Are German Shorthaired Pointers Good Family Dogs? Find Here
Published: 04 Apr 2025
Thinking about getting a dog for your home? If you’re thinking about getting a German Shorthaired Pointer, you might be asking yourself, “Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs ?” Well, this breed is known for being smart, energetic, and loyal — but it’s not the right fit for every family. In this post, we’ll go over what it’s really like to have a GSP in a family setting, including their energy level, barking habits, and more.
Are GSPs Good with Families?
Yes, GSPs can be great family dogs. They’re friendly, love people, and enjoy being part of the family. They’re usually good with kids, especially when trained and socialized early.
But they’re not the type to just lie around all day. If you’re looking for a calm, low-maintenance dog, this breed might not be the best match.
They Need to Move — A Lot
GSPs have very high energy. They were bred to hunt and run for hours. They need at least 1 to 2 hours of daily exercise, walks, runs, playtime, or training games.
If you leave them bored or without enough activity, they’ll find ways to entertain themselves — and you might not like how that looks. Chewing on furniture, digging, or pacing around are common signs of understimulation.
They’re a great fit for active families who enjoy the outdoors.
Not Loud, But Not Silent
GSPs don’t bark all the time, but they will let you know when something’s up. They might bark:
- When they hear strange noises
- If they see someone outside
- If they’re bored or alone for too long
They’re not “yappy,” but if they don’t get enough attention or exercise, barking can become a habit. Training and routine help manage this.
Temperament and Trainability
GSPs are smart and eager to learn. They pick up commands quickly and enjoy working with their owners. That’s a big plus for families.
The catch? If you’re not consistent, they can become stubborn. They need clear rules and positive reinforcement. Short, daily training sessions work best.
Challenges to Be Aware Of
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Too energetic for small kids or elderly family members
- Not ideal for apartment living (unless you’re very active)
- Separation anxiety can be a problem if left alone too long
- Heavy shedders — be ready to clean often
They need time, space, and attention — not just a quick walk around the block.
Tips for Families
If you’re seriously considering a GSP, here’s what helps:
- Make daily exercise part of your routine
- Socialize them early — with kids, pets, and strangers
- Use puzzle toys and fetch to burn energy
- Be patient and consistent with training
From The Horse’s Mouth
Tail End Thoughts
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a great family dog… but…for the right kind of family. If you’re active, patient, and ready to include your dog in daily life, they’ll give back tons of loyalty and love.
But if you’re not ready to commit time and energy, it’s best to look at calmer breeds.
