German Shorthaired Pointers are one of the most popular dogs in the canine world. Even though they are low maintenance dogs, they still breed great offspring, making them more highly in demand.
Certainly, you are here to seek information about the differences between a male and a female GSP. Worry not; I will help you choose which one suits your type.
Necessary steps should be considered before you get a new puppy and decide whatever sex you would like to get. Prioritize your own preferences as well as the type of house that you are currently residing in.
Should you get a male or a female German Shorthaired Pointer? The answer depends on your liking. If you want to focus the dog on training, and if you prefer an independent and less affectionate dog, better get a female German Shorthaired Pointer. If you want a very sporty and amiable dog, then a male German Shorthaired Pointer is what you are looking for.
It is not just about the type or the sex of a GSP that you need to ponder on, but also how prepared you are to get this kind of dog. The certain thing here is that they make lovely and trainable pets for owners who are dedicated to disciplining them.
Most people struggle with this choice either as they never learned about this or because they really don’t realize the distinctions.
Male German Shorthaired Pointers
Overview
Height: 23 – 25 inches (58 – 64 cm)
Weight: 55 – 70 lbs (25 – 32 kg)
Puppy Price: $900 – $5,500
Lifespan: 10 – 12 Years
Build: Muscular and thicker body, with heavy jowls.
Temperament
Friendly, smart, and willing to please.
Loves to please his owner.
Slightly more food motivated.
More playful and energetic throughout life.
More aggressive.
More attention seeking.
Likes being babied.
Reaches physical maturity quicker.
Reaches mental maturity slower.
Tends to protect a territory or whole family.
Clingy most of the time.
Tends to be a bit messier.
Easily get distracted and harder to train.
Harder to train him to walk off leash and stay close to you.
Clumsy around kids.
Less suspicious of strangers.
Less likely to get along with other dogs or animals.
More likely to bond with all family members.
Easier to socialize with people.
Gets along well with female dogs.
More maintenance required.
Female German Shorthaired Pointers
Overview
Height: 21 – 23 inches (53 – 58 cm)
Weight: 45 – 60 lbs (20 – 27 kg)
Puppy Price: $1,400 – $5,500
Lifespan: 10 – 12 Years
Build: Thinner and lighter, skinnier neck, without jowls.
Temperament
Friendly, smart, and willing to please.
Slightly less desire to please her owner.
Slightly less food motivated (except when pregnant).
Tends to be less playful all the time.
Less aggressive.
Less attention seeking.
More independent.
Reaches physical maturity slower.
Reaches mental maturity quicker.
Tends to protect an individual (her owner).
Respects your time alone.
Tends to be cleaner.
More focused and easier to train.
Easier to train her to walk off leash and stay close to you.
More cautious around kids.
More suspicious of strangers.
More likely to get along with other dogs or animals.
Tends to bond with one person in the family.
A bit harder to socialize with people.
Gets along well with male dogs.
Less maintenance required.
Physical Differences
Males
Male German Shorthaired Pointers grow at the top of their frame from 23 to 25 inches high, making them look bigger than their female counterparts. The weight of a male GSP can start at 55 to 70 pounds.
As you notice, male GSPs have more muscles, heavy jowls, and thicker bodies, making them more masculine. They look majestic and proud when groomed properly.
Females
Females grow only to an average of 22 inches high, making them smaller when compared to their male counterparts. Females can weigh from 45 to 60 pounds, making them lighter to carry, unlike males.
Female German Shorthaired Pointers, on the other hand, are way sleeker, thinner, and lighter, especially the neck, and they have no jowls. They look elegant and fierce when groomed properly.
Temperamental Differences
Males
Male GSPs, especially in their puppy years, are more loyal and devoted to their owners. You do not have to take too much time to gain their trust. Once you get them and take them home, they will already treat you like they have known you for so long.
