The German Longhaired Pointer — Deutsch Langhaar — is a medium-sized, noble, and elegant gundog of pointer type, powerfully built with the overall impression of an energetic, well-balanced dog. One of the oldest multi-purpose Hunt/Point/Retrieve (HPR) breeds, it's closely related to the other German pointer breeds: the German Shorthaired Pointer, the German Wirehaired Pointer, and the Large Münsterländer.
The easiest way to describe the German Longhaired Pointer is to picture a German Shorthaired Pointer with medium-length hair. This athletic breed is always brown and white with a soft, double-coated coat, and is very social and friendly — considered the "Ferrari" of the gundog world for its quickness, keenness, and incredible stamina.
A Nineteenth-Century German Original
The German Longhaired Pointer was developed in Germany in the 1800s as an all-purpose, versatile, and adaptable hunt/point/retrieve breed, with origins lying in the early bird-dogs such as the "point spaniel" type. A descendant of French and Spanish spaniels, it was bred to be a very adaptable gun dog and swimmer, great at all types of hunting.
Selective breeding began in 1879, the same year a breed standard was finalized by the German breed societies and Kennel Club. In the 19th century, to give the breed more speed and leg length, it was out-crossed with various setters and English Pointers, which probably gave rise to the varieties of coat type and personalities. The breed standards drawn up by the Verein zur Veredelung der Jagdhundrassen of Hannover were not found satisfactory, and in 1893 a breed association — the Club Langhaar — was established by Friedrich von Schorlemer-Alst, who drew up the breed standard on which the modern Langhaar is based in 1897.
Early on, it was recognized that breeding for the show ring alone would be detrimental to a working breed; Karl Brandt, expert on the breed, wrote that working ability via working trial competitions should be part of breeding programs. The German Longhaired Pointer was definitively accepted by the FCI in 1954.
Noble, Elegant, and Powerfully Built
The German Longhaired Pointer is a medium-sized dog, noble and elegant, powerfully built with an aristocratic head, deep brown eyes, and broad ears that sit close to the cheeks with wavy feathering reaching past the tip of the ear leather. Heights at the withers for dogs range from 60 to 70 cm (24–28 in), with an ideal of 63 to 66 cm; bitches range 58 to 66 cm (23–26 in), with an ideal of 60 to 63 cm. The average body weight is about 30 kg (66 pounds).
The coat is an important feature of the breed — close-fitting and dense, lying smooth along the body or slightly wavy, with attractive feathering on the ears, legs, and tail, and a dense undercoat. The color may be solid brown; brown either speckled or with white markings; dark roan with patches of dark brown; pale roan with patches of pale brown; white mottled with small brown spots; or brown-and-white, with or without spotting.
Calm, Even-Tempered, and Biddable
The German Longhaired Pointer is calm, even-tempered, alert, biddable, and very loyal. Good-natured and easily trained, it is an eager, determined hunter and game-finder, equally good on land and in water, with a very keen nose. Longhaired pointers are alert and loyal, relish the company of people, and make good family pets — equally at home having a cuddle as out on a run or in the shooting field.
Powerful and intense, the GLP retains the working instinct and ability it was bred for, naturally wanting to range ahead of and to the side of a handler, actively looking for game. These are "people" dogs in the sense that they want to work together with their person as a team.
Exercise and Activity
German Longhaired Pointers are by nature working dogs and require exercise every day, rain or shine. More than two hours per day is needed — but the goal isn't to physically exhaust them, as that would create an even fitter athlete who needs even more exercise. Instead, mix physical exercise with training and mental stimulation: gundog work would be ideal, but they will excel at agility, Hoopers, rally, man-trailing, and much more.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 45–60 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 30–40 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
The breed swims well and nearly always enjoys it, and walks across a variety of terrains and routes keep their minds active and satisfied. The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for this high-energy pointing breed.
Training a German Longhaired Pointer
The German Longhaired Pointer is an eager-to-please and highly trainable dog — basic commands are a breeze, but they'll get bored if you don't put them to work after they learn to sit and stay, so regular training sessions are necessary. Agility, rally, obedience, and other dog sports are great outlets.
