March 30, 2025, 9:40 am | Read time: 6 minutes
The German longhair is considered one of the most traditional pointing dogs in Germany. It is an outdoorsman with a passion for hunting, a calm nature, and an elegant appearance. Its versatility in the hunting ground, coupled with a friendly character and strong nerves, makes it the ideal partner for passionate hunters. But is it also suitable as a family dog?
The German longhaired pointer combines hunting prowess, robust health, and a gentle disposition. As an original all-rounder, it was bred specifically for work in the forest, field, and water and has hardly moved away from its original breeding goal to this day. Its ancestors date back to the Middle Ages when longhaired hunting dogs were already used to assist in hunting.
Today, the German longhaired pointer is esteemed as the quintessential versatile hunting dog, especially appreciated for its vocal tracking, composure, and trainability. Despite its outward attractiveness and family friendliness, it is clear that this breed belongs in the hands of hunters or experienced dog owners who can challenge it physically and mentally. Those who offer this will find a loyal and powerful companion with a lot of heart in the German longhair.
Origin of the German Longhaired Pointer
The German longhair is one of the oldest German pointing dog breeds, and its roots date back to the Middle Ages. Longhaired hunting dogs resembling today’s breed standard are depicted in tapestries and paintings from that era. Its ancestors were bird, water, and hawk dogs, which were used for hunting and netting.
In the 19th century, targeted pure breeding took off: the first breed standards were defined in 1879 and later refined by Baron von Schorlemer. With the establishment of the Longhair Club in 1893, he laid down pivotal breeding standards that emphasized versatility and hunting utility. Five main genetic lines, based on licensed stud dogs, still form the foundation of the breed today. With the exclusion of the black-and-white lines in 1909, the Great Munsterlander breed was established at the same time. To this day, German longhaired pointer breeding undergoes stringent controls with evaluations like the Schorlemer Autumn Breeding Test to ensure hunting aptitude, health, and temperament.
Appearance & Coat
The German longhaired pointer is a robust, muscular, yet elegant breed. With a height at the withers of 60 to 70 cm (males) and 58 to 66 cm (females) and a weight of 27 to 32 kg, it is one of the larger dog breeds. It has a well-proportioned body with a deep chest, straight back, and harmonious lines. The head shows a pronounced bridge of the nose, dark brown eyes, and well-coated hanging ears.
Characteristic is the weatherproof, medium-length, close-fitting coat with plenty of undercoat. The coat is longer on the chest, belly, and tail. The coat protects against cold and wet and is easy to care for. The coat color of the German longhaired pointer ranges from solid brown to various shades of roan (light, dark, or trout-patterned) to brown and white. A yellow blaze, which goes back to Bracken ancestors, is less common. Overall, the appearance of the German longhair is functional and natural, without exaggerated features.
Character & Disposition
The German longhair is a calm, balanced, and manageable dog with a high stimulus threshold. Its hunting passion is deeply ingrained, yet it displays a friendly demeanor, affection for children, and social compatibility when properly stimulated. Its bond with its owner is close, with trust and cooperation taking center stage. When hunting, it impresses with its stamina, concentration, and initiative — qualities that also make it a sensitive partner.
Lack of exercise or unused energy can lead to behavioral problems. It is reserved towards strangers, but not aggressive. Its temperament is strictly evaluated during breeding, including gunshot resistance and suitability for thunderstorms. As a versatile hunting dog, it is equally confident in the forest, field, and water. It is, therefore, only recommended for non-hunters if they have the appropriate expertise and alternative exercise.
Training of the German Longhaired Pointer
Clear, consistent, and sensitive training is essential for the German longhair. As an intelligent, self-assured hunting breed, it has an independent streak but responds well to strong leadership. Harsh punishments or pressure are counterproductive, as these dogs react sensitively to injustice. Positive reinforcement, patience, and structure bring the best results.
Males are considered to be somewhat more forgiving of training mistakes than females. The breed is not recommended for novice owners due to its need for a handler with a deep understanding of hunting behavior, communication, and engaging activities. Early socialization, ideally by experienced breeders, facilitates acclimatization. If encouraged in a species-appropriate manner, the German longhair proves to be a cooperative and reliable partner.
Correct Keeping & Care
The German longhaired pointer is a working breed with a strong drive for activity. A life as a pure family or apartment dog does not meet its needs. Ideally, it belongs in the hands of hunters or owners with access to nature, fields and forests. Several hours of daily exercise and mental activity — such as hunting, tracking, or challenging dog sports — are a must.
Grooming is relatively simple: weekly brushing is sufficient, more frequently during the shedding period. After spending time in the forest or water, the coat should be dried and checked for parasites. The long-hanging ears require regular cleaning to avoid inflammation. The German longhaired pointer flourishes in a tranquil, well-organized setting with close family interaction.
Nutrition
The breed has no specific dietary requirements, provided the food is of high quality and nutrient-dense. A high proportion of animal protein is particularly important, especially for hunting activity. Dry and wet foods are suitable as long as they are free from sugar, artificial additives, and excessive carbohydrates.
For active dogs, a high-energy meal before hunting is recommended. A barf diet is also possible, but knowledge of nutritional requirements and composition is required. Older or less active dogs tend to become overweight with excessive carbohydrate intake — with risks such as osteoarthritis or diabetes.
Susceptibility to Certain Diseases
The German longhair is considered to be an extremely healthy breed with a robust constitution. Due to the strict breeding selection in the German Longhair Association, hereditary diseases are largely minimized. However, hip dysplasia (HD) does occur occasionally. To counteract this, affected dogs are consistently excluded from breeding. Breeds with pendant ears have a higher susceptibility to ear infections, making regular examinations advisable.
Ticks and other parasites pose an additional risk due to the breed’s affinity for natural environments. After spending time outdoors, the coat should be thoroughly inspected. Suitable parasite protection and, if necessary, a vaccination against Lyme disease can help prevent this. Overall, the German longhair reaches an average age of 12 to 15 years, with good care even 17 years is possible.
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The German Longhaired Pointer at a Glance
- Size: males 60-70 cm, females 58-66 cm
- Weight: approx. 27-32 kg
- Coat: Medium length, dense, weatherproof with undercoat, easy to care for
- Temperament: Calm, friendly, eager to work, easy to lead, sensitive
- Special features: Pronounced hunting instinct, close bond, versatile use (forest, water, field)