Learn More About German Longhair

Summary

The German Longhair is an impressive hunting dog with an elegant and proud appearance, which is emphasized by its long, shiny coat. He belongs to FCI Group 7 of pointing dogs and is very valued in Germany because of his versatility and endurance. The dog has a well-proportioned physique with strong bone structure and musculature, making him appear both powerful and graceful. His eyes are large and expressive, usually dark brown, and radiate calm and intelligence. The ears are medium-sized, set wide and high, and hang loosely on the sides of the head. The Longhair, as the name suggests, has long, dense fur with a light undercoat. The hair is straight and must not be curled or wavy. The coat color can vary from brown roan, black roan to uniform brown. White is always associated with mold or plaque. Often the head is solid color and the body with "plates" or "points" covered. The German Longhair also has long "tails" on the ears and a full, bushy tail. The breed is not differentiated into performance and show lines as it was traditionally bred as a working dog and its working qualities are still highly valued.

Character

The German Longhaired Pointer is a versatile and persistent hunting dog that is also very valued as a companion dog. He is known for his intelligence, his gentle nature and his close bond with his people. The German Longhaired Pointer is a reliable and loyal companion who is characterized by his affection and his willingness to work with his people. This dog breed is known for its even-tempered and calm temperament. They are generally not hyperactive, although they can show a lot of energy while hunting or training. They tend to be patient and calm around people and other dogs, making them good candidates for families with children or other pets. The German Longhair is very people-oriented and always wants to be with his person. He enjoys being near his family and enjoys being part of daily activities. These dogs are very playful and love to interact with their people, whether through play, training or just cuddling. Despite their bond with their people, German Longhairs are generally able to do well on their own as long as they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation. They don't tend to develop separation anxiety, although they definitely prefer being in company. German Longhairs have a natural hunting instinct and can exhibit strong hunting or prey-catching behavior. They are very attentive and alert and can therefore also be used as guard dogs. However, they are not aggressive and are not prone to barking or reacting without reason. Overall, the German Longhaired Pointer is a versatile, balanced and gentle dog that can shine both in hunting and in family life. He needs a home that provides him with enough exercise and mental stimulation, as well as enough love and affection to satisfy his affectionate nature. With proper leadership and care, the German Longhair can be a wonderful companion and a loyal friend.

What to Expect

The best way to describe the German Longhaired Pointer is that in appearance it is the continental European version of the Setter: a pointer with a full tail and long coat with a dense top coat and a moderate undercoat. One notable difference is the GLP's preference for swimming and therefore hunting waterfowl.

Care

With its calm and balanced nature, the German Longhair is also suitable as a city dog, provided it gets enough exercise and mental exercise load. He gets along well with children and other pets, although his hunting instinct towards smaller animals must be taken into account. Early and consistent socialization is very helpful.

Training & Education

The German Longhaired Pointer should be raised consistently but lovingly. His intelligence and eagerness to please usually make training quite easy. This breed is ideal for various dog sports, such as agility, obedience or flyball, but also for working as a rescue dog. Particular attention should be paid to training impulse control and frustration tolerance in order to control the strong hunting instinct. Be sure to provide your German Longhaired Pointer with enough mental and physical stimulation to keep him happy and balanced. It is important to find a balance between activity and rest periods.

Nutrition & Grooming

The German Longhaired Pointer is an active dog that requires a balanced, high quality diet. Make sure you get enough protein and fat as they need a lot of energy for their activities. Part of the diet can also consist of fruits and vegetables as they provide many vitamins and minerals. When it comes to grooming, the German Longhair has medium requirements. His beautiful, long coat has a light undercoat and should be brushed regularly, at least once a week, to avoid matting. During the coat change in spring and autumn, increased hair loss can occur, so more intensive care is necessary during this time.