German Pointer (Long-haired) – Long Haired German Pointer Dog Breed Information, Puppies & Breeders

Are you considering getting a German Longhaired Pointer as your new furry companion? If so, you’re in for a treat! These elegant and athletic dogs are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and friendly nature. Originally bred as hunting dogs, German Longhaired Pointers have a keen sense of smell and an instinct for tracking, making them excellent hunting partners. However, they also make great family pets, as they are affectionate, gentle, and excellent with children. Before you bring home a German Longhaired Pointer, it’s important to understand their needs and temperament to ensure that they are a good fit for your lifestyle.

Breed Category: Gundog
Country of Origin: Germany
Average Size:60-70 cm
Average Weight:25-32 kg
Average Life Span: 12-14 years
Grooming Requirements: Moderate
Exercise Requirements:High

History and Origin

The German Longhaired Pointer, also known as the Deutsch-Langhaar, is a versatile hunting dog breed that originated in Germany. The breed was developed in the late 19th century by crossing various German hunting breeds, including the German Shorthaired Pointer, the German Wirehaired Pointer, and the Stichelhaar. The goal was to create a dog that could work in a variety of hunting situations, including pointing, retrieving, and tracking.

The German Longhaired Pointer was first recognized as a breed in 1902 by the German Kennel Club. The breed quickly gained popularity among German hunters, who appreciated its versatility and intelligence. The breed was also exported to other countries, including the United States, where it became known as the German Longhaired Pointer.

During World War II, the German Longhaired Pointer population suffered a significant decline due to the destruction of breeding records and the loss of many dogs. However, dedicated breeders worked to rebuild the breed after the war, and today the German Longhaired Pointer is a thriving breed with a dedicated following.

The German Longhaired Pointer is a medium to large-sized dog, with a muscular build and a distinctive long, silky coat. The coat is usually liver and white, although other colors are also accepted. The breed is known for its intelligence, trainability, and versatility in the field. German Longhaired Pointers are excellent hunters, and they are also popular as family pets due to their friendly and affectionate nature.

In addition to hunting, German Longhaired Pointers excel in a variety of other activities, including obedience, agility, and tracking. The breed is also used in search and rescue operations, as well as in therapy work. German Longhaired Pointers are highly adaptable dogs that can thrive in a variety of environments, from rural hunting grounds to urban apartments.

Overall, the German Longhaired Pointer is a fascinating breed with a rich history and a bright future. Whether you are a hunter looking for a versatile hunting dog or a family looking for a loyal and affectionate pet, the German Longhaired Pointer is a breed worth considering. With its intelligence, trainability, and adaptability, this breed is sure to bring joy and companionship to any home.

Size and Breed Category

The German Longhaired Pointer is a medium to large-sized breed of dog that is known for its long, silky coat and athletic build. They typically stand between 60-70cm tall at the shoulder and weigh between 25-32kg. This breed is classified as a gundog, which means they were originally bred for hunting and retrieving game birds. They have a muscular body with a broad chest and strong legs, which allows them to run and jump with ease. Their long, feathered ears and tail give them a regal appearance, and their expressive eyes are often a warm brown color. Overall, the German Longhaired Pointer is a striking and elegant breed that is sure to turn heads.

In terms of breed category, the German Longhaired Pointer is classified as a versatile hunting dog. This means that they are skilled in a variety of hunting tasks, including pointing, retrieving, and tracking. They are known for their excellent sense of smell and their ability to work in a variety of terrains, from dense forests to open fields. This breed is also highly trainable and eager to please, making them a popular choice for both hunting and as a family pet. While they are a relatively rare breed, those who have had the pleasure of owning a German Longhaired Pointer often describe them as loyal, affectionate, and intelligent. Overall, this breed is a true gem for those who appreciate a versatile and hardworking dog.

Fur Length and Colour

The fur of the German Longhaired Pointer is one of its most distinctive features. The breed has a long, thick coat that is designed to protect it from the harsh weather conditions of its native Germany. The fur is typically a rich, deep brown color, although it can also be black or a combination of brown and white. The fur is also very soft and silky to the touch, which makes it a popular choice for people who enjoy petting and cuddling with their dogs. Overall, the fur of the German Longhaired Pointer is a beautiful and functional feature that helps to make this breed one of the most popular in the world.

In addition to its length and color, the fur of the German Longhaired Pointer is also very dense and luxurious. This is because the breed was originally developed for hunting in cold, wet conditions, and its fur was designed to keep it warm and dry. The fur is also very easy to maintain, as it does not require frequent brushing or grooming. However, it is important to keep the fur clean and free of tangles, as this can lead to matting and other problems. Overall, the fur of the German Longhaired Pointer is a beautiful and functional feature that helps to make this breed one of the most beloved and popular in the world.

Termperament and Trainability

German Longhaired Pointers are known for their friendly and affectionate temperament. They are loyal and devoted to their owners, making them great family pets. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. However, they can be sensitive and require gentle handling during training. They have a strong prey drive and love to hunt, so it is important to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Overall, German Longhaired Pointers make excellent companions for active families who are willing to provide them with the attention and exercise they need.

When it comes to trainability, German Longhaired Pointers are highly trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and enjoy learning new tricks and commands. However, they can be stubborn at times and require a patient and consistent approach to training. They are also highly sensitive to their owner’s emotions and can become anxious or stressed if they sense tension or frustration during training. Therefore, it is important to maintain a calm and positive attitude when training a German Longhaired Pointer. With the right training and socialization, these dogs can excel in a variety of activities, including hunting, agility, and obedience competitions.

