German Shorthaired Pointer Understanding Their Protective Instincts 

Raised 3 Border Collies, now 1 GSP, trained tons of breeds... Intelligence isn't close, my border collies figured out stuff like bringing matching shoes & putting rejects back by themselves unlimited vocabulary, couldn't spell trigger words around them... no GSP can do that. GSP: way more cuddly, smell better 4 hunting & 10x better @ dog parks & training other dogs through. GSP don't beg me to throw balls whenever awake, like them more.

They need a LOT of physical and mental exercise (way more than a lab needs) or they'll get bored/restless and tear your home apart. I was working an exercise in the military 12 days of 12 hour work shifts, no days off) and my roommate was on vacation. On day 8 I came home to a completely shredded couch, like all the cushions torn up and the back to every spot. Foam filling torn to pieces and everywhere! And I couldn't even be mad because I was neglecting their needs. They also got into a 500 pill bottle of Ibuprofen once and that sucked. Vomit everywhere (like 12 piles between 2 dogs) and late night emergency vet visit for stomach pumping then a 2 day vet stay on IV fluids and charcoal to clear it all out. That was an expensive experience. Anyway the point is they are very naughty if you don't give them proper exercise and some mental simulation. Both times I was at fault for neglecting those needs. I always made sure they at least had the very basics.....fed them, made sure of water and grooming...nails clipped (they didn't really need baths at all unless they get muddy or stinky).