German Longhaired Pointer

The German Longhaired Pointer, often called the GLP, has a striking and dignified appearance. Its shiny, medium-length fur shines brightly in the sun, complementing its strong physique. The dog’s deep brown eyes seem to look right into your heart, while its wide ears, decorated with soft waves of fur, hang down like a royal cloak. The fur is the standout feature of this breed, fitting snugly and thickly against the body, either lying flat or with a gentle wave, always looking well-groomed. The feathering on its ears, legs, and tail adds a graceful touch, making it seem as if it has just come from a grand painting. Whether out in nature or relaxing at home, the GLP's coat is truly impressive.

Quick Info

Size
Medium
Colours
Typically brown and white, brown roan, or white ticked; with white markings
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Height
22 to 27 inches
Type
Pointer
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
66 pounds
Family

Personality

The German Longhaired Pointer is full of energy and determination. They act like a faithful companion, always excited to explore and find new adventures. These lively dogs are smart and quick to react, jumping into action if their owner hesitates, demonstrating a strong work ethic that demands patience and direction. They flourish in collaboration, forming close connections with their human friends, but creating that special bond requires some work. These energetic dogs are all about speed and excitement, constantly needing a task to keep their active minds and fit bodies busy.

History

The German Longhaired Pointer (GLP) is like the versatile expert in hunting, capable of many skills. They originated from noble spaniel breeds, but in the 1800s, breeders mixed them with different setters and English Pointers to improve their speed and grace. This blend brought about a wonderful variety of coat styles and temperaments. They made their way to the United States in the 1900s.

Ideal Owner

The German Longhaired Pointer makes an excellent friend for people who love the outdoors. Its beautiful and shiny fur requires some grooming, so it suits those who are willing to invest time in keeping this elegant dog looking its best. Those who own this breed should appreciate training, competing, or engaging in any tasks that showcase this dog’s incredible drive and energy.

Exercise Needs

Trying to wear out a GLP dog through sheer physical activity is a bad idea, as it will only make them stronger and require even more exercise. Instead, combine physical workouts with training and mental challenges. These dogs shine in activities like agility, hoopers, rally, man-trailing, and more. Keep their minds engaged and happy by taking them on walks over various terrains and paths, and don’t forget that they enjoy swimming too.

Space Requirements

The German Longhaired Pointer thrives when it can go outside as much as it wants, ideally in various types of environments. Because of their need for exercise and training, living in a city isn't ideal for them. Nonetheless, having a person around frequently matters more to them than the actual location of their home.

Training

The GLP dog is smart and fast, but similar to other strong outdoor breeds, they can become stressed if trained too hard when they are still young or if treated roughly. They thrive on positive reinforcement. These dogs are ideal for people who see training as a fun activity.

Grooming

To keep your German Longhaired Pointer looking great, give them a quick brush every day and a thorough grooming once a week. Remember, this big breed with a long coat loves to go for walks in any weather, doesn’t mind getting muddy, and enjoys swimming. This means you might need to spend a good bit of time drying them off and brushing out the mud. After each walk, be sure to check their paws, legs, ears, and tail for any grass seeds or dirt.

Suitability for Family Life

The German Longhaired Pointer is a great match for a lively family that loves outdoor activities, enjoys long walks, and has older kids. However, because of their size and need for attention, they might not be the best fit for families with very young children. These dogs struggle when left alone for extended periods and thrive better in homes with other dogs.

Did You know?

The German Longhaired Pointer is found only in brown and white, featuring different coat designs. Black is not allowed, but early litters did produce black and white puppies, which were later bred to create a separate breed. There are three types of German Pointers: Longhaired, Shorthaired, and Wirehaired. While they may seem similar with their different fur types, each breed has its own physical traits and behaviors. The German Longhaired Pointer...

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Need to Know

Dogs suitable for experienced owners
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys vigorous walks
Large dog
Minimal drool
Requires regular grooming
Quiet dog