I actually have one and have had for bird seasons and hunted over many others, also hunted over pointers, setters and brits extensively.
GSP's on the whole are NOT worried about water or wet cover, thick cover, or cold all of these DO apply to the pointer or english pointer as some call them.
Shorthairs are family oriented, they do make good guard dogs and can be sharp if the owner doesn't take the time to properly introduce people to the dog. They are very smart and a bit stubborn. They like any other dog can vary in mannerisms. However they generally have superior noses, drive and point to all but the pointers, and that's a wash. They do not run as big as pointers in general but they are very natural retrievers which pointers are not. They are eager to please and tough dogs. They are easy to maintain witht he short dense coat, they do shed some.
Bear in mind that there is as much variance in dogs as in the pointing breeds. GSP's do tend to be mainly hunting dogs with most all kennels leaning to working rather than show dogs.
A fine kennel with outstanding dogs is Honey Run Shorthairs out of PA. Good looking and performing dogs. You might look at the sight.
Know what you want and how the breed you are looking at fits that desire. GSP's can live in the house and hunt awesome, they do require excersise and a commitment to properly train them for field and home.
