Deutsch Langhaar

Other names: German Longhaired Pointer, Deutscher Langhaariger, Vorstehhund Pointer, Langhaar

Deutsch Langhaar

The German Longhaired Pointer can be traced back to the middle of the 19th Century. It quickly gained a reputation as a first-rate retriever but was also used as a pointer and a tracker. These elegant looking dogs are friendly, loyal, and very intelligent. They make excellent companions, although they prefer to work alongside their humans. Keeping them as a “pet” is quite unusual. Anyone who does will need to put a lot of effort into this dog. It requires loads of exercise and constant companionship.

Key facts about the Deutsch Langhaar

Life expectancy :

6

18

11

13

Temperament :

Playful Hunter

Size :

Access the rest of the content after the ad

Loading advertisement ...

Origins and history

The German Longhaired Pointer was developed in the mid 19th Century. It’s the result of crossbreeding between German Gun Dogs and the much quicker working dogs like the English Setters and Pointers. It was first shown at a dog show in Frankfurt in 1878 and the breed standard was written just a few years later. Since then, it’s proved itself to be an all-purpose Gun Dog. Unlike other Gun Dogs, who tend to specialise in one area, the German Longhaired Pointer can do it all. They can point, track, and retrieve. Although the breed is quite rare, a number of German Longhaired Pointers now compete in dog trials all over the world. The rest tend to be kept as working dogs by farmers, hunters, and gamekeepers.

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 7 - Pointing Dogs

Section

Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs

Physical characteristics of the Deutsch Langhaar

  • Deutsch Langhaar
    Deutsch Langhaar
  • Deutsch Langhaar
    Deutsch Langhaar
  • Deutsch Langhaar
    Deutsch Langhaar
  • Deutsch Langhaar
    Deutsch Langhaar
  • Deutsch Langhaar
    Deutsch Langhaar

    Adult size

    Female : Between 23 and 26 in

    Male : Between 24 and 28 in

    Weight

    Female : Between 55 and 77 lb

    Male : Between 55 and 77 lb

    Coat colour

    Type of coat

    Eye colour

    Brown

    Description

    A handsome dog with a lean, muscular frame. Powerful hindquarters and broad shoulders. Alert and lively expression. Long, pendulous ears. 

    Good to know

    These dogs have tonnes of energy. They’re best suited to people who live active lives and enjoy countryside walks. 
     

    Temperament

    • 66%

      Affectionate

      Show lots of affection to members of their own pack. A very friendly dog that loves human contact. 

    • 100%

      Playful

      You’ll need to keep this playful dog occupied with plenty of engaging activities. Games must be challenging and varied. 

    • 66%

      Calm

      These energetic dogs will certainly keep their owners on their toes. They’re very active and can be quite boisterous.  

    • 66%

      Intelligent

      A very intelligent dog with a low threshold for boredom. German Longhaired Pointers need lots of mental stimulation. Without it, they will soon become frustrated, and maybe even depressed. 

    • 100%

      Hunter

      These dogs were bred to hunt. Primarily used as a retriever, but also has excellent tracking abilities. High prey drive.

    • 100%

      Fearful / wary of strangers

      Not fearful or wary of strangers, but tends to keep a distance at first. Soon overcomes their natural wariness. 

    • 66%

      Independent

      These pack dogs need regular company and are very reliant on their owner's affection and praise.

      Behaviour of the Deutsch Langhaar

      • 66%

        Tolerates solitude

        These dogs should never be left alone for long periods of time. They're highly social creatures that need constant company. 

      • 100%

        Easy to train / obedience

        Although a certain level of intelligence makes training a dog much easier, very intelligent dogs can pose a challenge to the novice dog handler. These dogs get bored very easily, which can lead to disobedient behaviour.

      • 100%

        Barking

        German Longhaired Pointers can be quite vocal, especially if they weren't properly socialised. Untrained dogs will bark at house guests, “strangers”, and other dogs.

      • 66%

        Tendency to run away

        A German Longhaired Pointer is very unlikely to run away from the family home. 

      • 66%

        Destructive

        As long as these are dogs are getting the right amount of exercise and mental stimulation, they're very unlikely to engage in destructive behaviour. 

      • 66%

        Greedy / Gluttony

        Not known for being greedy dogs.

      • 33%

        Guard dog

        These dogs are territorial by nature and extremely loyal to their families. This means they'll quickly alert you to anything suspicious. An excellent watchdog.

      • 100%

        First dog

        If you’ve never owned a dog before, a German Longhaired Pointer is not the best choice. These active, intelligent dogs have very specific needs that the inexperienced dog owner may struggle to meet.

        Access the rest of the content after the ad

        Loading advertisement ...

        Is the Deutsch Langhaar right for you?

        take the test

        Lifestyle

        • 33%

          Deutsch Langhaar in a flat

          German Longhaired pointers are high energy working dogs who prefer to spend most of their time outside. Not meant to live in a flat or small house.

        • 100%

          Need for exercise / Sporty

          Needs at least two hours of exercise every day. This should include plenty of time off the leash. Ideally, you'll need to exercise them in wide open spaces. These curious, active dogs love to explore.

        • 66%

          Travelling / easy to transport

          Due to their high energy levels and boisterous natures, these dogs can get restless during long car journeys.  

          Compatibility

          • 66%

            Deutsch Langhaar and cats

            German pointers who grow up with family cats will have no problem seeing them as another part of the family. But they’ll still chase away any unfamiliar cats.

          • 100%

            Deutsch Langhaar and dogs

            Pack dogs like the German Longhaired Pointer are highly social animals who love the company of other dogs. They will rarely display any aggressive behaviour towards other dogs.

          • 100%

            Deutsch Langhaar and children

            These playful dogs are great with children. However, they can be quite boisterous. They should always be supervised when playing with small children.

          • 33%

            Deutsch Langhaar and the elderly

            German Longhaired Pointers aren’t suited to many elderly dog owners. Elderly owners are likely to prefer a more relaxed breed.

            %}

            Price

            The initial cost of a German Longhaired Pointer puppy is between £1,000 - £1,200. The average cost to keep one of these dogs (including vet bills, insurance, and food) is between £70 to £120 a month.

            Grooming

            The coats will need regular brushing. It tends to be longer and thicker around the chest and belly. Regular grooming will prevent it from becoming matted and tangled. 

            Shedding

            Moderate shedders especially during early spring.

            Nutrition of the Deutsch Langhaar

            3 - 4 cups of high-quality dog food every day.

            Health of the Deutsch Langhaar

            Life expectancy

            A robust and healthy breed. Their average life expectancy is 11 to 13 years.

            Strong / robust

            They’re not the biggest dogs in the world, but they're certainly one of the toughest and most determined. A very well-built and finely balanced dog.

            Withstand heat

            Pointers shed their coats during the warmer times of the year and have no real problems withstanding the heat. However, try not to exercise them during the hottest parts of the day. 

            Withstand cold

            The German Longhaired Pointer has a thick, insulating coat that keeps them warm all through the winter. Well equipped for dealing with harsh weather conditions.

            Tendency to put on weight

            Tends to put on a few extra pounds as they get older; you may need to adjust their food intake to keep it in line with reduced activity levels.

            Common illnesses

            Leave a comment on this breed
            Connect to comment