Havapoo vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison

The Havapoo is usually a cross with a miniature Poodle and a Havanese but other poodle sizes such as the toy can be used. This is a fairly new cross breed just getting the attention of the American public. The result is a friendly, small dog. They have a striking appearance and lovable personality. They are easy to train and very smart. Not much is know about their heritage except that they were developed in the United States sometime in the past 30 years. Given the long history of the parental breeds, you can count on the quality and beauty of the Havapoo.

Being a member of the Sporting Group, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a dog which was developed in the 19th century in Germany, and specifically for hunting. Hunters wanted a dog who could hunt all types of game and in all types of terrain.

There are quite a few different theories that exist regarding the origin of the German Shorthaired Pointer, but most experts believe that the breed came from a mix of old Spanish pointer and traditional continental pointers with further crossings of German Bloodhound and French Gascon to enhance scenting abilities.

The dogs popularity flourished in Europe and in 1891 the Klub Kurzhaar was founded to maintain the guidelines for this new and beautiful sporting dog.

The look of the Havapoo is unpredictable in first generation mixes as the puppies can appear like either of the parents. Most however have carried on the facial features of the Havanese. They usually have soft coats with hypoallergenic fur that comes in brown, black, grey, white and tan. The white dogs tend to be deaf or perhaps even blind. They are really good looking dogs whichever parent they favor.

Athletic, muscular and sleek, the medium to large sized German Shorthaired Pointer is at home on land and water. He stands between 53 to 63cm in height and weighs roughly between 20 – 32kg.

The eyes are brown, the ears are fairly long, they are floppy and set high on the head. The tail is always docked to a particular length and is held straight out from the body so that it actually forms a line with the entire body and the head.

The dog has a short coat which is essentially a combination of liver and white speckles or dappling.

Temperament:

A whole lot of factors come into play when looking at the temperament of a dog. The kind of owners the dog has can have a huge affect on the way he turns out. Nonetheless every dog, including the German Shorthaired Pointer will require training and socialization to become obedient and relaxed around strangers and other pets.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is an intelligent, confident, bold, affectionate dog that wants to please his owners and he is easy to train. He is good with children too, just loving all interaction with his human family.

He is an energetic dog and will require plenty of exercising to avoid him becoming bored, frustrated and destructive.

1Children friendliness yes but monitor their interaction so the dog does not get hurt. 2.Special talents highly intelligent and love to run 3.Adaptability Home or apartment is fine but would love a fenced yard to run in. 4.Learning ability very high smart and loves to learn

As an intelligent hunting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer is also a loving family companion and he just loves spending time outdoors with his human family.

He is pretty much an all-rounder – playful, energetic, a good watchdog and a loving and devoted family friend.

For an active, outdoor kind of family, include the German Shorthaired Pointer in all your activities and you’re going to ensure that you have a most wonderful 4-legged friend.

Even though first generation mixes have no genetic health issues. There are however some issues they are prone to: • Deafness - primarily in the white dogs, nothing can be done for it. • Cataracts – can lead to blindness • Hypothyroidism – can be medicated • Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness • Patellar Luxation – can lead to lameness

Most German Shorthaired Pointers are healthy dogs, but even so, just like with any other dog breed, they can be subject to some hereditary disorders as well as some of the other common dog illnesses there are -

Chocolate poisoning:

Dogs are such devoted family members that you just want to give in to them and pop the chocolate treats you love into their mouths. But dog’s can’t eat chocolate! Just one piece can affect a small dog. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include diarrhea,vomiting, panting and shaking and even worse, a heart attack. If your dog has got hold of some chocolate, get him to the vet immediately.

Parvo:

Your German Shorthaired Pointer, as a puppy, should have his puppy vaccines. If your dog has this terrible disease, he will be lethargic, have diarrhea and almost seem out of it. Survival isn’t always guaranteed and the best way to avoid this killer disease, is to ensure your puppies vaccinations are up to date.

Bloat:

Check your pet for Bloat or an enlarged stomach which can twist because of trapped gas. This can be deadly for your pet. Get him immediately to the vet. He’ll be restless, lethargic and trying to vomit.

1Feeding the puppy – feed a high quality puppy food for small or toy dogs. Feed 3-4 times a day a total or 1 cup. 2.Feeding the adult - feed a high quality puppy food for small or toy dogs. Feed 3-4 times a day a total of 2 cups 3.Points for Good Health – overall good health 4. Games and Exercises – needs some moderate exercise and would love a fenced yard to run in. Will play fetch and some are good at agility.

Grooming:

The German Shorthaired Pointer isn’t a heavy shedder. He has a short coat which requires brushing at least twice a week to remove loose hairs and keep it shiny and sleek.

Also check in- and outside the ears, clip his nails and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week.

Diet:

Only the highest grade kibble will do. Mix in some of your own home-made cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken from time to time and also ensure your pet gets in some raw meat as well. Cool, fresh water should be constantly available.