So, now Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is over. You like most of America was blown away by the impeccable Carlee & her handler, Michelle. Now you think that "this is the breed for me!"  Carlee was elegant, well behaved, calm, and responsive to her handler. What a perfect match for our family!  

I hate to burst your bubble, but Carlee is the result of many, many hours of training and dedication by her handler and her owners. German Shorthaired Pointers are first and foremost, HUNTERS. They have the capacity to hunt all day long, and usually need their owner to bring them in. That means they have LOTS of energy. They can also regard anything small and furry as prey. They can be trained to live with cats, but that will depend on how dedicated you are in training them to accept that small furry thing is part of the family too. My dogs would leave the cats alone in the house, but in the yard, if they ran, they were fair game. Shorthairs are also extremely INTELLIGENT. They require daily interaction and stimulation from their family. A Shorthair that is bored, will make up it's own fun, and it's usually something that we do not find amusing: digging up the yard, tearing up the furniture, destroying walls & carpet. We once owned a rescue dog that knew how to open the refrigerator on its own.

Do you think at this point I'm trying to scare you away from a German Shorthaired Pointer? Yes & no. I want you to think, do the research on this breed and be honest with the amount of time you have to give to a dog with these needs. Be aware of the production of these dogs by back yard breeders (BYB) and puppy mills, hoping to capitalize on Carlee's success in the ring, and the unstated marketing done by winning Westminster Dog Show. They will tell you that "yes, this dog is good in apartments", "yes, they're great with all small animals", or " they are easy to train and don't take much time." By this time next year shelters, humane societies, and rescues will be overwhelmed with even more Shorthairs being relinquished by their owners, because they got more than they bargained for, and they did not do enough research on the breed before purchasing that cute, adorable bundle of fur.

I love this breed! I enjoy the challenge of sharing my life with Shorthairs. They are similar to 2-4 yr old children: always into something; wanting to be with you; following you from room to room. They need mental stimulation, whether in the form of formal obedience, agility, hunting, tracking, Search & Rescue work, or training them to do tricks to amuse your friends. Their brains need to be challenged and engaged. They can be mischievous and very playful. They need and crave a structured environment, just like children do. Shorthairs (and dogs in general) thrive and do best with a structured environment, where they know and understand the rules, and the rules are the same time after time. Please read through the list below about questions to ask yourself and your family before bringing your new puppy home.

These same remarks apply to Weimaraners as well!!

Buying a Weimaraner or a GSP is not a decision to take lightly.  Many things need to be considered.  They both grow to be medium to large, active, intelligent dogs, with strong needs and desires.  Maintaining a dog requires a great deal of time, money, effort, and a certain commitment on the part of the owner. This decision can last 10-15 years, so be certain of your decision.

• Have you cleared it with the entire family that a dog will fit into your lifestyle?

• Have you a fenced yard or proper kennel run to protect your dog?

• Have you purchased a crate suitable for a grown Weimaraner or GSP?

• Have you bought the necessary supplies and training equipment?

• Have you located an obedience club and some helpful books?

• Have you searched your soul and decided if you really have the patience and time that are necessary to school a young pup?

• Have you prepared your family members for their role in sharing their home and life with a new family member?

• Have you unquestionably decided that a Weimaraner or GSP is the dog that you want to share the next 10-15 years of your life with?

• Have you located a reputable breeder who wins your confidence?

• Have you verified that the parents of the litter are OFA certified?

• Have you spoken to other Weimaraner or GSP owners about their experiences?

• Have you carefully read over the written agreement that the breeder requires? Including your responsibilities?

If you can answer a resounding YES to ALL of these questions........

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Welcome to the wonderful world of dog ownership!! GOOD LUCK!!!

mailto:waystar@waystarkennels.com