From the AKC Website. We found all of these statements to be true for our dogs.
They are very bright, creative clowns. Anything worth having, they will find a way to get it or get to it.
They are very persistent when they want something.
They are first and foremost bred for hunting, and as such have very strong prey drive. Anything that flits, moves, hops, or jumps will catch their attention.
They aren’t recommended for first-time dog owners, or families with no experience with a hunting breed and who have children under seven years of age.
They are very strong and quick for their size. They can pull a grown man off-balance with little to no notice because of this.
They like children, but they can knock them down easily, and sometimes an older Shorthair may treat a young child much like they would an unruly pup.
Squirrels are their nemesis.
They do shed.
A bored Shorthair can be destructive if left to their own imagination.
They learn quickly at a very young age. Girls begin to settle down about three years of age, boys around four-plus.
They can learn by watching, and they have been known to open refrigerator doors if there is a hand-towel through the handle.
They are notorious counter-surfers.
They have a high energy level that requires more than a one- or two-hour walk a day. A good Shorthair is a tired one—but they regenerate quickly.
They remain young at heart well into their later years. It’s not uncommon for a Shorthair to still be very active and hunting beyond age 10.
They love to retrieve and should never be scolded for bringing an item to the owner, regardless of what it is. They should be redirected with a toy if it is a shoe or other personal item.