This breed responds very well to basic commands, but they can learn much more than the average dog. In addition, they have a higher than ordinary willingness to please, so they do what makes their owners happy.

GSPs can make terrific playmates, partners in crime, and working dogs. They have the gentleness to be a family dog with the agility and skill to be a tracker. However, they might not be as suitable in homes with small kids because of their overall size and activity levels.

Like other pointer breeds, these dogs can smell prey a mile away. So when they have their eye set on the target, they freeze their bodies, pointing the tail directly out, curving their front paw in, and slightly lowering their head.