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 :

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

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

White
Brown

Type of coat

Long

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%