Travelling with a German Shorthaired Pointer: car, crate and rules
German Shorthaired Pointer : A regular traveler to hunting grounds and sport fields, it is best transported in a rigid size L crate, safer and easier to clean after a muddy outing. On walks, its pointing and chasing instinct demands serious recall training, backed by a long line in the early years.
In our shop, for this use: USB-C rechargeable LED light-up dog collar (€22.90) · the whole shop
In our shop, for this use: Folding wire dog crate 24 in (61 cm), single door, with tray ($62.90, ships from the US) · the US shop
We don’t ship products to your country yet; our practical guide downloads anywhere: Raising Your Puppy: The First Six Months (€19)
In short: Large dog, 53 to 66 cm and 25 to 32 kg, short dense coat, very high energy. A versatile pointing dog, affectionate and blessed with almost inexhaustible energy. Without one to two hours of hard daily exercise it turns destructive: kit it out like an athlete, starting with a long line and a sports harness.
In the car with a German Shorthaired Pointer
At 25 to 32 kg, the only genuinely safe option is a crash-tested crate of about 105 cm secured in the boot — failing that, a solid partition grille. An unrestrained dog of this weight becomes a projectile under braking — and a possible fine for distracted driving.
Trains, planes, holidays
Too big for the cabin, the German Shorthaired Pointer flies in the pressurised hold in an IATA-approved crate — an ordeal to reserve for unavoidable trips. On trains, a muzzle and lead meet the rules. Plan the habituation: a German Shorthaired Pointer that eats and naps in its open crate at home will treat it as a den, not a trap.
Identification and good habits
Identification (microchip or tattoo) is mandatory, with vaccinations up to date for boarding or border crossings (EU passport, rabies shot). In hot weather, never leave a German Shorthaired Pointer in a parked car, even “for five minutes”: the cabin turns lethal within a quarter of an hour.
Frequently asked questions
What crate size for a German Shorthaired Pointer?
About 105 cm long: able to stand without hunching and turn around freely. For flying, check the model’s IATA dimensions.
Can a German Shorthaired Pointer fly in the cabin?
No, it exceeds the cabin limit (8 kg including the bag): it travels in the pressurised hold in an IATA crate — avoid it when you can.
The guides that apply to you
- Dog sick in the car: understanding and beating motion sickness
Drooling, panting, vomiting: motion sickness mainly affects young dogs. Step-by-step habituation, boot setup and gestures that reduce nausea.
- Pug: brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and car safety precautions
A landmark study identifies the facial traits that worsen the Pug's obstructive airway syndrome, with heat and exertion as key aggravating factors. How to adjust car trips to limit respiratory distress episodes.
- GPS dog collars: why accuracy varies so much depending on where you walk your dog
A suburban-environment study identifies the factors that make GPS collar accuracy vary: sky availability matters more than vegetation or how close you are to buildings.
- Dogs restrained in cars: what a survey of 2,000 owners in three countries found
Between 55% and 72% of dogs travel restrained depending on the country, a survey of over 2,000 owners found. The rest ride loose on the seat or on a lap.