In keeping with our weekly practice here at North Dallas Thirty, I'd like to present this week's Dog Blog -- and who better to honor than Carlee, the beautiful German shorthaired pointer who won Best in Show at this week's Westminster Kennel Club Show?
The German Shorthaired Pointer is the result of a selective breeding program carried out by a group of dedicated German noblemen and sportsmen towards the end of the nineteenth century. Previously, the nobles had kept large kennels of dogs who were used for various hunting purposes, something that was impossible for the German of moderate means with an interest in hunting to do. For this reason, the German Shorthaired Pointer was bred to be a utility player, a single dog which could "sense, find, point, mark, and return game in the field and out of the water", while serving as a companion and family dog as well.
German Shorthaired Pointers are a fine, athletic breed, intelligent and resourceful, who thrive on attention and vigorous exercise. Their versatility makes them suitable for almost any form of hunting, while their intelligence and amenable dispositions make them fine pets. However, they are a very exuberant breed, especially when young, and require a great deal of exercise and attention, lest they turn to destructive behavior.
Unfortunately, as often happens with breeds that get a great deal of media exposure at a time, i.e. Dalmatians after "101 Dalmations", there may be a number of German Shorthaired Pointers looking for homes in a few months after their new owners figure out that the dog and their lifestyle are incompatible. German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue is a nationwide resource that can link you to rescue organizations and dogs in your area, if you are looking to welcome a good-looking German into your life. (grin)
Thanks again from the NDT Mascot and me....have a great weekend!
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