german shorthaired pointer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Neutral (in pet/breed contexts), Technical (in hunting/dog breeding contexts)
Quick answer
What does “german shorthaired pointer” mean?
A breed of medium-to-large hunting dog, originally from Germany, characterized by a short coat, a versatile ability to hunt and point at game.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A breed of medium-to-large hunting dog, originally from Germany, characterized by a short coat, a versatile ability to hunt and point at game.
Often referred to in contexts beyond dog breeds to imply versatility, energy, or a focused nature in a metaphor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of 'shorthaired' as one word is standard in both.
Connotations
Slightly more common in American contexts due to the breed's popularity in the US hunting community.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties within dog-related discourse; virtually absent in general language.
Grammar
How to Use “german shorthaired pointer” in a Sentence
[subject] owns/trains/hunts with a German shorthaired pointer.The German shorthaired pointer [verb: points/retrieves/runs].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “german shorthaired pointer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The dog will german shorthaired pointer its way through the undergrowth. (Non-standard, creative use)
American English
- You can't just german shorthaired pointer after every scent you find. (Non-standard, metaphorical)
adjective
British English
- He has a very german-shorthaired-pointer-like enthusiasm. (Non-standard, hyphenated compound adjective)
American English
- Her energy level is totally German Shorthaired Pointer. (Non-standard, attributive noun use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in pet industry marketing (e.g., 'We sell premium food for German Shorthaired Pointers').
Academic
Rare, except in specific zoology, veterinary, or animal husbandry papers.
Everyday
Used in conversations about pets, dog breeds, and hunting.
Technical
Common in cynology, dog breeding, field trial, and hunting manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “german shorthaired pointer”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “german shorthaired pointer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “german shorthaired pointer”
- Incorrectly spelling as 'German short-haired pointer' (though sometimes hyphenated).
- Using as a common noun (e.g., 'a german shorthaired pointer' without capitalisation in formal breed contexts).
- Confusing with other pointer breeds like the English Pointer.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In formal breed contexts, yes, as it is a proper noun. In casual conversation, capitalisation of 'German' and 'Pointer' is common, but 'shorthaired' is often lowercased.
Generally, no. They are high-energy, sporting dogs that require substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive best in homes with access to large, secure spaces.
While both are pointing breeds, the GSP is more versatile, often trained to retrieve from water as well as hunt on land, and has a distinct short, dense coat. The English Pointer is often more specialized for upland bird hunting and has a smoother, finer coat.
It is the original German name for the breed, literally translating to 'short hair'.
A breed of medium-to-large hunting dog, originally from Germany, characterized by a short coat, a versatile ability to hunt and point at game.
German shorthaired pointer is usually neutral (in pet/breed contexts), technical (in hunting/dog breeding contexts) in register.
German shorthaired pointer: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdʒɜː.mən ˈʃɔːt.hed ˈpɔɪn.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdʒɝː.mən ˈʃɔːrt.herd ˈpɔɪn.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this breed term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GERMAN (origin) + SHORT HAIR (coat type) + POINTER (its job). A German dog with short hair that points at birds.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MULTI-TOOL or ATHLETE (due to its versatility and high energy).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary original function of a German shorthaired pointer?