Known Health Conditions

German Longhaired Pointers are a breed of dog that are known to be prone to certain health conditions. One of the most common health issues that affect this breed is hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to pain and discomfort for the dog. German Longhaired Pointers can also suffer from elbow dysplasia, which is a similar condition affecting the elbow joint. Both of these conditions can be hereditary, so it is important to ensure that any breeding dogs are screened for these conditions before being used for breeding purposes.

Another health condition that can affect German Longhaired Pointers is progressive retinal atrophy. This is a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness. It is caused by the gradual deterioration of the retina, which is the part of the eye that detects light. Symptoms of this condition include night blindness, dilated pupils, and a loss of peripheral vision. There is no cure for progressive retinal atrophy, but early detection can help to slow the progression of the disease. Regular eye exams are recommended for German Longhaired Pointers to monitor for this condition.

Openness to Strangers

German Longhaired Pointers are known for their friendly and welcoming nature towards strangers. They are a breed that is always eager to meet new people and make new friends. This trait makes them excellent family pets as they are always ready to greet visitors with a wagging tail and a friendly bark. German Longhaired Pointers are also known for their loyalty and devotion to their owners, which makes them excellent guard dogs. They are always alert and ready to protect their family from any potential threats.

In addition to their friendly nature, German Longhaired Pointers are also highly intelligent and trainable. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. This makes them excellent candidates for obedience training and other dog sports such as agility and flyball. German Longhaired Pointers are also highly energetic and require plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They love to run and play, and are always up for a game of fetch or a long walk in the park. Overall, German Longhaired Pointers are a wonderful breed of dog that make excellent companions for families and individuals alike.

Playfulness Level

The German Longhaired Pointer is a highly energetic and playful breed of dog. They are known for their love of outdoor activities and their ability to run and play for hours on end. This breed is particularly fond of playing fetch and chasing after toys, making them a great companion for active families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Their playful nature also makes them a popular choice for families with children, as they are patient and gentle with young ones.

In addition to their love of play, the German Longhaired Pointer is also highly intelligent and trainable. They thrive on mental stimulation and enjoy learning new tricks and commands. This makes them an excellent choice for owners who are willing to invest time and effort into training and socializing their dog. With proper training and socialization, the German Longhaired Pointer can make a loyal and loving companion for many years to come.

Suitability as a Pet for Children

German Longhaired Pointers are a highly energetic and intelligent breed, making them a great choice for families with active children. They are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature, and thrive on human companionship. With proper training and socialization, they can be excellent family pets and are generally good with children. However, their high energy levels and need for regular exercise mean that they may not be suitable for families who cannot provide them with enough physical activity.

Exercise Needs

German Longhaired Pointers are highly active dogs that require a significant amount of exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. These dogs were originally bred for hunting and have a natural instinct to run, explore and chase. As such, they need at least 2 hours of exercise per day, which should include both physical and mental stimulation. This can be achieved through activities such as long walks, runs, hikes, and playing fetch. Mental stimulation can be provided through training sessions, puzzle toys, and interactive games. It is important to note that German Longhaired Pointers are not suitable for apartment living and require a large outdoor space to run and play.

Due to their high energy levels, German Longhaired Pointers are best suited for active individuals or families who can provide them with the exercise and attention they need. These dogs thrive in environments where they can participate in activities such as hunting, agility, and obedience training. It is important to provide them with regular exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. German Longhaired Pointers also enjoy swimming and can benefit from regular trips to the beach or lake. Owners should ensure that their dogs are adequately hydrated and protected from the sun during outdoor activities. Overall, German Longhaired Pointers are a highly active breed that require a lot of exercise and stimulation to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing.

Suitability for a Multi-Pet Family

German Longhaired Pointers have a reputation for being friendly and sociable with other pets. They are known to be particularly good with other dogs, and can often be seen playing and running around with their furry friends. However, as with any breed, it is important to introduce them to other pets slowly and carefully, and to supervise their interactions to ensure that everyone stays safe and happy. Overall, German Longhaired Pointers seem to be a good choice for families with other pets, as long as they are introduced properly and given plenty of love and attention.

Housing Requirements

German Longhaired Pointers require a spacious and comfortable living environment that allows them to move around freely. They are an active breed that requires regular exercise, so a house with a large garden or access to open spaces is ideal. The garden should be securely fenced to prevent the dog from escaping and to ensure their safety. The breed is known for its love of water, so a nearby lake or river would be a bonus. The house should have enough space for the dog to rest and sleep comfortably, with a designated area for their bed. German Longhaired Pointers are social animals and enjoy being around their owners, so they should not be left alone for long periods of time.

In terms of grooming, German Longhaired Pointers require regular brushing to maintain their long, silky coat. They shed moderately throughout the year, with heavier shedding occurring twice a year during seasonal changes. The house should have a designated area for grooming, with a table and appropriate tools. The breed is prone to ear infections, so regular cleaning and inspection of the ears is necessary. German Longhaired Pointers are intelligent and trainable, so they benefit from mental stimulation and training sessions. The house should have enough space for training and playtime, with access to toys and interactive games.

Summary

The German Longhaired Pointer has a friendly and loyal personality, making them a great companion for active families who enjoy spending time outdoors. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation, so they are best suited to homes with a large garden or access to open spaces. With proper training and socialization, they can get along well with children and other pets. However, they may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners due to their high energy levels and need for consistent training.

German Pointer (Long-haired) Dog FAQS