Yes, males are affectionate most of the time and this may lead them to become clumsier than ever. They tend to ask for your affection to the point that they can affect other people or things when they do that.
Unlike female GSPs, males are easier to please. They do not have this attitude in which they tend to become distant. Also, male GSPs are a tad bit conscious of everyone’s personal bubble. Whatever you are struggling with, they do not care. They are somehow emotionally unattached even though they are extremely affectionate.
They are pushy too, most of the time, and they like to get whatever they want, may it be your attention, food, or anything that they suddenly like to have. When it comes to sporty duties, males can cover more ground.
All you have to do is provide them with a wider space so that they become better in their jobs. On top of this, I want you to know that males can be easily distracted because they think that everything is just for fun. They are less serious, which sometimes can make you feel frustrated.
Females
These female German Shorthaired Pointers are more likely to be alert and vigilant in their surroundings. They are intense in whatever they do and they want to get things done. When it comes to loyalty, you need to develop loyalty a little longer for the female GSP.
They do not easily give their loyalty at first, but earning their loyalty would be a great feeling. The statement ‘loyalty must be earned’ is truly applicable in their nature.
Unlike male GSPs, which tend to be emotionally unattached, females are just a wee bit mindful of your space. They are sometimes pushy, but they know when to do it or when to stop.
They are respectful to their owners and put distance to high regard. These things make them more ideal when you need a companion that is not emotionally needy though.
Moreover, female GSPs can sometimes become moody and aggressive. They can be dangerous when they are not trained properly because of their high aggression.
They can be war freaks when they feel jealous and when they are territorial. Female GSPs are more likely to fight for dominance. They use their alpha card when summoned by other dogs, only to prove that they are sturdy.
TIP: Do not confuse the bark and whine of your GSP. This type of dog breed is not usually the type to bark a lot, so you will be surprised if they bark or whine at you. If they bark, know that there is a reason why they have to bark. When they whine, always check them out and inspect whatever they are feeling. John Carter – BubblyPet.com
When they bark at you, do not confuse yourself. You are not their enemy. Maybe they are just excited to play with you or miss you after not seeing you after a long time. Isn’t it sweet?
They only bark because they care, not because they want to be aggressive. You see, it is not without reason that Pointers bark. Barking sometimes means they want you to be alert, or they want to have an exercise.
The moment they whine is the moment that you have to communicate with them. Check with your Pointers to see if they are feeling just fine or if they are feeling unwell. When they whine a lot during their puppy years, they have not yet mastered their behavior and, in some cases, can be harder to calm down.
When they have not seen you for so long, they will immediately whine not because they are complaining (although sort of), but because they are excited to see you again!
Trainability
Males
Similar to other larger dogs, male Pointers are more challenging to train during their puppy years. They can become easily distracted because all they want is to have fun and play around.
Don’t worry though because when they’ve perfected their behavior, they are more likely to be great in all dog work. They love to please you and they can do everything you ask them to do in your training just to hear your confirmation. They really do not want to fail you, but do at times.
Also, German Shorthaired Pointers are breeds suitable for sporty works. This means that they can be great in the hunting work, too. True enough, males are good at the field trial because of their body mass. They are bigger and sturdier than most of the females are. They can be vigilant, too, like female Pointers when it comes to covering more ground.
Females
Female Pointers are not different from males when it comes to training. It’s like they are part of the Feminist Movement which shouts for gender equality and that they can also do what males can do.
They may be sleeker and lighter than males, but females are also intelligent. They are more focused when it comes to dog work. They cover more ground, too, and e better on the field trial.
Because they mature quicker than males, they can be more responsible in the hunting field. They have intense vigilance making them become highly territorial to their grounds. When you train female dogs for basic obedience signals, they can learn faster than males do.
They are determined in all training but they do not have a long attention span because they get bored easily, paving their way back into the sofa to have their own space.
They can also hike uplands, swim with you, go-to trails, retrieve bombs, etc. They are that versatile because of their high sensibility and intelligence. You will never go wrong in choosing a female GSP.
