The German shorthaired pointer (GSP) is a great pet to own that doubles up as a great hunting dog. They are clean-cut, well-proportioned, sporty, and have great hunting instincts. Hands down, they’re one of the most active, intelligent, and athletic pups you will ever meet.
The male GSP is more aggressive than their female counterparts, but this doesn’t make them better hunters. The differences between their hunting capabilities depend on the training to harness their abilities. Also, females may not be reliable during their heat season.
You must be curious about the key differences between a male and a female GSP that may make one a better hunter than the other. Worry not, because we have detailed the key features that stand out when chasing prey or hunting game.
Male GSPs Vs Female GSPs
German shorthaired pointers are high-energy dogs bred to hunt, retrieve, track, and point various animals, including game birds, squirrels, deers, raccoons, and rabbits.
Their sharp instincts for these prey make them great hunters.
However, most people find it tricky to pick male or female GSPs, either because they have never learned about them or are unaware of the differences.
Here are some differences to help discern them.
| Male | Female | |
| Temperament | More aggressive | More friendly |
| Size | 21 – 27 inches (53 – 69 cm)55 – 85 lbs (25 – 39 kgs) | 20 – 25 inches (51 – 64 cm)40 – 75 lbs (18 – 34 kgs) |
| Trainability | Harder to train | Easier to train because they aren’t easily distracted |
| Build | Muscular and thick body | A bit thinner and more streamlined |
| Temperament | More aggressive, more drive to please owner | Less aggressive and more reserved, less drive to please owner |
| Activeness | Are active throughout the year | May get less active when on heat season |
| Life expectancy | 11 years | 12 years |
Size
Fully grown male GSPs are distinctly bigger than grown females.
Males reach an average height of 21 to 27 inches (53 – 69 cm) at the top of the shoulder, whereas females reach 20 to 25 inches (51 – 64 cm). Males are also stronger built, with a weight average of 70 lbs (32 kgs), while females weigh about 58 lbs (26 kgs).
The female GSP body appears more streamlined with a slimmer outline and no jowls, while males seem more masculine with strong jowls. When groomed correctly, they tend to look more fierce.
Females mature more quickly than males during puberty, making them easier to train at first. However, there’s almost no difference in training between the sexes once over that point.
I recommend the Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds (available at Amazon.com) if you want to find a more definitive description of the GSP size and breeding. Additionally, this book provides information on over 175 breeds of canines.
Temperament
Generally, the German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the most athletic breeds.
It is highly fond of its human family and is protective, clever, enthusiastic, and often wants to please them. They are also regularly active without any major changes unless they’re unwell.
The males are usually more territorial and aggressive and have a higher drive to please their owner, swiftly answering hunting or basic commands. Additionally, while hunting with another dog, non-neutered males may be more ferocious than females.
Female GSPs do not easily become loyal.
They tend to have an attitude (they may become distant), are less attention-seeking, and are less aggressive. They may become distracted during mating seasons because they may be more attentive to finding a mating partner. If your female GSP has been spade, however, this shouldn’t be an issue. Check this article for more information about how often GSPs go into heat – How Often Do German Shorthaired Pointers Go Into Heat?
Normally, the amount of time spent bonding with the dog, training, and, most significantly, the breeding plays the most crucial role in the dog’s personality or temperament.
Trainability
Male GSPs are more food motivated, but this doesn’t make them easier to train. They are very playful. Thus, you may require regular short breaks more than when training female GSPs. Once fully trained, they become good at dog work and sporting activities.
Females are often easier to train, even off-leash, due to their longer concentration spans, agility, and vigilance. Their tremendous sensitivity and intelligence make them very adaptable. However, their mood swings may make them dangerous if they aren’t trained well.
Generally, when training both genders on some basic commands or hunting skills, you’ll find it easier than most breeds. If you are in need of help, Brain Training For Dogs is a phenomenal online training program for any breed. Adrienne Farricelli is a certified trainer with over 10 years experience and she will teach you to train your dog to be obedient and listen to your commands. For less than $50 at the time of this article, you will not find a better value.
Health
According to the 2005 German shorthaired pointer Health Survey, male GSPs are more susceptible to oral issues and illnesses, while female GSPs are more susceptible to bladder/urinary tract, mammary cancers, and kidney disorders.
The survey also revealed the most common health issues with the GSPs include umbilical hernias, temperament/behavior, kidney/urinary, eyes, mouth, ears, and skin.
Verdict: Gender Might Not Play a Role in GSP Hunting Ability
If a trainer understands why they paired certain dogs for breeding, they will produce a consistent progeny in terms of health, drive, heart, intelligence, and natural hunting ability.
The pup’s outcome will also be determined by the setting in which they are put.
When it comes to the GSP, gender will not play a role in their hunting ability. If you train them well, especially during adolescence, your efforts will boil down to a great hunting companion.
Which GSP Gender Is Right for You?
The gender that’s right for you will be determined by your preference. If you prefer an independent, not-so-friendly, and training-focused dog, a female GSP is a better fit. If you want a more affectionate, energetic, and sporty dog, a male GSP is a good choice.
GSPs are great hunting companions, so whichever gender you choose, you’ll likely have made an excellent choice.
Male and female dogs aren’t all that varied, except for noticeable physical characteristics. However, a dog’s biological sex can occasionally explain certain health problems and habits, particularly if the animal is not neutered or spayed.
Best GPS Tracker for German Shorthaired Pointer
If your intentions are to use your German Shorthaired Pointer for hunting, you will want to invest in a reliable GPS tracker. I highly recommend the Dogtra Pathfinder Tracker (available on Amazon.com). See below for all the great features provided with this product.
- Up to 9 mile range
- Can be used as a trainer with 100 levels of stimulation ranging from low to high
- Rechargeable
- Waterproof
- Great visibility in the woods with its bright orange color
- *You will need the app on your smart phone to use this product
Conclusion
Although there are established biological and physical differences between a male and female GSP, gender doesn’t play a huge role in determining the better between the two when hounding prey.
Look at the characteristics of both genders before you choose a specific gender and endeavor to train them well to harness their abilities to make them good hunting or companions alike.
