German Longhaired Pointer
The German Longhaired Pointer, originally bred for bird hunting, is a medium to large-sized dog that is intelligent and easy to train. With a loyal and affectionate nature, this breed makes for a great family companion.


German Longhaired Pointer Breed overview
German Longhaired Pointers are highly adaptable and intelligent dogs that thrive on exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization. They are great with kids and other dogs, and make excellent playmates and hunting companions. However, they require plenty of grooming and maintenance to keep their thick and dense coat healthy and shiny. They are highly trainable and can perform a variety of tasks and jobs, making them suitable for active and adventurous owners who are willing to provide them with ample training and stimulation.
What To Expect When Caring For a German Longhaired Pointer
Grooming
The German Longhaired Pointer has a thick, wavy coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They shed seasonally and may require additional grooming during these periods. It is also important to keep their ears clean and dry, as they can be prone to infections. In addition, regular nail trimming and dental care are necessary to maintain overall health and hygiene.
Exercise
As a hunting breed, the German Longhaired Pointer requires plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks and runs, as well as ample opportunities to play and explore, are necessary to fulfill their physical and mental needs. They excel at agility and obedience training, and thrive in activities that challenge their intellect and put their natural abilities to work.
Health
The German Longhaired Pointer is generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. These include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and ear infections. To mitigate these risks, it is important to obtain puppies from responsible breeders who perform health screenings on their breeding dogs. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and routine visits to the vet are also important for maintaining good health.
Nutrition
The German Longhaired Pointer requires a high-quality diet that is rich in nutrients and protein to maintain their active lifestyle and keep them in good health. Commercial dog food or a homemade diet, comprised of lean meats, vegetables, and grains, are both viable options. It is important to monitor their food intake to prevent overeating, as they can be prone to obesity.
Training
The German Longhaired Pointer is an intelligent breed that is easy to train. They are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, treats, and play. Early socialization and training are important to ensure that they grow up to be well-mannered and obedient pets. They also benefit from ongoing training and mental stimulation throughout their lives.
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German Longhaired Pointer Traits & Characteristics
The German Longhaired Pointer has a moderately long head with a strong, straight nose and a gentle expression. The ears are medium-sized, set high, and hang close to the head. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown, giving the breed an intelligent and interested look. The neck is muscular and of good length, with a deep, broad chest and well-sprung ribs. The back is strong and level, with a well-set tail that is often docked for working purposes. The legs are straight and strong with well-defined muscles, giving the breed a graceful gait. The coat is thick and wavy, usually chocolate-brown or liver in color, and always has a white chest patch.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
German Longhaired Pointers are known for their loyalty and affection towards their family members. They love spending time with their owners and thrive on attention and interaction. They are highly responsive to positive reinforcement and love cuddling and being close to their family members.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
This breed is great with children of all ages. They are gentle and loving with kids and enjoy playing with them. German Longhaired Pointers have a lot of energy and stamina, making them perfect playmates for children. However, as with all dogs, it is important to supervise interactions between children and dogs.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
German Longhaired Pointers are generally friendly with other dogs, especially if they are socialized early in life. They enjoy being part of a pack and are highly adaptable to living with other dogs. However, they may exhibit some dominance behavior towards other dogs of the same sex.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
This breed is generally friendly towards strangers, but may be reserved with people they don't know. They are highly trainable and can be taught to be more social with unfamiliar people. However, they may exhibit some protective behavior towards their owners and home.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
German Longhaired Pointers are highly playful and enjoy a variety of activities and games. They love running, chasing, and playing fetch, and can keep up with energetic owners. They also love to play in water and make great swimming companions.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
This breed is highly alert and attentive to their surroundings, making them excellent watchdogs. They are highly trainable and can be taught to respond to different stimuli and situations. They also have a strong prey drive and may chase small animals if not properly trained.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
German Longhaired Pointers are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living environments. They can adjust well to apartment living if given sufficient exercise, but also enjoy living in suburban or rural areas. They are highly trainable and can adapt to different situations and routines.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
German Longhaired Pointers have a thick and dense coat that sheds moderately throughout the year. Regular grooming can help to minimize shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny. It is important to note that this breed may not be suitable for people with severe allergies.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
This breed requires regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of mats and tangles. They should be brushed at least once a week and may require professional grooming several times a year. In addition, their ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent infections.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
German Longhaired Pointers are not heavy droolers, but they may produce some saliva when they get excited or anxious. It is important to keep their mouth clean and free of bacteria to prevent bad breath and dental problems.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
German Longhaired Pointers are a medium to large-sized breed, with an average weight of 60-80 pounds and a height of 23-28 inches at the shoulder. They have a sturdy build and a thick and dense coat, which provides ample protection and insulation from cold weather conditions.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
This breed has a lot of energy and requires plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy long walks, hikes, and runs, and can also be trained to participate in dog sports and activities. However, they may become bored and destructive if not given sufficient stimulation.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