Health Differences
Males
Male German Shorthaired Pointers are dogs of a high energy disposition. They are much more likely to demand regular exercise because of a larger body mass and a muscular structure. With little or no exercise, your GSP can get anxious and dangerous.
There is really no significant correlation between both sexes regarding health problems, but it is important to note some key factors as to why they are prone to some diseases.
Because males are more likely to do strenuous workouts due to their larger body, they are more likely to suffer health issues. The males’ greater muscle mass increases vulnerability to fractures and joint diseases.
Unfortunately, males appear to have shorter life expectancy than females since in their formative days, they are much more aggressive. The bigger the frame, the heavier the load a GSP can bear, and erratic exercise can also bring more pressure. Too many complex things will weaken their bodies in their everyday routines.
They are also prone to minor health conditions regardless of their sex. They are also most likely to have a cardiac arrest. Reports have also shown male GSPs are prone to injuries that damage the joints of the shoulder. This may be a concern exacerbated by the fast growth rate of the GSP. Therefore, it is indeed necessary to always have his muscles and bones checked.
Females
Females are considered to always have a lighter body mass and a narrower body size, making it somewhat simpler for them to travel. Some say they have a lifetime year longer than male GSP since they don’t encounter strains. Yet some suggest all sexes have the very same length of life. They are far less prone to having diseases, breathing difficulties, and injuries.
Several other health conditions are hereditary. For instance, if female Pointers acquire the genetic traits for an eye problem termed PRA from their mothers and fathers, no doubt that they will also go blind and there is nothing a dog owner can really do about this matter.
When you decide to get a GSP, make sure it comes from a healthy family or trustworthy breeder to avoid further health complications.
With Children
Males
Although known as playful, owners should not be complacent about their male Pointers playing with their kids. Male German Shorthaired Pointers are clumsier and messier than females, which can lead to accidents and injuries.
Although they are great with kids, there are still subtle ways of imposing leadership on your kids. You know for a fact that dogs can be dangerous too if they are not well-trained. So, your kids must know that they should control the roost.
Both males and females are great to be with kids. But male GSPs are more active in nature. They are more likely to become people-pleasers, and your kids will surely like that. They are also gentle towards children even if sometimes they do not know what stop means. You just have to be very extra careful while your kids deal with them.
Females
Female GSPs are people-oriented, and they really don’t like being put alone for long stretches of time without even being busy. So, having kids around can be a great idea if a female GSP wants to play along. But in some cases, GSPs can be resistant and aloof, and they do not want to exhaust themselves again after training in the woods.
Since they are more serious and intense than males, they are also more cautious around kids. They do not like to disturb other people when they do not feel like it. You should tell your kids that a female GSP is not at all fun-loving.
They are more reserved and love to dwell more on training and tricks. Their independence is more likely to prevail when they are forced to play. Sometimes, they just do not care about kids at all.
With Other Dogs
Males
Socializing your male GSPs with many other pets is not difficult, because they are inherently socially active and gregarious. This encourages males rather than females to be playing and running after one another.
Other than that, the interaction and socialization outside your homes are necessary for your GSP to become more disciplined than they ought to be. They are not the war freak type though, just in case you’d like to know.
Males likewise are defensive. It seems that when they see another wild animal on their borders, they get furious. Nonetheless, they will become friendlier than they really are before until they become used to others. They will treat those other animals as friends if they sense that there really is no intention for harm.
Females
Female GSPs are more likely to prove dominance over another dog. They are thought to be reserved but they do not want others to have their throne. Do not leave them like that; always fill your training sessions with patience to discipline female GSPs in controlling their alpha games. They should not be involved in fights because it will be difficult to stop.
They also do not want others to step on to their territories. They can be creative at times to go outside just to fight with other animals, so make sure that you have instilled high fences around your house. Nevertheless, female GSPs will learn to calm down years after training them.
