Hi Everyone,

Have been lurking for a few months since we rescued our GSP.  I was a first time dog owner (woman) looking for a dog to hike, bike, rollerblade, run, etc. with that would offer some protection, and be a good family dog - so I thought a GSP would be a good choice.  Luckily, I was right!  She's a superb dog and we've worked very hard with her.  She was all ribs, vomiting, and no training when we got her -- we think she's about 2 now.

My Question: Is she a full GSP?  Since I don't know anyone with one, I thought you experts here might be able to shed some light on the black/white GSP issue?  Everything I've read said they have to be liver (liver/white, solid liver, etc.).  Not that it matters, but I was just curious -- she seems to have ALL the pointer attributes I've read here. 

Love the forum, it's been a godsend for me as both a never-before dog owner AND a GSP rescue owner.  Not an easy dog for anyone, but she's great.

Any feedback would be great.  Thanks!!

 She looks full GSP to me.  As for black or black and white, both are legitimate colors for a GSP. Every standard except the US standard also allows for black or black and white.  Lot's of history behind why the US standard does not allow for black or black and white, but regardless it does not mean your girl is not a GSP.  Here is a good link to the history of the black/black and white GSP courtesy of Bruce and Almost Heaven shorthairs and Patte Titus who wrote the article.

www.almostheavengsps.netkennel.com/Content.asp

By the way, welcome to the forum and it sounds like you have found a great friend and companion.  Love the pictures.

She's a pretty girl!

She reminds me of my brother in law's GSP/Portugese Pointer mix... Here's a picture of Heidi..

Thanks for the responses everyone - and the link Bev!  That does help clarify things... so it seems that although black is a rarer color, it's been obviously gaining ground.  I love that she's black because she looks scarier when I run with her at night (don't mess with me and my GSP people!)   

OT, but having her now for several months, I'm surprised they aren't a more popular family breed?  At least where I am in the southwest, everyone I know has labs. Perhaps it's an activity thing that people shy away from. We keep her quite active (I have active road rash to prove it - ugh), and spend a lot of time working with her and training her.... more than a typical family might commit to.  She's so awesome with my kids though, and such a funny weird dog... she reminds me of Scooby Doo most of the time.  She slips around on our tile constantly, and jumps as high as a deer.  Hysterical!

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone, the advice here is terrific!

 Bev - We're in Arizona.  I have yet to see ANY shorthairs here, black, liver, or anything since we've had her.  People around here look at her like she's an alien!  

Uh oh... she doesn't have any papers, I hope she doesn't get deported!!  

Welcome! And Congratulations! She is a very pretty girl! GSP's are very funny and loving dogs. They are Tigger on steroids !!! But wonderful family dogs. . We also have a 6 month old black and white girl, never a dull moment with a GSP

Congrats she's beautiful and a total GSP ;-) I have 2 GSPs - one liver and white and one solid liver (rare) they are both GREAT and have individual personalities even though they are half brothers " src="/DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/blue/emoticons/smile.gif" /> I haven't updated in a while but check out our website!!

Congrats and ENJOY!!!!

Kim

Here are my GSPs ;-)

LEFT: Hanz - 1 year RIGHT : Seven 6.5 years

Here Hanz is trying HARD to catch his big brother   This was this past Fall