German longhaired pointer
The German Longhaired Pointer is an old German gundog, standardised in the late nineteenth century from long-coated bird dogs, and bred for versatility — pointing, tracking and retrieving from water.
It is less common than its short- and wire-haired relatives and has stayed largely in working hands.
It stands 58 to 70 centimetres, weighs 27 to 32 kilograms and lives twelve to fourteen years, with a medium-length brown or brown-and-white coat and feathering. Temperament is the breed's strength among the German pointers: it is notably calm, gentle and family-oriented, with a softer disposition than the wirehaired dogs, while retaining full working drive.
- Origin
- Germany, late 19th century; a versatile gundog
- Size
- 58–70 cm; 27–32 kg
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Medium-length brown or brown and white, with feathering
- Temperament
- Calm, gentle and family-oriented; softer than the wirehaired
- Health
- Hip dysplasia, ear infections; generally sound
Related: German pinscher · German shepherd · German shepherd dog · German shorthaired pointer · German spitz
2 german longhaired pointer photos, newest first
Living with a german longhaired pointer
They are soft-natured and respond poorly to heavy-handed training. Reward-based work produces a far better gundog and a far happier dog.
They still need real work — an hour or more of hard exercise daily plus scent or gundog activity. Calm temperament is not the same as low energy.
The feathered coat needs brushing twice a week and picking clean after work in cover.
Ears are pendulous and the dog swims; clean and dry them regularly.
Ask for hip scores and eye testing. They are family-oriented and dislike being kennelled or left alone all day.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.
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