Quick and intelligent, but like many gundog breeds, easily overwhelmed by intensive training too young or harsh handling, the GLP responds very well to positive reinforcement. The breed is better suited to those who enjoy training as a hobby, particularly for gundog work. The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming a German Longhaired Pointer
The German Longhaired Pointer has a medium-length, straight-to-wavy double coat that needs a daily brush through and a more intensive groom once a week to keep it in excellent condition. This large, long-coated breed enjoys walks in all weather, isn't shy of muddy conditions, and loves a swim — so expect to spend time drying and brushing out dried mud. Check paws, limbs, ears, and tail for grass seeds and other debris after each walk.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 2–3 times a week (daily during shedding season) | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
Routine care includes nail trimming, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing. The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for a long-coated gundog.
Feeding a German Longhaired Pointer
A German Longhaired Pointer should be fed high-quality food appropriate to its age, size, and activity level, typically in two meals per day. As a very active working dog, it needs sound nutrition to support daily exercise.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1.5–2 cups | Use a large-breed puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 3–4 cups | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 2.5–3.5 cups | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Your veterinarian can recommend the right diet and portions.
Health and Veterinary Care
The German Longhaired Pointer has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, with some sources reporting up to 14 years. As with many gundog breeds, responsible breeders screen for conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia and eye disorders. Keeping a longhair at a healthy weight supports joint health.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Hip/elbow dysplasia and bloat awareness | Discuss with your vet | OFA/PennHIP on parents |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 5–6 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist.
Home Environment
For the very active rural family who enjoy hours of walking, enjoy dog training as a hobby, and have robust children, the German Longhaired Pointer can make an excellent companion. They are social, friendly, and affectionate, with high friendliness toward kids and other pets. However, they do not cope if left alone for long periods, are better in a multi-dog household, and are best suited to a rural dweller with a large, medium-sized home.
The breed is uncommon outside Europe. If you're weighing whether a German Longhaired Pointer fits your life, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help you compare honestly.
Common Ownership Challenges
Owning a German Longhaired Pointer means committing to a 24/7 working dog with intense hunting instincts that needs daily exercise plus mental stimulation. They make independent decisions quickly if not given instruction, can become destructive if left alone for long periods, and may be unsuited to living with very young children given their energy. Their long coat needs regular grooming, and they need space to exercise — city or apartment living is unrealistic.
Yet for the right owner, the GLP is incomparable — a quick, keen, and elegant all-rounder with the heart of a born hunter.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Calm, biddable, and loyal
- Highly trainable and intelligent
- Versatile hunter — land and water
- Good with children and other pets
- Eager to please
- Noble, elegant appearance
Disadvantages
- Very high exercise needs
- Needs a job and mental stimulation
- Does not cope well left alone
- Long coat needs regular grooming
- Needs space — not for apartments
- Uncommon outside Europe
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do German Longhaired Pointers get? Dogs stand 24–28 inches; bitches 23–26 inches; weight about 66 pounds.
How long do German Longhaired Pointers live? Typically 10 to 14 years.
Are German Longhaired Pointers good family dogs? Yes — friendly and affectionate, good with kids in active families.
Are German Longhaired Pointers easy to train? Yes — biddable, eager to please, and highly trainable.
Are German Longhaired Pointers good for first-time owners? Their exercise and training needs suit dedicated owners.
Are German Longhaired Pointers good with other pets? Yes, they generally like other pets.
Are German Longhaired Pointers good apartment dogs? No — they need space and a rural setting.
What were German Longhaired Pointers bred to do? Hunt, point, and retrieve game on land and in water.
Do German Longhaired Pointers bark a lot? Medium tendency to bark.
Are German Longhaired Pointers rare? Uncommon outside Europe.
Do German Longhaired Pointers shed much? Medium shedding.
What health problems do German Longhaired Pointers have? Hip/elbow dysplasia and eye disorders, as in many gundogs.