German Long-haired Pointer Complete Breed Guide

Considered part of the Gundog family, German Long-haired Pointers have tracking, pointing, and retrieving abilities. This loyal breed also makes a good watchdog and affectionate family pet.

The German Long-haired Pointer was bred to retrieve... Furry creatures, that is. Considered part of the Gundog family, these dogs have tracking, pointing, and retrieving abilities, but at home, they are much more focused on tracking down your attention. Gentle, loyal, and affectionate, they truly become a part of the family. They can be wary of new people and animals. However, they are very smart dogs and early training can help socialize and prevent unwanted behavior.

Lifestyle & Living Conditions

German Rough-haired Pointers are not “just-hanging-out-in-the-apartment” kind of dogs. They need space. They need to stretch their legs. They also need a very high fence in the backyard. Independent and determined, they can and will scale anything lower than a six-foot wall to go on their next adventure. This breed does best with athletic owners who are also adventurers.

Exercise & Activity

Hunting is a favorite activity for these dogs. But you can also challenge a German Rough-haired Pointers with different daily activities like jogging, fetching, swimming, obstacle courses running, Frisbee catching, and more. At least two hours a day of any of the above activities and you will have a very happy (and tired!) dog on your hands.

German Long-haired Pointers are smart dogs. With calm and consistent training, they pick up on new cues quickly. It is always best to start training as a puppy, but this is especially true with German Long-haired Pointers. This breed has a tendency to act protective when around new people and animals. Training can show this breed how to act as an appropriate watchdog and prevent unwanted behavior. German Long-haired Pointers are also high-energy and do best with an active family. Affectionate and loyal, they develop a deep bond with their owners.

A brush is pretty much the only grooming tool you will need for German Long-haired Pointers. A light shedder, these dogs need a good brushing once a week and a bath only when needed. Bathing these dogs too often can strip their coat of the natural oils that keep it healthy and shiny.