Description: German Longhaired Pointer
The German Longhaired Pointer is a versatile and elegant hunting dog breed originating from Germany. Renowned for its intelligence, athleticism, and gentle nature, this dog excels both as a working gundog and a loyal family companion. Distinguished by its long, silky coat, usually brown and white, the breed was developed to perform multiple hunting roles, from pointing and retrieving to tracking game. The German Longhaired Pointer is energetic, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. It is known for its friendly temperament, getting along well with children and other pets, making it suitable for active families. However, due to its strong hunting instincts and need for activity, it may not be the best choice for novice owners or those with a sedentary lifestyle.
German Longhaired Pointer ratings
Properties
The German Longhaired Pointer is a versatile and well-balanced gun dog breed originating in Germany, known for its ability both as a capable hunter and as a loyal companion. This breed, often referred to as the "Deutsch Langhaar," was developed in the 19th century for hunting in various terrains, making it a highly adaptable and reliable working dog. The German Longhaired Pointer is especially prized for its keen sense of smell, stamina, and steady temperament, making it a popular choice for hunters who require a dog that can both point and retrieve game.
In terms of physical appearance, the German Longhaired Pointer is an elegant, medium-to-large dog with a noble head, expressive eyes, and long, feathered ears. The coat is long, dense, and water-resistant, often colored in shades of brown or brown and white, occasionally with distinctive markings. This coat not only protects the dog from harsh weather and undergrowth but also requires regular grooming to keep it free of mats and debris. Their athletic build is complemented by well-muscled legs and a deep chest, enabling them to work tirelessly in the field.
Temperamentally, the German Longhaired Pointer is intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable. These dogs form strong bonds with their families and are known for being gentle, affectionate, and good with children, provided they are socialized from a young age. While they are generally calm and even-tempered indoors, their high energy level means they thrive best with active owners who can provide plenty of mental and physical exercise.
As natural hunters, German Longhaired Pointers excel in a variety of tasks including pointing, tracking, and retrieving. They are versatile enough to work in water or on land and are particularly noted for their endurance and determination in the field. Despite their working dog origins, they also make excellent family pets and adapt well to home life as long as their exercise needs are met.
Health-wise, the breed is generally robust, though like many purebred dogs, they can be prone to certain genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia or ear infections due to their long ears. Regular veterinary care, good nutrition, and ample activity are essential for maintaining their health and happiness. Their lifespan typically ranges from 12 to 14 years.
In summary, the German Longhaired Pointer is a devoted, intelligent, and highly capable breed suitable for families and hunters alike. With proper care and attention, they are loyal companions who excel in both field and home environments.
Appearance
The German Longhaired Pointer (GLP) is a visually striking breed, combining both elegance and athleticism. This medium-to-large gundog is immediately recognizable by its moderately long, dense, and slightly wavy coat, which serves to protect it when working in a variety of terrains, including thick underbrush and cold water. The coat is not curly and not harsh; rather, it is smooth and lies flat, with feathering present on the ears, legs, and tail. The fur is especially pronounced on the rear of the thighs and along the tail, giving the breed a distinctly feathered and somewhat luxurious silhouette.
The primary coat color of the German Longhaired Pointer is a solid brown or brown and white combination. Patterns include brown roan, solid brown with small white markings, or white with brown patches or spots. Roan is prevalent in the breed and gives the coat a speckled, marbled appearance. The breed’s expressive, slightly oval eyes are medium to dark brown and project intelligence and approachability. Their ears are set high and hang close to the head, covered in soft, wavy hair, enhancing their gentle and composed look.
The head of the GLP is well-proportioned, with a strong but not overly broad skull and a slightly arched, clean cut neck. The muzzle is long, broad, and strong, suited for retrieving game, and the nose is generally brown corresponding with the coat color. The body is well muscled and slightly elongated compared to its height, reflecting the breed’s stamina and agility in the field. The back is straight with a gently sloping croup, and the chest is broad and deep, providing ample space for lung capacity and endurance. The tail is strong at the base and tapers towards the end, carried horizontally or slightly upward when the dog is active, and is fully feathered.
With an overall look of strength, nobility, and functionality, the German Longhaired Pointer is built to work long hours in the field while still displaying beauty and grace. Their appearance is an embodiment of their dual purpose: being both a dedicated hunting partner and a loyal family companion.
History
The German Longhaired Pointer (Deutsch-Langhaar) is a versatile gun dog breed with deep roots in the hunting traditions of Germany. The origins of the breed trace back to the 19th century, and it is believed to have evolved from a mixture of various continental European pointers and spaniel-type dogs. The main goal of these early breeders was to create a multipurpose hunting dog capable of excelling in both field and water, as well as being suitable for use in forests.
Prior to the late 1800s, hunting with firearms became increasingly common, and hunters needed dogs that could do more than just point at game. They wanted a breed that could track, point, retrieve, and work in rough terrains and waterways. This led to intensive selective breeding. The Stöberer (German Spaniel) and local German Pointers were crossed, and later, breeds such as the English Setter and possibly the Gordon Setter were introduced to enhance the dog's pointing instinct and improve its coat texture and feathering.
The German Longhaired Pointer was officially recognized as a distinct breed in 1878. The breed’s first standard was written in Germany in 1897 by Baron von Schorlemer, who emphasized not only the dog's working abilities but also its noble appearance and temperament. Early on, breeders prioritized versatility, ensuring that the GLP could adapt to a wide range of hunting tasks, such as searching, pointing, tracking, retrieving, and water work.
The breed was always less popular outside Germany, largely remaining a best-kept secret among German hunters. While other German versatile hunting breeds like the German Shorthaired Pointer and German Wirehaired Pointer gained wider international recognition and popularity, the German Longhaired Pointer remained rarer and mostly limited to its homeland.
In the 20th century, efforts were made to maintain the breed’s purity and standards, particularly after the devastation of the two World Wars, which saw many local dog populations diminish. Today, the German Longhaired Pointer is celebrated for its gentle temperament, intelligence, and outstanding working abilities. It is still primarily bred as a working gun dog and is not as widely seen in pet homes or dog sports as other pointing breeds. However, enthusiasts continue to promote its merits, ensuring the breed's continued presence in hunting and as a loyal companion to dedicated owners.