If you love wide-open spaces, fresh air, and year-round adventure, Upstate New York’s North Country is a paradise — not just for people, but for their four-legged companions too.
For active breeds like the German Shorthaired Pointer, the North Country isn’t just a place to live — it’s a place to thrive.
Here are five reasons why this corner of New York is the ultimate home for your adventurous dog.
1. Endless Outdoor Spaces to Explore
From sprawling state parks to winding riverside trails, the North Country offers thousands of acres of public land where dogs can hike, swim, and sniff to their heart’s content.
Local favorites like Stone Valley Trail and Higley Flow State Park provide the perfect backdrop for daily adventures, keeping high-energy breeds like GSPs healthy and happy.
Bonus:
Many parks and trails are dog-friendly year-round, offering everything from muddy spring hikes to wintertime snowshoe treks.
2. A Dog-Loving Community
Life in the North Country often revolves around family, community — and yes, dogs!
You’ll find welcoming pet-friendly businesses, farmers’ markets where leashed dogs are regulars, and events like outdoor festivals where pups are part of the fun.
Small-town living means dogs aren’t just tolerated — they’re celebrated.
3. Four True Seasons of Adventure
Why settle for one kind of outdoor fun when you can have four?
- Spring and Summer: Hiking, swimming, boating, and trail runs
- Fall: Leaf-crunching walks and crisp, cool air that GSPs love
- Winter: Snowshoeing, skijoring, and cozy fireside naps after snowy romps
The North Country’s changing seasons offer year-round opportunities to engage and bond with your active dog.
4. Room to Roam and Play
Unlike crowded suburban neighborhoods, many North Country properties feature large yards, acreage, or easy access to open spaces.
For energetic breeds like German Shorthaired Pointers, having room to sprint, explore, and play safely off-leash (when appropriate) makes all the difference.
Even smaller village homes often back up to trails, fields, or woodlots, giving pups a chance to stretch their legs every day.
5. A Healthier, Happier Lifestyle
Fresh air, clean water, less traffic, and lower stress — it’s not just better for humans.
Dogs who live active outdoor lifestyles tend to be fitter, happier, and more mentally stimulated.
In the North Country, nature is always just a few steps away — and that access helps create well-balanced, joyful canine companions.
A Life of Freedom, Fresh Air, and Friendship
At Fernwood Pointers, we believe the North Country isn’t just our home — it’s part of what makes our dogs so special.
Our puppies are raised surrounded by trails, woods, rivers, and fields — the perfect start for future explorers, athletes, and loyal family companions.
Looking for a puppy who’s made for an adventurous life?
Learn more about our available German Shorthaired Pointer puppies here!
