german shorthaired pointer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C2
UK/ˌdʒɜː.mən ˈʃɔːt.hed ˈpɔɪn.tər/US/ˌdʒɝː.mən ˈʃɔːrt.herd ˈpɔɪn.t̬ɚ/

Neutral (in pet/breed contexts), Technical (in hunting/dog breeding contexts)

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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

strong
purebred German shorthaired pointertrain a German shorthaired pointerown a German shorthaired pointerGSP (common abbreviation)
medium
energetic German shorthaired pointerhunt with a German shorthaired pointerpuppy German shorthaired pointer
weak
loyal German shorthaired pointerfamily German shorthaired pointerfast German shorthaired pointer

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

Kurzhaar (original German name)

Neutral

GSPGerman pointer

Weak

hunting dogbird dogversatile gun dog

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “german shorthaired pointer”

non-sporting dogtoy breedsedentary breed

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

Fill in the gap
The is a popular breed for hunters because it can both point and retrieve.
Multiple Choice

What is the primary original function of a German shorthaired pointer?