In the photo: Petra Della Chiusa by Aldini S. |
The German shorthaired pointing dog, known above all as Deutscher Kurzhaar, is the best in hunting and pointing, in all types of hunting, including ease of dressage. In comparison with the other pointing breeds, the Kurzhaar comes out at an advantage and this is explicitly demonstrated by the statistics.
The Deutscher Kurzhaar, according to the FCI classification, belongs to Group 7 of pointing dogs.
Its selection began in Prussia in the seventeenth century, through crosses with examples of "Bracco Spagnolo", of the Navarra type, and of "Franco-Italian Bracchi" of the more elegant type. Many hypotheses are made about the origins of this breed. Some believe that the Deutscher Kurzhaar is descended from the old "Belgian Bracco", others who claim that the breed is descended from the "Bloodhound".
Experts recently stated that there is a possibility that the “Pointer” was also used in the selection of this breed. Considering the great hunting attitudes of the Deutscher Kurzhaar, in 1895 the first field work trials were organized for the Kurzhaar only, who over the years have contributed to determining the morphofunctional evolution of the breed. Today's Kurzhaar are very present in Germany, even if in Europe there is a fair spread of the breed.
The Deutscher Kurzhaar is a medium sized dog, dolichocephalic mesomorph, morphologically classified as a Braccoid type. Aesthetically it denotes a distinct and harmonious aspect. Very resistant, strong and fast dog, the Deutscher Kurzhaar expresses a great nobility. Its head is dry, its tail is well carried, its skin is tight and its coat is shiny.
During the hunting trip it shows a fairly wide search, but it needs to be kept in good shape in order to give the best of itself in the hunting field. The breed is considered one of the best in terms of olfactory properties, adaptability to any type of terrain and any type of climatic condition. The Deutscher Kurzhaar works calmly even in harsh climates, retaining all its characteristics and capabilities. The breed is well disposed towards education and training, being highly intelligent.
The height for males is between 62 and 66 cm, while for females between 58 and 63 cm.
It has a chest that is deeper than it is wide, while remaining proportionate to the other parts of the body. The back is supported and not too long, in order to obtain a fast and resistant gait. The croup is broad and elastic.
The abdomen is slightly raised. The head and the muzzle are lean, well chiseled, proportionate to the trunk for power and length.
The nose is slightly prominent, brown in color, with well opened nostrils. The teeth are strong with scissor bite. The ears are of medium length, set high and broad at the root.
The admitted colors are the following: brown without spots; brown with some white or mottling on the chest and limbs; dark brown roan; roan; light brown; white with brown head; black with shades.
It is an admirable dog that in its work combines and harmonizes the qualities of the English breeds with those of the continental breeds, while preserving its own physiognomy and a strong personality.
The gait and the search denote a decisive departure and an exuberant action, continuous gallop, energetic but not impetuous. The stride is rather collected, the neck extended, the head high and mobile that proves a profitable olfactory mastery. The tail is carried slightly downwards with a continuous and lively horizontal movement. The search is diligent and very broad, with straight and close diagnoses. He gradually slows down his gait, bringing himself to a trot, when he has the wrong impression of the wild; search for the source of emanation with slight inflection of the limbs. When he finds a slight hint of the presence of the wild, he goes to a halt, with his head held high, nasal bridge horizontal, ear retracted, eye burning and neck all out. Seeing it stopped is very nice, as it is not very theatrical and denotes security.
The Deutscher Kurzhaar is considered an excellent dog for hunting partridge, quail and woodcock. It is a breed that loves to work, very quiet and balanced, also suitable for company. Given its robustness and strength, the Deutscher Kurzhaar is also used, in some cases, as a guard dog.