German Longhaired Pointer
A versatile German hunting, pointing and retrieving gundog with a feathered coat. Gentle, affectionate and trainable, but needs serious daily exercise and a job.
German Longhaired Pointer scorecard
Overview
The German Longhaired Pointer is a large, versatile gundog standing around 60–70 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 27–32 kg, with a glossy, feathered coat usually in brown or brown-and-white. Bred as a true hunt-point-retrieve dog, it can find and indicate game, work on land and in water, and retrieve, making it one of the German all-rounder gundogs alongside its short- and wire-haired relatives.
Gentle, affectionate and notably people-oriented for a working breed, the German Longhaired Pointer can make a rewarding family companion in the right home. It is far less common than the German Shorthaired Pointer, and although the type is recognised internationally it is rarely seen in the UK, where prospective owners should plan for a high-energy gundog that needs a real job to do.
Good to know — a German Longhaired Pointer needs plenty of space and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The breed developed in Germany during the nineteenth century from older longhaired bird dogs and setter-type hunting dogs, with the modern standard formalised in the late 1800s as German hunters sought a versatile, feathered pointing and retrieving breed. It is recognised by the FCI within the pointing-dog group.
The German Longhaired Pointer has remained primarily a hunter's dog and never achieved the worldwide popularity of the German Shorthaired Pointer. As a result it is uncommon outside continental Europe and only thinly represented in Britain, where it is generally owned by people with an interest in working gundogs.
Temperament & family fit
German Longhaired Pointers are typically gentle, good-natured and strongly bonded to their families. They tend to be affectionate with people, sociable with other dogs and generally good with children, reflecting their breeding as biddable, cooperative hunting companions rather than independent specialists.
That said, this is an intelligent working dog that needs purpose. Without enough exercise and mental engagement it can become bored, frustrated and difficult to live with. The breed does best when it is treated as an active partner with plenty to occupy its body and mind.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
The breed is intelligent and biddable, and generally enjoys training, which makes it relatively rewarding to teach using positive, reward-based methods. Its natural retrieving and pointing instincts respond well to structured gundog-style work and games.
Early socialisation and consistent, kind handling bring out the best in the breed's cooperative nature. While not a difficult dog to train, it does need an owner willing to invest time in giving it a job, as a clever, under-occupied gundog will find its own less welcome ways to use its energy.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult German Longhaired Pointer typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The medium-length, feathered coat needs regular grooming — brushing several times a week to prevent tangles, with particular attention to the feathering on the ears, legs and tail. The drop ears should be checked and cleaned routinely to guard against infection, and the coat checked for grass seeds and debris after working in cover.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a German Longhaired Pointer
Feed a complete, good-quality diet suited to a large, active working dog, adjusting amounts to the dog's considerable workload and keeping a close eye on body condition. As a deep-chested large breed, sensible feeding practices — measured meals and care around exercise and feeding times — are a reasonable precaution; discuss specifics with your vet.
A large breed
An adult German Longhaired Pointer typically weighs 27–32 kg, so a healthy German Longhaired Pointer eats a fair amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A large breed is usually done growing at 15–18 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 12–14 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
German Longhaired Pointers sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through an hour and a half of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
Joint support is worth looking for
Their size and frame put more load through the joints than a smaller dog carries, so a food with joint support on the label is worth reading for — and keeping them lean does more for their joints than any supplement.
Weight matters more than usual here
A long back or a heavy frame makes every extra kilo count twice. Weigh portions rather than eyeballing a scoop, and reduce the food rather than the walks if the waist starts to disappear.
How much should a German Longhaired Pointer weigh?
Adult 27–32 kgfully grown at 15–18 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 3.1–3.7 kg | 11% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 5–5.9 kg | 19% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 10–11.9 kg | 37% |
| 12 months | Adolescent | 20.1–23.8 kg | 74% |
| 15–18 months | Fully grown | 27–32 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a large breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a German Longhaired Pointer
Complete foods from our range, matched to a German Longhaired Pointer's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Field & Trial Skinner S Field Trial Light Senior
A lower-fat dry food for older, overweight or less active dogs, including working breeds
From£9.85
Autarky Complete Grain Free Adult Turkey
Grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, with turkey and a marine-algae joint care package
£12.79
Autarky Grain Free Tasty White Fish & Potato Complete
Grain-free dry dog food built around white fish meal rather than poultry
£12.99
Lily's Kitchen Lily S Kitchen Dog Lovely Lamb
Complete lamb-led dry dog food offered in two practical bag sizes
From£25.15
Burns Adult Large/Giant Breed Chicken and Brown Rice
Complete large-breed dry dog food with 23% chicken and brown rice
£59.99
Burgess Greyhound and Lurcher Chicken
Complete adult dry food formulated for the specific build of greyhounds and lurchers
£35.35
Naturo Senior Rice Poultry Variety 6pk
Six 400g trays across three recipes for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin
£10.29
Naturo Senior Dog Turkey with Rice and Vegetables 7pk
Turkey at 65% in a senior wet tray, with brown rice, vegetables and added joint support
£11.99
Vitalin Adult Dog Pork with Apple
Complete dry food for adult dogs of any age, led by pork, with citrus extract for dental support
From£11.99
German Longhaired Pointer health & costs
Before bringing a German Longhaired Pointer home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The German Longhaired Pointer is generally a healthy, robust breed, but as an uncommon dog it has a relatively limited breed-specific health-screening record compared with mainstream breeds, and UK data is sparse. Owners should therefore lean on general large-breed and gundog health guidance and choose breeders carefully.
