Alright, buckle up, because I’m about to spill the beans on my “all black gsp” project. It was a wild ride, lemme tell ya.
It all started when I got this crazy idea in my head. I was like, “Yo, I need a German Shorthaired Pointer, but not just any GSP, a freakin’ all-black one!” Now, GSPs aren’t exactly known for being all black, they’re usually those liver and white spotted dogs, right? But I’m stubborn, so I went down the rabbit hole.
First thing I did was hit the internet HARD. I mean, hours scrolling through breeder websites, forums, and even some shady-looking dog marketplaces. I was searching for any mention of black GSPs. Turns out, they’re pretty rare. Some folks said they didn’t even exist, just miscolored dogs or mixes. But I wasn’t convinced.
Then, I stumbled upon a breeder in like, bumfuck nowhere, who claimed to have a line of “melanistic” GSPs. Basically, dogs with a genetic mutation that makes them almost entirely black. I was skeptical, but I called them up. The guy sounded legit, kinda gruff, you know? He told me he’d been breeding these dogs for years, focusing on temperament and hunting ability first, color second. I liked that.
I drove like six hours to get to his place. It was a real farm, all muddy and dog-smelly. He showed me the dogs, and holy crap, there they were: sleek, athletic GSPs, almost entirely black. Some had a tiny bit of white on their chest or paws, but mostly black. I was sold.
I picked out a little female pup, the darkest one of the litter. I named her Shadow, because, duh. Getting her home was a whole other adventure, she puked in the car like three times, the poor thing.
Raising Shadow was intense. GSPs are high-energy dogs, and she was no exception. We’re talking hours of walks, runs, and fetch in the park. Plus, she was smart as hell, so I had to keep her mentally stimulated too, with puzzle toys and training sessions. She chewed through like, five pairs of my shoes, but I couldn’t stay mad at that face.
Training her was interesting. She picked up commands quickly, but she also had a mind of her own. She loved to chase squirrels, and it took a lot of patience (and a few ripped leashes) to get her to focus on me instead. Bird dog training was also a fun experience. She had a natural point, but she needed to learn to hold it steady and retrieve properly.
Now, Shadow’s about two years old, and she’s the best dog I’ve ever had. She’s a loyal companion, a fierce hunter, and a total goofball. And yes, she’s still mostly black. People are always stopping me on the street to ask what kind of dog she is. When I tell them she’s a German Shorthaired Pointer, they never believe me.
Was it worth the effort to find an all-black GSP? Absolutely. She’s unique, she’s beautiful, and she’s my best friend. Plus, I got a killer story to tell.
- Finding the Breeder: Lots of online research and phone calls. Be prepared to travel.
- Temperament First: Don’t focus solely on color. A well-bred dog is more important.
- Training, Training, Training: GSPs need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Be Patient: It takes time and effort to raise a good dog.
Would I do it again?
In a heartbeat. Shadow’s been an incredible addition to my life, and proved that sometimes, going against the grain pays off. Just be prepared for the commitment – it’s a big one!