German Longhaired Pointers have a lot of energy and require plenty of exercise and activity to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy long walks, hikes, and runs, and can also be trained to participate in dog sports and activities. It is important to provide them with ample mental stimulation and exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
This breed is highly adaptable and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks and jobs, including retrieving, hunting, tracking, and therapy work. They excel in obedience and agility competitions, and can also be trained for police, military, or search and rescue work.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
German Longhaired Pointers have a strong prey drive and excel in hunting and retrieving activities. They are highly adaptable and can work in a variety of hunting environments and terrains, including land and water. It is important to train them properly to prevent them from chasing small animals or getting lost during hunting.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
This breed has a lot of physical stamina and endurance, making them excellent companions for active and adventurous owners. They can keep up with long hikes, runs, and water activities, and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
This breed is generally healthy and has a low risk of developing genetic conditions or illnesses. However, they may be prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections, and may require regular checkups and preventive care to maintain their overall health and well-being.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
German Longhaired Pointers have a high metabolism and require plenty of exercise and activity to maintain a healthy weight. However, they may be prone to overeating and obesity if given too many treats or a sedentary lifestyle. It is important to monitor their diet and exercise regularly to prevent obesity.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
This breed has a thick and dense coat that provides ample insulation and protection from cold weather conditions. However, they may require extra warmth and protection during extreme cold weather, especially if they are not acclimated to cold temperatures.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
German Longhaired Pointers are not highly heat-tolerant and may require extra cooling and hydration during hot weather conditions. It is important to keep them in shaded and cool areas, and provide them with plenty of fresh water to prevent heat stroke and dehydration.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
This breed can adapt to apartment living if given sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. However, they require plenty of space to run and play, and may become bored and destructive if kept in a small or confined space for too long.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
German Longhaired Pointers have a moderate tendency to wander or roam if not properly trained and supervised. They may become easily distracted by scents and sounds, and may need to be kept on a leash or in a fenced area to prevent them from wandering away.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
This breed can be sensitive to criticism and negative reinforcement, and may become stressed or anxious if not given proper care and attention. They respond well to positive reinforcement and training, and may require time to warm up to new environments and people.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
German Longhaired Pointers may become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They thrive on attention and interaction with their owners, and may require a companion or caregiver if their owners are unable to stay with them for extended periods of time.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
German Longhaired Pointers are not excessive barkers, but they may vocalize when they are excited or anxious. It is important to train them to respond to verbal cues and commands to prevent excessive barking.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
This breed is highly intelligent and requires mental stimulation and engagement to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy learning new tricks, solving puzzles, and participating in training activities. They also excel in activities that require scenting and tracking skills.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
German Longhaired Pointers are highly trainable and adaptable, making them suitable for novice dog owners. However, they require plenty of exercise, socialization, and mental stimulation, and may not be suitable for first-time dog owners who are unable to provide these requirements.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
German Longhaired Pointers are highly intelligent and eager to please their owners. They respond well to positive reinforcement and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks and behaviors. They also excel in obedience and agility competitions.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
German Longhaired Pointers are known for their loyalty and affection towards their family members. They love spending time with their owners and thrive on attention and interaction. They are highly responsive to positive reinforcement and love cuddling and being close to their family members.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
This breed is great with children of all ages. They are gentle and loving with kids and enjoy playing with them. German Longhaired Pointers have a lot of energy and stamina, making them perfect playmates for children. However, as with all dogs, it is important to supervise interactions between children and dogs.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
German Longhaired Pointers are generally friendly with other dogs, especially if they are socialized early in life. They enjoy being part of a pack and are highly adaptable to living with other dogs. However, they may exhibit some dominance behavior towards other dogs of the same sex.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
This breed is generally friendly towards strangers, but may be reserved with people they don't know. They are highly trainable and can be taught to be more social with unfamiliar people. However, they may exhibit some protective behavior towards their owners and home.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
German Longhaired Pointers are highly playful and enjoy a variety of activities and games. They love running, chasing, and playing fetch, and can keep up with energetic owners. They also love to play in water and make great swimming companions.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
This breed is highly alert and attentive to their surroundings, making them excellent watchdogs. They are highly trainable and can be taught to respond to different stimuli and situations. They also have a strong prey drive and may chase small animals if not properly trained.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
German Longhaired Pointers are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living environments. They can adjust well to apartment living if given sufficient exercise, but also enjoy living in suburban or rural areas. They are highly trainable and can adapt to different situations and routines.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
