<P> Due to the short GSP coat, body heat management is not generally a problem . However, the GSP's high levels of activity require the breed to drink considerable amounts of water to prevent dehydration . Early symptoms of dehydration show itself as thick saliva and urine with an excessively strong and distinct smell . </P> <P> German Shorthaired pointers are still currently used as versatile hunting and gun dogs . </P> <P> The precise origin of the German Shorthaired Pointer is unclear . According to the American Kennel Club, it is likely that the GSP is descended from a breed known as the German Bird Dog, which itself is related to the Old Spanish Pointer introduced to Germany in the 17th century . It is also likely that various German hound and tracking dogs, as well as the English Pointer and the Arkwright Pointer also contributed to the development of the breed . However, as the first studbook was not created until 1870, it is impossible to identify all of the dogs that went into creating this breed . The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930 . </P> <P> Thomas Mann's great love for his German Shorthaired is told in the book Bashan and I. Robert B. Parker's most popular mystery series features a Boston detective known only as Spenser who has had a series of three solid - liver German shorthairs, all named Pearl: one who stood with him during a bear charge in his rural youth; one given to his girlfriend by her ex-husband; and the third Pearl, to keep company with Spenser and his girlfriend in their late middle age . Author Parker appears on many of the Spenser dust jackets with a solid - liver GSP male identical to the three incarnations of Pearl in the series . </P>

Why do they cut german shorthaired pointers tails