German Longhaired Pointer Breed Guide

Dec 11, 2024

Meet the German Longhaired Pointer, the elegant athlete of the dog world. With their striking coat, boundless energy, and sharp mind, these dogs are perfect for active families who enjoy the great outdoors. Whether it's trekking through forests, splashing through rivers, or just showing off their gorgeous flowing coat at the park, the German Longhaired Pointer is always ready for an adventure.

They’ve got the grace of a show dog with the work ethic of a hunter—and when they’re not busy chasing birds, they’re all about family life, happily lounging with their loved ones (after they’ve burnt off some of that energy, of course). If you’re ready for a dog who’s as charming as they are energetic, the German Longhaired Pointer could be the paw-fect fit.

The Basics:

Category: Gundog
Size: Large (25-34 kg of sleek muscle and fluffy ears)
Exercise Needs: 2+ hours per day (yes, they’ve got that much energy)
Grooming: Moderate (they’re floofy, but manageable)
Coat: Long, dense, and water-resistant (perfect for wild adventures)
Shedding: Moderate (you’ll need a decent brush and a vacuum)
Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Home Needs: Large home with access to outdoor space
Sociability: Loyal to family, friendly with strangers, and fantastic with other dogs

History: A Long Line of Hunting Prowess

The German Longhaired Pointer has roots that go back several centuries in Germany, where they were bred as versatile hunting dogs. Designed to work in all terrains—whether it was flushing out birds, retrieving from water, or tracking game through dense woodland—these dogs quickly became popular among hunters for their intelligence and stamina.

Their striking long coats were developed for practical reasons, providing protection from the elements while working in harsh conditions. But let’s be honest, it also gives them a fabulous look! Today, while many German Longhaired Pointers are still used as working dogs, they’ve also become beloved family pets due to their loyal nature and playful personality.

Personality: Energetic, Friendly, and Full of Charm

The German Longhaired Pointer is all about action and affection. These dogs are incredibly loyal, forming close bonds with their families and always eager to be involved in whatever’s going on—whether it’s a hike, a game of fetch, or just hanging out in the garden. They’re known for being friendly and gentle, making them great companions for kids and getting along well with other dogs.

Because they were bred to work, these dogs have a strong work ethic and love having a job to do. If you’re not taking them hunting, they’ll happily settle for long walks, runs, or any sort of outdoor activity. But they’re not all business—they’ve got a playful streak that’ll keep you entertained, whether they’re chasing after toys or just showing off their silly antics at home.

Training is usually a breeze with the German Longhaired Pointer because they’re intelligent and eager to please. A handful of Scrumbles Softies: Training Treats will definitely help keep them focused on learning new tricks, even when there are plenty of distractions around.

Exercise Needs: Energetic and Outdoorsy

If you’ve got a German Longhaired Pointer, you’d better be ready to get active! These dogs need at least 2 hours of exercise every day to stay happy and healthy. Whether it’s running, hiking, or even swimming (yes, they love the water), they’ll thrive on any activity that lets them burn off their energy. They’re the perfect adventure buddies for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.

If you’re looking for a dog to join you on a long country walk, trail run, or outdoor excursion, this breed won’t disappoint. And because of their sharp minds, it’s important to include mental stimulation in their routine as well. Games like fetch, obedience training, or even agility courses will keep them engaged and prevent them from getting bored (and into mischief).

Fuel all that activity with Scrumbles Chicken Dry Dog Food—a great source of protein to keep them in top form!

Grooming: Sleek but Needs a Little TLC

With their long, elegant coat, the German Longhaired Pointer is as much of a showstopper as they are an athlete, but that coat does come with some grooming responsibilities. Their fur is water-resistant and designed to protect them from the elements, but you’ll still need to brush them two to three times a week to prevent matting and keep them looking their best.

Their ears can be prone to infections, especially since they love splashing around in water, so make sure you’re checking and cleaning their ears regularly to avoid any problems. And of course, like all dogs, their teeth need regular care—Scrumbles Gnashers are ideal for keeping their teeth clean and their breath fresh.

During shedding season, you’ll notice a bit more hair around the house, so a little extra brushing will help manage the fur. But overall, their grooming needs are pretty manageable compared to some other long-haired breeds.

Health: Strong but Keep an Eye on the Hips

The German Longhaired Pointer is generally a healthy breed, but like most large dogs, they can be prone to hip dysplasia. Keeping them at a healthy weight and ensuring they don’t overdo strenuous activities is important for preventing joint problems later in life.

They can also be prone to ear infections, especially with their love of water, so regular ear cleaning is a must. Additionally, like many dogs, they may suffer from progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a genetic condition that can affect their eyesight over time. Regular vet check-ups and responsible breeding can help manage these issues.

Feeding them a balanced diet like Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food will provide them with the necessary nutrients to support their joints, skin, and overall health, ensuring they stay strong and healthy throughout their lives.

Fun Facts About the German Longhaired Pointer

Born for Adventure: These dogs are natural explorers, so if you love the outdoors, you’ll have a partner who’s always ready for the next adventure!
Water-Lovers: With their water-resistant coat, German Longhaired Pointers are fantastic swimmers and love a good splash.
Elegant Yet Playful: Don’t let their graceful looks fool you—these dogs are just as happy romping around the garden as they are strutting their stuff.

Living with a German Longhaired Pointer: Energy and Elegance in One Package

Living with a German Longhaired Pointer means embracing a dog with energy to spare and a strong desire to be part of the action. They’re incredibly loyal, playful, and always up for a challenge—whether it’s mastering a new trick or running alongside you on your morning jog. If you lead an active lifestyle and want a dog who can keep up with you, this breed is a perfect fit.

These dogs are affectionate with family, gentle with children, and get along well with other dogs, making them a great addition to households with an active, outdoor-loving vibe. Just be ready for some brushing, plenty of playtime, and a dog who will eagerly join you on every adventure.

Is the German Longhaired Pointer the Right Dog for You?

If you’re looking for a dog that’s intelligent, energetic, and loyal with a side of elegance, the German Longhaired Pointer could be your dream companion. They’re perfect for active families who can give them plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and love. With the right care, training, and a healthy diet from Scrumbles, your German Longhaired Pointer will thrive as a loyal, adventurous, and beautiful member of your family.

Recommended Scrumbles Products for the German Longhaired Pointer

Scrumbles Chicken Dry Dog Food: Packed with high-quality protein to support their active lifestyle and maintain their sleek muscles.
Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food: Rich in Omega 3 and 6 to support joint health, skin, and coat—perfect for keeping them in tip-top shape.
Scrumbles Duck Wet Dog Food: A delicious and nutritious option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Scrumbles Softies: Training Treats: Great for rewarding good behaviour during training sessions, keeping them motivated and engaged.
Scrumbles Gnashers: Ideal for maintaining dental health and keeping their breath fresh after a long day of adventures.

References

American Kennel Club: German Longhaired Pointer
The Kennel Club UK: German Longhaired Pointer
PetMD: German Longhaired Pointer

With the right balance of exercise, grooming, and a nutritious diet from Scrumbles, your German Longhaired Pointer will be a loyal, energetic, and elegant companion for many years to come. Whether they’re splashing through a river, sprinting through the fields, or lounging by your side after a long day, this breed will bring adventure, loyalty, and a whole lot of fun into your life.