German Longhaired Pointers have a thick and dense coat that sheds moderately throughout the year. Regular grooming can help to minimize shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny. It is important to note that this breed may not be suitable for people with severe allergies.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
This breed requires regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of mats and tangles. They should be brushed at least once a week and may require professional grooming several times a year. In addition, their ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent infections.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
German Longhaired Pointers are not heavy droolers, but they may produce some saliva when they get excited or anxious. It is important to keep their mouth clean and free of bacteria to prevent bad breath and dental problems.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
German Longhaired Pointers are a medium to large-sized breed, with an average weight of 60-80 pounds and a height of 23-28 inches at the shoulder. They have a sturdy build and a thick and dense coat, which provides ample protection and insulation from cold weather conditions.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
This breed has a lot of energy and requires plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy long walks, hikes, and runs, and can also be trained to participate in dog sports and activities. However, they may become bored and destructive if not given sufficient stimulation.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
German Longhaired Pointers have a lot of energy and require plenty of exercise and activity to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy long walks, hikes, and runs, and can also be trained to participate in dog sports and activities. It is important to provide them with ample mental stimulation and exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
This breed is highly adaptable and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks and jobs, including retrieving, hunting, tracking, and therapy work. They excel in obedience and agility competitions, and can also be trained for police, military, or search and rescue work.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
German Longhaired Pointers have a strong prey drive and excel in hunting and retrieving activities. They are highly adaptable and can work in a variety of hunting environments and terrains, including land and water. It is important to train them properly to prevent them from chasing small animals or getting lost during hunting.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
This breed has a lot of physical stamina and endurance, making them excellent companions for active and adventurous owners. They can keep up with long hikes, runs, and water activities, and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
This breed is generally healthy and has a low risk of developing genetic conditions or illnesses. However, they may be prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections, and may require regular checkups and preventive care to maintain their overall health and well-being.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
German Longhaired Pointers have a high metabolism and require plenty of exercise and activity to maintain a healthy weight. However, they may be prone to overeating and obesity if given too many treats or a sedentary lifestyle. It is important to monitor their diet and exercise regularly to prevent obesity.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
This breed has a thick and dense coat that provides ample insulation and protection from cold weather conditions. However, they may require extra warmth and protection during extreme cold weather, especially if they are not acclimated to cold temperatures.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
German Longhaired Pointers are not highly heat-tolerant and may require extra cooling and hydration during hot weather conditions. It is important to keep them in shaded and cool areas, and provide them with plenty of fresh water to prevent heat stroke and dehydration.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
This breed can adapt to apartment living if given sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. However, they require plenty of space to run and play, and may become bored and destructive if kept in a small or confined space for too long.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
German Longhaired Pointers have a moderate tendency to wander or roam if not properly trained and supervised. They may become easily distracted by scents and sounds, and may need to be kept on a leash or in a fenced area to prevent them from wandering away.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
This breed can be sensitive to criticism and negative reinforcement, and may become stressed or anxious if not given proper care and attention. They respond well to positive reinforcement and training, and may require time to warm up to new environments and people.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
German Longhaired Pointers may become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They thrive on attention and interaction with their owners, and may require a companion or caregiver if their owners are unable to stay with them for extended periods of time.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
German Longhaired Pointers are not excessive barkers, but they may vocalize when they are excited or anxious. It is important to train them to respond to verbal cues and commands to prevent excessive barking.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
This breed is highly intelligent and requires mental stimulation and engagement to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy learning new tricks, solving puzzles, and participating in training activities. They also excel in activities that require scenting and tracking skills.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
German Longhaired Pointers are highly trainable and adaptable, making them suitable for novice dog owners. However, they require plenty of exercise, socialization, and mental stimulation, and may not be suitable for first-time dog owners who are unable to provide these requirements.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
German Longhaired Pointers are highly intelligent and eager to please their owners. They respond well to positive reinforcement and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks and behaviors. They also excel in obedience and agility competitions.
Similar breeds

History of the German Longhaired Pointer
The German Longhaired Pointer is a relatively new breed, only recognized in the early 1900s. Bred as an all-purpose hunting dog, it is thought to be a cross between English Pointers, Hanoverian Schweisshund breeds, and the Stoberhund breed. The aim was to produce a versatile dog that could hunt on land and in water, as well as track game and retrieve it without causing any damage. They proved to be extremely adept at these tasks, and quickly caught the attention of hunters all over Europe. Today, they are still used for hunting but are also popular as family pets.

German Longhaired Pointer Puppies
German Longhaired Pointers are known for their large litter sizes, often having anywhere between five to twelve puppies per litter. These puppies are born with a full set of teeth and eyes that open after a few weeks. To ensure healthy growth and development, the puppies should be fed a high-quality diet and given plenty of exercise and socialization. Training should begin at an early age to ensure that they grow up to be well-behaved and obedient companions.