Which Is Better for a Family?
A tough question in this article must be answered. If you are part of a family that loves to take care of a dog, then there is no problem choosing whatever German Shorthaired Pointer suits your residence. If you have a family of outgoing and sporty people, then it is high time you get a German Shorthaired Pointer.
Advantages of Male GSPs in a Family Environment:
Kids will most likely enjoy having male GSPs because of their high energy.
Interested in athletic stuff and adventures.
They grow faster and larger.
Humorous and creative.
Bond more often with the family than outside the home.
Enjoyable and amusing to instruct.
Balances the alpha card.
Less aggressive when neutered.
Could do great guard work.
Advantages of Female GSPs in a Family Environment:
Have high regard for loyalty in a familial setting.
Careful and gentle around kids.
Can live slightly longer.
Strong, fierce, and very protective.
More likely to guard you in a public setting.
Can pick up training easily.
Can get along with other male animals at home.
For whatever GSP you wish to have, you should never fail to teach them how and when to socialize with other dogs and, most importantly, interact socially with random people.
For sure, they would do well in a family setting, when they are well-trained. If they are well-bred, you will not feel guilty for having a Pointer.
Which Is a Better Guard Dog?
German Shorthaired Pointers make respectably good guard dogs. Athletic in nature, these dogs are trustworthy in guard work and will likely exceed your expectations. Although they do not bark more often, they will do when they sense danger.
Training your GSP to improve its agility will make them become better guard dogs. Below are the advantages of both GSPs when it comes to guarding works.
Advantages of Male German Shorthaired Pointer Guard Dogs:
Take edge on being muscular and sturdy.
More alert most of the time.
Use the alpha card when they sense danger.
Would get into fights just to protect you.
Advantages of Female German Shorthaired Pointer Guard Dogs:
Can pick up instructions easily.
Extremely loyal to the people around them.
More likely to bark at strangers.
Do not easily trust people or animals they do not know.
More cautious whenever put into strange environments.
Territorial and sensitive.
German Shorthaired Pointers can be great guard dogs when trained properly. If you want to focus on your GSPs guard work, you must have a lot of patience to do so. But not just that, you must also have enough knowledge in teaching them guarding lessons.
This site can provide you articles with all the necessary information needed for a guard dog. Make sure to check them out!
German Shorthaired Pointers With Cats
Dogs and cats have specific attributes and both have similarities, even though they are animals that are very distinct from each other. In a house wherein you live with both, it is important to know that these two animals are different and thus need different approaches too. There is, of course, a significant disparity between cats and dogs’ muscle strength.
Dogs have wider and heavier structures of the body while cats have small and delicate bodies. Male German Shorthaired Pointers appear softer than male cats.
While house cats always want to play too, they are far less unlikely to be filthy than the GSP boys. Both male GSPs and male cats are sociable, as opposed to the much more restrained and serene female GSPs and female cats.
Final Thoughts
In order for you to have a meaningful life with German Shorthaired Pointers, you must first know what your weaknesses and strengths are before you get whichever of these two. The house setting and your liking matter the most when deciding to choose the gender for your GSP.
You have to deal with a lot of bigger space for them to run and play around. You also have to teach your kids to always act as the leader. You do not have to be a perfect owner; you just need to be consistent.
Either of the two will make you a better human; you will not just get a GSP just to have a companion, like a parent, you are also carrying a lot of responsibilities. When you decide to get a male GSP, make sure that they exercise regularly and that you have higher fences around.
If you decide to get a female GSP, make sure they are well-trained and have a high interaction with others to suppress their aggression. Both can be a perfect companion and best buddy, and you just have to choose which one suits you best.
This article is written just for all of you who want to be more informed about the differences between male and female GSPs. I hope that this article somehow enlightens you. For you to have a wider array of breed options, you can scan articles on this site, only if you have time!
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