German Shorthaired Pointer: bathing, clipping and coat care

The German Shorthaired Pointer has a short coat. See how we care for it in the salon, how often to visit and what to do at home.

SizeLarge
Weight20–32 kg
Height53–65 cm
CoatShort
SheddingMedium
German Shorthaired Pointer
Photo: TruckMatt · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

Breed facts

FCI groupGroup 7: Pointing dogs
OriginGermany
Weight20–32 kg
Height53–65 cm
Life expectancy12–14 years

Temperament

Active, intelligent and very devoted to its owner. It needs plenty of exercise and work, such as hunting or dog sports.

History

Bred in 19th-century Germany as a versatile hunting dog: it points, flushes and retrieves game, on land and in water.

Fun facts

Its sense of smell and versatility make it one of the most complete hunting dogs.

The German Shorthaired Pointer coat

A short, close coat that is simple to maintain but sheds throughout the year.

A short, dense coat; the drop ears need cleaning and the skin should be dried well after getting wet.

What we do in the salon

A full bath with dead-hair removal, nail trimming, ear cleaning and conditioning.

Recommended services

  • Bathabout 1 h

How often?

Bathevery 6 to 8 weeks
Cut / upkeepUsually no cut needed.

Special attention

Drop ears: they trap warmth and collect wax and moisture. We clean the ears at each visit; at home, check them weekly and talk to your vet if there is a smell, redness or a lot of head-shaking.

Care at home between visits

  1. Brush once a week with a rubber glove or soft-bristle brush.
  2. Dry the skin and folds well after a bath or rain.
  3. Check the skin: a short coat shows any irritation early.
  4. Look after the nails and ears.

Frequently asked questions about the German Shorthaired Pointer

Does the German Shorthaired Pointer shed a lot?

It sheds moderately. Brushing once or twice a week and a bath with dead-hair removal keeps the home and the coat tidy.

How often should I bring my German Shorthaired Pointer to the salon?

In general, a bath every 6 to 8 weeks. Usually no cut needed. It depends on the coat, the cut you like and the condition of the coat: we will advise you at the first visit.

How long do a bath and a clip take?

When you book online, 1 hour is reserved for a bath and 2 hours for a clip, scissor cut or hand stripping. Very dense coats or large breeds may need more time: talk to us.

Does it need clipping?

Usually not: a regular bath with dead-hair removal and weekly brushing is enough.

Weight and height values are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Based on FCI standards and public breed profiles; care text: DogsClub. Last updated: October 2026.