Many different theories exist regarding the actual origins and ancestry of the German Shorthaired Pointer, but most experts believe that the breed development was initiated by a cross between the Old Spanish Pointer and traditional continental pointers.

 

In Germany dense forests blended with open fields and housed all types of feather and fur, including grouse, rabbit, fox, deer, wolves and wild boar. It was there that the hunters wanted to create a breed of hunting dog that could effectively hunt all types of game in all types of terrain that their country has to offer. They wanted a dog with a nose sensitive enough to locate game. German hunters typically hunted on foot, they also wanted a dog that had enough discipline and inbred instinct to remain staunch on point once the game was located to allow hunters time to close in on the quarry. A hunting partner was needed that would retrieve fallen game for them both on land and in water. In addition, the dog needed to be bold and aggressive enough to interact with and track larger game such as wild cats, foxes and deer within the deep German forests. Finally, and very importantly, these hunters wanted a household companion that could be relied upon to protect the home and those in it effectively when called upon to do so.