German Longhaired Pointer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.

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.

Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.

Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.

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.