Like many large, deep-chested breeds it carries the general risks of hip and elbow dysplasia and of gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), and its drop ears predispose it to ear infections. Responsible breeders should health-test breeding stock for hip and elbow scores where schemes are available, and prospective owners should ask to see results and discuss the longevity of the lines.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a hereditary joint condition in larger breeds; ask breeders about hip scoring of the parents
- Elbow dysplasia — developmental elbow disease that can cause lameness and arthritis
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) — a life-threatening emergency in deep-chested breeds requiring immediate veterinary care
- Ear infections — long feathered drop ears need regular checking and cleaning
- Grass seed injuries — feathered, working coats readily pick up grass seeds that can penetrate skin, ears and paws
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the German Longhaired Pointer; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a German Longhaired Pointer puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior German Longhaired Pointer
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Versatile, biddable and good-natured
- Affectionate family gundog
Things to consider
- High exercise and stimulation needs
- Feathered coat needs regular grooming
Compare the German Longhaired Pointer
See how the German Longhaired Pointer measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Similar temperament
Český fousek
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Pont-Audemer Spaniel
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Slovak Rough-haired Pointer
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Frequently asked questions
What is a German Longhaired Pointer used for?
It is a large, versatile hunt-point-retrieve gundog that can find and indicate game, work on land and in water, and retrieve. This makes it one of the German all-rounder gundogs alongside its short- and wire-haired relatives. It stands around 60–70 cm and weighs roughly 27–32 kg, with a glossy, feathered coat usually in brown or brown-and-white.
What is the German Longhaired Pointer's temperament like?
They are typically gentle, good-natured and strongly bonded to their families, tending to be affectionate with people, sociable with other dogs and generally good with children. This is, however, an intelligent working dog that needs purpose; without enough exercise and mental engagement it can become bored, frustrated and difficult to live with.
How much exercise does a German Longhaired Pointer need?
A lot. This is a high-energy gundog that requires substantial daily exercise — long, varied walks, off-lead running in safe areas, swimming and ideally retrieving or scent work. It is built for a full working day in the field, so a couple of short strolls will not be enough; expect to provide vigorous activity and mental stimulation every day.
Are German Longhaired Pointers easy to train?
Yes — the breed is intelligent and biddable, and generally enjoys training, making it relatively rewarding to teach with positive, reward-based methods. Its natural retrieving and pointing instincts respond well to structured gundog-style work. Early socialisation and consistent, kind handling bring out the best in its cooperative nature.
How is the German Longhaired Pointer different from the German Shorthaired Pointer?
The German Longhaired Pointer is far less common than the German Shorthaired Pointer and carries a longer, medium-length, feathered coat rather than a short one. Both are versatile hunt-point-retrieve gundogs, but the Longhaired type is rarely seen in the UK, so prospective owners should plan for a high-energy gundog that needs a real job.
What health problems affect the German Longhaired Pointer?
Like many large, deep-chested breeds it carries the general risks of hip and elbow dysplasia and of gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), and its drop ears predispose it to ear infections. Responsible breeders should health-test breeding stock for hip and elbow scores where schemes exist; ask to see results and discuss the longevity of the lines.
How much grooming does a German Longhaired Pointer need?
The medium-length, feathered coat needs brushing several times a week to prevent tangles, with particular attention to the feathering on the ears, legs and tail. The drop ears should be checked and cleaned routinely to guard against infection, and the coat checked for grass seeds and debris after working in cover.
How long do German Longhaired Pointers live?
They typically live around 12–14 years. The breed is generally healthy and robust, though as an uncommon dog it has a relatively limited breed-specific health-screening record, so owners should lean on general large-breed and gundog health guidance and choose breeders carefully.
Are German Longhaired Pointers good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, German Longhaired Pointers tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a German Longhaired Pointer need?
As a healthy adult, a typical German Longhaired Pointer needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do German Longhaired Pointers shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are German Longhaired Pointers easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. German Longhaired Pointers are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do German Longhaired Pointers bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are German Longhaired Pointers good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do German Longhaired Pointers suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A German Longhaired Pointer really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Breeds A to Z and gundog group guidance — https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breeds-a-to-z/
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standard — https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/
- British Veterinary Association (BVA) / Kennel Club Canine Health Schemes (hip and elbow) — https://www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes/
- PDSA — Bloat in dogs — https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/bloat-in-dogs
Recommended for your German Longhaired Pointer
Matched to a German Longhaired Pointer's size and their typical need for enrichment & mental stimulation, no-pull walking kit, a cosy bed.
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls: 100g bag, with declared composition and analysis
£3.49
Reflective Two-Tone Dog Harness and Lead Set
A bright two-tone step-in dog harness with a matching lead. Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles give a snug fit, while reflective trim keeps your dog visible on darker walks.
£7.99
L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
From£44.99
Plush Snuffle Foraging Mat
A roll-up plush snuffle mat with cute animal designs. Hide treats in the folds and let your pet sniff and forage to find them - a rewarding enrichment game that beats boredom and slows feeding.
£13.99
Plush Bee Cat Harness and Lead Set
A soft plush cat harness with a 3D bee charm and a matching lead, adjustable at neck and chest, made for kittens, cats and very small dogs on gentle outings.
£7.99
Corduroy Dog Harness with Bow
A soft corduroy step-in dog harness with breathable mesh lining and gold-tone alloy buckles. The adjustable fit and pretty bow detail make walks comfortable and stylish for small and medium dogs.
From£7.99
Orthopaedic Memory Foam Dog Sofa Bed
An orthopaedic memory-foam dog bed with supportive bolster sides for head and neck resting. The egg-crate foam core cushions joints and distributes weight, ideal for older or larger dogs needing extra support.
From£39.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.