Mary Allen
For some hunters, the German Longhaired Pointer was too relaxed on the move: its inner calm and deliberate way of working earned it the nickname “German Slow” during the big small game hunts. Find out everything about the behavior, character, activity and exercise needs, training, and care of the German Longhaired Pointer dog breed in the profile.
The German Longhaired Pointer was created by crossing birds, hawks, water dogs, and Bracken. The aim of breeding was a hunting dog that should bring many talents and be versatile. This breed has been bred purely since 1879. The official “starting shot” was fired in 1897, when Baron von Schorlemer established the first breed characteristics for the German Longhaired Pointer and thus laid the foundation for today’s pure breeding.
General Appearance
A strong, elegant, and low-set dog that appears very stocky compared to other hunting dogs. The coat is medium long, close-fitting, smooth, sometimes wavy. Colors: Brown, brown with white or roan markings, dark roan, light roan, trout roan, or brown and white.
Behavior and temperament
The German Longhaired Pointer has the potential to be one of the most versatile hunters. His need to live out this drive is correspondingly great. He is a dog with hunting skills, bred to be a perfect companion when working in the woods. That is why it is usually only given to hunters and foresters. In the hands of these experts, he shows a balanced, calm, controlled temperament and an almost imperturbable nature.
Need for employment and physical activity
This dog needs a lot of exercises. He needs several kilometers of exercise every day – in any weather. Sometimes he also runs after a ball, but he prefers real tasks to entertaining games. In addition to exercise, he also enjoys tracking dog work and dog sports. Hunting dog training is ideal for this dog.
Upbringing
The German Longhaired Pointer needs consistent training and an assertive owner who shows himself to be the clear “pack leader”. This requires daily training with the animal – and this is optimally obtained when working with the hunter. Although it is sometimes kept purely as a family dog, most people quickly reach their limits because they cannot employ and promote the German Longhaired Pointer in a species-appropriate manner.
Maintenance
No special care is necessary, regular brushing of the long and hard-wearing coat is sufficient. Wet fur should definitely be rubbed dry. It should also be searched for “subtenants” that the dog brings from the forest. Eyes and ears should also be checked.
Disease Susceptibility / Common Diseases
There are no known hereditary diseases. However, there are isolated cases of HD.
Did you know?
For some hunters, the German Longhaired Pointer was too relaxed on the move: its inner calm and deliberate way of working earned it the nickname “German Slow” during the big small game hunts.