German longhaired pointers offer a great solution for someone looking for a versatile and friendly pointer breed with a slightly fluffier coat than their German cousins. This large breed dog can easily switch from being a calm family dog to an intense hunting dog, so if you're looking for a dog that fits into one of these categories, or even one in between, the German longhaired pointer may be for you.

Learn more about the care and breed characteristics of the German longhaired pointer.

Characteristics of the German Longhaired Pointer

The easiest way to describe a German longhaired pointer is to picture a German shorthaired pointer but with medium-length hair. This athletic breed is always brown and white with soft, double-coated hair, and is very social and friendly. Families, hunters, and active individuals will find this athletic breed an ideal fit.

History of the German Longhaired Pointer

A descendant of French and Spanish spaniels, the German longhaired pointer was bred to be a very adaptable gun dog breed and swimmer. First developed in the late 1800s, this medium-to-large dog is great at all types of hunting and can also be wonderful family dogs. German longhaired pointers can swim, point, track, retrieve, and play, making them an all-around fun dog for active families or individuals.

German Longhaired Pointer Care

High energy, a double coat, and a lot of intelligence are packed into the German longhaired pointer. These qualities combine to form one great dog breed—but only for someone willing to provide them with all the care they need.

Exercise

Because of their smarts and energy, the German longhaired pointer needs a good amount of exercise. This breed was bred to chase, run, and swim, so they're not going to be content lounging on the couch all day. Long walks or runs and plenty of space to play when they aren't hunting are necessary for the breed.

Grooming

This breed has a medium-length coat with a thick undercoat. They don't require much in the way of grooming unless they run through thick brush while hunting, but regular baths, brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trims are necessary.

Training

The German longhaired pointer is a very eager-to-please and highly trainable dog. Basic commands are a breeze for this breed, but they'll get bored if you don't put their mind to work after they learn how to sit and stay, so regular training sessions are necessary. Agility, rally, obedience, and other dog sports are great alternatives to training for hunting.

Common Health Problems

No dog breed is without any potential health problems, but German longhaired pointers have no known congenital or genetic issues to worry about. However, some common health problems that can develop in any dog of this size include:

• Periodontal disease
• Ear infections
• Parasites
  

Diet and Nutrition

Like all dogs, German longhaired pointers should eat a nutritionally complete diet formulated for dogs by veterinary nutritionists. Measure out the appropriate amount of food based on your dog's weight, age, activity, and caloric content to prevent obesity and other health issues. If you aren't sure what to feed, ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Where to Adopt or Buy a German Longhaired Pointer

While some breeds are commonly found in shelters and rescues, German longhaired pointers are not a common breed. A reputable breeder is your best chance if you're looking to acquire this type of dog. Dog shows and the German Longhaired Pointer Club of North America may provide you with some options, but expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 for a healthy puppy (and be prepared to get on a waitlist).

Be careful with kennels that claim to breed a large variety of breeds or if they refuse to allow you to see the parents, which are signs of puppy mills and backyard breeders.

German Longhaired Pointer Overview